Emerald Eyes

The rain slicked streets of Venice glistened under the yellow haze of the streetlights, each drop carrying the scent of the canal and the whisper of secrets. It was well past midnight, yet the city was alive with shadows. Isabella “Izzy” Moretti moved like she belonged to them. Her emerald eyes were striking even in the dim light, cutting through the mist like shards of polished glass. She wore a fitted black coat that swayed around her knees, her heels clicking softly against the cobblestones. Every step was calculated—graceful, but with purpose. She wasn’t supposed to be here. This part of Venice belonged to the DeLuca family—a mafia dynasty with a reputation as sharp as the blades they carried. And yet, here she was, walking straight into their territory like a dare wrapped in silk. Izzy’s heart pounded, but she kept her expression cool. She was here for one reason: to get close to Marco DeLuca, the man who could either save her family… or destroy them completely. The narrow alley opened up into the courtyard of Il Leone Nero, the DeLuca family’s private club. Through the glass doors, she could see gold light spilling over polished floors, men in tailored suits laughing with glasses of whiskey in their hands. And at the center of it all—Marco. He stood like he owned the air around him. Tall, broad-shouldered, in a black three-piece suit that made him look more like a king than a criminal. His dark hair was slicked back, but a single strand fell rebelliously across his forehead. His eyes, cold and calculating, swept over the room until— They landed on her. The moment froze. She knew then that her life was about to change. He didn’t smile. Didn’t speak. Just studied her like a puzzle he wasn’t sure he wanted to solve. Izzy felt a shiver run through her—not from fear, but from the dangerous pull between them. Her plan was simple: earn his trust, find the evidence she needed, and get out before she got in too deep. But as Marco tilted his head slightly, curiosity flickering in his gaze, she had the sinking feeling that getting out might no longer be an option.