THE MAFIA BOSS'S ONE NIGHT STAND

A Night That Shouldn't Have Happened

Evelyn Hart should have never come here.

The Obsidian Club was not the kind of place for a woman like her.

It was exclusive, shrouded in mystery, whispered about in hushed tones. A place where the rich played, where deals were made over bloodstained hands and whispered threats.

She had heard the rumors-of men with too much money and too little mercy, of secrets buried in the walls, of those who walked in but never walked out.

And yet, here she was.

The bass throbbed through the floor, a deep pulse that rattled her ribs. The air smelled of expensive liquor, cigar smoke, and something darker-something unspoken.

She lifted her drink to her lips, the burn of whiskey barely registering.

She wasn't here to be cautious.

She was here to forget.

Then, she felt it.

A presence.

Heavy. Dark. Unrelenting.

The kind of presence that made the hairs on the back of her neck rise.

She didn't have to turn around to know someone was watching her. Hunting her.

And when she finally did-

Her breath caught.

A man stood across the room, half-shrouded in shadows, leaning against the bar as if he owned the place.

Maybe he did.

Dressed in a black button-down, the top two buttons undone, revealing a hint of olive skin and power beneath. His sleeves were rolled up, exposing strong forearms. He had the look of a man who didn't just command a room-he owned it.

But it was his eyes that trapped her.

Icy blue. Unwavering.

Like a predator deciding whether she was worth the chase.

Dante Moretti.

She didn't know his name yet.

But something deep in her bones told her-

She should stay far, far away.

---

The Game Begins

She should have broken eye contact.

But she didn't.

Instead, she lifted her chin, meeting his gaze head-on.

A reckless mistake.

Because Dante Moretti was not a man you challenged.

And now, he was moving.

No, stalking.

Through the dimly lit club, weaving past bodies as if they didn't exist.

Evelyn's heart pounded, but she held her ground.

By the time he reached her, the air between them was thick enough to strangle.

The scent of him-sandalwood, leather, and something distinctly male-wrapped around her, making her stomach tighten.

She didn't look away.

Neither did he.

His voice was low, lethal. "You've been watching me."

Evelyn arched a brow. "Funny. I was about to say the same thing."

Dante smirked, slow and deliberate, like a predator toying with its prey.

"Tell me," he murmured, leaning closer. "Do you always stare at dangerous men, or am I just special?"

Evelyn's lips curled. "You think you're dangerous?"

A dark chuckle.

And then-

He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear.

"I know I am."

A shiver ran down her spine.

She needed to leave.

Now.

But when he pulled back and extended his hand, offering a drink-

She took it.

God help her, she took it.

---

A Deal with the Devil

One drink.

Then another.

The conversation was smooth, easy, laced with veiled threats and wicked promises.

Evelyn knew what was happening.

Dante Moretti was dangerous.

And yet-

She wanted to know just how dangerous.

"You're not from around here," he said, studying her.

She swirled her drink, smirking. "And you are?"

He tilted his head, that smirk still lingering. "Born and raised in the dark corners of this city, sweetheart. It stains you after a while."

Evelyn exhaled a laugh, but something about his words sent a chill down her spine.

"Come with me," he said suddenly, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Evelyn's breath hitched. "And if I say no?"

Dante tilted his head, studying her like a puzzle he already knew how to solve.

"Then I suppose I'll just have to change your mind."

He extended his hand again.

This time, it wasn't an offer.

It was a command.

And Evelyn-reckless, foolish Evelyn-placed her hand in his.

---

The Fall

The elevator ride to his penthouse was silent.

Tension crackled between them, thick as smoke.

Evelyn's heart pounded as she watched Dante lean against the mirrored wall, his eyes never leaving her.

She could still walk away.

But she wouldn't.

Dante stepped forward. Just one step, but it felt like the closing of a cage.

His fingers brushed her wrist, barely a touch, but it sent fire racing through her veins.

"You should be afraid of me," he murmured.

Evelyn swallowed hard. "Maybe."

Dante smirked. "But you're not, are you?"

She exhaled shakily.

"No."

And that was her final mistake.

Because in the next heartbeat, Dante pushed her against the elevator wall, caging her in, his body pressed against hers.

"Good," he murmured.

Then he kissed her.

And the world burned.

---

Cliffhanger: The Trap Has Been Set

Miles away, in a dimly lit office, a man sat behind a desk, swirling a glass of whiskey.

His phone buzzed.

A voice on the other end spoke, low and urgent.

"She's with Moretti."

A slow smile spread across the man's face.

"Well, well," he mused, tapping a finger against his glass.

"That's going to be a problem."