own good, wasn't it? To help her rebuild her life, to escape her father's shadow. But every fiber of her being resisted the idea of spending more time with him. Alessandro was a dangerous ma

be no official appointment, just a meeting to discuss career opportunities. But she couldn't ignore the knot in her stomach, the nervousness t

me over her. Everything seemed frozen, perfect. Silence reigned, and the atmosphere was charged with a palpable tension, as if every ob

appeared in the doorway, a casual smile on his lips,

face, perhaps searching for a reaction, a trace of nervous

ut her thoughts were racing. Why had she agreed to come here?

s without seeming ostentatious. The white leather sofas, the modern artwork hanging on the walls, the soft lighting th

y toward a leather couch, before taking a

e under his scrutiny. How could h

is tone calm. But there was something about the way he spoke, some

d time understanding what you want from me. You proposed a professional collaboration, but..." She hesitated,

r, his dark gaze capturing hers. "What I'm offering you, Sofia, is a chance to turn the page, to erase this past. T

why offer me this? Why do you want

you because it is in my best interest. You have potential, Sofia. What you have experienced, what you are,

y of speaking, of manipulating things with disconcerting ease, and she found

g her skin. "Maybe. But you have a choice, Sofia. You can c

ble tension. She felt her heart beat a little faster, as if a part of her wanted to give in, to give in to

one. "Are you thirsty?" He stood up and walked over

ovements. He was so sure of himself, so charismatic. She could ha

moment, then added, almost to herself, "I

ost tender. "You're not getting lost, Sofia. You're just learning to navigate in a new environment." He sat

d in her hands. Her fingers were shaking slightly, and sh

Alessandro leaned over to light a cigarette, a simple movement of his hand c

she bent down to clean it, a miscalculated move c

ticipated. She felt a wave of heat invade her cheeks, but also an inexplicable vulnerability, someth

sh of understanding crossing hi

licker of trouble. Not judgment, but silent trouble. He stood and discreetly g

however fleeting, had not escaped Alessandro. A part of him, as calculating as he was, was troubled by this breac