Yasmine POV
"So, are you really going to do this?" Matt asked.
"Come on, it's just a few dinner dates. Nothing dangerous, Matt—you know I'm not reckless. And Luca seems like a nice guy to me," I countered.
"Wait—you know each other?!" He looked genuinely shocked.
"Yes. I met him on the balcony. Do you know him?" I asked, curious.
Matt seemed more strung up about this than I liked. He definitely had secrets, but I didn't plan to probe unless he was ready to talk.
"Well…" He hesitated. "He's one of my major investors. But promise me—stay away from him. Give him his dinner dates, and that's all." He clutched my hands tightly.
Seeing the expression on his face, I nodded.
"Okay. But I have to go."
---
Luca POV
I watched their interaction silently from a corner of the ballroom. A thousand thoughts ran through my mind—including wringing that stronzo's neck for daring to put his hands on my woman.
But more importantly, I needed to let her know where she belonged.
She disentangled from him, and I took that as my cue to approach.
"Luca, I was about to look for you."
"Why?" I asked coldly.
She stared at me, then shook her head. "Nothing. Good night." She turned to leave.
"For tomorrow, I'll send my driver to pick you up—unless, of course, you're not interested." I slipped my hands into my pockets, bracing for rejection.
"Okay. See you. Bye." She nodded quickly and left.
Later, I stepped out onto the balcony and dialed my PI.
"Get me everything on Yasmine Fernandez. She works for Bohemian Galleries."
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Luca POV
By the time I got to the penthouse, the file was waiting on my desk. After a quick shower, I changed into sweatpants and tore open the envelope.
She was twenty-eight, a graduate of the New York School of Visual Arts. Her elderly parents lived in Pennsylvania. She'd been with Matthew for over ten years, but more recently, she had a fiancé—Nathan Howard—who had broken off their engagement after cheating on her.
Interesting. Nathan worked as an investment analyst at my hedge fund. Perfect.
I picked up my phone and dialed Damian.
"I need you to terminate Nathan Howard's employment. Espionage."
"What? But he hasn't—"
"Then fabricate something. Put evidence on his computer. I don't care. By tomorrow morning, I want him gone."
"…Yes, boss."
I hung up.
---
Yasmine POV
Lia wired me over one point six million dollars from Nathan's settlement this morning. I scrolled through listings and contacted my agent about a two-bedroom condo on Madison Avenue. By 9:30 a.m., I'd met her, finalized the payment, and signed the transfer.
Matt and Mark helped me move in. By evening, the condo already felt like home. I carved out a workspace and, after unpacking, we ordered pizza and streamed movies. Watching them together, I couldn't help but envy their relationship. I wanted something like that too.
But Matt's warning about Luca rang in my head. I decided to keep my distance.
Still… "Matt, can you give me Luca's number so I can text him my new address?" I asked. Reluctantly, he gave it. I sent Luca a message and got ready.
By 7 p.m., I was dressed in an ivory backless maxi dress, white slingback stilettos, and a cream clutch. When the doorbell rang, the driver introduced himself. I said goodbye to Matt and left.
---
Yasmine POV
We arrived at a famous Italian restaurant—empty, except for Luca. He stood when I entered, holding out my chair before taking his seat.
"I'm glad you could make it tonight," he said, ringing for the waiter, who brought a bottle of Barolo Monfortino.
"What would you like to eat?" Luca asked.
"What do you recommend?" I flipped through the menu, then smiled. "Or you could order for us both."
He studied me for a moment. "Lasagna and Florentina steak. Tiramisu for dessert."
The food came quickly. His steak looked perfectly seared, and I savored each bite of lasagna—it melted in my mouth.
"Did you reserve the whole restaurant?" I asked.
"Yes. I wanted it to be just us, away from noise and distractions. I thought you deserved a special evening."
"But we don't even know each other. We only met yesterday."
He set down his fork and wiped his mouth with a napkin. "Then I'll be direct. Yasmine, I want you."
I froze, eyes widening. The air thickened between us. My pulse quickened.
"Are you serious?" I whispered.
He chuckled. "I've never been more serious about anything."
Excitement, fear, disbelief—all swirled in me. Could I take that leap? Would it change everything?
"I need time to think," I said steadily.
"Okay," he murmured. "But if you keep me waiting too long, I might just kidnap you and hold you captive." He snarled playfully, then resumed eating.
"Really?" I smiled, half-nervous, half-thrilled.
---
Luca POV
My little kitten thought I was joking. She had no idea.
I sipped my wine, watching her when she wasn't looking. Truth was, I would kidnap her—take her to my secluded estate in Tuscany. No escape. I'd worship her body until she surrendered, heels and jewels still on.
If she knew half the thoughts running through my head, she'd probably run.
I refilled her glass and smiled faintly as she ate. I l
iked that she enjoyed real food—not like those models who pick at salad leaves.
"Shall I call for dessert?" I asked smoothly.