A V I L

The Il Cuore Nero was a clandestine haven for New York's elite—where whispered alliances and whispered threats danced in harmony. The dimly lit speakeasy, hidden behind an unassuming bakery facade, welcomed only those who knew the secret knock and the right password. Tonight, the air was thick with intrigue, and the clinking of crystal glasses punctuated the low hum of conversation.

He approached, his footsteps silent against the plush carpet. I glanced up, My eyes locking onto his. Recognition flickered—a dangerous spark that threatened to ignite the room. I knew him as Roberto Albera, the man who had orchestrated hits, brokered deals, and left a trail of blood in his wake. And my dad would be mad if I hang out with him and thats exactly what I want I thought to myself as I approached him

"Roberto," I murmured, . "I've heard stories about you."

"And I about you," he replied, his gaze unyielding. "The woman who defies her destiny."

My laughter danced between ,"Destiny is overrated," she said. "I prefer chaos."

He extended his hand. "May I have this dance?"

I hesitated, then placed my hand in his. As he swayed to the piano's haunting melody, And I felt it ---  the touch of a woman who had never known fear.

"Why are you here?" he asked, his breath brushing my ear so gently that my heatbeat started racing

"For fun," I confessed.

Roberto's grip tightened. "And what do you seek, Avila?"

"A little bit of romance ," I whispered. "And perhaps a little danger."

He spun me around, their bodies inches apart. "Danger is my specialty."

I laughed again, "I've heard you're a killer."

"Allegedly," he corrected. "But tonight, I'm a dancer."

The room seemed to hold its breath as we twirled. The chandelier above us cast fractured light, illuminating secrets and hidden desires. Roberto's eyes bore into mine, and something sparked—an unspoken promise that sent shivers down my spine.

"I seek adventure," I whispered. "And maybe a touch of romance."

His lips brushed against my temple. "Romance can be dangerous."

I laughed again, the sound echoing through the room. "I'm willing to take that risk."

"Of-course you do " He said his voice raw and I could sense the eye roll in his voice but  I just laughed and pull away from his grasp 

"The dance is over"

"But the night is young."

 My pulse quickened. I had stepped into this dangerous waltz willingly, drawn by the allure of danger and the promise of adventure. Roberto was no ordinary man; he was a legend whispered in dark corners, a myth with blood-soaked roots.

"Tell me," I said, her fingers tracing the lapel of his tailored suit. "What are you hiding behind that rough exterior?"

Roberto's lips curved into a half-smile, . "Secrets are currency," he replied. "And tonight, Avila, you've become a wealthy woman."

I leaned closer, the scent of his cologne mingling with the heady fragrance of roses which was my perfume. "I want to know," she insisted. "I'm already rich enough though."

His gaze held mine, unyielding. "You're playing a dangerous game, my dear. But I suppose that's what drew you to me."

I had danced with danger, but now I craved more—a taste of the forbidden. "I seek more than your stories," I confessed. "I want to know you"

Roberto's fingers tightened on my waist, possessive. "My life is not for the faint of heart," he warned. "It's a labyrinth of shadows and broken promises."

He tilted my head, my lips brushing against his jaw. "I'm not afraid," I whispered. "Tell me."

And so, beneath the fractured light of the chandelier, we stepped away from the dance floor. The room held its breath, as if aware of the seismic shift. I followed Roberto down dimly lit corridors, past velvet curtains and hidden doorways.

He led me to a balcony overlooking the city—a breathtaking view of glittering skyscrapers and winding streets. The night breeze tousled my hair, and I felt alive, untethered.

"Here," Roberto said, handing me a glass of champagne. "To chaos and adventure."

I clinked my glass against his. "And to danger," 

The dance was over, but their story had just begun.

To be continued...