Chapter 3

LORENZO

The morning sun casts long shadows across the penthouse's large private balcony as I finish my coffee, savoring the rich, dark flavor. Beside me, Antonio and Luca sit with furrowed brows, their conversation a low murmur of suspicion and strategy.

"It's too convenient," Antonio says, his voice steady but laced with concern. "The plane issues came right after we decided to head back. It doesn't sit right with me."

Luca nods, tapping his fingers on the armrest. "I've been thinking the same thing. Our enemies know we're vulnerable in transit, and a delay like this could give them the perfect opportunity."

I set my cup down, their words pulling me fully into the moment. "You think the pilot is compromised?" I need to pull my head out of my ass and worry about my predicament, not the gorgeous blue eyes I can't get out of my head.

"It's a possibility," Antonio replies, his eyes meeting mine with unflinching resolve. "If the Rosettis have somehow gotten to him, it could be disastrous."

Cold, familiar anger simmers within me. Betrayal is the deadliest enemy. "What's our alternative?"

Luca leans forward, lowering his voice even though we're alone. "We've been making calls. We can arrange for a new plane to come from New York. It'll take some time, but it's safer. We can vet the crew thoroughly before we board."

I nod, appreciating their caution. These men, my closest allies, think three steps ahead. It's what keeps us all breathing. "Make the arrangements. I want confirmation on the new plane and crew before the end of the day."

Antonio leaves the table first, pulling out his phone and stepping aside to make discreet calls. Luca stays, his eyes still on me. "We can't take any chances, Lorenzo. We need to be back on familiar ground."

"I know," I say, the weight of our situation heavy on my shoulders. "But Nassau isn't a bad place to be stranded, even temporarily. We keep our guard up until we're safely airborne."

Luca nods, a ghost of a smile tugging at his lips. "Understood, boss."

We finish our breakfast in silence, the tension thick but manageable. As Luca and Antonio work on securing our exit strategy, I take a moment to glance over the balcony railing, the scenic beauty doing little to calm the storm brewing in my mind.

It's one thing to know your enemies are out there; it's another to feel them closing in, trying to cut off every line of escape. My thoughts drift back to the woman from the elevator, her aqua-blue eyes a striking contrast to the darkness I navigate daily. She's a reminder of a world I seldom touch, where the biggest concern is what to have for breakfast by the ocean.

On a whim, I scan the beach below, searching for her bright blonde head. Unsurprisingly, there's no sign of her. I shake my head, pushing the thought away. There are more pressing matters at hand.

Antonio returns, his expression grim but determined. "New plane will be here by tonight. We continue with our cover, act as if nothing's wrong until then."

"Good," I reply, feeling marginally better. "And the current pilot?"

"We'll keep him under close watch. Any sign of betrayal, and he won't be a problem anymore."

I nod, trusting Antonio's judgment. He's never let me down. "Alright. Let's make sure the rest of the day goes smoothly. No slips, no surprises."

As I contemplate my next moves, I can't help but anticipate the tightening of the noose around my enemies' throats. The Grimaldis played their hand, but they underestimated us. The next move is mine, and I don't intend to falter.

The sunlight streams in through the penthouse's large windows, but I can't seem to focus on the serene beauty of Nassau outside.

Instead of worrying about my current predicament, my mind is occupied, fixated on a pair of aqua-blue eyes and a cascade of curly blonde hair.

That moment in the elevator lingers with me. Her face, a perfect heart shape, her curves, and the way she radiated an innocent yet captivating allure. I haven't been able to shake her from my thoughts since the doors opened and our paths briefly crossed.

"My apologies, Lorenzo," Luca's voice breaks through my reverie. We're discussing the security details for our replacement flight, but my thoughts keep drifting back to her.

"It's fine," I reply, trying to refocus. "Continue."

Antonio shoots me a sideways glance, ever the observant one. He's noticed my distraction, though he wisely says nothing.

Luca finishes outlining the security measures, and I nod approvingly, giving the necessary orders in my usual firm, decisive manner. But once the meeting concludes, I find myself staring out the window, lost in thought.

By now, she's probably lounging by the pool or exploring the island. There's a part of me that wants to find her, to see those eyes one more time. But I know better. My world is wrought with danger, and someone like her, a beautiful stranger on vacation, has no place in it.

Yet, the memory of our brief encounter stirs something unfamiliar in me, an intense longing mixed with a curiosity that leaves me restless.

Do I dare entertain the notion of seeing her again? It's a dangerous thought, one that pulls me away from my responsibilities, from the very essence of who I am. But those aqua-blue eyes and sweet, luscious, curvy body...

I find myself leaning on the cool steel railing, the sun warming my skin as I stare down at the beach. The need for fresh air, for space to think, drives me. The penthouse's privacy is both a blessing and a curse, leaving me too much time with my own thoughts.

The beach below is quiet at this time of day, the white sands pristine and the ocean's rhythmic waves soothing.

Antonio walks over to join me, his silent presence once again an anchor. "Everything alright?" he asks, though his concerned tone suggests he already knows my answer. The weight of my responsibilities is pressing down on me.

"I'm fine, Antonio," I reply, though we both know it's only partially true. "Just… thinking."

He nods, his gaze turning toward the horizon. "It's hard to think of anything else when something unexpected catches you off-guard." My perceptive employee already caught on to how the gorgeous blonde affected me.

I glance at him, not at all surprised by his insight. He's always been perceptive, understanding more than I ever have to say.

"From the moment I saw her," I admit, "I haven't been able to forget her. It's… distracting." Admitting this to one of my men is absolutely insane, but nothing makes sense right now.

Antonio's expression softens slightly. "Sometimes we all need a break from reality. No one can blame you for appreciating her beauty, but you have priorities, Lorenzo. Responsibilities that can't be ignored."

"I know," I say, exhaling deeply. "Fucking hell…"

He places a reassuring hand on my shoulder, grounding me in the present. "Maybe it's a reminder that there's more to life outside our world. But for now, we have a city to return to and unfinished business to handle."

I nod, knowing he's right. My path was set long ago, and straying from it isn't an option. I can't let a fleeting encounter put everything I've built at risk. Still, as we turn back toward the villa, I can't help but cast one last look at the endless horizon, wondering about the beautiful blonde with the aqua-blue eyes, lost somewhere in this tropical paradise.

Will I ever see her again? Or will she remain a haunting memory, a wistful reminder of what could be but never will? I push the thoughts away and focus on what lies ahead, knowing that the life I lead offers little room for such indulgent fantasies.