Chapter 3

LUCA

Her blonde hair cascades down her shoulders in soft waves, gleaming like spun gold in the sunlight. Strands dance, framing her face in an ethereal glow. Her sparkling blue eyes hold a depth that can only be described as mesmerizing, as if they hold a universe of secrets, waiting to be discovered. Her skin, as if kissed by the sun itself, is flawless and smooth, radiating a natural luminosity that illuminates the room. The captivating intensity of her gaze is enhanced by her arched brows, while her full lips, adorned with a subtle touch of gloss, invite a smile that could melt even the iciest of hearts. The graceful contours of her high cheekbones add an elegant touch to her already stunning features, perfectly complementing the narrow delicacy of her nose, and giving her an air of timeless beauty. She's small and petite, sending thoughts of her fitting perfectly to my body skittering through my mind. I don't know where the thoughts are coming from, but as soon as I laid eyes on the woman, my body went into hyper-fixation, and I can't seem to look away.

Watching her, I notice she's talking to another man. I don't know if this man is her boyfriend, husband, or just an interested party, but her giving him smiles that should be meant for only me, sends waves of rage and possessiveness through my body. They are casually touching one another and hugging as she clings to him. She's entirely too familiar with his touch, and I don't like it. My hand is clenched into a fist and my fingernails dig painfully into my palm. I bite down on my lip and immediately taste the copper flavor of blood. The pain keeps me grounded and ultimately saves that man's life. He better not touch this woman again. I don't care who he is or why they are together; all I know is that I have the overwhelming urge to protect her and make her mine.

The thoughts ringing out in my head aren't something I've ever felt before. MINE. What the fuck is wrong with me, and what happened to the promise I've made myself that no woman will get close enough to hurt me ever again? The thoughts are overwhelming, leaving me only one choice and that's to meet this woman.

I walk towards her as our eyes lock, and she looks down coyly before looking back up and smiling a soft, shy smile. Needing to touch her skin I move closer to her. Time has stopped and everything around us has disappeared. All I see is her.

Holy Mary. As I extend my hand, I can feel my heart race with anticipation. Her outfit vibrantly combines bold colors and unique patterns, a stark contrast to the sea of mundane attire around us. The way she carries herself exudes confidence and elegance, making her stand out even more in the crowd. Her eyes, mesmerizing and full of mystery, meet mine as she delicately reaches out and places her hand in mine. No words are spoken, as we stare at one another. It's like we are the only ones in the room.

As our fingertips touch, a spark of electricity seems to pass between us. Her skin feels soft and warm against mine, sending shivers down my spine. I can't help but be drawn to her magnetic presence; it's as if she holds a secret that only I can unravel. Our hands linger for a moment, creating an inexplicable connection that words alone can't capture. My heart is pounding so hard I can hear it in my ears and her breathing becomes heavier as we become lost in one another's eyes.

Breaking the silence, her voice is like music to my ears as she says, "Nice to meet you. I'm Sophia." Her voice carries a hint of playfulness, matching the mischievous glimmer in her eyes. The sound of her voice is sweet and delicate, and that makes me realize I haven't introduced myself; I'm just staring at her like I'm in a trance.

"I'm Luca." My voice comes out gravelly. Leading her over to the bar, we get a drink, find a table, and sit down. Never once do we remove our hands from one another's skin.

The conversation flows effortlessly, as if we have known each other for years. We discover shared interests, dreams, and aspirations that align perfectly. It's as if the universe has orchestrated this moment, bringing us together at the right place and time. Every word she speaks captivates me, and I hang on her every syllable. The way she articulates her thoughts and expresses her emotions is enchanting. It's as if her voice carries a magical melody that resonates within my soul. I find myself drawn to her infectious laughter, and the way her eyes light up when she talks about her passions. In this moment, I realize the encounter has the potential to be a turning point in our lives, a chance for us to embark on a journey of shared experiences and profound growth. I'm equally captivated as I am confused. For some reason I can't turn away from this beauty. She has me snared in her web.

This thought sends shockwaves through my body because I've made a pact with myself that no woman will ever have the ability to hurt me again. I don't know where these thoughts come from or how to control them. All I can think about is that everything in my body says this woman is mine.

I'm drawn to her presence, captivated by the way she effortlessly commands attention. As we sit side by side, the magnetic pull intensifies, making it harder for me to resist the urge to touch her. The warmth of her hand beneath mine sends a rush of electricity through my veins, igniting a tender connection that words cannot express. With each stroke of my fingers against her silky skin, a wave of tranquility washes over me, making me feel as if time has momentarily frozen. I find myself entranced by the delicate strands of her hair, their fragility contrasting beautifully with her strength. As I gently intertwine them between my fingertips, a sense of intimacy and familiarity blooms, creating a unique bond that only we share.

I'm mesmerized and using every excuse I can to touch her. It's something that I've never felt before with any other woman. Sure, I've dated and been with a lot of women, but no one has captivated me the way Sophia does. Before my sham of a marriage, women served one purpose, and that was to find a release, and sometimes I didn't even know their names when I left them. After being fucked over by Tina and her family, I am shocked that this woman has this much pull over me.

Since marrying, I have remained faithful to my wife, never touching another woman until now. She has cheated and slept with a multitude of men, flaunting her infidelity in my face, using it to humiliate and emasculate me. It's never bothered me, and I know my indifference really frustrates Valentina. That she could sleep with other men, and I wouldn't get jealous. In fact, I was just pissed that I was being forced to stay in a farce of a marriage with a woman I despised.

Finally, so close to escaping my fake marriage, I won't let this moment, or my dream woman slip away. I'm not sure why I'm so drawn to her, but I can't bear to not find out.