Chapter 2

Bianca's POV 

"Miss Bianca, your father is waiting for you." I sighed, making sure that I looked presentable for the banquet. I hate socializing with people, but dad would be mad if I don't. 

The SUV was waiting for me outside our mansion, and I got in. Dad was next to me, busy on his phone. Business never ends, and I hated it. I never get quality time with my dad, but at least he never forces me to marry Matteo. Although I know he wants me to marry him. 

"There will be new people at the banquet. Don't wander off alone, Bianca." Dad said, looking at me. I nodded as a reassurance gesture. I know how much he became paranoid about me after my mom died. 

"We are here." Dominic announced parking the car in front of the building that belongs to none other than Vincenzo Mercanti. 

Even when he is away in the United States, he has properties and men here in Italy.

We walked through the front doors towards the main hall, where all the mafia bosses were gathering. Vincenzo was not here, though. He stayed most of the time back in the United States. He rarely shows up to these banquets, but he had someone to present him.

"Stay close, we are on enemy property." He whispered. 

"Okay dad." He looked around spotting Raffaele. He approached us smirking at me. He is a perverted man.

"This event was starting to be boring without you." 

"I know." My dad replied arrogantly.

I knew that Raffaele is a two faced bitch but my dad tolarates him, so do I, because he will help in our revenge plan. And in overthrowing the mafia King. Or so they call him. 

I started to get bored from their business talks and walked towards the open buffet. I took a cup of water, as I need to stay focused and not get drunk. 

"Well, if it isn't daddy's girl." Camilla said, looking at me. Camilla was once my best friend. But it turned out that she only wants to get into the mafia though my dad.

"I am not in the mood to deal with snakes." I turned my back to her. 

Camilla fumed, and knew she couldn't do anything to hurt me, or she and her dear daddy would vanish from earth. 

"You will see Bianca. You will lose this petty game." She huffed and left me alone at last.

A bulky man approached the buffet, wearing a black suit. He looked busy on his phone. I tried to see if I knew him, but I couldn't see his face properly.

He didn't see me yet, so I took the opportunity to admire his back. He fitted so well in the suit that it looked like it was made only for him. His posture is upright and commanding, with squared shoulders and a steady, purposeful gait. 

He turned, and I could see his face now very clearly. His facial features are sharp and defined, with a strong jawline and high cheekbones. But what really shook me to my core, were his dark eyes. They bore coldness and were focused like he was on a mission. Maybe he really is. They also exude confidence and quiet authority. 

He could crush me in a snap of his finger, I looked so petite compared to him.

"Excuse me." Well, call me crazy for calling him like that.

He looked at me with his sharp eyes, and I felt a shiver running down my spine. His nose was chiseled and his lips were full.

"What?" His voice was as sharp as his eyes. 

Okay Bianca. Now what, you smart girl?

I stood staring at him, not knowing what to say. He examined me from head to toe, and his eyes shone with realization. Of course he knows I am the daughter of Antonio Romano anyone knows me. 

"Bianca." I turned around to see my dad and Matteo looking at us. 

"Father." I don't call him dad in public. That's what I was taught. 

"Antonio." The man behind me said with his cold eyes. 

"Who are you young man?" Dad asked him analyzing him.

"My name is Alessandro Moretti." He presented his hand for my dad to shake.

My dad leveled his hand and shook it. 

"May I have this dance?" Matteo asked me. I wanted to say no, but dad glared at me. 

"Fine." I said and took his hand as he took me to the dance floor. We started dancing with him smirking at the other girls around us. 

"Well my future fiancé. You dance well." He said. 

"I will never marry you, Matteo. Get these thoughts out of your head." I rolled my eyes, and he laughed.

"It's rich coming from you, when your father already gave his word to my dad." He smirked like he just won the lottery.

"My father will never force me to marry someone I don't like." I replied glaring at him.

"You will not find a more suitable man." He tightened his hold on me, making me feel uncomfortable, but luckily, it was time to change our partners. 

He let go of me, and I turned towards the other man. 

It was Alessandro Moretti. I widened my eyes. I didn't take him as a man who dances. I thought he was like my father, he never danced with my mother.

His hold was firm and tight but wasn't uncomfortable like Matteo. But I had to be careful around new men. He could be Vincenzo's man for all I know. 

"Are you always quiet?" I asked.

"Mostly." He replied curtly. 

"Why?" He ignored me completely. I hated being ignored. 

We danced for a while until the music stopped. There was an announcement now. I looked at where Alessandro was standing, but he was nowhere to be seen. Where did he vanish all of a sudden?

"In the name of the mafia king, Vincenzo Mercanti, I would like to welcome you all here." The announcer said. "As a part of the Italian Mafia, you are all gathered here to renew our bond with the Russian mafia." 

My dad was fuming, but he couldn't say anything for now. I was angry too. How dare they tie bonds with killers. 

"We have been together for five years now. We became friends because of our boss, Vincenzo, and thanks to him, the war between the Russians and the Italians is over." Everyone clapped, except our mafia members and me. 

Dad was in the mood to kill someone, I know that look on his face, he will most probably go back home and kill someone in the basement. 

Suddenly there was a gunshot, and people started running and screaming. I wasn't panicking yet, trying to find an exit. Dad was pushed away by the people, so I was on my own. He knew I could get out alive.