Chapter 4

Yasmine POV

“So… are you really going to do this?” Matt asked, his brows drawn tight.

“C’mon, it’s just a few dinner dates. Nothing dangerous. And you know I’m not reckless, Matt. Besides, Luca seems like a nice guy to me,” I countered.

“Wait, you know each other?!” His shock almost made me laugh.

“Yes. I ran into him on the balcony. Do you know him?” I asked, curious now.

Matt looked more strung up than I liked. He was hiding something, that much was obvious, but I wasn’t about to press. Not yet.

“Well…” he hesitated.

“Matt,” I pressed gently.

He sighed, gripping my hands tighter than necessary. “He’s one of my major investors. But promise me to stay away from him. Give him his dinners, and that’s all. Nothing more.”

The expression on his face startled me. Fear. Real fear. I nodded slowly, just to ease his worry.

“Okay. But I have to go.”

********

Luca POV

I watched their interaction from the corner of the ballroom, rage boiling under my skin. A thousand thoughts raced through my mind, including wringing the stronzo’s neck for daring to touch what was mine.

More than anything, I needed to remind her where she belonged.

She disentangled from him, but he trailed after her.

“Luca, I was about to look for you,” she said.

“Why?” My voice was cold, sharp.

She hesitated, then shook her head. “Nothing. Goodnight.”

I stepped closer, not giving her space. “Tomorrow, my driver will pick you up. Unless, of course, you’re not interested.” My hands slid into my pockets, bracing for rejection.

“Okay. See you. Bye.” She nodded quickly, almost fleeing.

I let her go for now.

Later, on the balcony, I called my PI. “Get me everything on Yasmine Fernandez. She works for Bohemian Galleries.”

***********

Luca POV

By the time I reached my penthouse, the file was already waiting on my desk.

I showered, threw on sweatpants, and ripped the envelope open.

Yasmine Fernandez. Twenty-eight. New York School of Visual Arts. Parents in Pennsylvania. Worked with Matthew for over ten years.

I paused. Were they in a relationship?

My jaw clenched as I read further. Engaged. Broken engagement. Nathan Howard, cheated on her. Investment analyst at my hedge fund company.

Perfect. An easy target.

I dialed Damian. He picked up on the first ring.

“I want Nathan Howard terminated. Espionage.”

“What? He hasn’t done......”

“Then fabricate it. Put something on his computer. I don’t care how, but his employment ends tomorrow.”

A beat of silence. “Yes, boss.”

I hung up.

********

Yasmine POV

That morning, Lia wired the money Nathan owed me over one point six million dollars.

I wasted no time. Browsing my agent’s listings, I found a two-bedroom condo on Madison Avenue and arranged a viewing. By 9:30 a.m., I left Matt’s apartment. By noon, I had signed the transfer of ownership.

The rest of the day blurred into errands: furniture, decor, essentials. Matt and his boyfriend Mark helped me move in, making the empty space warm, lived-in, almost like home.

Watching the two of them together made me ache. I wanted that. A love without shadows. A partner who wouldn’t lie, cheat, or leave scars.

Which is why I had to be careful with Luca. Especially after Matt’s warning.

“Matt,” I asked quietly as we unpacked boxes, “can you give me Luca’s number? I need to send him my new address.”

He hesitated, then scribbled it down. Reluctantly.

I texted Luca, then got ready. By 7 p.m., I was dressed in an ivory backless maxi dress, slingback stilettos, and a cream clutch.

The doorbell rang. Luca’s driver.

I kissed Matt’s cheek, thanked him, and left.

********

Yasmine POV

The restaurant was breathtaking—and empty. No patrons. Just Luca, seated like a king at the center table.

He rose when I entered, pulling out my chair. The faintest smile touched his lips.

“I’m glad you made it,” he murmured, signaling the waiter. A vintage Barolo Monfortino was uncorked, its dark scent filling the air.

He poured, watching me as I lifted the glass.

“What would you like to eat?” he asked.

I glanced at the menu but felt his gaze pin me in place. “Why don’t you choose for us?”

His lips curved. “Lasagna for you. Fiorentina steak for me. Tiramisù for dessert.”

Minutes later, the plates arrived. I stole glances at him as he savored his steak, sharp knife movements precise, controlled. A man who knew exactly what he wanted—and always got it.

I took a bite of lasagna and nearly melted. “Oh my God… this is divine.”

“Did you reserve the entire restaurant?” I asked suddenly.

“Yes,” he said without hesitation. “I wanted it to be just us. No distractions. No noise. Only you.”

Heat crawled up my neck. “But… we don’t even know each other. We only met yesterday.”

He set down his cutlery, dabbing his lips with a napkin, before leaning in. His eyes burned.

“Then let me be clear. Yasmine… I want you.”

My fork slipped from my hand. My heart thundered.

“Are you serious?” I whispered.

His chuckle was low, dangerous. “I’ve never been more serious in my life.”

Fear. Excitement. Temptation. They swirled inside me until I could barely breathe.

“I… I need time to think,” I said finally.

His smile was slow, wicked. “Take your time, dolcezza. But if you make me wait too long… I might just kidnap you.”

A shiver ran down my spine.

“Really?” I tried to joke.

“Really,” he growled.

*******

Luca POV

My kitten thought I was joking. I wasn’t.

As she ate, I studied her—the way her lips closed around her fork, the way she savored food without apology. Not like those models who push lettuce around on a plate.

No, Yasmine was real. A woman with fire. A woman I wanted in my bed. In my life.

I refilled her glass, imagining her in nothing but those heels, dripping in diamonds I’d bought her, moaning my name until she forgot every man who had ever touched her.

If only she knew the indecent thoughts running through my mind. She’d probably run.

But she wouldn’t get far.

“Should I call for dessert?” I asked, my voice steady, masking the storm inside me.