The Game Begins
The dim glow of the club lights flickered against the whiskey glass in Luca Moretti's hand. Alina forced a seductive smile as she leaned in slightly, feeling the weight of his gaze as it traveled down her frame.
This was it—the first real step into Adrian's world.
'Tell me, sweetheart," Luca said, swirling the amber liquid in his glass, 'what brings a woman like you to a place like this?"
Alina tilted her head, keeping her posture relaxed even as her heart pounded. 'Maybe I like danger."
Luca chuckled, setting his drink down. 'Is that so?"
She shrugged, feigning innocence. 'Or maybe I just like men who know how to get what they want."
He studied her for a beat, his dark eyes sharp despite the easy smirk on his lips. He wasn't a fool—Adrian wouldn't have weak men around him. She had to play this carefully, lure him in just enough without making him suspicious.
'Then you're in good company," Luca said, lifting his drink again. 'We specialize in getting what we want."
Alina took a sip of her own drink, feeling the burn of the alcohol as she maintained eye contact. 'And what exactly do you want, Luca?"
He chuckled again, but there was something calculating in his gaze now. 'You're bold. I like that." He leaned closer, his breath warm against her skin. 'But I have to wonder—are you playing a game, or are you just that reckless?"
A chill ran down her spine. Was he onto her?
Alina let out a soft laugh, resting a hand on his forearm. 'Maybe a little of both."
Luca studied her, his gaze lingering on her lips before he leaned back, seemingly satisfied. 'I like a woman who knows how to have fun." He motioned to the bartender. 'Another round."
She exhaled discreetly, tension still coiled tight in her stomach. She needed more—something, anything—that could give Damon an advantage.
And she didn't have much time.
Across the street, hidden in the shadows, Damon sat in the back of a black SUV, his fingers tapping against his knee as he watched through a pair of high-tech binoculars.
Alina looked calm, collected. But he knew better.
He knew the way her fingers curled slightly when she was nervous. He knew the way she bit the inside of her cheek when she was trying to suppress her emotions.
She was in control—for now.
But the second that changed, he would rip through that club like a storm.
Beside him, Jaxon, one of his most trusted men, let out a low breath. 'She's holding her own."
Damon didn't respond. His grip on the binoculars tightened. He hated this. Hated that she was in there with one of Adrian's men. Hated that she had put herself in the line of fire.
But more than anything, he hated that she was right.
She needed to do this. She needed to prove—to him, to herself—that she wasn't just someone to be protected.
But if Luca made one wrong move, Damon would have no problem making him disappear.
Back inside, Alina swirled her drink as she let out a soft sigh. 'So tell me, Luca," she said, tilting her head, 'what does a man like you do for fun?"
Luca smirked. 'Besides entertaining beautiful women?"
She let out a soft laugh, playing into his ego. 'Of course."
His eyes darkened slightly, and for a moment, she saw something shift in his demeanor. 'I suppose I enjoy a little... business. Some high-risk, high-reward situations."
Alina raised a brow, pretending to be intrigued. 'Sounds thrilling."
'It can be." He leaned in, his voice dropping slightly. 'If you know the right people."
Her pulse quickened. 'And do you?"
Luca's smirk widened, but before he could respond, his phone buzzed. His expression flickered, and he pulled it out, reading the screen before muttering a curse under his breath.
'Something wrong?" Alina asked carefully.
He slid the phone back into his pocket. 'Just business."
She hesitated, debating whether to press him for more. But before she could, he stood, pulling out a few bills and tossing them onto the bar.
'I have to take care of something," he said. 'But I'd love to see you again, sweetheart."
Alina forced a smile. 'I'd like that."
Luca grinned, then leaned in, his lips brushing her cheek as he whispered, 'Be careful, beautiful. Not everyone here is as friendly as I am."
Her stomach twisted as she watched him disappear into the crowd.
She had gotten his attention.
Now she just had to make sure she didn't get herself killed in the process.
The second Alina stepped out of the club, she felt a strong hand wrap around her wrist, pulling her into the alleyway.
Her breath hitched, but before she could react, she was pressed against the brick wall, Damon's piercing blue eyes burning into hers.
'What the hell were you thinking?" he growled.
Alina's heart was still racing from the encounter inside, but she forced herself to meet his gaze. 'I got him to talk."
Damon exhaled sharply, his jaw clenched. 'You got his attention. There's a difference."
She lifted her chin. 'Isn't that the point?"
His fingers tightened around her wrist before he let go, running a hand through his hair. 'You don't know these men like I do, Alina. Luca might have been charming, but he's dangerous. If he even suspects that you're playing him—"
'I know the risks," she interrupted. 'I knew them when I walked in there. But if I hadn't gone, we wouldn't know that something's happening. Luca got a message—something important. He left immediately."
Damon stilled, his expression darkening. 'Did you see anything?"
'No," she admitted. 'But whatever it was, it wasn't small."
Damon's mind raced. Adrian was planning something. And now, thanks to Alina, they knew it was coming.
She had done what she set out to do.
And damn him, but she had done it well.
He let out a slow breath, his hand cupping her face. 'You're reckless."
She smiled slightly. 'You knew that already."
Damon shook his head, pressing his forehead against hers. 'You drive me insane, you know that?"
Alina's smile faded, her fingers brushing against his chest. 'Then why do you keep letting me in?"
His eyes burned into hers, his grip tightening slightly. 'Because I don't have a choice."
Her breath hitched, but before she could say anything, his phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out, his expression hardening as he read the message.
'It's Jaxon," he said. 'He traced Luca's call."
Alina swallowed. 'And?"
Damon looked up, his eyes filled with something cold and dangerous.
'The call came from Adrian."
A chill ran down Alina's spine.
The game had officially begun.