Everything about him was raw power-silent, consuming, inescapable. His presence alone sucked the air from my lungs, and yet, instead of running, I stood frozen beneath his gaze.

My pulse hammered against my ribs.

"You don't own me," I whispered, though my voice lacked the strength I wanted.

His smirk deepened, as if my resistance only amused him. "No?" He took a step closer, forcing me to tilt my chin up to maintain eye contact. "Then why aren't you walking away?"

I hated that he was right.

My body betrayed me. My feet refused to move. And the worst part? My skin still tingled from where he had touched me.

He leaned in, so close that his breath brushed my cheek. "Stay away from Matteo, Aurora."

His voice was low, almost gentle-but the command beneath it was unmissable.

Anger flared in my chest, overpowering my fear.

"Why do you care?" I snapped, lifting my chin. "You don't even know me."

Something flickered in his eyes, something dark and unreadable. Then, to my utter shock, he chuckled-a deep, rich sound that sent a shiver through me.

"Oh, dolcezza." He reached out, trailing a single finger down my arm, leaving a trail of fire in its wake. "I know enough."

My breath hitched.

Before I could respond, he stepped back, giving me a look that sent my stomach twisting.

"This city is dangerous," he said, slipping his hands into his pockets. "Be careful who you trust."

And just like that, he turned and walked away.

I stared after him, my heart slamming against my ribs, my mind a whirlwind of confusion.

Who was this man?

And why did it feel like I had just stepped into a game I didn't understand?

---

(Riccardo's POV)

As I slid into the back of my car, Marco was already waiting behind the wheel. He raised an eyebrow as he pulled into traffic. "That was fast."

I smirked, adjusting my cufflinks. "I made my point."

Marco shot me a knowing glance through the rearview mirror. "You're playing a dangerous game, boss."

I met his gaze with an amused one of my own. "I am the game, Marco."

Aurora didn't know it yet.

But she was already mine.

---

Chapter 7 A Dangerous Game

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