Chapter 4 The Unexpected Hero

Isabella and Camilla stepped out of their sleek black car and onto the red carpet leading into one of Rome's most exclusive nightclubs called "Club Colombo". Camilla had called in a favor from her best friend, Marco Colombo, whose father owned chains of hotels, nightclubs and fine dining restaurants all over the country. He had not only granted them VIP access to one of his father's clubs, but he also sent a black Ferrari, and promised to meet up with them later as he was held up in a business meeting with his father.

The flashing lights from the paparazzi cameras and the thumping bass from inside the club created a thrilling atmosphere. Isabella, dressed in a long shimmering silver dress that hugged her curves and had a slit at the middle to her thighs, exposing her straight full legs, looked every bit the stunning fashion designer and model she was. Camilla, equally glamorous in a halter-neck, sparkly sequined beaded bodycon dress, looped her arm through Isabella's, offering a reassuring squeeze.

Just then, Isabella's phone rang. She looked at it, and sighed. Then the message tone buzzed. As she was about opening the message, Camilla snatched the phone from her.

"Who is blowing up your phone"? She inquired, furrowing her brows.

"Lucia," Isabella replied, rolling her eyes.

"She does not just know when to stop, does she"? Camilla asked, nobody in particular.

"I really do not want to think about anything tonight"

"Then let's not" Camila replied as she put the phone on airplane mode. They both giggled

"Let's forget everything tonight," Camilla said, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Isabella nodded, determined to lose herself in the night. The sisters made their way through the throng of glamorous celebrities and socialites, immediately drawing attention.

"I love your outfits", a reporter called out, taking a picture of them.

"Thank you" Camilla smiled, and turned around to wave at the cameras.

As they got to the entrance, they waved the sparkly bangle that also doubled as identification to the bouncer, who smiled and directed them to the VIP section.

"As if we've not been here before" she said, rolling her eyes, which made Isabella smile.

The club's interior was a dazzling array of neon lights and pulsating beats. The air was thick with the scent of expensive perfume and the promise of a wild night.

At the bar, they ordered cocktails, toasting to freedom and new beginnings. Isabella's laughter rang out, carefree for the first time that night. As the night wore on, they danced in the crowd, the music vibrating through their bodies.

Unknown to them, a pair of watchful eyes had been following their every move. Alessandro, lounging in a secluded VIP section, sipped his drink as he observed the scene. His sharp, chiseled features remained impassive, but his eyes were fixed on Isabella, intrigued by her beauty and vulnerability. He could not seem to take his eyes off her. When his father had called him aside to inform him of his plans for him, he had dismissed it as an impending disaster waiting to happen, but he owed everything, including his life, to his father and could never go against his wishes, even as his beloved son, the reason he had ordered his men to do some background search and come up with an evidence that will make his father change his mind. The little information they had gathered had led him to Club Colombo.

At first, she couldn't believe the lady he had bumped into at the airport was the same one that his father had set him up to marry. He didn't even know that Mr Moretti De Luca, his father's most trusted associate, had such a grown up daughter to begin with. He hoped their encounter would be a disaster, so he would have an excuse to refuse his father's offer. He had a reputation to uphold among his peers, and the last thing he needed was to be tied down with one woman for the rest of his life. That life was not for him.

As the hours passed and the drinks flowed, Isabella found herself chatting with a handsome stranger who introduced himself as Luca. He was charming, his smile disarming, and Isabella, tipsy and eager for distraction, had let her guard down. They danced closely, Luca's hands wandering more than they should have.

Camilla, sensing something off, stepped in, and tried to pull Isabella away, but her sister brushed her off, insisting she was fine. Immediately, her phone rang, the number on her screen showed Marco. She sent him a text.

"Isabella, I think you should rest", she said, but Isabella shook her head and smiled at her, still rocking Luca. Camilla pinned Luca with a death stare and forcefully pushed him away from Isabella, dragging her to the bar.

'That's enough dancing for tonight '' She declared. Isabella rolled her eyes.

"I'm fine Cami" she whined, pouting her lips for effect.

Are you sure you're fine"? Camilla asked, concerned, lacing her voice.

"Yes I am" Isabella assured, although it was evident, she was tipsy.

Camiila's phone buzzed again. "It's Marco."

"Awwn, Marco, your boyfriend" Isabella poked Camilla on the chin playfully.

Camilla smacked her hands away "Yea right" she replied, rolling her eyes before picking up the call. Isabella leaned on the bar smiling, as she watched her talking animatedly into the phone. Then Camilla leaned in and spoke in her ears so she could hear, as the noise from the music was deafening.

"I need to go pick up Marco so we can head home," she informed her, while Isabella nodded.

"Don't move," Camilla added, looking at Isabella sternly, but she only chuckled and picked up their shots, gave one to Camilla, clinked their glasses before they both down it in a single gulp. Then Camilla left, her figure disappearing into the crowd. Isabella turned to the bar and beckoned to the attendant.

"Want to get some air"? Luca's voice came from behind, startling Isabella.

"I would love to, but I'm waiting for my sister," she replied.

"Don't worry, it won't take long, I just need some air" he replied, tracing her lips with his fingers.

She gulped, "No Luca".

"Why are you acting like a child? I thought you were an adult"? He continued.

"I said no Luca" she insisted.

"It won't take long, I promise" he insisted, trying to persuade her, his grip on her arm tightening.

"Let go of me" she shouted, struggling to free her hands from his strong grip.

From where Alessandro sat, he watched the scene unfold. He set his drink down, his expression hardening.

"Show time" he said, rising from his seat, as he made his way through the crowd with a predator's grace, his eyes never leaving Isabella.

Just as Luca leaned in, his intentions unmistakable, Alessandro intervened. "I think the lady's had enough," he said coolly, his hand gripping Luca's shoulder with iron strength.

Luca sneered, not recognizing Alessandro. "Mind your own business," he spat, shoving Alessandro.

"You should let her go. The lady said no, and you should respect that". Alessandro said in a low but dangerous voice, his hands balled into a fist.