Chapter 3 Bella, You're full of Surprises

"With you, bella... I feel like I'm risking everything. My control, my power... my heart."

He paused, his gaze burning with intensity.

Sofia's heart skipped a beat as she felt a flutter in her chest.

She looked up at Vincenzo, her voice barely audible:

"No one's ever made you feel like you're losing control before?"

Vincenzo's eyes seemed to darken, his gaze burning with intensity as he shook his head slowly.

Then, his hand reached out and gently cupped her cheek, his thumb tracing her lips.

Vincenzo's lips brushed against Sofia's, sending shivers down her spine.

The kiss was gentle at first, but as Sofia's lips responded, Vincenzo deepened it, his arms wrapping around her.

Suddenly, he pulled back, his eyes searching hers:

"Bella, I need to tell you something... about who I am, what I do."

Sofia nodded slowly, her eyes locked on Vincenzo's.

"Tell me," she whispered.

Vincenzo took a deep breath, his voice low and serious:

"I am Vincenzo Morano, the head of the Morano crime family. My business... is not legitimate, bella."

He paused, studying her reaction.

Sofia's eyes sparkled with a hint of amusement as she said:

"Vincenzo, I think I suspected something like this... from the moment I met you."

Vincenzo's surprised expression softened into a charming smile.

"Bella, you're full of surprises. Most women run screaming from me once they know the truth."

He took a step closer, his voice low and curious:

"Why are you still here, still looking at me like that?"

Vincenzo's eyes locked onto Sofia's as he pulled her closer, his voice low and husky.

"Bella, now that you know the truth about me... do you want to walk away or stay by my side?"

As he spoke, the sound of breaking glass echoed from the mansion's interior, followed by the distant murmur of angry voices.

Vincenzo's phone buzzed in his pocket, and he quickly answered it, his expression turning serious.

"Sofia, I need to take care of something inside," he said, his voice low and urgent.

He glanced at her briefly before turning to head towards the mansion.

As he disappeared into the crowd, Sofia was left standing alone, feeling a mix of curiosity and unease.

Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows - Isabella, Vincenzo's sister.

"You're still here," Isabella said, her voice laced with surprise and a hint of curiosity.

Sofia firmly shook her head and took a step back from Isabella.

"I'm leaving, Isabella. This... world of yours is not for me."

Isabella's eyes narrowed slightly, but then she nodded.

"Probably for the best, Sofia. My brother's life is complicated."

As Sofia turned to walk away, a black SUV screeched to a halt beside her, and a burly man stepped out.

"Miss, Mr. Morano wants a word before you go," he said gruffly.

Sofia hesitated, curiosity getting the better of her, and nodded slightly at the burly man.

He opened the SUV door, and Sofia climbed in, finding Vincenzo sitting inside, looking intense.

"Bella, I need to take care of some business tonight," he said, his voice low. "But I want you to come with me... for your protection."

Sofia's eyes widened as the SUV started moving, pulling away from the mansion.

Sofia turned to Vincenzo, her voice steady but laced with curiosity:

"Protection from what, Vincenzo? What's going on?"

Vincenzo's gaze locked onto hers, his expression serious.

"There are people who might see you as... leverage against me, bella. My enemies."

He paused, then added:

"Tonight's business meeting just got dangerous. I need to keep you close."

The SUV slowed down in front of a dimly lit warehouse.

Sofia nodded slowly, trusting Vincenzo's instincts, and said:

"Okay, I'll stay close."

Vincenzo's tense expression softened slightly as he reached out to gently brush a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Stay behind me, bella," he whispered, then opened his door and stepped out into the dimly lit night.

Sofia followed, her heart racing as Vincenzo took her hand, pulling her close to his side.

They approached the warehouse entrance – two burly men stood guard, eyes fixed on Vincenzo.

Suddenly, one of them spoke into a comms device, and a voice crackled back:

"Boss is waiting. But... we have a problem."

Sofia's grip on Vicenzo's hand tightened, knuckles white with tension.

Vicenzo's eyes narrowed, sensing her fear, and he pulled her closer, his voice low and reassuring:

"Stay close, bella. I'll handle this."

Vicenzo's grip on Sofia's hand tightened as he asked sharply:

"What kind of problem?"

The guard glanced nervously at Sofia before responding in a low tone:

"Rival family members... and they've brought a guest. Someone who knows you, Boss"

Vicenzo's gaze narrowed, then he pushed open the warehouse do and pulled Sofia inside with him.

As they entered, Sofia's eyes widened in horror. The scene inside was tense:

* Rival mob members stood clustered, glaring at Vicenzo