Chapter 5 Now she sees you as a weakness

Vincenzo's eyes seemed to cloud over for a moment, but he nodded in understanding

"Of course, bella. I'll take you to the Bellissimo – it's discreet and secure."

As he drove, the silence between them was comfortable, yet Sofia sensed Vincenzo's mind was elsewhere.

Sofia gazed out the window, watching the city lights blur as Vincenzo drove.

Her mind was reeling from the intense events of the night – Lucia's threats, Vincenzo's protectiveness...

As she stared into the darkness, Vincenzo's voice broke the silence, low and gentle:

"Bella, we're here."

He pulled up to a luxurious hotel entrance, and a valet rushed to open Sofia's door.

Sofia turned to Vincenzo as she stepped out of the car, her voice barely above a whisper:

"Vincenzo, are you coming in with me?"

Vincenzo's eyes locked onto hers, his expression a mix of longing and restraint.

"I want to, bella... but I think you need some space. I'll make sure you're safe here, then I'll go take care of... some things."

He handed her a small card with a number on it.

"If you need anything, call me. Anytime."

Sofia took the card from Vincenzo, her fingers brushing against his, sending a spark of electricity through her.

She looked up at him, her eyes locking onto his intense gaze.

"Thank you, Vincenzo," she said softly, her voice barely audible over the sound of the hotel's fountain.

Vincenzo's eyes seemed to burn with emotion as he nodded slightly, then turned to leave.

As he walked away, Sofia felt a sudden pang of uncertainty –

Sofia's heart skipped a beat as she called out softly:

"Vincenzo!"

He stopped in his tracks and turned around, his eyes questioning.

Sofia took a step closer, her voice barely above a whisper:

"Do you have to go?"

Vincenzo's expression softened, and he closed the distance between them, his hands gently framing her face.

Sofia's heart raced as she leaned into Vincenzo's touch, her lips brushing against his in a soft, gentle kiss.

Vincenzo's eyes fluttered closed, and he deepened the kiss, his arms wrapping tightly around her.

The world around them melted away – the hotel, the city noise, everything – leaving only the intense connection between them.

Suddenly, Vincenzo broke away, gasping softly, and whispered:

"Bella, I want to stay with you... but I have to protect you from my world."

Sofia's eyes locked onto Vincenzo's, her voice filled with curiosity and a hint of fear:

"Protect me from what, Vincenzo? What's really going on?"

Vincenzo's expression turned grave, and he glanced around nervously before focusing back on Sofia.

He took her hand, his grip gentle but firm, and led her to a quiet corner of the hotel lobby.

"Lucia... she's not just any rival, bella. She's my sister... and she's been trying to take control of the family for years."

Sofia's eyes widened in shock as she processed Vincenzo's words.

"Your sister...?" she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper.

Vincenzo nodded solemnly, his gaze intense.

"Yes, bella. Family ties in my world are complicated... and deadly. Lucia blames me for our father's death and wants revenge – and power."

He paused, studying Sofia's reaction before adding:

"Now, she sees you as a weakness, a way to hurt me."

Sofia's hand gently touched Vincenzo's face, her eyes filled with concern and affection.

Vincenzo's intense gaze softened as he covered her hand with his, his thumb stroking her skin.

In that moment, the dangerous world around them seemed to fade away, leaving only the connection between them.

Vincenzo's voice was low and husky as he whispered:

"Bella, you're making me want to leave my world behind... for you."

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

The kiss deepened, and Sofia's arms wrapped around his neck, pulling him closer.

Suddenly, Vincenzo's phone buzzed loudly, breaking the spell.

He pulled back, his eyes still locked on Sofia's, and glanced at the screen – his expression turned grim.

"It's Lucia," he said tightly.