Page 4 of Dark Mafia Heir

Nervously and on impulse, I blurt, “Vivienne. And it’s my birthday today.”

Hearing that seems to snap something inside him because his hands leave his pockets and find solace on my cheek, like he needed the slightest excuse to touch me. They are big and warm; I can’t help but lean in.

“I should give you a gift then.”

Gently, his fingers trace the curve of my mouth and the loud thrashing of my heart in my ears makes it hard to think or breathe. I should say no. I should turn on my heels and head back inside, grab my sister, and leave without looking back at this handsome Italian stranger.

This is escalating very fast, but I can’t bring myself to move from this spot. My body calls to his own; a wild, irrational yearning to feel the weight of the man on me, to know what it feels like to be suffocated by his strength. I want—no, crave—every inch of him. Every muscle, every taste.

He lowers his lips to mine, and my heart flutters when the dim streetlight casts a warm glow on his olive skin.

“Buon Compleanno, Vivienne.”Happy Birthday.

When his mouth closes on mine, fireworks explode in my head. I grip his shirt, my fingers curling into the crisp fabric to steady myself. He cradles my face and moves against me like he fears I’ll break. I moan into his hot mouth, tugging on his shirt. I don’t want the restraint. I want him to unleash. For a moment, it’s just us, lost in a bubble of wild passion with no cares or worries.

Then, a crack splits the air.

I recognize the sound too well.

Gunshot.

I freeze, breaking our kiss as I pull away from him, the sound ringing in my ears. Panic replaces passion, fast and hot, and my mind snaps back to reality.

My sister is inside.

“Harper!”

2

Antonio

Vivienne falls to her knees once we get to my VIP section, pulling her sister, who crouches low by the table, into a hug.

“Harper,” she whimpers behind me. “Are you okay? Any injuries? I’m sorry I left you alone.”

“None, Vi. I’m fine. I’m glad you didn’t get hurt too.”

My breath steadies, knowing her sister is not hurt, and my hand moves instinctively to my side, gripping the cold steel of my gun. The sisters huddle close to me, and Vivienne’s eyes flicker from the weapon between my belt back to my face. Her eyes grow wide but are trusting, knowing I won’t let anything happen to them.

“Ready?” I ask, and she nods.

The club is chaos. Lights flash in reds and blues, pulsing with the beat of the music that no one’s listening to anymore. People are screaming, pushing, shoving to get out. Gunfire cracks through the air—sharp, fucking loud, and cutting through everything else. I don’t flinch. They fall behind me, and I keepmoving, fast but calm. I shove someone out of our way, pulling them as close as I can. Vivienne’s breathing is rapid. I glance at her once. Her eyes are teary, but she nods. They’re good.

A bullet whizzes past, shattering glass, and people scream louder. In one swift motion, I pull out my gun, aim, not wasting a second, and fire back at the masked attacker. Harper shrieks beside me as the shot rips through the chaos. I push forward, cutting through the panicked crowd. The front exit is just ahead. I can see the throng of people pushing out.

“Stay close,” I growl.

When we get close, I lift my gun in the air and fire. People shriek, clearing a path for us until the cool night air hits our faces. Safety. Glancing around, I scan for my car. I see it parked a few steps away, as well as a dozen of the men surrounding the perimeter. I spot Luca’s broad back and shiny buzzcut, and we keep moving until we get close enough.

“Where’s Lorenzo?”

Luca’s eyes narrow suspiciously at the girls while he responds. “The boss wants to know who’s involved. He sent him to catch one of these fleabags. So, he’s coming.”

“Portali a casa.” I guide them forward.Take them home.

Luca’s eyes hold questions, but he doesn’t say a word. He opens the door, and they scramble in with not enough speed.

“Adesso.”

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