Luca

"Luca mi Amiga!" Andrew yelled as he walked into my office.

"Can you keep it down," I said, knowing his loud voice could wake up Clara.

"Shit man don't tell me you're doing that zen bull ' ," he spoke louder.

"What the fuck Andrew keep it down," I said in a serious tone. He sat on the couch and kept his legs on the coffee table. Making him self very comfortable.

"Sorry man I am just really stoned," he said and started laughing.

"What do you want?"

"The Las Vegas hotel and club have been shut down. Apparently we violated some of the regulations. I am telling you Luca that detective is on to us, he almost found out about 'the business'. It's not soon until we go to jail," he explained. Andrew and I go way back, we are best friends, his more like the brother I never had. He takes care of my business in Las Vegas.

"Have you..."

"Yes we have researched about him; Married has one kid, lives here in New York."

"You know what to do," I told him. It's not the first time we had the law on our necks, and sure isn't going to be the last.

"Yes boss!" he said excitedly ."Your aunt has been trying to get a hold of you. She has been calling me asking about you,"

"I have been busy. I'll get back to her when I can," I said, and observed him for a moment. Andrew is so stoned, how did he even get here without stumbling. The guy is an addict, an addict to everything that makes him feel alive. He's parents died when he was young, been an orphan all his life. Found him on the streets beating him a man who stole from a lady, he would been dead if I didn't stop him. Honest, trustful and strong — qualities a gang member must have. Qualities Andrew has without question.

"Luca," she called out. Clara stood by the the door. I went to her.

"What is it?" I asked. Clara didn't talk, she just walked away.

"I'll see you around Luca. I see you have a really 'busy schedule'. I'll let myself out," he said and winked at me. I went to my bedroom and I found her staring outside the glass window.

"Clara," I called out her name. She turned around.

"I didn't mean to intrude. I didn't know you had company," she said, her arms crossed over her chest — head low.

"You didn't intrude anything Clara. So what did you need to tell me?"

"I need to go home," she spoke quietly.

"Is there something wrong?"

"I just don't know you. I am not comfortable here," she said and took a step back.

"How about you get to know me. Ask me anything," I told her - hopping that she would change her mind.

"Why did you sentence the whole club to death?" She asked almost in tears.

"I had no choice, my father ordered me too. My dad doesn't take no for an answer. He is a ruthless guy Clara," I lied to her. I knew telling her the truth would only drive her further away from me. I am a bad guy and if she knew about my true self she wouldn't think twice before walking out the door.

"You should have stood up to him," she said looking at me.

"It's not that easy."

"But killing innocent people is. You are a coward," she spoke in a bitter tone.

"Clara I am not the bad guy here, my father is. I am fighting for the good."

"Honestly I can't tell the difference between you and your father."

"I have been trying to stop my father since I knew about his wicked ways. I have a plan now, I just need a little more time. The death of those innocent people are on my father's hands, he'll be behind bars soon," I explained. Every word a lie, I am a bad guy as well. The worst of them all now that I'm lying to her. She looked at me sympathetically, a look I have not encontured in a very long time.

Clara can never know about my true identity. A son of a drug Lord, a gang leader, a ruthless killer with a diabolic temper. I come from a long line of mafias. Evil courses through my veins.

"Sorry," she said.

"Don't apologise, this is my life Clara. You must be hungry, how about I take you out for dinner?" I told her. She faintly smiled. I realise she's still wearing the white dress.

I gave her the shopping bags. She looked at me confused. Clara took out the clothes and smiled. "Thank you," she said.

"You are welcome," I told her. Clara went to take a shower. I went to back to office and did some paper work. Though it was almost impossible to concentrate, I was only thinking her.

She came into my office looking beautiful in the floral dress, her golden hair damp.

"Can we order in instead of going out?" she asked, still standing by the door.

"What would you like to have?"

"Chinese," she said.

"Okay Chinese food it is," I said. I called the restaurant and made the order.

Clara

Luca is the good guy? It can't be, but maybe...
He didn't kill anyone. He just threatened, and that's because his father forced him too. How ruthless is this guy? Luca's father. Could Luca really be fighting for good. He seemed genuine.

He took me to the hospital, paid for my bill, made sure I was okay and bought me new clothes. Not to forget he saved me from the shooting. But why me? Maybe Luca isn't the worst guy. I don't even know who he is. Why he's doing this for me. I suppose only time will tell, or not.

I took a long hot shower and wore one of the outfits he bought for me. A blue navy short floral dress. It's cute.

Luca asked me out for dinner, I really wasn't in the mood. I told him it would be better to order in.

The food arrived after thirty minutes of patiently waiting. Chinese food, my favourite.
The dining table was already laid out. We took our seats and started eating. "I would like to know you," he said abruptly.

I almost choked on my food... "Yeah what would you like to know," I asked and swallowed the food that was in my mouth.

"Everything," he replied.

"I graduated from uni about a year ago, got a degree in english literature. I am an aspiring writer. I also work at a library," I told him.

"Writer? That's interesting, have you started writing a novel or something," he spoke, making eye contact with me.

"I have started writing," I replied, thinking of the chapters I am yet to complete.

"I'd love to read your story one day," he spoke genuinely.

"One day."

After we finished eating, we headed to the terrace and chilled there, talked about life. My life mostly. Luca is really funny, started making jokes, that made me laugh. I have an ugly laughter, so embarrassing. The moment felt real, it was nice.

Luca is a business man, owns a lot of companies and that's all I got to know. He refused to tell me more. He insisted that I talk about myself, I am more interesting. Which is not true at all.

I thought of Ava, my best friend. I didn't know whether she was alive or dead. The night sky - I got lost in, the passing irregular clouds and my wondering mind. I just wish I had some way to know that she's okay... "What's wrong?" His silvery voice bringing me back to earth.

"Just thinking," I replied.

"Dance with me?" he said in serious - somehow flirtous way.

"Haha I don't dance. Besides there's no music," I told him.

"You can today and you don't need music to dance just a beating heart will do" he said. Luca stood up and pulled me up. He placed his hand on my waist and held my other hand. He gentally pulled me close, our eyes locked.

"I am really bad at this," I told him.

"You'll do just fine; follow my lead," he said. I danced, we danced and it was the best feeling in the world. I was in his arms, moving in his steps being twirled around like a some sort of princess. Luca was right we didn't need music...

"Why are you doing this for me?" I asked him — still slow dancing with him.

"What are you talking about?" He asked.

"Saving me at the club, paying my hospital bill? You barely know me," I told him.

"My mother once told me, Your soulmate will be a stranger you recognise..."

Luca pulls me closer to him, so close our breathes mingled. He looked into my hazel orbs I looked into his blue ones, he leaned in closer our lips meet with hestience. "Stop," I mumbled breathlessly against his lips. He kisses me even more passionately as mine kissed impatiently, his hand holding my face. I stop kissing him. Tears slowly roll down my cheek. Why would he...

I roughly wiped my lips with my hand and run into a random room. He followed me, I could hear his footsteps. My heart rapidly beating and my skin flash hot. How could I be so stupid? I should have left when I had the chance... "Stay away from me!" I screamed. Taking steps backwards, heart praying for my life.

"I am not going to hurt you," he said, in a low voice — taking slow steps towards me.

"Stay away!" I yelled — still crying.

"I am not going to hurt you. Clara calm down!" his scream sounding like a roar. I sat on the floor and started crying, praying. I have never been kissed before, didn't want it to be with some stranger. I always imagined my first kiss to be with someone I share the same feelings with, someone I love... Why is this happening to me? He sat besides me.

"Why?" I asked.

"I am sorry Clara."

"I want to leave," I said —sobbing.

"The driver will take you home first thing in the morning, tomorrow. Get some rest," he said. I kept quiet and simply nodded — to indicate a yes. I can't stay here anymore. Luca left the room and closed the door.

I got up and sat on the bed. I fall asleep, my eyes moistened and my heart heavy...