Chapter 6: chapter 4 captivated
Cassiano De Luca stood at the edge of the crowded gala, sipping his glass of scotch. The lights from the crystal chandeliers danced across the room, casting a warm glow on the sea of elegantly dressed guests.
As a successful businessman, he'd attended countless events like this, but today's purpose was personal.
It was the day he would eliminate the Morano family's loyaltist, a key player in the rival faction.
His brother's men were strategically positioned throughout the venue, awaiting his signal.
Cassiano's grace swept across the room, locking onto his target. Alessandro Rossi, dressed in a tailored suit, stood near the bar, sipping a glass of whiskey.
Cassiano's eyes narrowed. The Teresa Morano runway fashion show was the perfect distraction. No one suspected a thing.
As Cassiano moved through the crowd, his phone buzzed with an incoming message from Emanuele. "Adapt accordingly."
Cassiano's jaw clenched. The increased security meant he would have to be more careful, more strategic. He spotted additional guards, their eyes scanning the crowd with a heightened sense of alertness.
Suddenly, the lights dimmed and the music paused.
'Elysée' took the center stage.
Cassiano's gaze drifted to the designer, Odetta Wynter. Her heart shaped and bright hazel eyes. Porcelain skin that glowed under the dim light, and her full lips curved into a subtle smile.
Her eyes sparked, captivating Cassisno. He felt an inexplicable pull, as if drawn to a work of art. Her poise and confidence commanded attention.
She wore a stunning white cowl neck sleeveless jumpsuit, clinging to her curves like a second skin. The cross tie back detail framed her tone back, while the fitted design accentuated her hourglass figure, showcasing her voluptuous bust and hips.
As she moved, her curves seemed to shift and sway, hypnotizing onlookers.
For a moment, Cassiano forgot his mission. Alessandro Rossi, his target faded into the background. He watched as Odetta's designs mesmerized the audience, each piece a testament to her skill.
His phone buzzed, snapping him back to reality.
'Emanuele's reminder: focus Cassiano the job.'
Cassiano's eyes narrowed, refocusing on his objective. But his gaze kept drifting back to the talented designer, Odetta Wynter.
Their eyes met, and for an instant, time froze.
Cassiano's expression remained impassive, but his heart rate quickened.
….
After the fashion show, Cassiano had effortlessly eliminated Alessandro Rossi, blending into the crowd.
Now, he stood at the bar, sipping hot scotch, his eyes locked onto Odetta. She laughed and chatted with well-wishers, radiant in her white jumpsuit.
He navigated the crowd, exchanging polite smiles and handshakes with acquaintances. As he approached Odetta, he 'accidentally' bumped into her. The scotch splashed onto Odetta's outfit, staining the delicate fabric.
Cassiano's apologetic smile flashed, "forgive me, miss...?"
"Wynter….Odetta Wynter."
"The most beautiful and brilliant designer."
Odetta's eyes widened in surprise, and she blushed, realizing he knew exactly who she was.
As a renowned figure in America, Odetta was no stranger to attention. Her fame had even reached Italy, where Cassiano's family, the De Lucas, held significant influence. One of the De Luca brothers, Cassiano's siblings, was notoriously reclusive and infamous for his business dealings, earning him the title of the richest and most infamous billionaire globally.
The De Luca family maintained a low profile, keeping their personal lives out of the spotlight. Cassiano, however, was an exception. As one of the most handsome men in the world, he was also a billionaire in his own right, though without the 'infamous' label attached to his brother's name.
His gaze burned into Odetta as he apologized again, "I'm sorry about your dress." He hastily grabbed napkins. As he dabbed at the stain their hands touched, sending a spark through both of them.
"No worries really," her voice smooth.
Her eyes flashed with recognition, "And you are the famous Italian billionaire, Cassiano De Luca."
Cassiano smirked, his Italian charm on full display, "Nice to meet you, Bellissima." (Darling)
Odetta's pulse spiked as his lips grazed her skin. "Likewise." Her cheeks flushed, a sexy smile spreading across her face.
"Dinner tonight? To make up for the dress?" His voice low and commanding, as his eyes locked onto hers.
Odetta's hesitation was brief. "Maybe if I'm free tonight."
Their numbers exchanged, the air cracked with tension.
As Odetta walked away, her hips swaying hypnotically, Cassiano's desire ignited. "è dannatamente inebriante." (Damn she's intoxicating). He growled, captivated by her confident stride.
Odetta's departure left Cassiano ravished, craving more of her presence, her smile, her essence.
Despite the brief encounter, he was captivated. He wanted her, craved her, and was determined to make her his.
But Cassiano knew the importance of respect. He would never force her, never coerce her into something she didn't desire. She would have a choice.
He would do anything to win Odetta Wynter's heart.
.....
Saskia was practically bouncing with excitement, her eyes shining like stars. "You're going on a fucking date with one of the De Luca brothers! You should be thrilled!"
Odetta rolled her eyes, "I am, Sas. Just not as excited as you are."
Saskia's grin widened, "Do you know who he is?" She asked, barely containing her enthusiasm, "he's a fucking De Luca! Rumor has it that the De Luca family are ridiculously gorgeous, out of this world beauty, especially the elder brother." Saskia's curiosity was piqued. "I've never seen him before, though. He keeps a low profile and avoids social media. But if Cassiano is that handsome, can you imagine how gorgeous the other brother must be?"
It was as if Saskia was talking to a brick wall. Odetta's mind wandered back to Cassiano, and she couldn't help but notice the air of mystery surrounding him. His presence was imposing, with an undeniable aura of power.
Those piercing blue eyes were mesmerizing, reminiscent of a deep midnight ocean, drawing her in with an otherworldly pull.
Her reverie was shattered when Saskia tossed a pillow at her head. Odetta gasped, her eyes widening in surprise. "You little piece of shit! How dare you!" She groaned, tossing the pillow back, and Saskia dodged it just in time.
The two friends dissolved into a fit of giggles, pillow flying back and forth between them, their laughter echoed through the room.
Saskia suddenly reached out and grasped Odetta's breast, teasing , "Cassiano's going to love these. They're so soft."
She buried her face in her breast, and Odetta responded by yanking Saskia's hair, trying to pry her off. "Ouch Odie, let go!" Saskia giggled.
Once released, Saskia sighed wistfully, "I wish I had big tits like yours. I've never experienced…..you know, titty fucking."
Odetta raised an eyebrow, amused by Saskia's candid comment. As payback, she firmly grabbed Saskia's almost non-existent boobs interrupting her train of thoughts.
"Ouchhhhh!! You mad woman!" She yelped, and burst out laughing.