Sneaking into his heart

Chapter 2

Adriano

"Bring me a list of everyone who still hasn't arrived." I told Ryan, keeping my gaze rapt on the monitors, scrutinizing every individual in the living room. It was ironical that such an incident had to occur for me to take the time to actually know the people who worked under me, and even witness how incompetent some of them were. Seemed like Ryan had been too slack in his selection. I needed to confront him about this later.

"Right away." He answered before moving out of the room.

A few seconds later he was back, a sheet of paper clutched in his hand.

"Among all the people we invited, three of them have yet to turn up. Jeremy Jenkins, Todd Gordon and... Lucia Keller." I narrowed my eyes at his slight hesitation over the last name.

He scratched his head with unease. "Surely they're just late, we did send them a short notice, after all."

"They had more than enough time to cross the state and still arrive here in advance. I'll grant them only thirty more minutes, after which I'll send a warrant for their deaths."

His face paled slightly and he seemed to want  to argue, but wisely remained silent. I didn't care about whoever he developed interests in as long as he didn't counter my orders.

The thirty minutes drifted by as I observed the people mingling about through the camera feeds. Special listening devices had been placed in several strategic locations, which allowed me to listen in to most of their conversations. I paid particular attention to Jason Parker. Right from the moment he stepped foot into the room, his behavior has been suspicious. For now, he was the prime suspect and every passing second deepened my conviction.

I glanced at my watch. "Thirty minutes have gone by and I believe one of the invitees still hasn't turned up." Ryan, who has been getting increasingly restless, immediately tensed up.

"Boss..." he tried reasoning. "Maybe we should wait a bit more. I'm sure she was taken up by something important. It would be unfair to kill such a good element without hearing her explanation." His eyes on me were pleading and almost desperate. I could even spy a bead of sweat forming over his brows.

I raised an eyebrow at him. Just how good was this Lucia that she could make my right-hand man so smitten with her? There were always hundreds of women who constantly tried to throw themselves at me or even at Ryan, in hopes of gaining a higher status. Even though I hated such women, the very act of pushing them away feeling tedious to me, Ryan occasionally allowed himself to indulge in a few. However, it was always just to scratch an itch and he never got romantically involved. Seeing him like this was a first.

I sent him a warning look. "What could possibly be more important than obeying to my orders?"

He gulped nervously, knowing full well that what infuriated me the most was when someone tried to question my judgement. I picked up my phone and dialed one of my expert killers.

"Please think it over, boss." Ryan pleaded. "She's the one who has been in charge of Seattle over the last two years. Our profits in that area have increased more than tenfold thanks to her and she solved several conflicts in our businesses. She's diligent and very skilled. It would be a huge loss for us if you disposed of her for such a reason."

My hand paused on the call button as I slowly turned my cold and slightly murderous gaze to him. His expression was outright panicked, his throat bobbing several times in nervous gulps as he cautiously gauged my reaction.

"Seattle, huh" I mumbled, my memory working. "I remembered saying that I wanted to personally meet and reward the person in charge there. Yet you never brought her over."

He glanced away uncomfortably. "You were busy handling other stuff... so I didn't want to bother you with this. I did reward her though. One of our villas in California is now signed under her name."

"I see..." I then grabbed him by the collar, pulling his face downwards so he'd be forced to stare straight into my menacing glare. "The next time I give an order, you're expected to follow it through with exact precision. I'm the one who decides if a matter is worth my time or not."

"Understood, sir." He choked out. "I apologize."

I maintained my threatening gaze for a few more minutes, then released him with a frustrated sigh. This is the first time Ryan tried to counter me, even going against my orders... all because of that girl. As much as it annoyed me, I also found myself getting increasingly curious about this Lucia. From the first time I learned about her prowess, I've been wanting to meet her, but when Ryan never brought her to me, I also forgot all about it over time. I guess I'll wait to see if she will turn up for today.

As if on cue, Ryan suddenly exclaimed. "She's here! I knew she'd come!" He sighed in relief.

"That doesn't mean she's off the hook yet." I commented. "It's strange that she'd show up so late."

I watched her car driving to the underground parking, never getting a clear view of the driver. Finally, she descended from her vehicle  and I couldn't help my deep intake of breath when I took in her appearance. I knew she had to be beautiful but her stunning looks still left me gaping in awe. I've seen thousands of ravishing women in my thirty two years, yet no one ever astounded me quite like her. It wasn't just about her looks. Something about her stature, her gait and mostly those bright green eyes which projected strength and confidence, caused strange but pleasurable sensations to course through my heart as well as every inch of my skin. Her wavy golden-blonde locks bounced as she strutted forward, her perfectly curvy body tightly embraced by a slinky black dress which moved in an almost tantalizing way, tempting every male around her. I noticed the guards escorting her were also discreetly ogling her, which caused some irritation to sprout from my chest. I then internally shook myself. What was I doing, allowing myself to get swept up by a woman simply by looking at her? No matter how attractive she looked, this kind of behavior was simply unacceptable. I now understood why Ryan fell for her clutches so easily. I mentally reminded myself that she was probably just another of those calculating women who are only interested in finding an easy way to climb the social ladder.

"Tell me everything about her." I told Jake.

His voice was slightly strained, but he still went on to elaborately explain. "Lucia Keller, aged 24. She started dealing drugs for our organization from a very young age, probably 15 or 16. She then rapidly rose in ranks until she became in charge of all our businesses in Seattle two years ago. She also helped settle several deals for us, most of them worth millions and even facilitated our smuggling process." His expression appeared almost dreamy as he recounted her achievements.

My eyes narrowed. "How did she settle these deals?"

"I don't know exactly." He said uncomfortably. "She was the one who talked to the clients."

I snorted. Probably by whoring herself out. Just like I thought, she's a conniving and manipulative woman who only uses her looks to get what she wants... and with a body like hers, it was no wonder she had such success.

Ryan kept discreetly trying to examine my expressions. He was probably worried I'd get interested in this woman and snatch her from him. However, there's no chance of such a thing happening. I preferred to keep my relationship with my  fellow subordinates strictly professional, so I won't allow myself to get close  to this woman. Even if a single glance at her sinful body made my blood boil with desire.

I watched with slight admiration as she confidently waltzed through the main room, unaffected by the whole crowd's perusal. It seemed like she was well-known by everyone here... except me.

"I'll later deal with the fact that you deliberately withheld information about this woman from me." I informed Ryan in an icy tone. "Be prepared."

He didn't respond, but I could feel the tension permeating from him. He personally got to witness my ruthlessness over the years and knew I wasn't someone to be trifled with.

My interest piqued when I realized Lucia was closely analysing every person in the room. When her eyes settled on Jason Parker, they lingered there. A shadow of a smile formed at her lips, then she turned and headed towards the back of the room, keeping him in her sights. I narrowed my eyes. Was she trying to identify the traitor? This woman was really... intriguing. Unable to help myself, I kept my gaze rapt on her the whole time, finding her more complex the more I observed her. She was like a mystery... a freaking Pandora's box, making me want to open her up and find out what was going on in that brain of hers.

"It's time to make our appearance now." I turned to regard my two bodyguards, Liam and James who have been silently waiting behind us. They readily spurred into action, making all the necessary preparations.

As I entered the living room, I couldn't help my eyes from straying to her. Instead of coming forward like everyone else trying to catch my attention, she remained in her secluded spot against the wall, watching the show with mild amusement. Even though she wasn't trying, she stood out the most in this whole room. I got to the special spot prepared for me and my underlings, and as I scanned the crowd, my gaze connected with hers. I tried sending her my most intimidating look, but she surprised me by returning my gaze with matching strength, not displaying even a hint of fear. This girl was indeed interesting. I uttered the necessary words and threats to the crowd just to keep up the charade. I had already identified the traitor and planned on dealing with him in kind as soon as I could gather the proof. I kept examining Lucia's reactions throughout, realizing she had also determined the culprit, probably in the same way I did. I had to admit that she did have some impressive skills. However, when I threatened the crowd to reveal any clues they might have, she remained silent. It was instead some stupid whiny brat who tried to gain attention by spewing her nonsensical deductions. I didn't want such brainless bitches forming part of my empire, so I took advantage of this opportunity to get rid of her. Once I was done addressing the crowd, I issued an order for Ryan to bring Lucia to me as soon as possible. He appeared unwilling, his expression conflicted, but nodded in agreement. I retreated back to the control room after that, my heart secretly thrumming in anticipation.

Ryan had been strictly ordered to bring her to me right away, so what the hell was he doing, chattering and blatantly flirting with her? My irritation kept mounting as I watched their interaction, my earpiece allowing me to clearly hear their conversation. Compared to Ryan's overly affectionate tone, Lucia kept her responses mostly formal and this pleased me more than I cared to admit. But then she surprised me by reading through our plans with exact precision. This girl kept on impressing me at every turn and I hadn't even met her yet.

I continued watching her during the interminable moments as Ryan guided her to me, until they stopped at my door, knocking softly .

I waited several more minutes before motioning for Liam to let them in. I kept my eyes on the monitors as the sounds of Ryan's footsteps coupled with her high heels steadily got closer.

"I brought her, boss." Ryan said demurely.

"I see..." I vaguely responded, still keeping my eyes on the screen without really staring at anything. Her presence permeated through the room, crawling through my skin. I could feel her eyes on me, burning through me and making my temperature rise by several degrees.

Five minutes went by before I allowed myself to turn and regard her, maintaining an almost bored gaze. I was unprepared for the sensations through me which returned tenfold as soon as our gazes connected. She was even more ravishing up close. I had to make an effort to keep my expression neutral. Just what was it about this woman which threatened to make my previously unbearable control slip?

"It's an honor to meet you, Don Adriano." She murmured in a most enticing silvery tone which caressed me in a sensual way.

"I suppose you're aware that the reason I called you here isn't for pleasant camaraderie." I coldly intoned.

"I had a hunch." She replied leisurely, not giving away even a hint of tension. "So? What trouble am I in?"

"I was about to issue an order for your death right before you showed up here... I'm now wondering if I should follow it through." I pierced her with my gaze. "What do you think I should do?"

"I would never dare impose my views on my boss." She responded still in that polite but relaxed way. "I firmly believe Don Adriano will be able to make the best judgement."

I snorted. "This is about your life and you're leaving it in my hands?" I asked in a slightly amused tone.

She shrugged. "Hasn't my life been in your hands from the moment I started working here?"

"So you won't bother issuing an explanation?"

A small, almost innocent smile graced her full lips painted a sinful dark red."If Don Adriano is willing to listen, then I'm more than happy to oblige."

"Go on." I said impassively.

"The new shipment from Colorado arrived just yesterday morning. It was an extremely delicate procedure, especially with the increased maritime security lately. I had no other choice but to personally oversee the smooth running of the procedure before flying here. I hope my situation will be deemed urgent enough to make an exception. That said," she lowered her head respectfully before going on. "I sincerely apologize for coming here late, Don Adriano."

I maintained my condescending gaze on her as I mulled over her words. With all the commotion over the lost drugs, this new shipment had eluded my memory.

"You were the one in charge of it?"

She nodded. "I placed the orders and handled its transportation."

"Did it all go well?"

"Smoothly." She stated with a bright smile which caused a slight stutter in my heart. I was growing increasingly annoyed with my body's reactions to her. I always liked being in perfect control of everything and everyone around me. Yet with her, I couldn't quite get a grasp of anything.

"Next time make sure to inform us if you're going to be late." I knew it was unfair to chide her when she just performed so brilliantly and I had no idea why I was acting in this way. If it were anyone else, I would have praised him, overlooking the trivial issues.

"I'll keep that in mind." She responded, still as carefreely.

I kept my eyes rapt on hers, trying to read through her thoughts, but she never gave away anything.

"Now on to your other slip-up." I announced.

She raised her brows, her eyes questioning. I rose from my chair, stepping forward to stand right in front of her. An enticing fragrance emanated from her, wrapping around me and tempting me to have a taste of this delectable body.

I stared into her green depths, needing to make an effort to maintain an even tone. "I issued the order earlier for anyone having any notion about who the killer might be to step forward."

"I remember." She said solemnly.

"Since you already knew the traitor's identity, why didn't you say anything? Are you making  light of my threats?"  

"Boss, that's..." Ryan started saying in protest. I sent him a scathing glare, only now noticing that he had hedged closer to me and Lucia. Probably to protect her from me, should I lose my patience. His repeated meddling in all matters regarding her was really getting on my nerves

"You mean like Meredith did?" Lucia asked, snapping my attention back to her.

I gave her a questioning gaze. "Over the top acting... whiny brat..." She hedged, studying my reaction.

Finally understanding who she was talking about, I gave her a condescending glare. "Her reasons were not valid."

"Neither are mine." She reasoned.

"This doesn't change the fact that you deliberately disobeyed one of my orders."

She narrowed her eyes at me, then went on in a strained voice. "If I remember correctly, your order was to provide a valid reason."

It seemed that I had finally managed to stir her irritation. "You're trying to counter me now?" I asked ominously.

She huffed out a breath, glancing to the side. "Anyway you were already aware who the traitor was all along, so it wouldn't have made any difference even if I said something."

"How can you be so sure of that?"

"Because if you couldn't point out something so obvious, it would mean that all the rumors about your prowess are just made up." She retorted, her tone challenging.

I grit my teeth, feeling fury bubbling within me. This woman had a way of getting under my skin and kept testing my limits.

I glanced at the three other men in the room who had been closely watching our exchange. "Everyone get out!" I barked.

Ryan instantly grew panicky and tried to placate me. "But, boss she didn't mean anything..."

"I said get the hell out now!" I shouted, cutting him off.

His conflicted eyes darted between me and Lucia as he begrudgingly headed towards the front door.

"Close the door behind you. As long as I do not issue the order, no one is to disturb me." After spouting the words, I turned back to regard the unnerving temptress in front of me, my eyes glinting with evil promise.