She forced herself to maintain her composure, the professional mask firmly in place. "I'm just here to serve drinks," she said, her tone neutral.
Matteo's smirk deepened, and he took a step closer, his towering presence even more intimidating up close. His blue eyes never left hers as he spoke again, his voice almost a whisper. "And yet, I see you've caught my attention again."
Angela felt her pulse race. She hadn't expected this. Was he toying with her? The air around them seemed to thicken as Matteo's gaze moved slowly over her, taking in every detail. He was testing her, probing, but for what? She wasn't sure.
"I don't recall doing anything to warrant your attention," she replied, her voice steady despite the fluttering in her chest. "I'm just here to do my job."
Matteo's smile remained, but it was colder now, like he knew something she didn't. "I don't believe you. I think you're here for more than just serving drinks."
Angela's heart skipped a beat. Was it possible? Could he have seen through her act already?
But Matteo's next words reassured her, his tone soft and alluring. "You're a beautiful woman, Angela. You deserve more than just a simple job. You deserve more than this."
She met his gaze again, trying to read him, trying to figure out his game. He was playing something, but what was it?
"I'm not here for anything else," she said firmly, hoping to close the gap, to keep her distance.
Matteo didn't seem bothered by her words. Instead, his smile widened, almost mischievous. "Such a shame. A woman like you... so full of potential. You should be treated better."
He stepped closer still, his presence overwhelming. Angela could feel the heat radiating from his body, the pull of his magnetism drawing her in. She had no idea where this was going, but she couldn't deny the temptation to get closer, to play along, even if it meant walking a dangerous line.
Matteo's voice dropped lower, more intimate. "You could have so much more. You could be someone who doesn't have to hide in the shadows, someone who doesn't have to live in the background."
Angela swallowed, her throat dry as she fought to keep her focus. "What are you saying?"
His eyes never left hers as he reached into his pocket, pulling out a small velvet box. He opened it slowly, revealing a stunning diamond ring nestled inside. It was beautiful, too beautiful. Angela's breath hitched, her heart racing as she tried to process what he was saying.
"I'm offering you something more, Angela. A chance to step into the light. To be mine." His voice was calm, but there was a hard edge to it now. "Marry me."
Angela stared at him, stunned by the ring still gleaming in the velvet box.
"Marry me," Matteo said again, as if it were the most casual thing in the world. There was no emotion in his voice, no nervousness. Just that same calm, unreadable tone he always carried.
She blinked, trying to wrap her mind around what was happening. "And why should I marry you?" she asked, taking a step back, voice sharp. "I don't even know you."
That earned her a slow, deliberate smirk. "You're a beautiful woman," he said, his blue eyes glinting. "And I want a wife. I'll take care of you, give you a life most women only dream about. In return, you'll be mine."
She laughed once under her breath, but it sounded more like disbelief than humor. "You don't even know me."
"I don't need to."
Her eyes widened, saucer-like, the edges of her thoughts fraying. This man, this dangerous, powerful man—was talking about marriage like it was a business arrangement. Like she was an acquisition, not a person.
"You don't even know my name," she whispered, half accusing, half searching for an excuse to escape.
But Matteo didn't flinch. He tilted his head slightly, the corner of his mouth lifting. "Angela," he said simply. "Angela is your name."
Her breath hitched.
"It was recorded when you came in yesterday." He watched her reaction with open amusement, as if pleased by how unsettled she was becoming.
Angela took a small step back, unsure whether it was out of caution or instinct. She should have been in control. She thought she had been in control. But Matteo de Luca wasn't like anyone she'd ever dealt with. He didn't chase. He chose. And now she was caught in his sights.
"I…" she began, but the words felt useless in her mouth.
"I'll give you time to think," he said smoothly, closing the box without looking at it. "But not too long. I don't offer things twice."
Then, as quickly as he had appeared, he stepped back and melted into the crowd. Just like that, the weight of his presence lifted, but the heat of it stayed with her.
Angela stood frozen in place, heart thudding, mind racing.
She had come here thinking she was playing him. But now?
She wasn't so sure who was playing whom.
She blinked, the words echoing in her mind as the weight of his proposal settled over her like a blanket. Marry him? Was he simply trying to make her bend to his will?
But Angela could see the sincerity in his eyes, could feel the pull of his offer. Despite herself, despite the reasons she had for being here, she felt a flicker of something deep inside her. Was this the way out? Was this the solution she had been searching for?
Her mind raced, but in the end, her desire to get closer to him, to finish the task she had set out to do, outweighed everything else. She needed him. She needed to secure her brother's future. And in that moment, marrying Matteo de Luca felt like the only way to do it.
Later on, she found him standing alone, eyes on his watch. Unaware of her presence.
"I accept," she said, her voice steady but filled with uncertainty.
Matteo turned and smiled, this time softer, but still carrying that edge of dominance. "Good. You won't regret it, Angela."
As he took her hand, the ring slipping onto her finger, Angela couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't just a proposal. But still anything to get her brother back to good health.