Page 8 of Forbidden Fruit

I paid him quickly and hurried out of the taxi before he could protest further. My heart pounded as I approached the ominous building. Reckless or not, I was here. And soon I would be back in Leonardo's arms.

I knew Leonardo sometimes came to this hidden bar, but he had no idea I was risking everything to see him tonight.

My courage wavered for a moment as I stood there alone. I had no guarantee Leonardo would even be here tonight. But I had totry. I ached to see him again, to feel his arms around me and his lips on mine.

As I approached the hidden back entrance to the underground casino, two armed guards stepped forward. Swallowing my nerves, I tried to project confidence. "I'm here to meet my brother inside," I lied, making my voice low.

The guards glanced at each other and then waved me through. I released a shaky breath once inside.

Squaring my shoulders, I walked through the door into the dimly lit space beyond. Rough-looking men and women eyed me suspiciously as I wound my way through the crowded room. I wound my way through dark halls and smoky rooms, senses hyper-alert.

My confidence faltered slightly under their judgmental stares. I was woefully out of place in my modest outfit, and my hair hidden under the baseball cap. I needed to blend in better.

I made my way to the dingy bathroom in the back and slipped inside a stall, locking it securely. From my backpack, I pulled out the change of clothes I had packed - edgy ripped jeans, a slinky black tee and leather jacket. I had even brought smoky eye makeup and crimson lipstick to complete the look.

I transformed myself quickly, teasing my hair into tousled waves and applying the dramatic makeup. I stared at my reflection, barely recognizing myself. But if I wanted to melt seamlesslyinto this environment and avoid undue attention on my way to meet Leonardo, this was necessary.

With one last steadying breath, I stepped back out into the crowded bar transformed. I felt eyes on me again, but this time the stares were approving, appreciative, maybe too much. My risky wardrobe change had worked.

I weaved my way toward the back corner of the bar with renewed confidence, channeling the daring, reckless side Leonardo brought out in me. I was ready to meet my dangerous temptation again and see where our passion led, heedless of the consequences.

I scanned the smoky bar anxiously, but there was no sign of Leonardo. My shoulders slumped. Of course he wasn't here - he had no idea I was coming. This reckless trip had been a long shot.

But after days of missing him, I couldn't wait any longer. I had to see his handsome face again, feel his strong arms around me. I was addicted to the fire Leonardo ignited in my soul. I had taken a huge risk sneaking out alone to surprise him.

But now, Leonardo was nowhere to be found. The likelihood he would randomly show up at this dingy bar tonight was slim to none. I felt like a fool.

Disheartened, I sank onto an empty barstool, my adrenaline rush fading. I shouldn't have come here chasing a reckless dream. What if something had happened to Leonardo? It was selfish of me to put him at risk again.

I considered giving up and going home. But first I would have one drink, trying to ignore the ache of disappointment in my chest.

I sank onto a barstool, trying to ignore my disappointment over Leonardo's absence. I ordered a drink, hoping it would distract me from constantly scanning the room for any sign of him.

The bartender placed a vodka tonic in front of me, his eyes lingering a bit too long. I shifted uncomfortably and turned away.

Sipping my drink slowly, I weighed whether to just leave or wait here a little longer on the slim chance Leonardo might show up. Before I could decide, a man slid onto the stool next to mine, reeking of cigarettes and stale beer.

"Haven't seen you here before, gorgeous," he leered, raking his gaze over me. "My name's Bruno. Let me get you another drink."

"No thank you," I replied coolly, every instinct telling me to get away. But Bruno grasped my wrist, stopping me from leaving.

"Come on, just one drink and we can get to know each other," he slurred, tightening his hold painfully. No one else in the bar paid us any attention.

Fear licked at me, but I kept my voice steady. "Let me go. I'm not interested."

Bruno yanked me closer, his bloodshot eyes menacing. "I wasn't asking, sweetheart."

Adrenaline spiked through me. I had to get out of this situation, fast. Leonardo, where are you? I thought desperately. But I was on my own.

Fear spiked through me as Bruno's grip on my wrist tightened painfully. I quickly assessed my options. Making a scene could escalate the situation. But I had to get away from him.

I forced myself to relax and softened my expression. "On second thought...one drink wouldn't hurt," I said, flashing him a flirtatious smile.

Bruno's eyes lit up greedily. As he waved the bartender over, I discreetly grabbed a bowl of bar nuts with my free hand.

"What'll you have, beautiful?" Bruno asked, momentarily releasing my wrist to pull out his wallet. This was my chance.

In one swift motion, I smashed the bowl of nuts into Bruno's face, shoving him off the barstool. "On second thought, I don't want any fucking drink," I quipped.

---