Page 19 of The Don's Deadly Assassin

Vincenzo's eyes sparkle with amusement as he holds out the tube towards me, a charming smile playing on his lips.

"Here you go, wouldn't want a lady as elegant as yourself to lose such a lovely shade," he quips, his voice smooth and velvety.

I take the lipstick from him with a grateful nod. "Thank you," I reply, flashing him a coy smile that I know accentuates the sparkle in my eyes.

Playing the part of the demure maiden, I let my fingers brush against him as I took back the lipstick.

His gaze lingers on mine for a heartbeat too long, the air crackling with an unspoken tension between us. At that moment, I see a flicker of something in Vincenzo's expression, a glint of curiosity or perhaps interest.

"Good evening," he says, extending a hand again with a charming smile. "I'm Vincenzo. And you are?"

"Camela," I reply, taking his hand delicately, feeling the warmth of his skin against mine. For some reason, a little shiver goes down my spine. I remind myself it’s just a fleeting connection that will soon be severed. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"Likewise," he grins. His eyes flick to my knuckles. He’s looking for a ring. "What brings a beautiful woman like you around to my humble party?"

"Oh, I simply couldn't resist the allure of such a grand event," I answer coyly, batting my lashes for added effect. "Considering how I was invited," I flash my invitation to him.

He blushes, and I know why. I’ve read enough human psychology to know he wouldn’t dare get caught not knowing who was on his guest list. It’s unbecoming.

He covers his tracks, going with familiarity. “Of course you were, Camela,” he nods and gives me his arm. I take it, and he guides me towards the bar. He wouldn’t dare pry further for fear of coming across as rude.

Which is an excellent outcome, considering there’s no reason for him to get to know me truly.

We reach the bar, and he gets us both glasses of champagne. I could drop something in his champagne, but then this little hunt would be so short. I want to stalk him just a little longer. I notice four dazzling modern art pieces behind the bar.

A mischievous smile curls at the corners of my lips as I begin to engage Vincenzo in a verbal fencing match. "I must say, I admire your taste in art," I offer, gesturing to a nearby painting. "The colors are so... vibrant."

"Ah, yes," he replies, following my gaze. "It's one of my favorites. The artist truly captured the essence of life and passion. You like vibrant art?”

"I prefer something more... mysterious," I respond, maintaining eye contact while allowing my fingers to graze his arm ever so slightly. "Art that makes you question what lies beneath the surface."

"Interesting," Vincenzo muses, his eyes narrowing playfully. "You truly are a woman of many layers."

I shrug playfully, batting my lashes.

“Tell me, Camela,” he gushes. “Would you care for a dance?”

“Oh, I could never deny a dance,” I say, knowing full well that our bodies would be pressed close together, creating the perfect opportunity for a subtle exchange of trust.

The music shifts to a sultry tango, and we take our positions on the dance floor. Our eyes never leave each other's, locked in a hypnotic gaze that only heightens the tension between us.

With every step, twist, and turn, we move in perfect harmony—two deadly predators on the hunt.

The Huntress and the Don.

His strong arms encircle my waist, holding me firmly yet tenderly. I can't help but admire his skill and grace on the dance floor.

"Your footwork is impeccable, Vincenzo," I compliment him, my voice dripping with honeyed sweetness. "I can see why you're known as a man of many talents."

“Oh, so you’ve heard of my talents?” he teases.

I flash a coy smile, my fingers lightly grazing his neck. "I make it my business to know all about interesting men like yourself," I reply.

“Oh? Why’s that?”

I shrug, “Looking for a quick payday. I heard divorces are quite the get-rich-quick scheme nowadays.”

He pauses for a moment, looking absolutely mortified. Then, he notices the smirk on my face and almost doubles over with laughter. "My, my, Camela. I’m afraid you’ve been misinformed. Haven’t you heard of the dozen ex-wives I already support? My coffers are empty.”

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