Page 33 of Mafia Don's Twisted Union

My gaze drifts across the terrace to Carlito, who stands near the far edge, deep in conversation with Leo. Even from a distance, his presence commands attention. His broad shoulders, perfectly tailored suit, and the deliberate way he scans the crowd are all impossible to miss.

He senses me watching and glances over, a faint smile tugging at his lips. It’s the kind of smile that carries weight—a subtle reminder of last night, of everything we said and didn’t say.

Bianca follows my gaze and nudges me playfully. “He can’t take his eyes off you, can he?”

I shake my head, but my cheeks warm. “He’s probably just making sure I haven’t run off,” I joke, though there’s a kernel of truth beneath the words.

“Oh, please,” she scoffs. “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to him. Trust me, I’ve never seen my dad like this.”

Her words send a flutter through me, a mix of pride and uncertainty.

Before I can respond, she loops her arm through mine. “Come on, Dario wants to say hi. He’s been waiting for a chance to talk to you.”

We weave through the crowd, Bianca chattering animatedly as I offer polite nods and smiles to the guests we pass. When we reach Dario, he greets me with an easy grin, his warmth immediately putting me at ease.

Dario is Bianca’s fiancé, a constant presence in Carlito’s companies and someone who feels like a steadying force in this world I’m still trying to navigate. He works for Carlito—not just as Bianca’s partner, but as a trusted manager.

“You must be the star of the hour,” Dario says, shaking my hand. His tone is light, but there’s genuine kindness in his expression.

“I think that title belongs to Carlito,” I reply with a small laugh, glancing toward where Carlito still stands.

“Carlito’s the star of every hour,” Dario says with a chuckle, his grin widening. He exchanges a quick look with Bianca, the affection between them clear. “But seriously, Mia—it’s good to see you settling in. I know this world can be… intense.”

“That’s one word for it,” I say, though my tone is more playful than serious.

Bianca’s laughter rings out beside me, and for a moment, I let myself relax. The tension from earlier melts away, replaced by the lightness of their company.

But then it happens.

The shift is subtle at first—a prickling at the back of my neck, a sensation that something isn’t quite right. I glance around, my laughter fading as unease creeps in. Across the terrace, near the far edge, I see him.

The stranger who confronted me days ago.

He’s dressed like any other guest, but everything about him feels out of place—the stiffness in his stance, the sharpness of his gaze.

My stomach drops as recognition dawns.

He doesn’t move much, but his eyes are scanning the crowd, sharp and deliberate. My pulse quickens, the familiar unease from our last encounter coiling tightly in my chest.

“Mia?” Bianca’s voice pulls me back, her hand brushing my arm. “You okay?”

I force a smile, though it feels thin. “I’m fine,” I say quickly, trying to steady my voice. “Just thought I saw someone I recognized.”

Her gaze follows mine briefly, but the crowd is too thick for her to notice him. “You sure?” she asks, her brows knitting together in concern.

“Yeah,” I reply, though my stomach twists. “It’s nothing.”

I glance back toward the man, but now he’s moving, weaving through the clusters of guests with unsettling purpose. My chest tightens further as his hand shifts under his jacket. A flash of metal catches the light, and realization slams into me like a tidal wave.

“Get down!” I cry, grabbing Bianca’s arm and pulling her toward me just as a deafening crack splits the air.

The world seems to shatter. Screams erupt around us, and glasses crash to the ground as guests scatter in panic. My ears ring from the sound of the gunshot, my heart racing as chaos explodes across the terrace.

Before I can fully process what’s happening, a figure barrels toward me. It’s Dario, his expression set with grim determination. He grabs Bianca and me, shoving us both down behind a table.

“Stay down!” he barks, his voice sharp but protective.

Another shot rings out, closer this time. I clutch Bianca tightly, my body trembling as I hear the unmistakable sound of more chaos erupting.

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