The Mafia's Surrogate Revenge

"Hey, don't you feel like that man's been staring at you this whole time?"

Aria tried to ignore her friend's words. "Susan, we need to focus on our job. The party's only been going for half an hour, and we still have to restock the wine in a few minutes, don't we?"

Even though she was only filling in for a sick friend as a server, Aria still tried to do her best.

"Tch. At least you should know who the guy watching you is," Susan whispered, making Aria glance at her, then at the man she was talking about.

From the center of the grand ballroom, filled with white-draped tables and softened lighting, guests in formal suits and stunning gowns gave the room an elegant air.

Aria, who normally worked as a school teacher, rarely found herself in situations like this. She tried not to pay too much attention to the atmosphere, unless she was tasked with refilling food or drinks at a table.

Her eyes scanned across the room to a man with chestnut hair, sitting alone near a corner, with only a glass of white wine as company.

"Who is he, anyway?" Aria asked, shifting her gaze and pretending to focus on the other guests.

Susan leaned closer and whispered, "He's Luca DeLorenzo. The wine magnate whose company we're working for."

Aria raised an eyebrow and glanced at the man-only to jolt and quickly look away as she realized he was already staring straight at her.

Again.

"Maybe he's looking at someone else. Not me. He could be staring at you," Aria said, trying to stay calm. She didn't know him, and she had no intention of knowing him either.

"Hmm... let's test that theory." Susan grabbed another glass of wine and placed it on a tray. Aria instantly panicked, suspecting her friend was about to do something bold.

"What are you going to do?"

"Just to confirm. Don't worry, no need to get anxious if he's not looking at you. Honestly, I'd be happy if he's into me instead." Susan flashed a grin and walked away.

Aria's stomach churned. She wasn't a teenager anymore-she knew the signs when a man was clearly intrigued. But she wasn't here looking for a hookup.

From a distance, Susan was all smiles as the man accepted the drink and glanced again-right at Aria. Her stomach turned as Susan subtly motioned for her to come over.

"Aria," her manager called from behind. Aria turned and flinched. "Y-yes, sir?"

"Susan is calling for you. Go to her."

Not wanting to make a mistake, Aria quickly obeyed. She walked awkwardly toward Susan's table, avoiding the man's gaze.

"Here she is, sir. Please, speak to her directly," Susan bowed slightly and nudged Aria toward the man.

For a moment, Aria froze, unable to move. Susan had already slipped away as the man lifted his gaze and met hers with those stunning blue eyes.

"Have you ever tasted this white wine?" the man suddenly asked, throwing her off.

Aria glanced between the wine and the man. "No-never. I don't drink much, sir."

"Try it."

She blinked. "Me? Try this-oh, no-no. That would be very inappropriate, sir. I'm working right now, and I don't think it's right for a server to-"

"Then come to my place."

The words stunned Aria into silence. She looked at him, and her cheeks burned.

"I'll be staying for a few days in room 200. I hope you'll try it after the party."

Before she could respond, her heart raced wildly. The man stood, smiling, and whispered, "I'll be waiting."

*

That man was Luca DeLorenzo. The owner of the renowned wine company from Italy.

But why couldn't Aria stop thinking about him, even now, standing in front of room 200?

Those blue eyes haunted her thoughts. So inviting, so magnetic-she couldn't resist.

Gathering her courage, she rang the bell and waited.

After a few seconds, the door opened. Behind it stood Luca, a towel loosely wrapped around his waist, water still dripping from his wet hair.

Aria realized she was staring and quickly looked away. "Sorry-I didn't know you were-"

"Come in," he said, pulling her gently. She gasped softly but stepped inside as he closed the door. "It's not ideal for others to see us."

"Why not?" Aria asked as she slowly entered the elegantly furnished room.

"I don't like other people staring too long at a beautiful woman like you."

Her heart skipped. Her cheeks burned, and a strange sensation fluttered deep in her body.

She turned away, pretending to admire the chic interior. On the side table near the bed, a bottle of opened wine awaited.

"Is this the wine you were talking about?" she asked, approaching the table.

"Oh, yes." He came over and poured her a glass. "Try it."

Aria smiled faintly and took a slow sip. "Hm... sweet."

He smiled. "My company always produces wines like that. Do you like it?"

"Yes..." she sipped again, and again-slowly losing herself in its taste.

"Aria..." he said softly, stepping closer.

She was still aware, but her whole body felt warm. When he moved nearer, her eyes fell to the chiseled muscles on his body, radiating raw allure.

"Sir..."

"Luca," he interrupted. Aria looked up at him. "Call me Luca."

"Luca," she obeyed, and was rewarded with a faint smile. His blue eyes pierced into her. She felt trapped, unable to look away.

"I want you tonight." Luca closed the distance and placed his hands on her waist.

Aria's heart stopped for a moment before she blinked. "Is this... some kind of-"

"I don't chase women. This kind of moment is rare. You caught my eye the moment I walked into that party."

"But I'm not a guest-"

"That uniform only makes you sexier, Aria."

Her breath quickened. She could see the hunger in Luca's eyes, shaking her entire composure.

"But this isn't just about sexiness. I see something else in your eyes. I know you want me too."

Aria's breath hitched. Her hand was already sliding up his neck. "I just..."

Luca's face came closer, their breaths mingling. "Just what?" His voice softened, drawing her in.

"Tell me... what are you thinking, Aria?"

Her vision blurred. She didn't move, still lost in those blue eyes. "You're... beautiful."

Luca's lips curved into a smile. "I never believed in love. But maybe... I could take that back for you."

He pulled her closer, her stomach brushing against how hard he was.

"I want you."

Before Aria could speak, Luca tilted her head up and claimed her lips.

She gasped as his lips pressed against hers. He worshipped her with a gentle kiss that quickly turned wild. Their breaths mingled, her eyes fluttered shut, her head spinning.

"Tell me you feel it too, Aria."

In a haze of growing desire, Aria opened her eyes and saw those blue eyes now ablaze with hungry fire.

"Yes... I want you."

She should've stopped. But Luca's consuming kiss made it impossible. His tongue forced its way in, tasting her with desperation.

His hands roamed, undressing her, breathless and worshiping.

That night, one she never expected, Aria was lost in moans and overwhelming pleasure. But in the midst of their passion, her eyes caught something in the corner of the room.

She blinked through the haze of ecstasy, her heart suddenly pounding.

Was that... a gun?