Chapter 4: Best Thing In A Long Time

Ignazio

I watched the redhead chatting with her friends, and I made my way to her.

“Do you mind if I invade your space damsel?” I stood beside her and winked at her.

“Has that seem to work on lots of women?” She smiled.

“You’re the best thing I’ve seen in a long time; I couldn’t stop myself from coming over.” I took the empty seat beside her.

“Nice try, but I have heard better lines than that.” She shrugged.

“I say what I feel; I am a man who goes after what he wants.” I stared into her eyes for her to understand I mean whatever I’m saying.

“Would you give me the privilege of knowing your name?” I asked.

“My name is Danica.” She said with a smile, extending her hand.

"Ignazio,” he replied, taking her hand in his.

I can't deny the spark I felt from holding her hands. I held on a little longer than necessary before she managed to slip it out of mine. Her friends said something, but I couldn’t catch it.

“See you around, Ignazio.” For a second, I thought they were leaving until they walked towards the dance floor.

I watched her dance like she owned the floor; I can bet she’s all men's spectacle and all women's envy. I hated the fact that the men were ogling at her; what I wanted was to claim her for myself. I stood up and joined her on the dance floor before any of the men did. I don’t want to break someone’s hand tonight and end up blowing my cover because I won't stop till I make sure his hands are useless. I got close to her from behind.

“May I have the honour of having a dance with you?” She spurned around and her eyes went wide when she noticed me.

“Hey.” I held her upright from colliding with some of the dancers.

“Thank you.” She whispered with a red face.

“Can I have your hand for the dance, please?” I silently pray hoping that I’m not playing this wrong; it’s been long since I’ve been a teenager.

“Sure.” She placed her hand in mine, and I reached for her waist as she placed her other hand on my chest.

I hide my groan at the contact; she fits me perfectly with her head stopping on my chest with the aid of her heel. I held her slim waist despite the desire to roam my hands around. I moved closer to her during the dance, and her smell invaded my nostrils. She smells like strawberries; probably it’s something from her hair. As we danced a few rounds, we made small talks and whispered between each other. I got to know she was on vacation with her friends and would be spending a week here. We danced till the dance floor emptied, and we got down. I know I won’t be going back to Sicily tomorrow because I can’t bear the thought of leaving when I know I can spend time with her. I don’t know much about her, but I can’t stop my heart from wanting her. I feel like she’s what I’ve been missing in my life—the essential pieces that complete me. I want to get to know her, spend quality uninterrupted time with her, and watch her smile. I love the way her eyes light up when she does.

“This is where I take my leave, gentleman; it’s late and my friends and I are leaving,” she said as we got down from the dance floor.

“Do you mind if I ask for your number?” I brought out my phone and handed it to her.

She punched in her number and left after biding me goodbye. I wish the night was still young and we could still be together; she makes me feel like a teenager again. I haven’t felt like this in forever; since the tragic death of my wife, I felt alive again, and I can’t help but be greedy for more.

“Danica.” I let her name roll out of my mouth for a while before making my way out of the bar and going back home. I drove back into the house to see my soldiers in stand; my door was opened from outside, and I stepped out.

“We won’t be leaving tomorrow anymore; I have some things I need to get done, so there’s no need to prepare to leave tomorrow. I also won’t be needing your protection for the next few days we will be here; I don’t want to blow my cover up.” I instructed as I got out.

“Ryker, I have an assignment for you, and you have to be specific about it. I don’t want any mistake or misunderstanding.” I need a plan to make this pursuit smoother.

I went inside the house and entered the shower. I came out to see my phone vibrating, as it had been on vibration earlier. I picked it after seeing Romano’s name on display.

“What have you been up to that made you cancel your flight back tomorrow?” He asked as the line was connected.

“Nothing,” I answered.

“You called off your escort and cancelled your flight. You are up to something, Ignazio.” He snorted, he must have done some digging around before calling me.

“I only followed your advice; you told me to enjoy life, and that’s what I’m doing.” I said.

“Who is she?” He demanded.

“You don’t have to worry about that; I’m just getting to know her and see where this goes.“

I hope you know what you are doing and won’t make the same mistake twice.” I ended the call to avoid him reminding me of my mistake over and over again.

I lay down on the bed and close my eyes, but the face of a certain redhead keeps staring at me as sleep takes over me. I woke up the next morning with her on my mind and realised that for the first time in a long time, I slept peacefully and fully without nightmares.