Sold to a Mafia Lord

CARLY'S POV

I nervously checked my appearance in the mirror one last time before grabbing my purse and heading out the door. Tonight was the night I had agreed to meet up with Max, the guy I had been texting with online for the past few months.

We had chatted online for a very long time now, and it was finally time to take the leap and meet in person. He had suggested going to a popular nightclub in the city, and I didn't even think twice before accepting. I couldn't resist the excitement that bubbled within me.

Standing in front of my room door, I arranged my hair one last time. "I'm in college now, even though I still live with my parents, I have the right to go out," I said to myself as I took a deep breath.

"Relax, this is not your first time sneaking out. You're already a disappointment. What's worse than that?" I added, realizing the fact that no matter what I do, my parents will never be proud.

I checked my cellphone for a message from the Uber driver I had ordered earlier on. It took a while, but I finally received the message that he was waiting at the front gate. I tiptoed my way down the stairs, hoping not to wake anyone. Finally, I managed to sneak out of the house in one piece.

The drive to the night club was peaceful and quiet, mixed with anticipation and nerves.

The city lights blurred past, casting fleeting glimpses on the empty street only occupied by the finest building in the state.

In no time, we arrived at the club.

As I stepped out of the car and approached the club, the thumping bass of the music vibrated through the air, welcoming me to the vibrant world behind those doors. The line snaked around the block, filled with eager partygoers ready to dance or maybe drink the night away.

Spotting Max near the entrance, I felt a wave of relief wash over me.

"Max?" I called out over the music, hoping he would hear me. He turned around, a smile lighting up his face. He was just as charming as he seemed online, his eyes twinkling as he smiled and waved me over.

"Carly! I'm so glad you made it!" Max shouted back, his voice barely audible over the noise. I walked over to him, smiling. We hugged, and the warmth of his embrace immediately eased my nerves.

We entered the club together, the pulsing lights and energetic atmosphere engulfing us. The music was so loud that it felt like it reverberated within my chest. Max and I squeezed through the crowd, finding our way to a dimly lit corner where we could talk.

"You look so beautiful, Carly, more beautiful than your pictures," he complimented, and I couldn't help but blush.

"Thanks," I shyly replied.

"Come on, let's dance," I said as I dragged him to a free spot. We danced and laughed; it was the happiest I had been in a while. I just wanted to spend all my days with him.

As we danced, I looked up at the VIP section to see Alessandro De Luca, the infamous mafia Lord whose ruthless reputation sent shivers down the spines of all who crossed his path. But somehow, he managed to steal the hearts of every girl that crossed his path, especially that of my sister's, but I literally didn't care about him.

Rumors had it that he was both a cold-blooded killer and a mastermind of organized crime. Worst of all, my dad worked with him, or maybe for him, I don't know and I definitely don't care.

To my dad, he was perfect, the most perfect son a father could ask for.

Alessandro looked captivating, I won't deny that. His dark eyes gleamed with an enigmatic charm that drew everyone's attention, his perfectly tailored suit accentuated his broad shoulders, and a faint hint of danger lingered around him like a magnetic aura. Well, the danger literally lingered because he was surrounded by armed men.

I tried to look away, but despite my discomfort, I kept finding myself looking up at him. The third time I looked up, our eyes met, and he gave me this death stare that made me so uncomfortable. I looked away immediately, but when I looked up again, he was still staring.

"Hey, let's find a spot and, um, talk or maybe have some shots. I really need that," I whispered to Max, wanting to escape the weight of Alessandro's gaze.