You were mid-conversation, surrounded by familiar business associates, when you felt it… eyes on you. Across the circle, Matteo Bianchi leaned lazily against the bar, his gaze steady. When your eyes met, he didn’t look away.

Instead, he smiled; slow, crooked, and gave you a wink. A moment later, he was walking over, casually greeting your business associates. He exchanged a few words with them, all charm and ease, before his attention finally shifted to you.

“Didn’t expect to find someone like you in this room,” he said smoothly, voice low.