Lahat ng Kabanata ng The Don's Forbidden Muse: Kabanata 41 - Kabanata 50

I walk to the restaurant entrance, and I have to admit, it is fancy, alright. The moment an attendant at the door offers to take my coat and gives me a ticket for it, I know without a doubt that this place is upscale. Definitely a good sign that I might not hate this date. When I asked Michael for an idea of what kind of date it would be so I would know what to wear, he said I should dress fancy, and honestly, it feels good to dress up every once in a while for something like this. I’m dressed in a black bandage dress that accentuates my curves perfectly, paired with golden strappy heels that match my purse and jewelry. Bella helped with my makeup because she’s pretty good at it. I didn’t want to go all out and give an impression I don’t intend to give.“I’m here for a reservation made by Mr. Cisse,” I tell the attendant, who nods and gestures for me to follow a woman dressed in a black skirt suit. The inside of the restaurant is even more impressive than it looked from the outside. Wh

He has his trademark toothpick perched between his lips, and for the life of me, I don’t know why anyone would think walking around with a toothpick in their mouth is cool or even gangster. It’s just weird. His demeanor is calm, but the slight crease on his forehead is a clear indication of how dangerous he can be. I hate to admit it, but the sight of Mateo being here brings a wave of relief. As much as I despise the situation, I’d choose someone like Mateo over a stranger who pretended to be a good guy by taking me on a date. I don’t know Mateo well, but the fact that he works for Alessandro makes him the closest thing I have to protection right now.Michael’s grip on my wrist loosens as he turns, his eyes narrowing at Mateo.“Mind your own business,” he snaps, trying to sound confident, but the slight waver in his voice betrays his unease.Mateo smirks, casually flipping the toothpick between his fingers.&ldquo

I take a deep breath and step out of the car, my heart hammering in my chest. Mateo is waiting on the pavement, and he walks me to the building. When I sent that text earlier, first, I had drunk a little more wine than I normally do, and second, Bella was breathing down my neck, urging me to do it. I thought it was a good idea at first—get some answers, find out what Michael knows about my father—but now, standing in front of this apartment, I’m not so sure.It’s not some dark, abandoned building like I imagined. It’s an apartment, probably another one of Alessandro’s. At this point, I wouldn’t be surprised by how many places he owns. Even though the place looks like a normal apartment, it doesn’t feel right. The air is thick with tension, every nerve in my body screaming at me to turn around and leave. My hands are cold, despite the warm evening air, and I can feel the weight of my decision pressing down on me.Mateo nod

The kiss is just a soft brush of the lips, and for a moment, nothing happens. He doesn’t move, doesn’t even breathe. He’s just standing there, his eyes fixed on me, wide and dark. I think I’ve made a mistake—that any second now, he’ll pull away and leave me humiliated. So I decide to step back, but then I gasp as his hand moves to my waist, his fingers pressing into my skin, pulling me closer.His lips meet mine—slow at first, almost testing—but soon the restraint gives way. He deepens the kiss, and I feel myself being swept up in it, drowning in the heat of the moment. He pins me against the wall as his grip tightens, his other hand tangling in my hair as his mouth claims mine with an urgency I didn’t expect. A soft moan escapes me as his tongue brushes against mine, my fingers curling into his shirt, pulling him closer.For a brief moment, I feel alive. Every nerve in my body is alight with his touch, his lips on

As I unlock the door, the banging stops abruptly. Alessandro’s eyes immediately narrow.“What the hell was that? What were you doing in there with him?” he asks, his voice low and menacing. I would say I was scared, but right now, I’m just over him. Luca is standing behind him, looking more focused than angry. His eyes move between me and Michael, who’s still tied up, a smirk on his lips.“Renée!” Alessandro blurts out, and I scoff, brushing past him as if his question barely registers.“I needed to talk to him,” I reply, keeping my tone calm but firm. “And you’re not going to kill him… not until I say so.” He creases his brow in confusion as his expression darkens. He steps closer, towering over me.Luca walks over to where Michael is, still bound to the chair, seemingly unfazed.“What the hell did you tell her?” Luca asks Michael, who only shrugs, th