Realistic or Modern private for februaryagain

[a z u l a]

Natalia

The fading sunset cast light in through Natalia's large French double doors that led out to her balcony, shining against the silky red fabric that hugged her curves. Her mother had fussed over her hair, outfit, and makeup for hours and had been pestering her for weeks about picking the perfect dress. Mrs. Luciano was always like this before big events, stressed to her wits end until the even's end. She was always especially concerned about her daughter, Mrs. Luciano was certain that her daughter would finally meet her soulmate at one of these events, but Natalia wasn't so sure. The whole soulmates thing just didn't interest her, she was too busy learning how to be the best leader she could be so that she could follow in her father's footsteps and take over the mafia in a few years when he retired. There just wasn't any time in her life for romance, and trying to bring an innocent bystander into this life didn't always go well.

"Nat? It's time to go, bella." Her mother's soft voice peaked through her door, earning a sign from the younger girl as she stood up from her vanity and smoothed out her dress before following after her mother. Natalia felt just as natural holding a gun in her hand as she was wearing a fancy gown, with a small pistol strapped to her thigh of course. The mafia had two very different sides, the politics and the action. Mrs. Luciano had taught her daughter how to properly behave at a gala from the time she could walk, while her father had taught her all about weapons. Needless to say, Natalia's childhood had been less than normal, but it had turned her into a well-rounded woman with more than a few tricks up her sleeve.

The ballroom was slowly filling to the brim, full of guests wearing masks that would only make this night harder. It was so hard to converse with someone when you had to guess who they were, and her parents seemed to introduce her to a new acquaintance every five minutes. It was only an hour in and she was feeling overwhelmed, deciding to slip out to the backyard for a breath of fresh air. She was walking towards the rose garden with her head down when she bumped into someone, his hand finding her wrist to steady her as she wobbled in her heels.

"I'm so sorry, I wasn't paying attention." Natalia apologized swiftly, looking up to meet his gaze. There was a sudden burning sensation on her chest, but she just bit her lip and ignored it. She couldn't lie, the mysterious stranger in the mask was quite attractive from what she could see under his mask.


Enzo

Enzo hated these types of things. He didn't understand the politics of it all, he would much rather solve his arguments with fists instead of conversations. Granted, if they ever wanted peace with the Luciano family they were going to have to reach an agreement, though after decades of this feud he wasn't sure that was ever possible. It seemed that every time things started to calm down, another incident would send them spiraling towards an all out war. That was why they were here, at yet another charity ball, to have a discussion in a setting where no one would dare draw their guns.

The one thing that Enzo didn't mind was the party itself. There was plenty of free food, drinks, and pretty girls. This lifestyle didn't exactly leave room for dating, but there was nothing better to do than flirt while he waited for things to go down. He was only there as a precaution, hopefully he wouldn't be needed but you could never be too careful. Mr. Santoro's conversation could go one of two ways with the Luciano's, Enzo was there incase it went bad. The Santoro's trusted him enough to be one of the few members they'd brought for backup. His father was a well-respected member who'd proved himself long before Enzo had been born, and he'd grown up with Harley.

After making a few laps around the room to assess all possible exits and how many other people were armed, he decided to waste some time dancing. He could occupy himself while still keeping an eye out, and if he was dancing he would be able to move around without looking suspicious. For a moment he surveyed the room for a partner, passing over every girl he saw. No one caught his eye until he spotted her across the room. Despite the mask that covered half of her face, he could tell she was beautiful. There was something about her that drew him in, and before he even realized it he was walking across the room to meet her.

"May I have this dance?" He asked as a new song started, his gaze never leaving her pretty brown eyes as he waited. His chest was starting to burn under his shirt, but he couldn't think about that. This wasn't the time or the place.

februaryagain ​

 

[februaryagain]

Harley

Harley had mixed opinions when it came to big events, there were both advantages and disadvantages to attending. On the one hand, Harley had the chance to mix with very important figures, it was a networking paradise for the mafia, plus the music wasn't half bad. However it also meant that he had to mix with people he couldn't stand. With this being a masked ball it added a new layer of excitement, with the exception of his close family nobody would know who he was, this way he could wreak havoc and go unnoticed. That is exactly what Harley intended to do tonight, in fact Harley was always looking for trouble. He took after his father in that way, there was always a fight to be found.

When he was younger he used to follow his father around like a lost puppy dog at these events, at first it was cute but it soon got old. Over time he had learned the art of standing back and observing his father's work from a distance. He knew when to approach and when not to, after all his father had a temper that he definitely did not enjoy when it was aimed at him. Harley loved seeing his father's wrath set on others, but didn't particularly enjoy being in the firing line. It was an odd relationship that he had with his father, much more business like than any family should be.

After an hour or so of paying close attention to the people around him, Harley had sneaked out to the garden to get some fresh air. He'd made his way down to the rose garden and was enjoying some time to himself. Harley didn't mind his own company one bit. Cigarette in hand, he gently blew smoke out into the night air. It was a clear evening, and for once you could see the stars in the sky.

Harley felt the burn on his chest before he felt the collision. His reflexes rushed to steady the female, as she stumbled in her heels. As she steadied he got a good look at her and couldn't help but smirk, whoever this girl was, she was beautiful. "That's what all the girls say when they bump into me" he grinned, glancing back towards the party "what's a pretty girl like you doing out here, instead of in there?"

----

Sadie was meticulous with her routine when getting ready, arguably she enjoyed getting ready for an event more than she did attending it. A long hot bubble bath was following by a deep cleansing skin routine and enough moisturiser to make her skin silky smooth. Then she'd focused on the hair, she'd put large curls through to give it lots of volume, before applying make up and a bold red lip. The finishing touch was her proudest piece, she slipped in to a skin tight dress she had spent the last week designing and constructing with her sewing machine. The material hugged to her body as she zipped up the side, and stepped in to her heels. She'd also designed her mask for the evening, the outfit was a Sadie Ricci original, and she knew one day models would fall over themselves for a chance to wear an outfit similar to this.

Sadie smirked at herself in her long mirror. She turned from side to side, admiring her design from all angles. Out of the corner of her reflection she noticed her father standing in the doorway. "What do you think Daddy?" she asked in a sing song voice, giving him a twirl.
"You look as beautiful as ever" he smiled softly and Sadie squealed with delight. Sadie's father was a mean man, he was tough and unapproachable. But when it came to his little girl he was the complete opposite. He was soft and gentle with her, because she was his princess.

Sadie wasted no time getting involved in the party, she danced her way around the room greeting everyone. After all, it simply wasn't a party if Sadie Ricci wasn't there. She could feel the alcohol buzzing through her veins as she moved to pour herself another drink. Sadie stood to the side of the room and watched as drinks and conversation flowed, she thought to herself that if she could pause time and stay in an endless party she would. That's when she saw him, he stood out from the crowd. He was so hot it felt like the room was suddenly on fire...or was that her chest? She frowned at the thought, concerned by what that could mean.

But there wasn't enough time to let her thoughts labour on that, as he closed the gap between them she gave him a soft smile. "I thought you'd never ask" she said and took his outstretched hand. Butterflies jumped to life in the pit of her stomach as she moved with him to the dance floor. She stepped close to him and let herself move to the music. But she couldn't keep her eyes off him, it was like she was under a trance "you've got some moves" she smirked "I like a guy with rhythm."​

 

[a z u l a]

Natalia

"Oh, really? You get a lot of girls throwing themselves at you?" She joked with him, a sly grin finding its way across her lips as she stared up at him. Whoever he was, she knew his type. A ladies man who could have anything, or anyone, he wanted. Plenty of men just like him had vied for her attention before, but she saw right through their games. All her life she'd been surrounded by men, except for her mother and Sadie, and she'd learned all their tricks by now.

Usually, Natalia would brush them off and walk away before they could even get their hopes up, but something about this mysterious stranger in her backyard intrigued her. Maybe it was just the burning in her chest. She realized that he was still holding onto her and pulled away, walking past him and continuing her stroll through the garden, throwing a glance over her shoulder to give him a flirtatious smile.

"Well, everyone's so boring in there. I was hoping I might find someone more interesting out here." It was true, inside all she could talk about was business, business, business. If her father wasn't introducing her to one of their many business associates, her mother was making her mingle with one of her socialite friends. She knew that eventually she would have to return inside before her family started looking for her, but for now she could enjoy a walk through the garden with a handsome stranger.


Enzo

It felt right to be holding this girl in his arms, swaying with the music that floated through the ballroom. He'd danced with plenty of girls at other social events before, but it had never felt like this. The burning sensation had calmed but still lingered, tingling against his skin right above his heart. It drove him mad, it made him want to kiss her right then and there, without even knowing her name or having seen her full face. There was only one explanation for this feeling, but it couldn't be. What were the odds that he came on a job to their rival's home and found his soulmate?

"My mother taught me how to dance at a young age, in case there was ever a beautiful lady I needed to impress." It was half a joke, but his mother had been incessant on his dance lessons, and the woman in his arms was more than beautiful. Their eyes locked as they twirled around, their gazes never leaving each other despite the room full of people. It felt like they were the only two there, she was the only thing that mattered in that moment.

"Your dress is as ravishing as you are. I like to think of myself as a man with taste, but I've never seen a design like this before." He commented, his gaze raking across her figure appreciatively. Even if it weren't for the burning in his chest he'd want to get to know this girl more.

februaryagain ​

 

[februaryagain]

Harley

"A fair few" she smirked in response. It was true, Harley had never struggled with female attention, even if he didn't have his lucks, he definitely had his status at play. Girls would fall over him just for his family name, too many to count. It was fun to a moment, but then Harley would get bored and lose interest. He had never met a girl who challenged him, kept him on his toes. Harley didn't want someone to worship him for title, he wanted some to like him for the person he was. Of course he'd never admit that out loud. Instead he'd show off to Enzo, and regale his many conquests.

Her smile made his heart beat quicken, it drove him crazy. There was something about this girl, she had a spark about her and he liked it. She was witty and not in the slightest bit intimidated by him.

"Well lucky you" he said with a grin "you've hit the jackpot with my company." Harley stepped forward, following her into the grounds. It was a beautiful evening, the moon lit the garden, and danced off the water feature in the centre. Flowers were dotted all around and when Natalia wasn't looking he plucked one from the ground. He moved forward and tapped her on the shoulder "a beautiful flower" he held it out to her " for a beautiful girl."

Sadie

This strangers arms were strong as he held her, she let her arms loop over his shoulders and Sadie felt safe. It was the strangest sensation, it was as though she was at home and nothing would be able to harm her. This stranger who made her skin tingle would protect her from all the harm in the world. Could this really be her soulmate? Sadie knew the stories, of people finding that one person that tattoos their heart, that one person who has been written into the world for them. But Sadie never thought that would happen to her, to her it was something that would only happen to the lucky ones.

The way he looked into her eyes was so intense, if she didn't know any better she would blame the alcohol coursing through her veins for how light headed she felt. He was so striking to look at, had she really bagged herself some form of super model soul mate. If she were alone she'd probably jump in the air and squeal with joy. Sadie was so pleased with herself.

When he commented on her dress she couldn't help but grin. "You will never had seen a dress like this, it's one of a kind" her voice was a mixture of smug and proud "you happen to be dancing with the designer." Sadie spun them with the music "who knows, stick around and I might have to create something for you. Of course that would involve undressing first" Sadie was confident and playful.​

 

[a z u l a]

Natalia

It wasn't hard to believe that he had girls throwing themselves at him, he was tall and muscular with a sharp jawline to match. His dark eyes seemed to sweep over her and she couldn't help but feel a tad insecure, something the confident woman almost never was. There weren't many men that caught her attention, and none of them that could actually keep it. Natalia was far from superficial, she wasn't impressed by money or fame because she had her own. She wanted someone to know the real her, not the tough front she had to put on for business.

"I'll be the judge of that." She laughed, smiling over at him as they walked through the garden. He'd already proven to be good company, but she couldn't let him win so easily. Natalia didn't let anyone in easy, Saddie was probably the only person who really knew her. The two girls had grown up together, there was no one that Nat trusted more than her cousin. The mafia heiress had learned the hard way that most people just wanted to use her for the money or the power. They wanted Natalia Luciano, not just Natalia.

"Thank you." She rolled her eyes at the cheesiness of it but accepted the flower, a blush sweeping across her cheeks. He probably did this with every girl, but right now she didn't care.

"So what are you doing out here then? Don't you have girls to entertain?" Natalia teased, bringing the flower up to her face to smell it. He was one of the few people her parents hadn't introduced her to at this party, she would've surely remembered a face like his. Perhaps she should've asked him why he was even at this party in the first place, but she didn't care about his title or who he knew, she was enjoying their conversation without the added politics. Would he treat her different if he knew this was her backyard they were walking through?

Enzo

As they danced around the ballroom he knew he should be focused on the job at hand, but he couldn't find it in himself to pull away from her. For once his mind was focused on something other than work, and he knew already that his mysterious dance partner would be on his mind for longer than just tonight. Enzo had dedicated his entire life to the mafia, from the time he was born it had been his destiny to follow in his father's footsteps. The family legacy was his to keep, and he'd worked hard year after year to prove himself.

But now, this perfect stranger was making him question that. Perhaps there was more to life than all of the constant bloodshed.

He was more than a little surprised when she announced that she'd made her own dress, and he was thoroughly impressed. The smile on her face was breathtaking, the way her face lit up when she was talking about her passion. Her next comment caught him by surprise, a sly grin spreading across his lips. She was bold, and he liked that.

"I think we can arrange that." He chuckled, licking his lips as he took in the way her dress hugged her curves once more. They had already danced through two songs now, and while the logical part in the back of his mind told him he should get back to work, his heart wouldn't let him move his arms from around her waist. "However, you have to at least let me buy you dinner first."​

 

[februaryagain]

Harley

Harley enjoyed her reaction to the flowers, he chuckled at her eye roll, it was clear she had been treated like a princess long before he turned up. Plus the gesture was a little cheesy, but in all honesty Harley loved a bit of romance. He felt that it was a gentleman's place to shower a woman with gifts and compliments, and to make her feel like the most important person in the room.

Harley didn't want a relationship like his parents. He had grown up watching his father neglect his mother, watched as he paraded around his trophy wife and then slept with multiple woman on the side. Yes, Harley enjoyed fooling around, but he was adamant that once he was settled down that was it. His parents had a loveless marriage, and Harley knew one day he wanted to love someone and have them love him back unconditionally. He'd never admit that out loud however, he'd be mocked. Love like that didn't exist in the Mafia world, at least not from what he had seen.

Harley smirked "oh yes, there are plenty of girls inside, but I've already entertained them. I was waiting out here for you" he gave her a boyish grin " and what about you, you don't have a man in your life? If you do he's a fool to let you out of his sight."

Sadie

Sadie absolutely loved talking about her designs, it was rare that anyone took an interest. Of course people complimented her taste, but mostly they were trying to impress to get to her parents. Usually Sadie only had Natalia to rant to about fabrics and forms. It was refreshing for a guy to notice it, even though she was acutely aware it might be because it made her boobs look good. Hell, she'd take it. He certainly seemed up for some innocent fun from his reaction to her comments.

Sadie was the complete opposite of Natalia, it was a wonder they got on so well. Sadie was incredibly superficial and obsessed with always being perfect. Every time she left the house was an opportunity for somebody to judge her, and she couldn't have anyone thinking bad things about her. Sadie was a glutton for attention, and enjoyed knowing that people were watching her.

That attention meant that Sadie was no stranger to male attention, usually however it was different. On an evening like this she might dance and drink the night away, and then part ways never to see them again. So it struck her when the handsome man before her eluded to seeing her again. Sadie raised an eyebrow "oh, so you intend to wine and dine me, hmm?" the newly formed mark over her heart lit up at the thought of seeing him again. "Well, I might say yes to that, it depends...do you think you an afford me?" she grinned playfully.​

 

[a z u l a]

Natalia

"Oh, I have plenty of men in my life. My father, my older brother, my body guards. They never let me out of their sights, so I have to sneak off with handsome strangers at night." It seemed like there was never a moment when Natalia was alone, if she wasn't with her family or her mafia family, she was usually followed by a body guard. It wasn't like she even needed them, Natalia could more than handle her own, but she was her father's princess and he would never let anything happen to her. From the moment she could walk her father had taught her how to protect herself, it was a dangerous life they lived and plenty of people had tried to use her to get to her father before.

"But no, I don't have a particular man in my life." Natalia admitted, twirling the flower in her hand as they continued down the path. "Nobody can keep up with me." She smirked over at him, a mischievous twinkle in her green eyes. The few relationships that she'd had hadn't lasted long, they were either just using her for the influence and connections or they couldn't handle her strong attitude and the life she lived. Natalia was a strong woman, she didn't take anyone's shit and nobody told her what to do. She wasn't the type to sit and look pretty while the men worked, like her own mother. Natalia wanted to take over her father's legacy one day, she wanted the Luciano's to be the first mafia with a woman in charge so she could prove to all the others who had doubted her that she could crush them just as easily as any man.

"You think you can keep up?" She challenged, grinning over at him. The moonlight shone brightly down on them like a spotlight and the music from outside softly leaked out, just loud enough to hear over the bubbling fountain.

Enzo

"Well, I'm certain that I can. If you want me to buy you the world I might have to take out a small loan, but I'll make it happen, princess." He grinned, it was clear that she came from money by the clothes she wore and the way she carried herself. His family came with plenty of money of their own, and he was more than happy to spoil any woman he deemed worthy. The few relationships that he'd had were full of gifts, vacations, and fancy dresses. Enzo was nothing if not a gentleman, but those relationships never lasted long. Most girls only wanted him for the money, there was no real interest in him, and they were never able to accept what he did for a living.

It was hard, the job never really stopped. He worked long, hard hours and was always ready to drop everything at a moments notice. Sometimes his jobs took him to other cities, even other countries on occasion. There had been plenty of 3 am wake up calls for his assistance when something unexpected and urgent happened, it was just the life he lived. The mafia wasn't a job that you could clock out of at 5pm every day, and it certainly wasn't one you could leave. If Enzo ever settled down, he'd have to find someone who understood why he did what he did.

"How does dinner in Paris sound? They have the most exquisite wine in France." Enzo feigned innocence, perhaps it was a little much for a first date but he wasn't exactly known for his subtlety. Normally he wouldn't be so forward, but something about this girl drove him crazy. Maybe it was the burning in his chest, but he would do anything to spend more time with her.​

 

[februaryagain]

Harley

It didn't surprise Harley one bit the head that this mysterious stranger had many males around her. Something so beautiful needed to be protected at all costs. She was clearly worth a lot to have body guards. Harley imagined she was no stranger to male attention, nor compliments, so that is why he had to work twice a hard to capture her attention.

It was unlike Harley to feel the need to impress a girl. If he was honest any other encounters he had had with women were superficial and surface level. He didn't make the effort because he knew there was nothing past the physical. But in this instance Harley was eager to impress. After all, he had his soulmate stood before him, he couldn't drop the ball on this.

Could he keep up? Hell he'd let her run rings around him trying. Harley was never one to bow down to a challenge. The way the moonlight shined off her hair and her eyes caught the stars made his heart pound. Harley was feeling brave, he wanted to seize the moment. He stepped towards her closing the gap between then, then he reached out and took her hand in his. "I'd sure as hell like to try" his voice was much gentler this time. "You're so beautiful" he told her, his voice sincere and soft. All he wanted to do was kiss her.

Sadie

Sadie didn't think she could ever turn down gifts, there was too much excitement in receiving them. If Sadie had been born to a poor family she was certain it would have been hell. She was too privileged for her own good, and far too used to having everything she could ever want or need at her disposal. In many ways Sadie took after her mother, she enjoyed the finer things in life. Sadie's mother had married into money and found her place in the lap of luxury. But where she differed from her mother was her ambition, Sadie was a snob but she was anything but lazy. Sadie worked relentlessly designing and creating. In fact it angered Sadie if anyone compared her to her mother, because she wanted to achieve so much more than that.

Sadie wanted to put a huge grin on her face at the mention of Paris, but she needed to keep some calm in this situation. She wanted to be sexy and sophisticated, not a giddy little girl. But that being said Paris was one of her favourite places in the world. Not only was it the city of love, but more importantly it was the fashion capital of the world. Sadie often fantasised about living and working in Paris when she was older.

She had to give him credit, he was definitely brazen with his approach. She smirked "damn, you are looking to impress." She pressed closer against him "and this isn't all just big talk, hmm?" She looked into his eyes "well, I think I still need some convincing tonight."

​

 

[a z u l a]

Natalia

Harley stepped closer to her and her breath caught in her chest, his dark gaze pinning her in place as he locked eyes with her. It wasn't like her to be so frazzled, usually she kept the upperhand in her relationships. It was deadly to let anyone have control over you, she refused to ever let herself be played. The thought that this mystery man could be her soulmate made her panic on the inside, she'd never really believed in them, even if she knew plenty of people who were happily with their soulmate. It made her afraid, this was the person she was supposed to spend the rest of her life with. What if she messed things up? What if he didn't want her? Worse, what if he couldn't accept the life she lived? There were plenty of people who would hurt him to get to her.

Her palm felt small in his grasp, she couldn't help herself from leaning in, only inches from him now. Every atom in her was screaming for her to kiss him, her chest burning right above her heart. It was like she was on fire. Nobody had ever made her feel this way and she was afraid that nobody else ever could. Natalia had always been cautious when it came to relationships, but for once she couldn't help taking a risk.

"I think you might be able to keep up." She whispered, there lips only inches apart now. His words only further heated up both her cheeks and her chest, and without thinking she leaned forward to meet his lips with her own. It was unlike any kiss she'd ever had, her chest felt like it was exploding and then suddenly the burning sensation was gone, replaced with nothing but bliss.

Enzo

"Well, it's not every day you meet the most beautiful girl in the world." The word soulmate almost slipped past his lips, but he wasn't ready to admit that yet. For all he knew he could be wrong, maybe he was only imagining it. Maybe she didn't even feel the same. Either way, he was going to try his hardest to impress her, just so he could spend more time with her. Whether she really was his soulmate or not, he wanted to see her again.

"I'll provide all the convincing you need. I'd love to spend time you you, just you." Enzo smiled, taking one hand off of her waist to gently cup her face. There were too many eyes on them, and he'd almost forgotten that he was in enemy territory after all. He wanted to get to know his potential soulmate better, he didn't even know what her name was yet. She had caught his attention, he was more than a little intrigued and he wanted to know more.

"So, what do I have to do to get you alone?" He leaned in to whisper in her ear, his lips grazing her neck as he spoke. There was nothing he wanted more than to slip out of the ballroom and get to know her better, away from prying eyes.​

 

[februaryagain]

Harley

The air between Harley and Natalia was dense, the tension lingering between them. Harley's hands were warm and his heart was beating a mile a minute. There was something so sweet in the suspense. This feeling of wanting something so clearly and desperately, and being so close to having it. There was a rush of adrenaline as Natalia closed the gap between them even further. Harley thought for sure she'd be able his hear how loud and rapid his heartbeat had become, and how short his breaths were.

Harley was stuck in a conundrum. He wanted so badly to pull her close and kiss her, however for the first time in his life he was scared a kiss might ruin everything. His hands moved to her waist and he gulped. He was holding his soulmate and the last thing he wanted to do was jeopardise his chances at happiness. If he kissed her would she like it? Or would she think it was too eager and too soon? What if she flipped out at him, or felt he was a creep? Harley's mind spun as he tried to decipher his next move.

The young male had certainly not thought that the decision might be taken out of his hands entirely. As their lips met his eyes widened, surprise soon melted away as he relaxed into the kiss. It was soft and meaningful. He wrapped his arms tighter around her and pulled her close as his world set alight. Harley didn't buy into the Disney ideal of romance, but he was certain there were fireworks going off at this very moment. After a minute he deepened the kiss, and couldn't help but smile against her lips. "Wow" he breathed.

Sadie

Sadie was certain she had turned into a pile of mush before him, it was as though anything he said she would do. She was putty in his hands and damn she'd let him mould her anyway he liked. He was eager and she liked it, there was something incredibly sexy about a man who was assertive. Sadie bit her lip as she looked up at him, his hand cups her face and she caught her breath, for a moment thinking he was going to kiss her right then and there in front of the entire party.

Goosebumps showered her skin as he mentioned being alone with just her, her mind went into a frenzy of excitement. Just thinking of the fun they could have was enough to make her forget any ounce of hesitation. Sadie's impulsive side was out in full force tonight and she didn't care. She knew she would only regret turning this opportunity down if she didn't take it. Besides she was dying to see just what he intended to do to prove himself to her. It was all very exciting.

Sadie smirked "I happen to know this place quite well, follow me" she took his hand in hers and pulled him along as she slipped out of the main room. In the grand entrance to the house she slipped through a door that led to the library. Sadie was certain there would be nobody in there, everyone was at the party and besides she was almost certain this was one of the least used rooms in Natalia's house. The room had a huge window that looked over the front of the manor, the moon shone through lighting the room just enough. Sadie pulled Enzo inside and giggled as she stopped. "Well then handsome stranger, what's your gambit?" she asked, pulling him close "Look at this, we're alone in the dark and i don't even know your name" he reached up and traced his mask "I'm dying to see more."​

 

[a z u l a]

Natalia

Natalia must've been drunk, there was no way one kiss should feel this good. It was the fairytale kiss that all little girls dreamed of, the one Natalia never thought she would get. A fairytale romance, or romance of any kid for that matter, was out of the question for her. Right now there was only room in her life for work and family, though those two things were one in the same. She couldn't be distracted from her duty by anything, even a soulmate, but Harley was already doing a pretty good job of distracting her. Her senses were filled with his scent, his smile, the way his lips melted into hers.

"Wow is right." Natalia giggled against his lips, unable to bring herself to pull away from him. Now that she'd had a taste of him she didn't want to let go, though she knew her parents would be looking for her if she didn't return soon. She placed her hand over his heart, where she hoped a matching mark had appeared on his chest like hers. Though she hadn't seen hers yet, she knew it was there. She'd finally met her soulmate at one of her parent's parties, just like her mother always wanted, but Natalia was still cautious.

"I think you've got my attention now." She spoke softly, looking up at him through her lashes and giving him a wicked grin. Just because they might've been soulmates didn't mean she couldn't tease him still. Natalia didn't have much faith in the whole soulmates thing, he still needed to convince her that he was worth her time. A silly little mark on her chest didn't get to decide who was good enough for her.

Enzo

Enzo couldn't help but smirk at the way she melted under his touch, it drove him mad. Before he could do anything rash, like kissing her in an overflowing room of people, she told him that she knew the mansion quite well and dragged him off. While he was more than eager to follow her, what she said struck him. If she knew this place, that meant she was at least on a friendly basis with the Luciano's. Of course meeting his soulmate at his rival's charity ball wasn't preferable, he'd hoped that she was just the daughter of some rich benefactor, not a close family friend. Before he could think anymore of it, his mystery woman was leading him into an empty library and all he could focus on was her.

"Well, let me show you." She looked ravishing with the moonlight filtering through the window, dancing across her soft skin and shining against her dark curls. He pulled her closer to him, his hands on her waist as he slowly kissed her neck, trailing kisses up to her jawline. Enzo slowly pulled away, only to gaze into her eyes for a moment before cupping her cheek once again, his other hand pulling her hips in closer to him. Now, they really were the only two in the room and he could do what he'd been wanting to since they'd met. He leaned in, taking her lush lips in his and kissing her softly at first, then more passionately.

"My name is Enzo." He pulled away only briefly to finally remove his mask and tell her his name, revealing his identity to her. It was the one rule he promised Mr. Santoro he wouldn't break, and yet here he was. This woman was already making him break the rules, and he still didn't know her name. She was going to be the death of him, bit he wouldn't mind.​

 

[februaryagain]

Harley

Harley wasn't sure how long the kiss lasted, but he knew he didn't want it to end. She was so petite in his arms, he felt like with the wrong move he might break her, and the ideas scared him. He realised as he held her close and felt her lips against his that this couldn't be some chance, one off encounter. He needed this mysterious stranger to be his first good morning and his last good night. Her kiss was intoxicating and the way his head burned for her only confirmed that this was right.

Harley knew that this was far from what he had been instructed to do with his evening, but surely if he had been gone too long Enzo would have come to find him. For once Harley didn't care about rules, he only cared that he ensure he would see his soulmate again after tonight.

Her hand rested over his heart and he felt a weight lifted from him. She knew, because she must also feel it too "it feels like it's on fire" he said with a grin, and it did he wished he could see what marking she had left on him. "Do you feel it too?" he asked, hopeful "because I've never had this sensation before."

Sadie

Sadie gasped as he pulled her in, every hair on her body stood up as he kissed along her neck and jaw, she closed her eyes enjoying the sensation. Each kiss and touch was slow and deliberate, and drover her crazy. When his eyes met herself she felt like she might burst, the tension in the air between them denser than anything she had ever felt before. It felt like the world stopped for a moment, nothing outside this room mattered, only the longing she had to kiss him.

Then he was kissing her and she melted into his arms, kissing back with a smile in place. The kiss deepened and she felt herself pushed back against a book shelf, the urgency in their kisses told her he felt the same as she did. Sadie's hands trailed the top of his back, and gripped his hair as the two of them stayed tangled together for what felt simultaneously like forever, and not long enough.

Everything was so perfect, Sadie didn't think it was possible for the bubble she was in to burst. But it did, and it did in a big way. Of course Sadie knew of the other Mafia children, they'd not met, but she was aware of all the key players in her fathers business. The name Enzo had come up in family conversation often, he was the fresh faced assassin that the Luciano family had been warned to keep their eyes on.

Sadie's face dropped as she stumbled back out of his arms and away from him. "Fuck" she breathed, looking at him in disbelief. She slowly removed her mask "Sadie Ricci" she said with a hint of pain in her voice. She felt her eyes spike with tears. This couldn't be happening, her soulmate couldn't be Enzo Leonetti. She shook her head "this is bad, oh god this is so bad."​

 

[a z u l a]

Natalia

For a moment Natalia considered lying, telling Harley that she didn't feel it too. The universe was telling them that they belonged together, and yet she still wasn't sure. Just because fate told her to place her heart in his hands, didn't mean she was willing to. There still so much to be uncertain of, so much that could go wrong with a soulmate, but she couldn't lie to him when he was looking at her with those pleading eyes. Natalia may have been a heartbreaker, but this was one heart she wanted to protect.

"I feel it too." She spoke barely above a whisper, looking up to him with wide eyes and a soft smile. This was the most vulnerable she'd ever been, and she hoped that it wouldn't come back to bite her. While every other girl had been searching for their soulmate, Natalia had been chasing after her ambitions and dealing with the weight of the mafia world. It wasn't that she didn't want to one day find love, she just didn't know how to handle it. How did love fit into her world? Her parents seemed to make it work just fine, but they were some of the lucky ones. She knew plenty of people that had lost their soulmate, mostly to death, but some because of their own foolish mistakes. Natalia worried, not just for her heart, but his too.

"I didn't expect to meet my soulmate tonight." The word felt foreign on her tongue, yet as soon as she said it aloud she knew it was true. There was no denying that her soul was aching for him, not matter how badly she wanted to deny it.

Enzo

All that Enzo wanted to do was kiss her, to taste every last inch of her skin and get to know his soulmate in the most intimate of ways. Before he could kiss her again she was backing away, his heart breaking as the smile on her face fell. This wasn't the reaction he'd hoped for, and suddenly Enzo was feeling insecure with a woman for the first time in his life. He understood her disdain as soon as she took off her mask, and he felt his stomach drop.

It had been too good to be true, his soulmate had to be from the one family he'd hated since he was a child. The bad blood between the Santoro's and the Luciano's had been going on for decades before he was even born. It was one of the first things Enzo had ever learned about the mafia, that they hated the rival mafia with a long burning passion. His father's brother, his uncle, had been killed in cold blood by them when he was still very young. It had only cemented what his father had preached to him, and now his soulmate's father was one of the highest ranking members of the Luciano family that he hated so much.

"I knew I shouldn't have come tonight." He chuckled dryly, running his hand through his hair as he let out a long sigh. This was bad, very bad, but he wasn't going to let his soulmate slip away when he'd only just met her. Even if they'd only just met, Enzo wasn't sure that he could carry on with his life without her, the aching in his chest simply wouldn't allow it.

"We can work this out, somehow." Enzo stepped forward to take her hand in his, running his fingers along her smooth skin in the moonlight. There had to be some way to make this work, the universe wouldn't have made them soulmates only to tear them apart.​

 

[februaryagain]

Harley

Natalia's admission that she felt it too relieved the anxiety that had built up in Harley's chesty. There was a vulnerability to admitting the new found mark on his chest, and if she didn't feel it too then he would look like a complete fool. Harley wasn't used to looking like an idiot and avoided it at all cost, his pride couldn't take it. But she did feel the same as him, he wasn't imagining it.

Harley smiled softly as she spoke the word out loud. Soulmate...what a strange thing to call someone. The word had so much power to it, there was nothing subtle about it. It was finite and decided, not something you could question because the universe did not allow you to question it. It wasn't something you could return, you couldn't trade for a new soulmate, there was one person out there that was matched to you and if you found them then you'd won the lottery.

Harley certainly felt like he'd won the lottery and then some, his soulmate was beautiful, witty and confident. He couldn't ask for much more.
"I didn't think I'd find my soulmate ever" he admitted "but I'm so glad I've found you" he closed the gap between them and kissed her again. The kiss had passion and purpose. It lasted all of a minute before a commotion startled the two from their embrace.

Sadie

Sadie couldn't help but feel completely betrayed by the situation, what sort of sick joke would mean that the person she was destined to be with was also a person she had only ever been told to despise. Sadie hung on her fathers every word, she was daddy's little girl after all, and all Sadie had ever been told was that there were good guys and there were bad guys. Her family were the good guys (she was gullible enough to look past how corrupt they themselves were), and the Santoro family and anyone affiliated with them were the bad guys. Not only were they bad, they were the worst. Sadie had been told time and time again that they were unjust liars, thieves and murderers.

His words stung, she looked down and tried to blink back tears. Shouldn't have come? He regretted her, he regretted everything. The idea hurt her more than it should. How could everything go from being so perfect to so horrible in the blink of an eye.

His hand was in hers and he looked she wanted so badly to believe him. Sadie wanted to think that there might be a world where their relationship could blossom without prejudice, but that wasn't possible. Sadie was broken up by the idea of betraying her father's wishes. She'd done a lot of bad in her life, and broke a lot of rules, but this was one she had sworn she'd never break.

Sadie was crying now, she couldn't conceal it. "I'm sorry" she whispered "I just don't think we can" she stepped back from him and placed her mask back on her face. She choked back a sob "it was n-nice to meet you, Enzo" she could't look at him, it was too forbidden and hurt too much. So she did the only thing she could think of, she ran away. Sadie went crashing through the party, looking frantically for the only person who could help her now. "Nat" she called out, running out into the garden "Nat, you won't believe it, oh my god it's so horrible" she stopped dead in her tracks when she noticed Natalia wasn't alone. "Oh...I-I'm sorry."

​

 

[a z u l a]

Natalia

Despite the fear in the back of her mind, Natalia was in pure bliss to be in her soulmate's arms. Though they'd only just met she could tell that she would like him, he was charming, confident, and sweet at the same time. She hungrily kissed him again, she could've spent all night in his embrace but they were quickly pulled apart as Sadie burst out into the garden. Her best friend was clearly in distress and as much as she wanted to spend more time getting to know her soulmate, her family would always come first.

"What's wrong?" She asked, turning away from Harley to move towards Sadie. It physically pained her to leave him, but he would have to wait for now. Her cousin was usually well put together, something must've happened to make her this disheveled. It was growing late anyways, eventually her parents would've come looking for her and she wasn't yet ready to tell them she'd found her soulmate. There would be so many questions she couldn't answer, she didn't even know his name let alone who he was as a person yet.

"I'm sorry, I have to go." She turned back to give Harley a soft smile, wanting to give him a goodbye kiss but not wanting to leave Sadie waiting another moment. The two girls hurried back inside and up to Natalia's room so that Sadie could tell her what had happened. Natalia couldn't even imagine what she'd do if her soulmate turned out to be a member of their rival gang. Speaking of her soulmate, she still had no idea who he was or how to contact him again. The rest of the night he was on her mind and she couldn't stop thinking about the short time they'd spent together.


Enzo

Before Enzo could say anything else, Sadie was running out of the room and down the hall. He followed after her, but lost her in the crowded ballroom. A heavy sigh escaped his lips as he scanned the room for a glimpse of her black hair with no luck. She was gone and probably didn't even want him to found her.

He couldn't let her slip away, but it wasn't safe for him to go searching around the Luciano mansion looking for her when he wasn't supposed to be there in the first place. As soon as he got home he would search for her, he had all of the connections he needed to be able to find her again. Even if she didn't want anything to do with him he just couldn't leave her alone. They were soulmates, Enzo had never believe he could have a soulmate and now he'd found her.

If Enzo was anything, he was determined. Even though they shouldn't be together, there had to be a way for them to make it work. Soulmates were non-negotiable, you couldn't return them or ask for another. Now that he'd found her he couldn't imagine a life without her. It was a curse, to find your soulmate and have them leave. He would never be able to find anyone else, knowing that she was out there somewhere.​

 

[februaryagain]

Harley

It was frustrating for Harley to be ripped apart from his soulmate before managing to learn her name, or even get her number. He'd been left in the evening air feeling like he may have just let the girl of his dreams out of his grip. She'd been wearing a mask after all, he didn't have a full face to look for. He moped around for days over it, feeling like he'd been complete for that evening and now he would only ever be half. He was quite insufferable to be around, because he was short tempered and rude.

After a few days Harley decided that if fate were on his side, he would someone end up seeing the beautiful girl again. But in the meantime he'd throw himself into his duties. This included being given some very important responsibility from his father. It was 2am on a Thursday morning when Harley scaled the the side of one of the towns richest jewellers. He was tasked to enter the building from the top, though the air vents and then to disable the alarms, this was a heist. He steadied himself at the top of the building and moved as quietly as possible across the rooftop.

Sadie

Sadie had cried all night, she'd sobbed on her best friends shoulder as she tried to process what had happened. Why was the universe so cruel? She had found something so perfect, and it had turned out to be so wrong. Enzo had been so charming, and even more handsome with the mask removed. He'd promised her luxury escapes to far off countries and extravagant dates, ad now they would never happen. Could never happen.

She was sad, but Sadie was resilient and she would come back from this. Yes Enzo had promised her the world, but she could get all of those things without him. She didn't need a man, and she certainly did not need one who was siding with the enemy. She'd find the will power eventually to stop staring at her new tattoo in the mirror, as beautiful as it was.

Sadie spent some quality time with her father when she could over the following days, and that helped reaffirm her decision., Enzo might be her soulmate, but she'd lived this long without one, she would continue to be fine without him in her future. Her father mattered more to her. "Goodnight daddy" she said and kissed his cheek, before flouncing up to her room. Sadie was all set for bed in her pink night dress and black chiffon dressing gown with fur accents, but she wouldn't sleep just yet. It was a lovely evening and Sadie grabbed her sketch book and headed out on to her balcony that overlooked their large garden. This was Sadie's favourite thing to do, she sat on the chair on her balcony and began sketching more ideas of designs.​

 

[a z u l a]

Natalia

The next few days after the masquerade ball Natalia spent moping around the mansion. They were preparing for a big heist that she should've been focusing on, but she couldn't get her mind off of the mystery man, her soulmate. It was everything that she'd both hoped for and feared, and before she'd had the chance to get to know him he was gone. She'd looked through the guest list for the evening and crossed everyone off, though he'd been at the party he hadn't been formally invited. It was impossible to search for him without a name, but she tried anyways. Her fingers gravitated towards the sharp lines that now painted her chest, touching the mark as every day it ached more and more.

It was only in the hours leading up to their next mission that Natalia was really focused, able to tear her thoughts away from her soulmate only for her duty to her family. This was what she'd always wanted, to lead. But now that she'd met her soulmate, it seemed like her priorities were elsewhere. It could be dangerous, to be so distracted when so much was at stake. She'd trained for moment's like these her whole life, she was ready even if she had been distracted.

As soon as they got there she could tell something was off, the system had already been de-activated, someone else was here. She quickly slipped into the building, careful not to make a sound as she crept around the store. It wasn't long until she spotted the other intruder, stealthily sneaking up as close as she could to him before pulling out her gun.

"Don't move." She spoke, aiming it directly at his head as she slowly circled to face him.

Enzo

It had been a long few days since the masquerade ball. Enzo had left the ball as soon as he'd been allowed to, heading to the gym instead of to bed to blow off some steam. He'd worked out long into the night before wearing himself into exhaustion, finally able to sleep without thinking of his soulmate's beautiful face. He'd been working harder than ever since that night, trying his best to distract himself with work and failing miserably. Despite knowing it wasn't a good idea, he found Sadie's address and wrote it down, keeping it crumpled up in his pocket for a few days before deciding against his better judgement.

The mansion was incredibly nice, it was no wonder Sadie had been dressed in such fine clothing. She lived a life of luxury, as most mafia families did, which meant he would have to try extra hard to impress her. For a moment he stayed in his car, rethinking his decision for the millionth time as he surveyed the property before finally getting out. He couldn't turn back now, this was his soulmate. So, he carefully snuck around the gate, wandering through the backyard before he saw a light turn on upstairs. Vaguely, he could see Sadie's silhouette and it made him stop in his tracks. He watched for a moment as she moved around before finally opening her balcony doors, taking a seat and focusing on something in her hands.

It was now or never, so he carefully climbed the tree closest to her window, trying not to be too loud as he ascended. Finally he was equal height with her balcony, he could see her face perfectly in the moonlight and was at a loss for words. He'd been thinking about this moment all week, but now he didn't know what to say. Would she turn him away? Would she go get her father and force him to flee? There were so many possibilities, but he would never know unless he tried.

"Sadie?" He called out softly, trying to get her attention without starling her. "Sadie, it's Enzo. Please, talk to me. Just give me a chance." Enzo practically begged, hopeful that she would at least give him a chance to explain himself.

februaryagain ​