"I'm coming soon." Sora said smiling over the phone.
Kai's response was immediate and filled with excitement, his voice tinged with wonder.
"Are you really? When?!"
In response to Kai's enthusiasm, Sora's laughter was characterized by a sense of shared excitement as she replied.
"February the first. So three months from now! It may be a while, because Ojisan told me to stay, he needs help with a few things."
(Ojisan= Uncle in Japanese)."
Kai's response was marked by scoff, while Sora, well aware of his sentiments regarding her uncle, offered a light-hearted laugh in return.
Kai was intent on continuing the conversation when the interruption of a knock on his door caused him to pause.
On the other side of the door, Mina's voice was heard, politely requesting,
"Hey Kai, can we talk?"
Kai's initial reaction was a frozen pause, and Sora, displaying her annoyance through her actions, promptly ended the phone call without formalities.
Kai carefully opened the door to see Mina happily smiling on the other side, and resisted the urge to roll his eyes.
"What do you want?" Kai huffed.
Mina smiled and entered his room while holding a batch of cookies in her hand.
"I want to thank you for letting me go on this mission! I made cookies and I know you don't really like the sweets I make, but I just wanted to show my appreciation!" Mina said sweetly.
Kai's response was accompanied by a warm smile as he approached and took a seat beside her.
He offered both appreciation and caution, presenting a gun from his pocket with the words,
"You know, I want you to be careful. I don't want you getting hurt. So, if anything goes wrong, carry this."
Mina accepted the gun with a smile and a nod of acknowledgment while Kai began tiredly speaking once more.
"You should sleep Mina. We have a long day ahead of us."
Mina nodded in agreement , rising with enthusiasm and a cheerful demeanor as she walked toward the door.
Before she exited the room, Mina's smile deepened, and she gently turned to Kai before saying the one sentence that had been on her mind all evening long.
"I love you Kai."
Kai tensed and acknowledged her words with a nod, before awkwardly closing the door before calling Sora back.
Mina sighed in disappointment as the door shut.
Kai still didn't return her feelings.
Mina shook off those thoughts immediately since the next day, she would make her mark and no one could stop her.
Kai felt guilty after seeing her face as he shut the door, because he truly did love Mina.
Just not in the way she wanted.
As time passed, a genuine affection developed within Kai for Mina, leading him to contemplate the idea of marriage.
Initially, Mina had entered his life as something of a rebound, but her commitment and sacrifice in order to be with him changed his perspective, making him appreciate her dedication and selflessness.
But most of all, Kai liked the way he could control Mina so easily.
She was so obedient towards him, and never ever said no.
It was the main reason Kai still stayed with her.
He didn't love her romantically, but loved the power he had over Mina.
Kai had grown protective over her as well.
She was so gentle and fragile, which was something Kai loved about Mina.
He tried calling Sora, but she didn't answer.
Sora hated Mina with all her guts, probably even more than Kai hated Leonardo.
But despite all the thoughts that littered through Kai's head, he needed to get some sleep.
Especially because he had no clue what was coming for him.
********************
As the morning sun illuminated the room, Leonardo's reaction was far from appreciative, and he expressed his displeasure with a disapproving groan.
Seeking to prepare for the day ahead, he proceeded to the bathroom, where he took a shower and carefully shaved.
Once cleaned up, he donned a stylish ensemble consisting of black suit pants, black suit shoes, and a collared short-sleeved brown shirt that he wore slightly unbuttoned to reveal his chest.
A chain, watch, and ring adorned his person, and he finished his grooming routine with a generous application of cologne.
With his gun in hand, Leonardo sighed and stepped out of his the room.
The day in question was the annual hangout, a day of relaxation and indulgence in alcohol, shared with Emiliano and their associates.
This was different from their typical mafia-related affairs was something Leonardo both loathed and craved.
His hate for alcohol, stemming from its taste, scent, and the effects it had on individuals, was well-known, but he attended the gathering as a means to escape from the mounting stress caused by the ongoing search for the elusive Diamond.
Despite the considerable strain of having no leads on the Diamond's whereabouts, Leonardo had decided that this would be his break day.
Today, Leo was going to let loose, and drown all his worries in sparkling cider.
*****************
In a separate location, Jack and Kai convened at the station as they prepared for their mission.
Meanwhile, Mina remained at home, making final preparations for her appearance.
Once the trio came together, they entered a van equipped with a microphone linked to Mina.
Their objective, to investigate the Valentina hotel.
"You ready?" Kai asked while casting a gaze around the city.
"Hell yeah! It's been two weeks! We better find something, I swear!" Jack exclaimed as he crouched down, monitoring the passing individuals closely.
Their talk was briefly interrupted by an unexpected knock on the van's window.
Jack gasped and welcomed the visitor with a smile exclaiming, "Amina Ali, you clean up very well girll."
Mina's attire exuded elegance, as she donned a complete navy suit and a finely tailored pleated skirt.
Her look was complemented by stylish black sunglasses, tall black stilettos, dark red lipstick, and a securely fastened hijab.
Additional embellishments included a gold ring and chain, adding to her overall charm.
Grateful for the compliment, Mina expressed her enthusiasm by declaring, "Thank you, Jack! I feel so badass!"
Mina, I don't think you'll impress Leonardo. You're pretty, but not his type. The only way you could convince him is if you took off the hijab." Kai said apologetically.
Jack gasped in shock at Kai's words.
How could he tell his own wife to remove the veil that made her who she was?
Mina responded with a smirk, briefly lowering her sunglasses."Then I'll become his type. All I have to do is put on a alluring persona and he'll be convinced. This hijab is not coming off, especially for some random man."
Jack responded with a holler, and Mina pulled her sunglasses back up with a self-assured smirk, affirming her decision.
Kai added a final reminder with a note of seriousness, saying, "Remember, code and safe word is Diamond okay? Good luck!"
Mina acknowledged the reminder with a nod and proceeded to embark on her mission by entering the hotel.
Jack and Kai returned to their surveillance vehicle, where they attentively monitored the audio feed from Mina's microphone while Kai quietly whispered to himself,
"Please pull this off Mina."
******************
Mina gazed up at the imposing structure, her self-assured demeanor growing with each step.
Amina Ali was no more.
For now, she'd be Aliyah, the mysterious woman who just so happened to remember Leonardo from a party he attended back in New York.
With a sly grin, Mina strolled into the hotel, gracefully navigating her path towards the reception desk.
"Welcome to the Valentina Hotel. How may I help you?" the receptionist warmly inquired.
With an air of sophistication, Mina produced her card and addressed the woman.
"I desire the grandest suite on the highest floor. Nothing less," Mina articulated in a refined English accent.
The receptionist's countenance paled as she explained that the suite was already reserved.
Raising an eyebrow, Mina crossed her arms and focused her penetrating gaze on the receptionist.
"By whom?" Mina inquired nonchalantly.
The woman quivered under Mina's intense scrutiny before divulging, "Leonardo. Leonardo De Luca."
Mina removed her glasses, leaned on the desk, and fixed a stern gaze on the woman.
"Tell him that it is now mine," Mina declared, rolling her eyes.
The woman cowered, stammering, "But it's his hotel, he gets it if he wishes!"
Mina leaned closer, grasping the woman's shoulder.
"Take me to him immediately," Mina huskily demanded, her glare intensifying.
The woman, clearly intimidated, nodded and stammered, "F-follow me."
Mina followed the woman into an elevator, the silence hanging heavily between them until Mina's impatience got the best of her, prompting her to press the button forcefully and scowl, making the woman flinch once more.
The elevator doors opened, revealing a massive metal door guarded by a stern sentinel.
"Rebecca? Who is this? She shouldn't be here!" the bodyguard barked.
Rebecca flinched and was about to respond when Mina pushed her aside, her gaze locked on the man.
"Thank you. I'll handle it," Mina said to Rebecca, though she continued to fixate her intense gaze on her.
Rebecca nervously nodded and retreated into the elevator.
The bodyguard, still bewildered, inquired, "Who are you? What do you want?"
Mina scoffed, lowering her sunglasses and staring at the man seductively.
"I'm looking for some fun," Mina huskily murmured.
The man was taken aback before regaining his composure.
"No. I see through your game, lady. It won't work here."
Mina smirked and tiptoed closer, whispering into his ear, "I think you're more handsome than Leonardo. I'd let you have your turn with me before him."
The bodyguard blushed but maintained his seriousness.
"Fine. Only five minutes," he declared.
Mina nodded, watching as he opened the door.
Inside, there were numerous men reveling and enjoying themselves.
Mina felt somewhat overwhelmed as she searched for Leonardo.
Only one man had turned his attention towards her, and Mina identified her target, swaying her hips as she approached.
The men noticed her and discreetly reached for their concealed weapons.
Leonardo remained oblivious, engrossed in conversation with the bartender.
Suddenly, a hush fell over the room, and a seat was pulled out next to Leonardo.
Leonardo finally turned and observed a woman who crossed her legs and adjusted her glasses.
"Bring me something strong, an aged wine perhaps," Mina huskily requested.
Leonardo glanced at his men before his head bodyguard, Enzo, whispered in his ear.
"Want me to take care of her?"
Leonardo cast a final glance at Mina, smirking, and replied to Enzo, "No, I can handle her. Take the boys outside; I'm going to have some fun with her."
Enzo nodded and ushered the men out, leaving Mina, Leonardo, and the bartender in the room.
The bartender regarded Leonardo with a perplexed expression, contemplating whether to prepare a beverage for Mina.
However, before any decision could be made, Leonardo interjected with a hint of annoyance in his voice.
"No, give her water. People like her don't drink alcohol." Leonardo stated.
The bartender acknowledged the request, promptly serving a glass of water to Mina, and discreetly exiting the vicinity.
Mina concealed her nervous butterflies with a sly grin.
Although she had seen pictures of Leonardo, this was her first in-person encounter.
She couldn't deny the allure of his striking handsomeness, which stirred a flutter of nerves in her.
"What do you mean by 'people like me'?" Mina queried, her smirk unwavering.
Leonardo responded with an exasperated eye roll, demonstrating a lack of interest in further discourse. "Muslims. I know they don't drink. Who are you, and what are you doing in front of me? I've got better things to do then lecture people on their own religion." he declared irritably.
Unfazed, Mina took a sip of her water and maintained her silence.
Leonardo's irritation escalated as he attempted to seize Mina's glasses.
Mina quickly evaded his advances, prompting Leonardo to make a forceful approach.
Since Mina was a lot smaller and shorter than Leonardo, it was easy for her to dodge his hands.
With a triumphant grin, Mina's confidence surged until Leonardo seized her by the neck, pinning her to the wall. Mina gasped, finally uttering her identity in a last-ditch effort.
"Aliyah, Aliyah Amir! We met at a party! Marcello's party! You don't remember me?" Mina exclaimed.
Leonardo flinched though his hand still remained wrapped around her small neck as he tried to recall the event.
"What did we do?" Leonardo asked suspiciously.
Mina composed herself and replied convincingly, "You told me about your ex, and how much she hurt you. Were you drunk? Do you really not remember what went down that night?"
With her words, Leonardo released his grip, retreating to his seat in shock.
The idea that he had poured his heartache to a complete stranger was unbelievably.
Mina's explanation delved into the deceptions of a previous event orchestrated by Emiliano and Marcello, leading to his inebriation and the unintended revelations of his past heartbreak.
It was all because Emiliano had secretly replaced his cider with alcohol, causing him to get drunk.
It was Marcello, one of Emiliano's friends party who invited Leonardo to come.
He didn't want to go, but Gabriella convinced him to, telling him he needed to live a little.
After a angry sigh, Leonardo questioned, "Why are here? To tell me how weak of a man I am because I let her go?"
Mina, taken aback, shook her head with a smirk.
"No, I just enjoyed your company last time. And I also want to see how the sober Leonardo is. I hope he's still as charming as he was before!"
Leonardo responded with a self-assured grin, crossing his arms.
"Okay Aliyah. Tell me, what do you love most?" He replied with a grin.
Leonardo's primary objective was to unveil Mina's true intentions, revealing her as a gold digger.
He understood that any woman bold enough to challenge him must have been motivated by wealth.
Mina recognized Leonardo's attempt to humiliate her intentions and decided to capitalize on it.
"Well, I would say diamonds, but I hold a genuine affection for... love," she emphasized, highlighting the word 'diamonds.'
***************
Kai and Jack discreetly eavesdropped on Mina's conversation, and upon recognizing her signal, they swiftly initiated their operation.
"Damn, Mina really knows what she's going bro. We should've brought her sooner!" Jack remarked, donning a ski mask and gloves for concealment.
Kai nodded, and began putting on his clothing, before speaking again.
"Are you ready to climb all the way up the hotel? Kai said smirking.
Jack, though daunted by the towering structure, swallowed his nerves and nodded, which only increased his confidence.
"I was born ready." he declared, a confident smirk gracing his face
*********
Leonardo chuckled, impressed by Mina's resilience, before making a demand.
"Take off your glasses. I want to see your face," he said, smirking.
Mina tensed but responded confidently,
"Does it truly matter? Honestly, I doubt my ability to resist, since you seem destined to succumb to my charm the instant our eyes meet. You'll fall for me the moment I give eye contact to you."
Leonardo scoffed, stating, "Don't flatter yourself. I'll bring one of my men to take you out if you don't show me."
Mina stiffened before clearing her throat and removing her glasses.
Her eyes widened upon seeing her true form, and Leonardo found himself captivated by her beauty and charisma.
Mina stared at him lustfully, smirking as the lights dimmed. "Told you," she said confidently.
Leonardo shook his head after catching sight of Mina's expression, determined not to grant her the satisfaction of validating her words.
"Tell me about yourself Aliyah. You seem to have a big mouth, so entertain me." Leonardo remarked, crossing his arms over his chest.
Mina smiled, taking another sip of her water before uttering a word.
"Well, I'm originally from England, but I'm Persian by heritage. I relocated to the US years ago in pursuit of employment, though unfortunately, I found nothing.
Eventually, I fell in with the wrong crowd, and that's how I ended up where I am now. I may have hurt a few people, but it was only in self-defense, and I don't regret it. That's a bit about me. Now, tell me about yourself." Mina said, smiling.
As Mina spoke, Leonardo was mesmerized by her elegance and dark energy.
Energy dark enough that it compelled those around her to kneel in awe.
She was different, and he admired that.
"I thought you already knew so much about me, but I'll tell you anyways." Leonardo stated with a hint of mockery.
Mina playfully rolled her eyes before Leonardo continued.
"I hail from Italy, specifically Sicily, and my father is Salvatore De Luca. Our family has been deeply entrenched in the Mafia for generations. But, I haven't yet inherited our branch in Italy, since it is tradition to that I must marry first.
I did, however, assume control of our New York operation when I turned twenty, and it has been my sole focus since. I have a sister and a nephew. Oh, and I happen to be quite skilled at chess." he added with a cheeky grin.
Mina tsked disapprovingly, her head shaking slightly as she formulated her response to Leonardo's remark.
"Oh really? I had the impression that big, burly, masculine, self absorbed men like you have more, useless hobbies, like acting as if you're truly handsome."
Leonardo locked eyes with Mina, who returned his gaze with a piercing intensity before erupting into hearty laughter.
Despite her unassuming appearance, it was clear she possessed a sharp wit and wasn't afraid to speak her mind.
Aliyah Ali was playing with fire.
"Ironically I had an impression that bratty, annoying, obnoxious women only cared about their non existent beauty, but perhaps I was wrong too." Leonardo replied with a smirk.
Instantly, Mina placed her drink down and cast a sly smirk, her gaze sweeping over Leonardo from head to toe.
"So you play chess, huh? How good are you on a scale from one to ten? I assume you're around a three, but that's just being generous." Mina retorted confidently.
"I'd say I'm a good eight, but yeah it's also me being generous. I assume around you're a 9..when it comes to the dumbass scale." Leonardo smirked.
Mina huffed in frustration and swiftly grabbed her cup, splashing Leonardo in the face with a determined flick of her wrist.
"Don't ever underestimate a woman, Leonardo. You might find yourself in a world of trouble," she hissed, her tone laced with warning.
Despite the unexpected dousing, Leonardo maintained his composure, calmly wiping his face before turning to Mina with a mischievous grin, ready to match her wit with his own.
"No one has dared to cross me in such a manner before. Do you believe yourself to be special among the useless humans in this unfair world? Never underestimate me, Aliyah. Repeat that act again and you'll find my mercy far less lenient."
Hoping to elicit intimidation from Mina with his words, Leonardo was met with only a smirk as she continued speaking.
"Aww, that's precious, Leonardo. I do commend your attempt at intimidation, but it simply doesn't work on me. Those panda-like eyes and adorable dimples of yours? Don't bother with the tough act, Leonardo. It only undermines your strength," Mina remarked with a soft smile.
Leonardo felt a flush of warmth creep up the sides of his face as Mina's words hit their mark.
How dare this woman evoke such an unexpected emotion within him?
Leonardo found himself caught between conflicting emotions.
He was impressed by Mina's audacity, angry at her defiance, yet undeniably drawn to her charm.
Strangely enough, amidst the turmoil, he also felt an unfamiliar sensation fluttering in his stomach, like a swarm of butterflies taking flight.
"When will you leave, Aliyah? I have business, and more sophisticated women to attend to." Leonardo uttered, though his words far from the truth, as he had never been one to actively pursue women.
With a smirk, Mina cast her eyes downward and suggested a game of chess.
"If you manage to best me, then I'll vanish from your life entirely. It'll be as if our paths never crossed," she teased, her smirk widening.
Leonardo pondered her proposition for a moment before nodding, a confident smirk spreading across his features.
Mina's reign would soon come to an end.
"Very well. If you're as skilled as you claim, then let's put it to the test. The board awaits," Leonardo proposed, his tone laced with confidence. "Beat me, and I'll grant your wish. But let's see who the true winner will be."
Mina agreed, seeing the game as a strategic move to buy more time for Jack and Kai's investigation.
"May the best player win...even though it'll be me." she declared confidently.
Leonardo chuckled in amusement, shaking his head as he excused himself to prepare for the match.
In truth, Leonardo had no intention of letting Mina slip away, even if she emerged victorious.
There was an undeniable air of mystery surrounding her, and Leonardo was determined to uncover it.
Leonardo acknowledged with a nod before excusing himself and stepping outside.
"Why are you taking so long, De Luca? We want to go back!" Enzo grumbled impatiently.
Leonardo smirked, leaning in to whisper in Enzo's ear.
"Prepare my room. I plan on having some fun tonight."
In an instant Enzo, Emiliano, and the others in the room gasped, surprised that Leonardo, after many years, was finally considering such an intimate encounter.
Returning to the room, he found Mina poised by the bar, awaiting their chess match.
As Leonardo's gaze settled on Mina, she skillfully masked her inner turmoil, maintaining her composure to fulfill her mission.
Leonardo smiled, observing the silhouette of her body in its genuine form, and dimmed the lights around them with his remote.
Mina's eyes widened, caught off guard by the sudden darkness.
"Go on," Leonardo said, smirking.
Taking a deep breath, Mina noticed Kai and Jack crawling under the glass screen in the room behind them, and quickly focused on the game.
In truth, Mina was no skilled chess player at all.
Despite having only played a few times in high school, Mina knew she had little chance of winning unless she mirrored Leonardo's moves.
"Oh Allah, please help me." Mina whispered desperately.
As Leonardo turned abruptly at the sound from the hallway, Mina seized the opportunity, anchoring her hands on the chess piece with precision, capitalizing on Leonardo's momentary distraction.
With her heart pounding in her chest, Mina cautiously moved her pawn in front of her king and queen, advancing them two spaces forward.
In the tense atmosphere, Leonardo observed her every move with unwavering attention, the room enveloped in complete silence.
She anticipated Leonardo's turn, but to her surprise, he remained rooted in place, utterly captivated by her beauty.
Holding a glass of sparkling water in his hand, he seemed entranced, unwilling to tear his gaze away, uttering one word.
"Beautiful."
Upon hearing him, her gaze shifted, taking on a lustful quality as she removed her hand from the board during the game.
Gracefully, Mina shed her coat while staring into Leonardo's eyes.
Leonardo tensed, feeling a whirlwind in his head and weakness in his knees as he became entranced by Mina's confident rendition.
Her eyes resonated with purity, akin to pure water, and Leonardo found himself hypnotized by the allure of her beauty.
Mina maintained a smile as she observed Leonardo's distraction.
Despite the whirlwind of emotions swirling within him, Leonardo remained silent, his gaze locked with Mina's eyes as if they held the answers to a lifelong quest he had been searching for.
Witnessing Leonardo captivated only bolstered her confidence.
With a smirk aimed at Leonardo, Mina continued moving her pieces, her eyes casting a hypnotic spell.
Though she was initially nervous, Mina's anxiety evaporated as Leonardo swiftly succumbed to her performance.
This was too easy.
************
Kai and Jack successfully reached the building, sneaking toward "the Diamond room," which housed all of Leonardo's business documents.
Unaware to them, the room had a glass wall, allowing Leonardo to see those who entered when he was at the bar.
About to enter the Diamond room, Jack gasped. "There's a glass frame! How the hell are we going to get into the room?" he exclaimed.
Kai cautiously peeked on the other side, shocked at what he saw.
Jack, confused, turned to look as well. Leonardo was turned around, captivated by the woman sitting in front of him.
"Amina damn Ali. She did it," Jack said, smirking.
Kai smiled, and they crawled their way to the Diamond room.
"See if you can find any records of where he was during the night the Diamond went missing. Flight records or even letters," Kai instructed as he sifted through papers.
Jack nodded, searching through the organized piles. Kai looked up, seeing Mina, feeling proud.
Jack noticed Kai's gaze and commented, "That's your girl, man. There's no one like Mina. You better cherish her."
Kai nodded, feeling immediate guilt for not realizing Mina's uniqueness.
Distracted, he accidentally hit the glass with his elbow.
Soon, Jack gasped, finding a letter, but it was too late. "WHO ARE YOU?" Emiliano shouted.
Jack pocketed the paper, and a fight ensued. Instead of fists, Kai used his karate skills from childhood in Japan.
"Oh hell nah man! We ain't doing no Kung Fu!" Jack exclaimed before Enzo tried to unmask him.
Kai and Emiliano fought, and although Emiliano knew karate, Kai's skill easily prevailed.
"Listen, big man, I don't know who the hell you are, but don't be touching my face! Let's work it out, okay?! No more fighting, let's all be friends!" Jack pleaded.
Enzo, frustrated, lifted the bottom of Jack's mask, revealing his mouth. Kai intervened, kicking Enzo away and helping Jack up.
"HEY BOYS, HURRY UP! GRAB THEIR ASS!" Emiliano shouted, and dozens of men stormed the hall.
Kai's face paled.
Grabbing Emiliano by the collar, he pushed him out of the glass screen. "Come on! Let's run!" Kai urged, jumping out and heading towards the elevator.
************
Mina continued her playing, maintaining her composure, but her focus shifted when dozens of men stormed into the Diamond room, determined to catch Kai and Jack.
Undeterred, Mina raised made her final move, intensifying her performance to keep Leonardo preoccupied.
The game reached its conclusion, triumphing Mina as the winner.
"What did I say, cagna?" Mina mockingly remarked.
Leonardo's laughter filled the air as he applauded Mina's playful bow, his eyes filled with admiration.
Stepping closer, he towered over her, his gaze lingering on her with a mix of appraisal and desire.
"That was truly impressive. And you, Aliyah, are utterly captivating," Leonardo murmured huskily, his voice laced with genuine admiration.
Stiffening, Mina felt Leonardo inching closer, attempting a kiss.
She stood still in shock until a sudden shout disrupted the moment.
"JACK, RUN!"
Leonardo's attention snapped to a cracked glass screen, Emiliano on the floor, and his men pursuing Kai and Jack.
Wheeling back to Mina, he seized her neck harshly.
"YOU! YOU'RE A LIAR! YOU WERE DISTRACTING ME!" Leonardo's voice rang with anger.
Mina, her breath held, nervously awaited the impending confrontation until he abruptly released her and sprinted toward Kai.
"Watch her, make sure she doesn't go anywhere," Leonardo barked, assigning responsibility for Mina to someone else as he pursued Kai.
Kai, having noticed Leonardo chasing him, swiftly turned his attention to the impending encounter.
If he had made it to the elevator, Jack and Mina would be trapped.
He couldn't take the risk, despite Leonardo being inches away from him.
As the drama unfolded, Mina hoped Kai and Jack knew what they were doing.
Leonardo, now engaged in a chase, exchanged blows with Kai while Jack faced off against Enzo.
"YOU'RE WORKING WITH HER AREN'T YOU? I'M GOING TO KILL YOU ALL, YOU FUCKING CAGNAS!" Leonardo hissed.
Tense moments passed, and Mina whispered urgently to Kai.
"Hit me, Kai! Make it look real. He can't think we're working together!"
Shaking his head in disbelief, Kai refused.
"No! Are you crazy? I'm not hitting you!"
Mina, quick on her feet, feigned a fall, pretending to hit her head.
"ALIYAH!" Leonardo shouted in concern.
Luckily, the ruse worked.
"YOU JACKASS! I'M GOING TO KILL YOU FOR THAT!" Leonardo shouted angrily.
HURRY UP, LET'S GO!" Kai shouted to Jack.
Jack nodded before getting out of Enzo's grasp, until Enzo tripped him, and pulled off his mask.
"IT'S YOU! THE MAN FROM THE BAR!" Enzo said angrily.
Jack's face paled and he kicked Enzo in the nuts before running towards the elevator.
Enzo groaned and the other men tried chasing after them, although the elevator finally closed taking Kai and Jack out of the building.
They narrowly evaded capture, and once in the van, they removed their masks, catching their breath.
"We did it!" Jack exclaimed triumphantly, producing a paper from his pocket.
Kai smiled, taking the paper, when a voice over the radio abruptly interrupted their celebration.
"I'm sorry, Aliyah."
**********
After Kai and Jack ran, Leonardo rushed over to Mina, feeling guilty of her accusing her.
"I'm sorry Aliyah. Wake up please!" Leonardo guiltily exclaimed.
Emiliano finally got up and groaned, as his head felt sore from the fall.
He made his way towards Leonardo, who was hovering towards Mina, before touching his shoulder.
"She's not waking up." Leonardo said guiltily.
Emiliano sighed and pointed toward Mina's head before speaking.
"Maybe you should take off her scarf, and check her head."
Leonardo responded with a gentle smile and a nod, indicating his intention to remove Mina's hijab.
However, just as he was about to proceed, Mina unexpectedly opened her eyes and emitted a low groan.
"Ugh, what happened?" Mina groaned as she faked an injury.
"Are you alright? That was bad fall!" Leonardo asked, displaying genuine concern.
Mina tensed and scoffed.
This was this final step in ensuring their plan would be successful.
Mina quickly stood up, expressing her anger and frustration.
"You accused me of helping them, and in return I got hurt! Men only care for one thing, and that's messing with women whenever they want! You're not spending any more time with me, you hypocrite!" she exclaimed, storming out of the room.
Leonardo was taken aback, his men approaching him in a state of alarm.
"They stole something boss! We need to figure it out, fast!" Enzo urgently informed him.
Leonardo, momentarily distracted by the elevator Mina had taken, refocused his attention.
Emiliano noted Leonardo's preoccupation and voiced his annoyance.
"Listen to him! This is serious Leo! Don't worry about that woman right now, we have business to attend!" he admonished.
Leonardo shook his head, making a quick decision and rushing towards the elevator.
Emiliano, agitated, resorted to name-calling as Leonardo departed.
"One conversation and you're already whipped! Don't come back cagna!"
Despite the chastisement, Leonardo followed Mina out of the building, his loud voice attracting the attention of onlookers.
"ALIYAH WAIT, I'M SORRY! PLEASE COME BACK!"
Mina spotted him and, in a swift and dramatic gesture, removed her heels and hurled them at him before fleeing.
"NO, LEAVE ME ALONE!" Mina shouted while running.
Leonardo pursued her, but she managed to escape his sight by turning a corner and hiding within what appeared to be a doghouse.
The odor was unpleasant, but she had to remain concealed.
Leonardo, unsuccessful in his pursuit, returned to his hotel in frustration, running his hand through his hair.
Breathing heavily, Mina activated her microphone and said one word.
"Diamonds."
Upon hearing this, Jack and Kai, who had been monitoring the situation from a distance, expressed relief that Mina was safe.
**************
Aliyah had evoked a unique and unexplained feeling in Leonardo.
His fascination with a woman he had encountered merely an hour ago puzzled him.
Her captivating and compelling presence held a powerful allure that effortlessly stoked his desires.
This newfound attraction had ignited a sense of longing in him, one he was determined not to relinquish.
Leonardo remained undeterred, and only had one thing on his mind.
He was going find Aliyah, no matter how long it took.
Hi friends!! Hope you enjoyed the chapter!!
ATTENTION!!
UPDATE: To all those who read the original chapter where Mina and Leonardo had a singing moment instead, nothing has changed except the competition. Everything else is the same!!
I know nothing about chess, so I am sorry to any skilled chess players who may find it annoying.
Anyways, what do you think of their first meeting?!
Do you like the tension between Leonardo and Mina?
Do you think Leonardo is going to find her??
Comment below!! Till next time!! XoxoSaf