Chapter 2

• Paris unfolded before me like a canvas of elegance and mystery. The City of Light pulsed with life, its streets thrumming with activity. I felt tiny, a solitary figure adrift in a sea of strangers.
• My mission weighed heavily on my mind – find Rafael King.
• I took a deep breath, gathering my thoughts. Time was running out.
• Seven days had passed since my arrival, and I was no closer to uncovering King's whereabouts.
• Frustration simmered within me as I sat at a quaint café, nursing a cup of coffee.
• Two men in black suits caught my attention, their purposeful strides devouring the distance.
• Bodyguards.
• Their presence sparked a question – who needed such protection?
• The wealthy, perhaps?
• I scoffed inwardly. "Can't they defend themselves? Rich brats, wasting money."
• My gaze lingered on the men, now seated inside the café.
• Their hushed conversation drifted out, tantalizing snippets.
• "...big deal going down..."
• "...King's interests..."
• My ears perked up.
• Rafael King.
• The name ignited a spark within me.
• I set my coffee aside, focus sharpening.
• These men might hold the key to finding King.
• I committed their faces to memory, resolving to track their movements.
• Perhaps they'd lead me to the elusive billionaire.
• The stakes had risen.
• I was ready to play.
• With renewed determination, I settled into my chair, eyes locked on the café door.
• The hunt had begun.
• Tonight was my night. I had just received a tip that Rafael King would be making an appearance at Gate Club Paris for a business meeting. This was the opportunity I had been waiting for, and it seemed Lady Luck was smiling down on me.
• But a nagging problem threatened to derail my plans. I had no idea what Rafael King looked like.
• The infamous businessman was a ghost, a shadow that haunted the corridors of power. No one had seen him, no photographs existed, and his media conferences were always attended by assistants or secretaries.
• How was I supposed to recognize him?
• I felt a wave of frustration wash over me. This was absurd. I, a journalist tasked with uncovering secrets, was clueless about the face of the man I sought.
• But I refused to give up. Today was my lucky day, and I wouldn't let this setback hold me back.
• I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the challenge ahead. I would stay positive, keep my eyes open, and trust my instincts.
• Gate Club Paris, here I come.
• I just needed to stay positive and keep my eyes open. Today was my lucky day. I wouldn't lose hope. I would try my best.
• ***********************************
• Gate Club Paris
• I settled into the plush leather stool at Gate Club Paris's bar, eyes fixed on the entrance. I awaited the arrival of a man shrouded in mystery and controversy - Rafael King.
• Legends spoke of his power, his influence, and his alleged ties to the underworld.
• My boss's words echoed in my mind: "Rafael King, the man with mafia connections."
• I expected a entourage of burly guards, a spectacle worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster.
• But as the minutes ticked by, my anticipation gave way to frustration.
• No sign of Rafael King.
• Panic crept in, my thoughts consumed by the looming deadline.
• Tomorrow, I'd face the consequences of failure.
• My job hung in the balance.
• I grabbed my drink and downed it in one swift motion.
• "Damn Rafael King!" I cursed, fury simmering beneath the surface.
• Why couldn't he grant me just 15 minutes?
• One interview, that's all I asked.
• A gentle voice interrupted my tirade.
• "Looks like Rafael King has gotten under your skin."
• I swiveled toward the speaker, my gaze meeting the piercing eyes of a stranger.
• Tall, handsome, and impeccably dressed, he exuded confidence.
• His chiseled physique was evident even beneath the tailored suit.
• A shiver ran down my spine as our eyes locked.
• "Umm... Excuse me?" I stuttered. "Are you talking to me?"
• The stranger's smile widened, his lips curling upward.
• My heart skipped a beat.
• Who was this enigmatic figure?
• And how did he know about Rafael King?
• Curiosity piqued, and I leaned in, eager to unravel the mystery.
• "Yes, you're getting everyone's attention by cursing that Rafael Fucking King," he said, his deep voice low and smooth as he settled beside me.
• I felt a flutter in my chest, my senses heightened.
• Was I drunk? His manly voice was intoxicating, calm and sexy.
• Focus, Eva. You're here for Rafael King, not to drool over this stranger.
• "What are you doing?" I chided myself.
• "I am sorry, sir. I was just a little frustrated," I apologized.
• "Does that mean Rafael is the reason for your frustration?" he asked.
• "Yeah, I'm here to approach him for an interview, but I don't know where he is or how he even looks." My frustration boiled over.
• "I've been trying for weeks, but his secretary always says he doesn't have 15 minutes for me. I'll lose my job if I fail. This is my last chance."
• The stranger's lips curled into a smile.
• "You find this amusing?" I snapped.
• "You're extremely amusing and brave. I like it," he said.
• His laughter ignited a spark within me.
• "Yeah, I need to go," I said.
• "Hey, wait, may we take a drink?" he asked.
• "No thanks, I've exceeded my limit."
• "Remain for some more time. I need to spend time with you."
• "Look, Mr. Whoever you are, I'm not interested."
• "Well, I can help you with Rafael's case."
• His words froze me in my tracks.
• "What did you say?" I turned to him.
• "I said I can help. Spend time with me, and I'll arrange a meeting."
• "Are you playing with me?"
• He chuckled. "I never lie."
• "How can I believe you?"
• "I don't lie. Just believe me, and you'll get what you want."
• He leaned in, his warm breath caressing my ear.
• "I won't touch you without permission, sweetie."
• My heart skipped a beat.
• A dilemma gripped me.
• Should I trust this stranger?
• My job hung in the balance.
• With a deep breath, I made my decision.
• "Okay, I'll take the chance."
• His smile lit up the room.
• And I knew my life was about to change forever.
• *************************************************