Bella Rosellini, a young widow, mother, and athlete, is looking for work at the end of the semester break. Upon applying to the casino for a summer job, Bella finds the staff abrupt and rude and decides a casino job is not for her. As she leaves the casino, she doesn't realize she has captured the attention of a mafia don.
Ettore Antonelli, the don and owner of the casino, is sitting in his office, recovering from a hangover. While viewing one of the monitors, he spots a beautiful young woman entering the casino. His interest is piqued as he watches her on her way to the personnel office to submit her part-time job application. He's attracted to Bella and decides to learn more about her.
Ettore pursues Bella and keeps his identity as the mafia don a secret. Bella comes to believe he's a wealthy CEO as their relationship progresses. When Bella discovers Ettore's identity, she runs in fear. In an effort to reestablish control over Bella, he punishes her, resulting in an outcome he had not anticipated.