♥ Chapter 9♥

Isabella Conti.

Three days later.

Monday.

''Are you still going to get away from me, precious? ''His voice, laden with undeniable seduction, echoed around me, making me shiver involuntarily.

''Stay away from me... You're dangerous. '' My tone wavered as I tried to keep my composure in the face of his dominating presence.

''Do you think I can't tell you're aroused? '' He held me against the wall, his warm, sensual breath caressing my skin and sending shivers throughout my body. ''Your perfume is mesmerizing, precious. Everything about you is so... perfect.

The notion of danger should have driven me away, but instead, my excitement grew with every passing second.

'' N-No... Ah. '' An involuntary moan escaped my lips when his lips met mine.

His kiss was fierce, wild, but incredibly magnetic. He lifted me effortlessly, my legs instinctively wrapping around his waist as we sank into that abyss of desire.

Even though I knew it was wrong, I couldn't deny him, or me, the pleasure that this moment gave me. His rough hands roamed my body with palpable urgency, setting my senses on fire.

''You're mine; I'm going to possess you here and now.'' His voice, laden with lust, whispered in my ear, unleashing a wave of desire that left me breathless.

"Yes. "My voice came out in a hoarse, almost pleading whisper, surrendering completely to that overwhelming passion.

Our gazes met, sparking with burning intensity, as we prepared to kiss again, only to be interrupted by the insistent sound of my alarm.

What?

I opened my eyes abruptly, realizing that I was back in my room, and that it was all just a burning, forbidden dream.

'' Shit. That's it again.'' I muttered in frustration, my heavy breathing echoing in the silence of the night. ''This is the fifth time I've dreamt about this man, for fuck's sake.

Although it was only a dream, the memory of his touch persisted, leaving me burning inside and yearning for more, even though I know it's wrong. I can't stop thinking about him-this mysterious man who awakens in me a forbidden and overwhelming attraction.

Why does he keep invading my dreams, tempting me with his seductive presence? I've witnessed murder; I should be terrified, but instead I'm drawn to his aura of power and mystery.

I'm acting crazy, succumbing to a desire that I know is dangerous and self-destructive. Furthermore, I should be afraid, but instead I feel enveloped by a sense of overwhelming desire, a flame that seems to consume everything in its path.

This attraction is wrong, I know. But try as I might, I can't deny the spark he's ignited inside me-a spark that seems destined to consume everything around it.

I sound crazy; I know it. Maybe it's my traumas, my insecurities-oh, I don't know anything anymore. I should just focus on my life now. Ever since we got back from the nightclub, Gabi has been watching me. I made up an excuse, saying that when I went to get some air, a guy harassed me. I'm relieved to know that she believed me. Likewise, I don't want to drag my friend into danger; I've had enough. Who knew my life would be like this? I witnessed a murder, and I'm having erotic dreams about the killer. What a good life!

'' Isa? Are you awake yet? '' I hear Gabi's voice outside my room.

'' Yes, I am.

'' Do you want to eat first or get ready? '' She asks as I get out of bed and stretch my body.

'' I'll take a shower first. '' I need it urgently; my pants feel sticky.

'' Okay. '' I hear her footsteps moving away.

I really hope I never see that man again. I have to get him out of my head because he might keep having these erotic dreams. Not only that, but I don't want Gabi to know about this; she might question it until I finish talking.

I walk towards the bathroom, take off my pajamas, and leave them on the hanger before getting in the shower. The hot water envelops me, and I close my eyes, trying to shut out the images of that mysterious man who invades my dreams. But it's as if he's engraved in my mind-his piercing eyes, his seductive voice, his air of power. I feel frustrated that I'm having these erotic dreams about the killer. Every touch and, every look, seems too real to be just a dream. Finishing my bath, I step out of the shower and wrap myself in the towel, trying to push away these unwanted thoughts that insist on lingering like stubborn shadows in my mind.

I brush my teeth, removing the satin cap from my hair and allowing it to fall in voluminous waves around my face, then messing it up to give it even more volume. I finish brushing my teeth and leave the bathroom, feeling more refreshed after my shower. Looking for a comfortable outfit for work, I opt for a simple blue dress, which slides smoothly over my body. I complete the look with black pants and a bra, and I choose my boots, which don't have heels, giving me stability and comfort when I walk.

I apply a little perfume to my body, enjoying the soft scent that spreads around me. Grabbing my bag with my things in it, I leave the bedroom and find Gabi in the living room, organizing her bag.

'' Good morning, Gabi. '' I greet her.

''Good morning, love. Your coffee's on the table. "She smiles gratefully.

I go to the table and sit down, already eating the food she's prepared-some toast with eggs and bacon and a glass of juice. As soon as I've finished, I take the plates to the sink. As soon as I get there, I'll wash them; I don't want to get my clothes wet.

'' Ready? '' I agree.

''Yes, I am. The food was great, as always. '' She smiled.

''I always make it tasty, love. ''She teases, and I roll my eyes.

'' Funny. If you want to prove you like it, try it with Tom. "I teased back.

"I can tell your friend is interested in me; he doesn't even hide it. "Gabi laughs, and I'm surprised. '' But who knows?

'' Gabi! '' I exclaim, amused by her response.

'' Come on, love. We don't want to be late.

'' You're no good. '' I say, as she continues to laugh.

''I've never been any good, love. Remember that. "She reminds me, and I let out a laugh.

Oh, my God. I can already feel my strength ebbing away at the thought of having to interact.