♥ Chapter 19♥

Isabella Conti.

The imposing mansion in front of us was breathtaking. Its majestic gates opened to reveal a vast and lush garden, filled with colorful flowers and imposing statues. The security guards, imposing in their black suits, carefully watched every movement around them, ready to protect.

My anxiety only increased as I contemplated the grandeur of the place. How could anyone live in such an immense mansion? The car stopped near the main entrance, and the man who had held me in the alley got out and opened the car door for Alessio, who got out. He then turned around and opened the door for me.

'' Come on, precious. '' I swallowed dryly and accepted his outstretched hand. I confess, I felt my skin crawl when he intertwined our fingers.

I looked at the security guards, but was shocked when they all bowed their heads a little towards me.

The security guards' gesture left me perplexed. What did it mean? Why were they bowing to me? A wave of discomfort ran through my body as I followed Alessio towards the entrance to the mansion. Every step we took seemed to lead deeper into a completely unknown and intriguing world.

The door was opened by a woman.

'' Welcome, my lord. '' She looked at me. '' My lady.

Entering that luxurious mansion was like entering a totally new and surreal world. The woman who welcomed us seemed to exude elegance and authority, her impeccable posture conveying a sense of respect and admiration. And when she addressed me as "ma'am," my heart leapt. What did that mean?

''Is everything ready, Diana? ''Alessio asked, his tone laden with authority.

''Yes, my lord. ''The woman replied, showing a deference that intrigued me even more.

''Come, my precious. ''Alessio called out to me, interrupting my daydreams. His voice was soft but filled with an intensity that made me shiver inside.

We moved on, and as we entered the living room, I was overcome by a sense of wonder. It was as if I were in a dream palace, where every detail was meticulously planned to convey opulence and grandeur.

The huge sofas, the imposing central table, and the velvet carpet that seemed to stretch for meters all contributed to creating an atmosphere of luxury and refinement. I could hardly believe that I was there, in the center of that magnificence, next to a man who aroused such contradictory feelings in me.

As I observed the details of the room, I couldn't help but notice the bar in the corner, complete with bottles of fine liquor and gleaming utensils. It was as if everything there was an extension of Alessio himself: sophisticated, mysterious and irresistibly seductive.

As Alessio led me through that monumental door, I found myself immersed in a new scene of dazzle. The dining room stretched out before me in a vision of grandeur and opulence. The table, so immense that it seemed to be lost on the horizon, was adorned with a variety of dishes that looked like they had come from a royal banquet.

My breathing became shallow as I observed every detail of that surreal scene. From the glittering cutlery to the exuberant flower arrangements, everything there emanated an aura of luxury and extravagance that I could barely take in.

Each dish looked like a work of culinary art, laid out with care and precision on the imposing table. I felt as if I had entered a fairy-tale world where every detail was carefully planned to enchant and impress.

''Is all this for us? '' My voice came out in a whisper, almost afraid of disturbing the surrounding magnificence.

Alessio just smiled enigmatically, his eyes shining with an intensity that left me breathless. I could hardly believe I was there, in the center of that luxurious spectacle, next to a man who seemed to have the power to turn dreams into reality.

'' Sit down, precious. Tonight is ours alone. '' He guided me to the chair and gently pulled it towards me.

''Thank you. '' I sat down, still shocked by the situation.

''You're welcome, my precious. ''He whispered in my ear, sending shivers throughout my body.

He sat down next to me.

''Make yourself at home; there's no need to hold back. ''I felt overwhelmed with so many options in front of me.

The woman who served us approached with a bottle of wine.

''Would you like some wine?

''A little, please. '' I replied, a little nervously. She smiled and poured some into my glass.

'' Leave the bottle there, Diana. '' He said without looking at her.

'' Yes, sir. '' She placed the bottle on the table. ''I'll be going now; if you need anything, just call me. '' She bowed slightly and left, leaving us alone.

I didn't know what to say. I'm so nervous.

"There's no need to be nervous, precious. "He tried to reassure me. I looked at him, feeling a little more confident.

''Why did you bring me here? What do you intend to do with me? '' My voice came out shaky, and I mentally cursed myself for stuttering.

He picked up the bottle Diana had left on the table and poured himself a glass, increasing my anxiety with his silence.

''What do I intend to do with you? ''He looked at me, and I swallowed dryly at his penetrating gaze. ''Try to guess, darling. I'm sure you've already noticed my advances toward you.

Is he really interested in me?

'' Are you interested in me? '' My voice came out almost in a whisper as I tried to process his words.

''Yes. ''He answered without hesitation, taking a sip of his drink.

''Why? ''My incredulity showed in my voice.

''And why wouldn't I be interested in you? Have you seen yourself, precious? Do you know how attractive you are? We'll talk more later; now eat. "He ordered softly, but there was a certain authority in his voice.

I started serving myself a little fearfully, but as soon as I put the food in my mouth, I almost let out a moan of pleasure. It was wonderful. How can anyone cook something this good?

'' I see you approved of the food; I'm glad. '' He gave a small smile.

''This food is incredible; I've never tasted anything like it before. ''I replied, already feeling a little more comfortable.

''I'm glad, precious. ''He started eating, too, as if he were used to this kind of food. But for me, this meal was divine.
After we had finished eating, a tense silence hung over the table. I was nervous about what would happen next. Alessio leaned back in his chair, looking at me intently, as if he were evaluating my every move.

"So, precious, we can talk about us. "He broke the silence, his soft voice contrasting with the tension I felt.

I swallowed, feeling anxious about where the conversation was going. What did he mean by "talk about us"?