♥ Chapter 26♥

Isabella Conti.

I take the brushes I've used and go to the bathroom to wash off the cream residue. This man is ruining my sanity, damn it. I look at my reflection in the mirror and find myself lost in thoughts about how to explain the dress to Gabi. And it wasn't even mine! Oh, Jesus, I'm screwed. But calm down; I'm sure Gabi won't even care about the dress when I tell her what happened.

I've got to go. I've missed work for the first time, and I don't even know where my cell phone is to let Gabi know I'm okay. She might be freaking out because I haven't said anything.

I came out of the bathroom and saw him coming out of the closet, wearing a black suit. Even though every time I met him, he was wearing a black suit, they all looked different. The style, the details-everything made them unique, even though they shared the same colors. But I'll admit that these suits highlighted his body even more, making him look incredibly sexy.

"Shall we eat? "I blinked a few times.

'' I have to go, Alessio. I haven't even contacted my friend; she must be worried. '' He watched me for a few seconds and sighed.

''All right, I'll let it go this time. But next time, you won't leave until you've eaten. '' I can tell he's serious by the serious tone of voice he adopts.

'' All right. '' I went back to the closet to put the brushes away. "Have you seen my bag? "I asked as soon as I came out.

'' It must be in the dining room. '' He sprayed perfume on his neck and took out a watch that was probably worth more than my apartment. '' We can go, precious.

He opened the bedroom door for me to go through, and as soon as I did, he closed it behind us. We walked down the huge corridor, and it was only then that I realized how imposing the place was. I'd been so busy with other things yesterday, especially the kiss, that I'd barely noticed. I glanced at him, who was walking with an expressionless face. He looked like a statue-impenetrable. Is this how a mobster should act? His firm posture and imperturbable expression conveyed an aura of authority and confidence, making it clear that he was in control of the situation.

We went down the steps, and I saw the woman who served us yesterday; she seemed to be waiting for us.

''Coffee's ready, my lord. ''She greeted us with a serene expression.

I started to feel guilty.

''We won't be having coffee, Diana. Bring my precious one's bag. '' He ordered without looking at her.

'' Yes, my lord. '' She left the living room, leaving us alone.

''Now I'm feeling guilty,'' I muttered.

'' You don't have to worry about that, my dear. The food won't go to waste; they can eat, and they can also share with the security guards. '' He replied softly, in contrast to his previous attitude towards Diana.

'' I see. '' She soon returned with my bag.

'' Here, ma'am. '' She held out my bag to me, and I took it, still surprised by this way of treating her.

''Thank you. '' I thanked her kindly.

'' You can leave now, Diana. '' He ordered, and she bowed her head once more before leaving.

I was surprised when the door was opened by the man who had grabbed me in the alley.

''Dante, I hope you're important. ''I swallowed dryly at Alessio's serious look at Dante.

''Yes, my lord. ''He approached us and whispered something in his ear.

From Alessio's expression, it couldn't be good.

'' I see. '' He turned to me, and I could see that his gaze had softened. ''Precious, unfortunately, I have something to sort out. Dante will take you home.

'' R-Right. '' He looked at Dante, who bowed his head and left the room, leaving us alone.

''You don't have to worry about Dante; he won't hurt you. '' He grabbed my waist. ''Before you go, I want to kiss you.

I confess I was anxious, not knowing when we'd get the chance to kiss again.

He grabbed the back of my neck firmly, his fingers tangling in my hair, and pulled me decisively towards him. His lips captured mine in a possessive move, and I was immediately consumed by a torrent of overwhelming emotions. His kiss was an overwhelming mixture of desire and unbridled passion that left me breathless. Every touch, every press of his lips against mine, was like a burning flame that set my whole being ablaze. Between broken sighs and muffled moans, I gave myself completely to that moment of pure intensity, allowing myself to be consumed by the fervor of his wild kiss.

Unfortunately, we had to separate due to lack of air, and my lips felt numb after the rapturous kiss.

''Now you can go, precious. ''He rubbed his thumb over my lips. ''I know you have a lot to think about. I'll give you some time to think about what you really want. But know that when you come back to me, you'll officially be mine.

My breathing was still agitated from the intensity of that incredible kiss. Everything about it was so overwhelming, my God.

'' Go on; Dante is waiting for you. I hope to see you soon, precious. '' He kissed my forehead gently.

'' R-Right. '' I turned away from him, leaving the mansion and finding Dante waiting for me.

'' This way, ma'am. '' He opened the car door for me.

''Thank you. '' I got into the back seat, pulling on my seatbelt as I tried to calm my still-agitated breathing.

He gave me this time to think, and I'm immensely grateful for that because I still feel somewhat confused. Every moment of that meeting kept echoing in my mind, like an enveloping melody that I couldn't get out of my head. I hoped that these days of reflection would give me clarity and help me find the answers I was looking for.