♥ Chapter 29 ♥

Isabella Conti

Three days later.

Monday.

I was almost murdered by Gabi when I arrived at our apartment. She hit me for real, and I confess, I cried a little. But I calmed down when I saw her red eyes. There were more than thirty calls from her on my cell phone, and not just from her, but also from Tom and Sophia. When Gabi had calmed down, I told her the whole truth about the intimate evening I'd had with Alessio. She just freaked out, pacing back and forth with such euphoria. She started asking questions: did I like it, how did it feel to have a man touch me, how did it feel to have my first orgasm with someone, and even about the size of his cock?

I was too embarrassed to answer, but I answered calmly while she freaked out. I also told her about my fear of giving myself completely to someone. She advised me to take some time and think more about what I wanted. If Alessio makes me feel good, I should give myself over to this moment. Gabi said that I shouldn't always think about the past and that I should take a chance. If it's not meant to be, I just move on.

During those few days, I only spoke to Alessio by message. He seemed very busy, but he always found time to send me messages, asking how I was, if I was okay, and how my day had been. These small acts make it seem like he's not even that dangerous a man.

Yesterday, he sent me a bouquet of roses, which left me incredibly surprised and delighted. The roses were a deep red, almost mesmerizing, and exuded a soft perfume that filled the room. The bouquet was perfectly arranged, with a black satin bow tied with precision, adding a touch of dark elegance. I stared at the flowers for a long time, gently touching the silky petals, trying to reconcile this romantic gesture with the image of the powerful and ruthless man that Alessio is.

These little gestures from Alessio are touching me in a way that I can't even decipher. No one has ever done anything like this for me, especially showing genuine interest in how my day is going and asking how I'm doing. These are gestures that make me want to see him again, to experience his delicious kiss once more, and to feel his touch on my body. I admit that I miss him. Even though he's so powerful, I want to see him again.

I had to apologize to my boss for missing that day, but I lied, saying I was burning up. Even my friends covered for me in that little lie. I hate lying, but I didn't want to lose my job. Luckily, he believed me. I also told Tom and Sophia about my intimate evening with Alessio, but I didn't go into details because I was ashamed of Tom. He kept playing with my face, teasing me the whole time, but apart from that, I'm having a good day.

12:10 '' Snack bar. '' Portevecchio.

'' Isabella! '' I was startled by Sophia's scream.

'' W-What? '' I put my hand over my heart, still frightened.

''I've been calling you for five minutes. You seemed to be in a moon world. '' She replied, putting her hand on my waist.

''I'm sorry. ''She looked at me and smiled.

''Were you thinking about your handsome boyfriend?

'' Stop. He's not my boyfriend. '' I walked past her, going to the other side of the cafeteria to clean up.

''Still. He's not yet. ''He joked, but that joke really got to me.

I know he really wants something with me, but I'm still a bit unsure. Anyone would be insecure and afraid. He's a mafioso, a dangerous man, very powerful, who could kill me at any moment. It's natural for me to be unsure.

'' It doesn't start. '' She just laughed and went into the kitchen, leaving me alone.

Tom was helping to clean the kitchen. We had a lot of customers today for a Monday. The boss needs to hire more waiters; it's just me and Sophia. Tom is at the till, but when it's full, the chef takes over the till, while the three of us look after the customers. It's a rush, and it's very tiring.

I hear the door being opened.

'' I'm sorry, but we're closed at the moment. '' I say, turning to face the customer.

I felt my body freeze when I saw that the customer was Thiago, my ex-boyfriend.

'' Isa. '' He cracked a big smile. In the past, that smile used to charm me, but now it only fills me with disgust.

"What are you doing here? "I asked with a harsh tone, leaving him surprised.

He came closer, and only then did I notice his expensive suit, luxury watch and elegant shoes.

'' I know I've done you a lot wrong, Isa. But I've come here to ask you to come back with me. '' His boldness shocked me.

"What's that like? "I asked incredulously.