《Meant To Be》 GREEK GOD-ISH? LUCY My temples pulsed with a throbbing ache as I navigated through the bustling airport with my two energetic kids in tow. Jay, the mischievous nine-year-old, bounded ahead, his eyes filled with wonder at the vast expanse of the terminal. Vicky, my seven-year-old son, trailed behind, his eyes alight with curiosity. As we made our way to the departure gate, my headache intensified. I desperately needed a moment of respite from the constant mor surrounding me. However, my hope for a peaceful moment evaporated when I noticed Vicky engrossed in a flirtatious exchange with a little girl around Jay¡¯s age. Vicky had always been precocious, his charm radiating effortlessly. It wasn¡¯t umon for him to capture the attention of those around him. But this time, his innocent attempts at flirting seemed to irk the girl¡¯s father, who stood nearby, his brows furrowed in mild irritation. I quickened my pace, gently coaxing Vicky away from his newfound friend. ¡°Come on, sweetheart. Let¡¯s not bother them,¡± I whispered, trying to divert Vicky¡¯s attention. Vicky, however, was determined to make his presence known, shing a toothy grin. Feeling a surge of concern, I approached the father and apologized, my voice tinged with exhaustion. ¡°I¡¯m sorry if Vicky is bothering your daughter. He¡¯s just a bit yful today.¡± The man¡¯s stern expression softened as he nced down at Vicky, who now clung to my leg. ¡°No harm done,¡± he replied, a faint smile breaking through. ¡°Kids will be kids.¡± Relieved by his understanding, I mustered a smile of gratitude. I took Jay and Vicky by the hand and steered them towards a quiet corner. But Vicky immediately went back to the little from before and started to flirt again. ¡°Jay!¡± I desperately called my little man of the house, who is now ying with my phone like it is the most interesting thing in the world. ¡°What mom?¡± He rolled his eyes. JASON, don¡¯t roll your eyes at your mom. I want to say that out loud but my headache didn¡¯t allow me to. ¡°Stop him¡± I said, pointing to his brother. That busy guy signed, nodding his head. ¡°Vicky! It¡¯s your turn. You can take the phone¡± ¡°Really!?¡± Vicky¡¯s eyes sparkled and he gave a quick kiss to the little girl¡¯s cheek and started running towards us. I rolled my eyes and chuckled. We are currently at the New York airport. My role as the General Manager of Ondo Pvt Ltd has brought me here on a critical mission. Six months prior, the esteemed founder of Ondo Pvt Ltd, Stefano Ondo, passed away, leaving behind a legacy of sess and a void that proved challenging to fill. His son, Samuel Ondo, assumed the role of CEO, but hisck of responsibility and questionable decision-making had thrown thepany into disarray. The main branch is in Rome. I¡¯m joining there as a financial manager to take care of his mess. Let¡¯s just hope that son of a burger doesn¡¯t mess up totally. I don¡¯t know why they selected me for this, but I¡¯m d. I¡¯m not a pro but when our branch had some problems with our financial manager a few years ago, I took his ce for a week and settled everything. Maybe that¡¯s the reason? Who knows? I just shrugged it off. I came out of myland when the noisy airport became quite. I frowned and took a look at my surroundings. I saw all the women and men were looking at something curiously. I followed their gaze and stilled My heart skipped a beat when I saw him walking like he owned this ce. He was on his phone talking furiously, but I couldn¡¯t hear him. The side of his neck and ears are red with anger. He walked towards us and took a seat which was two rows in front of me. Looking at him close, a wave of admiration surged through me, just like it did for every other person around. Their gazes were fixed upon him, captivated by his sheer handsomeness. He is huge. Not bulky or anything, but he is so tall, probably more than 6¡¯2 and muscr enough topliment his height. His shoulders are broad, I can see the outlines of his muscles when he clenched his phone and started typing something furiously. Poor thing, I hope it survives. The air seemed to buzz with whispers and stolen nces, all sharing the same sentiment of admiration. My thoughts raced, trying toprehend the maism exuded by this stranger. I found myself drawn to his confident stride and chiseled features, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. No no no no. I shouldn¡¯t be doing this. Boys are immature jerks. But he is a man. A grown fine ass man!? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved. Nope! Still no. Control your hormones Lucy, don¡¯t act like a freaking teen. I shook my head, clearing my thoughts. I need coffee. ¡±Guys don¡¯t wander off to god knows where and wait here until Ie back. Okay?¡± I said, looking at Vicky and Jay, who nodded their heads that are almost inside that damn phone. Did they even hear me? I rolled my eyes and went to buy myself a coffee. I walked into the bustling caf¨¦ and joined the line, eagerly anticipating the sweet aroma and warm embrace of the beverage. As I approached the counter, I ced my order with a smile. The waitress, however, seemed distracted, her attention drawn to someone behind me. In a moment of clumsiness, she fumbled with the bill and change, and it slipped from her hands, scattering across the floor. ¡°Oh my god! I am so sorry¡± she winced when she noticed what she had done. ¡±It¡¯s OK, no problem¡± I smiled at her and bent down to get my change. ¡± *Whistle* Damn. Wish I could smack that ass¡± I snapped my head back and my eyesnded on the Hottie from earlier who is still looking at my ass. Man my foot. I went past him shooting him a re. ¡±Pervert¡± PERVERT? ALEX ¡±The fuck is that supposed to mean? Why was I not informed? Do you want to get fired Scott? Allora cazzo fai il tuovoro!! (then fucking do your job next time!)¡± I snapped, ending the call. If I said I was angry, it would be an understatement. I¡¯m furious. I was supposed to travel in my private jet, but due to some issues which they didn¡¯t detect beforehand I might add, I¡¯m stuck here. I took a seat and started typing to Ro, my best friend and COO, about new developments in one of our products. Sign. I need some caffeine in my system right now. ¡®Hey, look at her. She has some sexy ass¡± I heard someone whisper when I went to order. I looked at them and saw the girl they were eyeing. She was ordering something and I took my time to check her ass. And damn, it was the only good thing that happened to me today. Her ass is indeed sexy. The cashier girl dropped the change, too busy ogling me and apologized to her. ¡°It¡¯s okay, no problem¡± Her voice is so soft and husky. I clenched my jaw to control myself when she bent to take the change. The fuck is wrong with me? When did I start checking a random girl¡¯s ass? ¡± *whistle* Damn, wish I could smack that ass¡± This time that guy said out loud. I didn¡¯t notice her turning around at first, but when she started walking, I looked into her ring eyes. I frowned. Why is she ring at me? ¡±Pervert¡± she muttered, walking past me. Did she think ¨C I noticed that guy was about to grab her ass. I quickly caught his hand. ¡°Wh¨C¡± I closed his mouth with another hand before he could utter a word. ¡°Shhhh..¡± I said, ring at him and his friend, who looked terrified. He gulped, nodding his head. When I was sure she was out of hearing range, I twisted his arm hard, my hand on his mouth went to the back of his head and mmed him on the nearest table, making him cry out of pain. I bent down to his face. ¡± Try touching anyone like that again, I swear to God I¡¯ll break every bone in your body. Inteso? (Understood?) ¡± I whispered, applying pressure on his hand. He whimpered, trying to nod his head. I released him and noticed that everyone was staring at me with wide eyes. When I was about to order, I heard the flight announcement. Shit! I groaned. So much for a coffee. ¡ê ¡ê ¡ê I closed my eyes and suppressed another groan as I entered the ne. I miss flying alone. This is all because of Scott. ¡±That fucker¡± I muttered, taking my seat. If he was not one of my trusted employees, I would have already fired his ass. ¡°Mamma! wash his mouth like you did to mine!! He is speaking forbidden words!!¡± Came an angry, cute voice from the back seat. The fuck? I frowned. When I was about to turn back, I saw her. She is sleeping next to me. The same girl that called me pervert. I smirked. Never mind, I don¡¯t miss flying alone that much. ¡°Shut up Vicky! Don¡¯t disturb mom, she is tired, let her sleep.¡± I heard another voice. This time I turned around and found two kids bickering but their sleeping mom was not there- my eyes widened with realization. This girl is their mom? I quickly searched her fingers and I signed in relief when I found no ring. I don¡¯t know why though. Maybe I was relieved that I didn¡¯t check the ass of a married woman. I put my elbow on the armrest using it to support my chin and looked at her. I took my time to check her all out. Never, I mean, never in my life I found a girl as beautiful as her. Her eyshes are thick and long enough for its shadow to touch her caramel cheeks. Her nose looks like a button though. I snickered. A cute button. Her lips are in naturally lightest shade of red in color and pouty. The craziest thing about her lips is, there is a tiny mole on them and another one on her chin. Her ck hair is side braided, it reached her waist. She is not skinny or too curvy, but has the perfect size of breas- ¡°Stop checking out my mom!¡± The elder kid snapped at me from above. I looked up and saw him clinging on our seats ring at me. What¡¯s with the res? It¡¯s the 2nd time in a row. Well, what can I expect when I get caught while checking out her? A medal? I was about to reply when we saw his mom sitting up straight. She looked at us in confusion. She looked cute with her big ck doe eyes, which are mesmerizing by the way, her eyebrows are lightly pulled into a frown. Her eyes widened when she noticed me. She looked flustered for a second butposed herself really quickly, but I didn¡¯t miss her blush. Damn, it¡¯s the newest cute thing about her, as her blush is slightly noticeable only on her cheek bones. It¡¯s like I¡¯m watching a cartoon character. It made me smile unknowingly. ¡°Jay, are you okay? ¡± she asked the kid, now I know whose name is Jay. Elder one ¨C Jay. What name did Jay use when he asked his brother to shut up? Yeah, Vicky ¨C the younger one. Noted. I frowned, why am I taking notes? I shook my head. Something happened to me. ¡°Yeah mom, he is just being an idiot!¡± Jay said, ring at me. Did he just- I narrowed my eyes at him. ¡°Jay! This is not how you speak to elders. What did I tell you?¡± She asked while deepening her frown, pursing her lips indicating that she was not pleased with his behavior. ¡°Give respect to elders¡±. Jay muttered, looking down. ¡± Then?¡± She raised her eyebrows. ¡°But mom, he is speaking bad words loudly and Vicky heard it!¡± He said, pointing at me like I had stolen his only toy. What? I just muttered. It¡¯s not your fault that you guys have good hearing!Material ? N?velDrama.Org. She signed ¡°So? You¡¯ll call him an idiot? Don¡¯t mind others Jay, we have a long flight ahead¡±. No, he called me an idiot because he saw me checking out you. ¡°Okay mom¡± he said, rolling his eyes. Rude. She shook her head and got up, cing her right knee on the seat and climbed up, to check on Vicky. I too looked at him from the small space between our seats. He is sleeping. She could have seen from her though. Maybe she doesn¡¯t want to get close to me. That thought kind of irritated me. Out of nowhere, the ne started to jerk due to turbulence, making her lose bnce. She fell back and forth, crashing into me. I wrapped my hand around her waist and grabbed the armrest with another to keep us steady. This is just getting better and better. ALMOST KISSED? LUCY As soon as I sat on my seat, I plugged in my earphones and closed my eyes. Jay and Vicky sat in the back, as Vicky wants a window seat and Jay doesn¡¯t like strangers. I tried to sleep but I can¡¯t just sleep anytime and anywhere unless it¡¯s night and I¡¯m home. At one point, I gave up and sat straight, removing my earphones. I was confused when I saw Jay ring at the man beside me and blushed, realizing who he was. He is the hottie from before. And also the pervert who catcalled me. Argh. I don¡¯t like him. ¡±Jay, are you okay?¡± He still looks angry. ¡±Yeah mom, he is just being an Idiot¡± He said, ring at the pervert. It¡¯s nothing new to me. Jay just doesn¡¯t have a filter and speaks his mind. Still, this attitude will bring him nothing but trouble. ¡±Jay! This is not how you speak to elders. What did I tell you?¡± ¡±Give respect to elders¡± he muttered, looking down. I hate seeing him like that. Though he looks arrogant and rude, I know he won¡¯t snap at others without any reason. ¡±Then?¡± I asked, raising my eyebrows. Oh, how I wish I could raise a single eyebrow. ¡°But mom, he is speaking bad words and Vicky heard it!¡± He said, pointing at him with an used re. See? He has a reason! But not valid enough to argue. I signed ¡°So? You¡¯ll call him an idiot? Don¡¯t mind others Jay, we have a long flight ahead¡±. ¡°Okay mom¡± he said, rolling his eyes. Pstt, he needs to stop doing that. I shook my head and got up, ced my right knee on the seat and climbed up, to check on Vicky. Awe, my baby is sleeping. I could have seen him from the space between our seats, but I didn¡¯t want to go near that pervert. All of a sudden, the ne started to jerk violently. My back hit the ne and Inded on this pervert¡¯sp, hitting my stomach to the armrest in the process. Ouch, I groaned in pain. He wrapped his arms around me and gripped the armrest to keep us studying. ¡±Mam!! Are you alright? Please try to sit and tighten your seatbelts.¡± The air host said, looking at my weird position but having her own battle to stand. ¡±Yeah, we got it¡± He said, holding me tight. His warm breath fanned at the side of my face and his voice, Oh god, his voice is so deep. I frowned. Wait, why does it sound different from before? I looked up facing him, we were so close, making my breath hitch. ¡±Why is your voice different?¡± I asked himmely, even though deep down I know the answer. He smirked. ¡±You know why¡±. I closed my eyes and groaned internally. Damn! He wants me to admit it. ¡±Sorry, I thought you were the one who catcalled me. But in my defense, you were looking at my ass!¡± I added quickly, desperate to make a point. He chuckled and shrugged. It was music to my ears. ¡°I did think you had a nice ass¡± he said, making me blush. I closed my eyes tightly and hid my face in his chest when the ne jerked more violently. Everything was still when the turbulence stopped. An announcement came in the calmest way possible that the turbulence was gone and that we would not die. I released a breath and tried to move, but I still felt his grip. I looked up to say thank you only to realise how close we are when my lips brushed his. We froze for a moment but I quickly pulled away, detangling myself. He too released me. I took a deep breath to calm my heart. ¡±Jay! Vicky! Are you guys alright?¡± I asked loud enough for them to hear. I¡¯m too afraid to look back like before. ¡±Yes mom, we are okay!¡± Said Jay, making me rx. ¡±Ha mamma!!! That was fun! Will it happen again?¡± Vicky said enthusiastically, which made me smile. What abo I got here! I nced at Hottie, who looked at me. ¡±Hope it will not. And that wasn¡¯t supposed to be fun¡±. I signed. What just happened? My life was always in. I used to live with my parents in a small town near Pennsylvania. We aren¡¯t that rich, but enough for them to make me go to college, even when I barely passed high school. I was a rebel but only to make my parents mad. They were always so protective. I was not allowed to hangout with my friends, not allowed to parties. Basically, I¡¯m grounded my whole life. I didn¡¯t mind that too much because I know they love me to death and I love them too. I was okay with everything and it¡¯s not like I have a life. I prefer to sit at home than go to uninvited parties and I only had one friend who backstabbed me. Noah.. My first love. At least that¡¯s what I thought at that time. But now meh, that was just a phase. In my first year of high school, I used to be a fat ugly nerd and he was a new kid looking cute and handsome. One look at him and I was a goner. He soon became popr. Clich¨¦ right? I know. I somehow managed to get his number. I know he will not like me back , but that little bit of chatting is enough to satisfy my heart. We never spoke directly , he never acknowledged me. Even when chatting he used to ask about girls in my ss , it used to hurt, but as I said before, it was enough for me. I thought one day he would ept me, but what actually broke my heart is seeing him making out with my one and only friend on our graduation day. She knows I like him, but still chooses to hurt me. And on the top of that, I hate MBA. Even though I was not smart, I admired doctors and always wanted to be one. But my father was so adamant about making me do an MBA. That¡¯s when I rebelled and started failing sses. I gained more weight and my lifestyle became unhealthy. But when my parents died, I regretted everything. The pain was unbearable. It¡¯s too much for me to handle. If only I had not been mad at my dad during hisst days. If only I had visited my parents frequently and made more memories. I just don¡¯t want to face them like that when I was failing in life. I wanted to make amends, to eat healthily, to lose weight and to not fail. I wanted to but I couldn¡¯t. I tried but it was not enough and it was toote. They were already dead before it could happen. I somehow picked myself together and did everything to make my parents proud. I graduated with good grades and have a healthy life. If only they were here to see you. I then moved to New York when I got a job and now, here I am. I took a look at Hottie but he was busy with his phone. The rest of the flight was awkward and we didn¡¯t utter a word. ¡ñ¡ñ New home. I smiled. Here we will be safe. ¡°Woah.. mamma this ce is so cool !!¡± Vicky said excitedly, jumping up and down. I chuckled and turned to Jay. ¡°Do you like it?¡± He just nodded with a smile and went to look around. ¡°Girl !!! You look gorgeous. Your photos don¡¯t do justice to you¡±, I heard a squeal from the entrance. I turned and saw Nat ©\ Natalie running towards me. She gave me the tightest hug ever. Nat is my social media friend. Last year, she mmed my inbox, using me that I had stolen her boyfriend. Soon, we cleared the misunderstanding. She apologized repeatedly and, like that, we became good friends. When I told her that I wasing to Rome permanently, she nearly died from excitement. Nat is really beautiful and has a model-like figure. Her br hair reached her back and she had brown eyes. She is 5¡¯6, where I¡¯m just 5¡¯3. ¡± So? had a safe journey?¡± She asked, smiling widely. My cheeks flush when I recall everything. ¡°Yes, we had. Thank you so much for this though ¡°. I said, looking around. She is the one who selected the appartment and even shifted here for us, saying it is nearer to her office and also nning to move. ¡°Nah.. not a problem¡± she waved her hands dismissively. I looked at my watch. Shit! I¡¯mte. ¡± Ok I gotta go. Take care of them.¡± I said, pointing to Vicky and Jay and hurried outside shouting a bye over my shoulder. ¡ñ¡ñ It took 30min to reach the building. I quickly parked the car and went inside. I felt slightly dizzy. I have motion sickness and I can¡¯t bear the journey for more than 20min. I¡¯m ok with flights, bikes and metros though. There will be more ces to breathe. I just shoved my office ID in the face of the receptionist and hurried towards the elevator. I pressed the highest floor, which was 13th. I leaned back against the walls of the elevator and closed my eyes as it started to move. Yeah, I can¡¯t even cope with elevators, only start moving though, so it¡¯s not a big problem. The elevator opened with a ding. I stepped out of it and huffed. Where the hell is his room? ¡°Excuse me mam ? You can¡¯t go any further¡±. A women in her mid thirties stopped me. ¡°What? Why?¡± I frowned. She sighed and said ¡± There is a meeting going on here, I can¡¯t let you inside. Mam¡±. ¡°What!? What do you mean by meeting? I have an appointment with him.¡± ¡°I know mam, but I can¡¯t allow you¡± she said with a sorry face. I closed my eyes tightly. Uff.. cool Lucy, cool¡­ ¡°Look , I know that you are aware of the situation. You have to let me in. I have to stop the meeting.¡± I almost pleaded. ¡°They are dangerous mam , you can¡¯t do anything. Our boss has already signed the papers, they just have to make it official. ¡± God..!! That son of a Baboon !! I sighed loudly. ¡°Who are they?¡±Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g! ¡°They are from Moretti Industries ¡± she whispered. A chill ran down my spine and my breathing became irregr as I remembered the time when I heard the name Moretti for the first time. ¡°Mr. Moretti said to leave this ce as soon as possible. The car is going to st at any minute ¡° NEAR DEATH EXPERIENCE LUCY POV 3 years back (NYC) ¡°Yes , yes sir . I¡¯ll look into the documents¡±. Shit!! I want to kill that idiot. Argh.. seriously though , can¡¯t they take their job seriously? Or is he doing it on purpose? Whatever, let¡¯s just get over with it. Mr. Charles Smith, our financial manager, messed up again and I have to clean it up again. Why can¡¯t they just fire him? Right, fucking connections. I huffed and pressed the elerator hard as there were no vehicles on the road , not even one. Weird. I shrugged it off and continued driving. It was 3pm , and the temperature was at its peak. As I was nearing the circle, I saw a huge truck in front of me crash into a car that wasing from the other side. I pressed the breaks hard, causing my head to m against the steering. My heartbeat increased as I witnessed the scene in front of me. Suddenly, the truck started moving again,ing towards me at high speed along with the car stuck to it. What the¡­ why the hell did that truck start moving again? I started to panic. My hands are shaking, I can¡¯t even think properly. Before I could reach the car door, the truck mmed into the car, making my airbags open. The truck didn¡¯t stop until my car ran over the divider. I was barely conscious when I heard the conversation. Voice 1: ¡°Do you think that they are dead?¡± My eyes widened. Please don¡¯t let anyone die. Please God, please. Voice 2: ¡°Of course they have to be ¡± Oh God.. This is a murder. Voice 1: ¡°Should we go and check?¡± Voice 2: ¡± hello? Yes sir , our task ispleted. B-But s-sir.. there is also another car that is involved¡± ¡­.. Voice 2: ¡± y-yes sir we crashed it too¡± ¡­.. Voice 2: ¡°S-Sorry sir, it will n-not happen again¡± Again? They killed people and are nning to kill again? Voice 1: ¡± what did he say? Should we go and check?Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g! Voice 2: ¡± no need.. even if they are not dead, they are going to die soon.¡± Voice 1: ¡± What do you mean?¡± Voice 2: ¡°Mr. Moretti said to leave this ce as soon as possible. The car is going to st at any minute. ¡± That is thest thing I heard before I lost consciousness and a weekter, I woke up in a hospital bed. I thought I was dreaming at first, but the pain in my head felt too real. Sam was there. He is my colleague and Mr. Smith¡¯s assistant, I was actually going to meet him before the ident. ****** ¡± Are you sure that it isn¡¯t your imagination?¡± Sam asked, passing me a water bottle. I gave him a nasty re. I¡¯m grateful that Sam and his sister Rachel, who is a doctor in this hospital, took care of me. But he does not believe a word I said. I¡¯m clearly telling him that there was a truck that caused the ident, but no, he is telling me a different story. ¡±Then how the hell am I here? Huh? What happened to me? Why is my right hand broken? Did I magically get hurt?¡± I asked him angrily, raising my eyebrows. He signed. ¡±ording to Rachel and everyone, you, along with the two kids, were indeed involved in a ident. But it wasn¡¯t a truck, a drunk man who was driving a car, hit you. He died on the spot, but his kids are okay. They got some broken bones and a concussion. Nothing serious.¡± ¡±Was there a st?¡± He nodded. ¡±One car did explode at first, but they couldn¡¯t tell which one, since it also caused another car to explode. Police assumed it was due to a puncture in the gas tank. Someone pulled you guys out before it happened.¡± He also said that it was a miracle that someone was out there in that direction as that road was closed due to some construction. Weird, I didn¡¯t notice any construction work. ¡±B©\But I saw it with my own eyes Sam, please believe me¡± I said, whimpering. ¡±Shh¡­ it¡¯s probably concussion. It¡¯s okay, you are okay. That¡¯s what matters¡± He said, pulling me into a hug. I cried dejectedly, knowing that no one was going to believe me. ******* ¡°Um.. so what¡¯s your name?¡± I asked the younger one. I wanted to see if they were okay. It must have been hard on them. They are so small. ¡±Wm¡± He said with a cute voice melting my heart. ¡±William?¡± I asked clearly, to which he nodded his head. He has my father¡¯s name. ¡±How old are you?¡± ¡±Four¡± Said his brother, who had just entered the room along with the nurse. ¡±Willy! Don¡¯t talk to strangers¡± he scolded his younger brother. William nodded his head frantically and went with the nurse for a checkup. ¡±Chill, I was just having a conversation¡± I said, not knowing what to say. He scoffed. Woah, he has some attitude problems. In the next few days, while we were still in the hospital, recovering, I learned that his name was Jason, 6yr old. Vicky ( William) and I got close, while Jay is still grumpy with me. One day, members from an adoption center came to take Vicky and Jay, on the day of their discharge. ¡±Nooooo, leave me!! I will stay with Lucy¡± Vicky started screaming and crying when they tried to take them. He ran and hid behind me, clutching my legs. Jay got teary-eyed looking at his brother. ¡±Sweety, you can trust us. We are going to take good care of you guys until someone adopts you. Now, pleasee with us¡± thedy said, holding Jay by his arm tightly. I can see that the grip was too tight for a kid. ¡±HEY! Leave that kid!¡± I snapped at her loudly, making her flinch and loosen her grip. I motioned Jay toe here and, for the first time since we met, he listened to me. ¡±Can¡¯t you see that you were holding him too hard?¡± I asked her, showing Jay¡¯s hand, which is bruised now. ¡±I-I apologize, I didn¡¯t notice¡± ¡±I¡¯m sure you didn¡¯t ¡± I snapped sarcastically, making her red with anger. ¡±Well! It¡¯s not like we have a choice. Their mom died years ago, now their junkie father who abused them is also dead. He was involved in gangs. They have no rtives, no friends, nada!. They have toe with us until someone decides to adopt them. If they are lucky, they can both go to the same family!¡± She snapped back, still flustered. If they are lucky? And were they abused? Since I started spending time with them, I got to know that Vicky and Jay can¡¯t live without each other. Their bond is strong. Jay made me move their beds close, saying it would be difficult to protect Vicky when they sleep too far. I thought it was because of the ident but never imagined that they were abused. ident. It¡¯s still a mystery. Someone tried to kill them and they are still out there. And whoever this Moretti is, he is powerful enough to change the whole story. They are not safe out there. ¡±I¡¯ll adopt them both¡± I said, making everyone snap their heads towards me. Present (Rome, Italy) It took a year for Vicky to call me momma and it was six months since Jay started to call me mom. It was a beautiful moment though. I always wanted to go to Italy. So when I got a chance toe here, I thought why not settle in and we could be far away from, whoever this Mr. Moretti is. But did I do the right thing? The clicking sound of the door pulled me from my little reunion with the past. I quickly ran and hid behind the desk. I took a peek and saw the woman from earlier looking at me with a weird expression. I signalled her to keep quiet and she nodded. Soon, Mr. Ondo came out with two men in ck suits along with his secretary. One is a brte with electric green eyes, talking with Mr. Ondo and the other one is also a brte with chocte brown eyes flirting with the secretary. Wow, they are hot. They look alike, maybe brothers. They shook hands and the two ¡®men in ck¡¯ suits entered the elevator. After Mr. Ondo and his secretary went into the office. I slowly came out. Sigh. ¡°Mam, should I inform Mr. Ondo about your arrival?¡± Asked the woman. ¡°Huh? No. It¡¯s OK¡± I said and went near the window which was made of ss and saw one of them getting into the car and the other green-eyed one was busy with his phone. Before he got into his car, he looked up, locking his eyes with my own. NEW JOB LUCY ¡°So you came all the way from New York to just quit?¡± Nat asked, raising her right eyebrow. Oh, how I wish I could do it. We are currently in my room. I¡¯m unpacking my clothes and Nat is sitting on my bed and eating my chips. I too want to eat, but If I start eating chips, I can¡¯t stop and I have so much unpacking to do. So, back to her question, yes, I resigned. After my little staring contest with the Electric green eyes guy, I realized that he couldn¡¯t see me and he was just looking at the building before he took off. I mailed my registration to my boss after I got home. Though I got an earful of scoldings, he respected my decision and, since I¡¯d not officially started working here, it was easy. ¡°Yes, now tell me, do you know anything about Moretti¡¯s?¡± I asked while arranging my closet. Nat started choking hard. I immediately went to the kitchen and brought water for her. ¡°Are you OK?¡± I asked, sitting beside her. ¡°W-Why are you asking about them?¡± She asked while cing my chips beside her. Ok. I can¡¯t resist anymore. I took my chips and sighed as soon as they touched my tastebuds. Fuck unpacking, I can always do it after I finish this. ¡°Hello..?¡± Nat snapped her fingers at my face, spoiling my romance with them. ¡°Argh.. fine. Wait ¡°. I took another chip and ced the bowl on the nightstand. Nat gave an ¡± are you serious ¡± look. But I just smiled sheepishly at her and exined everything that happened in the office. She was silent for a minute. ¡°Well, its not a surprise, since they are Moretti¡¯s. They spread theirpanies like this.¡± ¡°But it¡¯s Mr. Ondo¡¯s dream: how can his son just sell it in a blink?¡± I asked, getting angry. It¡¯s his father¡¯s dream, even if he didn¡¯t want to work in this field, he could just have resigned from his CEO position and give it to one of the board members and still enjoy the profit. But no, he has to kill his father¡¯s dream. ¡°Lucy, if Moretti wants something, they will always get it. Knowing them, I bet they yed every dirty game to buy thepany shares below its half rate.¡± ¡± You mean they ckmailed or threatened Mr. Ondo¡¯s son to sell hispany? But he looked like he had won the lottery ¡± I looked at her in disbelief. ¡°No. There will always be atleast one money-sucking vampire on the board of directors. They will target them, lure them and offer more money than others. It may be double, triple or more¡± she said while shrugging. ¡°Oh..¡± I nodded my head like I understood everything in the world. ¡± Yup.. and Moretti¡¯s are the top 28 richest in the world and top 2 richest in Italy¡±. ¡± Really?¡± I gaped at her. Woah.. wait. ¡°How the hell do you know these strategies? ¡± I narrowed my eyes at her. Sheughed and winked at me.¡± Guess?¡± I gasped ¡± Oh my God!! You work for them?¡± ¡°What? Eww no.¡± She said, making a disgusting face. What? Then how? ¡°Then?¡± She signed. ¡± Remember I told you Moretti¡¯s will get what they want?¡± I nodded. ¡°But they can¡¯t get one thing¡± she said with a serious face. ¡°What?¡± Now I¡¯m getting irritated. Is it supposed to be a suspense? I rolled my eyes internally. ¡°No. 1 ce in Italy. They can¡¯t reach it. It always belongs to GG and I work for them¡±. She said with a proud smile. ¡°GG ?¡± I heard it before. She nodded and said ¡°the ¡®Ganovese Groups¡¯ are the richest men in Italy and the top 10 richest in the world. I work in the secretary¡¯s department. I know all their strategies.¡± ¡°Wow. That¡¯s a lot to take in and you work for the richestpany? No wonder you make more money than me.¡± I looked at her in shock. Yes. Even though my position is higher than hers, she earns more than me. I¡¯m not degrading my previouspany, but GG is beyond my imagination.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org. ¡°Of course ¡± she chuckled and continued ¡± GG has already spread its wings in many areas. So the secretary¡¯s department has a lot of work and our pay is also more. But hey, they will not wear us out. We even have a 10-day vacation every six months. Even our big boss will join us. It¡¯s dreamworthy¡±, she finished her little speech with a dreamy sigh, making me sigh with her. Looks like it is dream worthy. ¡°If we are going to talk like this, I¡¯m never going to arrange my room¡± I got up and went to my closet. ¡°Hey! You are the one who asked me about Moretti¡¯s and I didn¡¯t even tell you the interesting part¡± she whined and pouted, making me chuckle. ¡°Okay, tell me the most interesting part¡± I said sarcastically. ¡°Moretti and Ganovese were partners¡± I froze.¡± What?¡± I whispered, turning around. She nodded ¡± Yup, 150 yrs ago G&M contributions were found by two friends. I don¡¯t remember their names, so don¡¯t ask me. And around 80yrs ago, they split and their families became rivals ¡°. Well, this is indeed an interesting part. ¡°So, when can I start working at GG?¡± I asked Nat, giving her a mischievous smile. She gasped and shouted ¡°bitch no¡± with augh. ¡°¡®Hell yeah!¡±. ¡± But seriously, we don¡¯t have any vacancies at present and even if we had you were the General Manager and getting that post in GG is nearly impossible.¡± ¡°I dont care, even if there is a post for an ountant. Just inform me.¡± ¡°But why? You can get your previous post in any otherpany easily with your experience¡±. ¡°You are right. But you yourself said that GG is the richest in Italy. So, if I enter into it, I can climb up to my previous position,¡± I said with a shrug. ¡°Ok. I¡¯ll definitely inform you¡± ~.~ ~.~ ~.~ ~.~ ~.~ ~.~ ~.~ ~.~ The streets of EUR district are quieterpared to other areas in Rome. The weather here is 10 degrees less than the weather in NYC even in hot mid September. It¡¯s been four weeks since we came here and I¡¯m loving it. Even though this is a quieter area, it still offers lots of atmosphere and big parks, ideal for people that want to be away from the bustle of the city. Perfect for lovers of the tranquillity of Sunday strolls, the main seaside spot of Rome (Ostia) is only a short drive away. There are lots of buses that connect EUR to the city centre anyway, but don¡¯t move here if nightlife is high on your list of priorities and the view of the artificialke is amazing. Three weeks before, I got a full-time job at ¡°Io e torta¡±, which means ¡°me myself & pie¡±. The pay is very, very less, but sitting at home is boring. Since I have a sweet tooth, I only know how to bake perfectly, but I suck at cooking. I sold all my properties in my home town since we are moving here permanently, so even if I don¡¯t have a job, we can live recklessly for atleast 10yrs. Yup, I¡¯m a mini millionaire with some millions in my ount. ¡®Io e torta¡¯ is owned by an elderly cute couple who are in theirte 65¡¯s. I¡¯m not exactly a baker, Mr. Sartori, the owner¡¯s son, bakes with his wife and I¡¯m just a helper. The best thing is it¡¯s just a 10min walk from home. But a week after working here, I finally got a job at GG as a Personal Assistant for Mr. Agosti who¡¯s is an COO. But I still help them at weekends, for free of course, because I want to learn more about baking from them. Until now, everything is perfect. ~¡ð~ Today is a big day for kids. They are starting their primary school at Hignder Institute Srl. I woke up at 6:30, did my daily routine and went to the kitchen at 7:10. Gemma is already here at 7 to prepare breakfast and lunch box for the kids. Gemma is a 40yr-old chubbydy. She is a cook and babysitter. ¡°Buongiorno Lucy¡± Gemma greeted me with a smile as soon as she saw me. ¡°Good Morning to you too, Gemma. JAY , VICKYe out quickly ¡°. ¡°Coming Mom ¡± Jay shouted in return and came out of the room in 2mins, while Vicky came weakly with a longing face. ¡°Hello big buddy? What¡¯s with that face?¡± I asked him as he neared the dining table. He looked up with a sad face, pointing at his chest and said ¡°I-it¡¯s hurting here mom,¡± I frowned and got down from my chair. ¡°What? From when it hurts Vicky? Why didn¡¯t you tell me before?¡± I bent to his level and asked him, cing my hand on his chest. ¡°From morning mamma, do I really have to go to school mamma? I¡¯m going to miss you and Mrs. Gemma. That¡¯s why my heart is aching ¡± Vicky said with a most innocent face. I gaped at him. Jay snickered and muttered ¡± drama queen¡±, making Gemmaugh heartily. ¡°If you don¡¯t stop your acting, I¡¯m not going to take you to ¡®Io e torta¡¯ at the weekend¡±. ¡°Ok Ok mamma¡± Vicky raised his hands in surrender and hopped on his chair. I shook my head in amusement. After finishing our breakfast, we hopped into my car, which is a ck ¡®Buick Lacrosse¡¯, the smoothest car. It did damage my ount, but it is worth it. Right now, it is the one and only car I love and it doesn¡¯t make me sick. I stopped my car in front of the school and turned my head toward the kid. ¡°All the best. No fighting and no bullying. If anyone bullies you,in to teachers. OK?¡± I said with a stern tone. I got one boring and one over-enthusiastic Ok in return before going to my work. THE SLAP! LUCY It¡¯s been three weeks since I started working at ¡®GG¡¯. Let me tell you, this isn¡¯t a normal working ce, atleast my floor. Sometimes, I feel like I¡¯m in a freaking library. This ce doesn¡¯t need a room spray, different types of perfumes and deodorants will always linger in the air suffocating me. All you can hear is the clicking sound of the mouse, keyboard and, of course, heels. Don¡¯t even get started with gossip. What type of office doesn¡¯t have gossip? I hoped that I could learn more about Moretti¡¯s here, you know, since they are GG¡¯s rival and all, but no, other than how hot our CEO is and how he asionally ¡®screws¡¯ his assistant, you cant hear any other. That, too, only in washrooms. ¡±Take these files to Mr. Ganovese, make sure he signed and submit them to the secretary¡¯s department¡± Mr. Agosti, my boss said, handing me some files. ¡±Yes sir¡±. ¡±You can call me ¡®Ro¡¯ when we are alone, Lucy¡±. He said, giving one of his charming smiles for the nth time. Ro Agosti is a handsome man in histe twenties, single, smart and has many qualities that attract the female poption, like honey bees. I just smiled in return and went to the elevator, pressing 50th floor. Exhausting is the only word that could describe my situation when I reached my final destination. I hate elevators. Period. I had to stop 6 times from the 27th floor to here. Wish I could use that elevator, painted in gold, used exclusively only by our CEO and that fake blonde, with fake eyshes, with a tight blouse with a few buttons open, showing her cleavage more than necessary and with a real frown, typing furiously on herputer, a. k. a, Mr. CEO¡¯s assistant. I went near her at dusk and cleared my throat to gain her attention. ¡±Umm.. I need these files signed¡± I said, giving her files with a smile. ¡±You can go and get yourself ¡± she said with an irritated tone, pointing to the door with CEO engraved in italics on it. Both my smile and heart dropped. I almost pouted after hearing those words. I mean, I know that it¡¯s my job, but I guess I got lucky as Martha, which is her name by the way, never gave me that chance. Looks like I¡¯m out of lucky coins. I hesitantly went towards the door and stared at it. Why is she so irritated? Is it OK if I go in? What if Mr. Ganovese is angry? Is that why she is sending me in? I took a deep breath and raised my arm to knock. ¡±Hey wait! Give them to me, I¡¯ll take care of them and don¡¯te, I¡¯ll send them to the secretary¡¯s department.¡± Martha said, snatching those files from me. What the hell is wrong with her? I looked at her confused and gave her an awkward smile. What changed? I shrugged and went towards the elevator, waiting for it. Urgh..e on.. fast. I crossed my arms and started tapping my foot impatiently. I casually looked back and saw Martha open another button, pushing her breast up. They are almost falling out. Ew. Are they going to do it? Here? In his office? My face curled into disgust. The elevator dinged and I immediately stepped inside. ^¡ñ^ ALEX I leaned back and closed my eyes afterpleting my conference call. The past month has been really stressful.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g! Her eyes. They are still haunting me. I can¡¯t seem to get her out of my mind and I didn¡¯t even know her name. I opened my eyes when I heard a knock. Martha came in with some files and ced them on my table, giving me a clear view of her cleavage. ¡±You look stressed Mr. Ganovese¡± Martha said seductively and sat on myp, cing one hand around my neck, the other on my chest and whispered ¡±We haven¡¯t even met outside since you came from New York. I know office romance is not your thing, but I think you need a release¡±. Maybe I really need one. I grabbed her jaw and looked at her lips to kiss, but I didn¡¯t see a mole on it. I still remember how her lips felt against me. Shit!! Why the hell am I thinking about her right now? I cursed under my breath and got up abruptly, making her fall. A shriek escaped her mouth but I caught her before her ass kissed the floor. ¡±Not now, Martha, and don¡¯t ever try this in the office again. Move ¡± I told her sternly. ¡±What¡¯s wrong with you? You never called me after you came from New York. I know we don¡¯t meet regrly but it¡¯s been more than a month, Alex!! Don¡¯t tell me that you reced me¡± she asked, using her high pitch tone. ¡±Its Mr. Ganovese to you. What I do or whom I meet is none of your business! And don¡¯t expect any calls from me again after working hours, Ms. Stewart. Now send these files to the secretary¡¯s department.¡± I said, signing those files furiously, almost tearing them in the process. ¡±What!! You can¡¯t do that! I love you Alex! Please don¡¯t do this to us! Give us a chance. Please!¡± She screamed in tears. Great! Thest thing I want in my life is love, rtionship and a possessive girlfriend!! I know this ¡®no strings attached¡¯ is not my thing. It¡¯s been 8 months since Ang died. It¡¯s not like I¡¯m the most pleasant person in the world, but I lost another important person in my life and I distanced myself more from my family and friends. Ro told me that I needed to loosen up a bit and tried to hook me up, but I refused at first. Ang was the only woman in my life. We are each other¡¯s first. She was my best friend. She had an ident on the day we were supposed to marry and it was my fault. Now see what happened, Ro! It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t respect her, but she is just clingy. I clenched my jaw. ¡±You can see yourself out, Ms. Stewart. You are fired.¡± I said without looking at her. I dialed the reception and asked them to send someone for help as Martha would need somebody to carry her belongings. ¡°No plea-¡± ¡±Out. Now¡± LUCY I sat on my chair and was about to make some calls, Mr. Agosti called me. ¡±Lucy, didn¡¯t I tell you to make sure that Mr. Ganovese signed those files and sent them? Then why did I get a call from him asking me to send someone to collect them?¡± ¡±Yes sir, but Ms. Stewart said that she would take care of them.¡± I frowned. Did she forget about them or what? ¡±Well, she got fired and I need you toplete that work ASAP!¡± He ordered and hung up. I looked at the phone in disbelief. It¡¯s hardly been 15mins, how the hell did she manage to screw up her perfect job within minutes? Like you did with your previous job. Hehe. Oh no!! Now there is no escape! I¡¯m going to meet the richest person in the country! God help me! When I reached the floor, Martha¡¯s desk was as clean as new and her things were being carried by one of the security guards. There is no sign of her. Wow! That was fast. I knocked twice and heard a e in¡¯. Why does it seem familiar? I slowly entered the room, but my heart dropped and my throat became dry as soon as I saw him. Oh my God!! I know that Italy is a small country, but among 60 million people, why the hell does he have to be here? Thank God for his arrogance, he didn¡¯t even spare a nce at me but pointed to those stupid files, probably too busy doing work on hisputer. I slowly exhaled through my mouth and started going towards his table. As soon as I got hold of them, he looked up and froze. I gave him a sheepish smile and did one thing that any sane person wouldn¡¯t do. I ran. @_@ ¡±Why do you look like you saw a ghost?¡± Nat asked as I gave her files. ¡±Yeah, something like that. Our CEO¡± She chuckled and gave those files to one of her coworkers and pulled me towards the canteen. ¡±So, I heard Ms. Assistant finally got fired?¡± Nat asked as soon as we sat down. I sighed, nodding my head. I told her everything that happened in the airport, on the ne except that kiss. Sheughed loudly, gaining some unwanted attention. Well, at least someone found it funny. But what the hell am I thinking? I¡¯m sure he forgot about my existence until now and don¡¯t forget that I actually called him a pervert! Oh boy! I¡¯m definitely in trouble! I¡¯m going to be another Martha by getting myself fired! ¡±Chix! Nothing will happen. Trust me¡± Nat said, patting my shoulder as we parted away from the elevator. ¡±Easy for you to say. It¡¯s me who is in trouble!¡± I shook my head as she tried to control her smile. ALEX The fuck!? Am I hallucinating? I¡¯m miserable because of her and here she is looking at me with wide eyes and slightly parted lips. Before I could react, she smiled at me sheepishly and ran like a mad woman. Is it really her? If it is her, then what is she doing here? All these days she is working for me? I quickly dialed Ro and asked him to send her. It¡¯s been more than half an hour. Why is it taking so long!? I dialed Ro again. ¡±Where the hell is she, Ro? How much time do you need to send your assistant from the 27th floor to here?¡± ¡±Shutup dude! Its lunch break! I¡¯ll send her as soon as I see her. But why the fuck you are so impatient to see her? Did she do something wrong?¡± ¡±Don¡¯t forget to send her¡± I hung up, ignoring his questions. After another 20 painful minutes of waiting, I finally heard a knock. She came and stood in front of me. She wore a ck pencil skirt that reached below her knees but had a small cut at the side, a white shirt which was loose and a cardigan. Her hair is in a tight bun. No trace of makeup or lipstick except for her eyeliner, which made her eyes more attractive. She effortlessly took my breath away. ¡±What¡¯s your name?¡± I asked and stood up. ¡± L-Lucy. Lucy Vitale¡± she stammered and bit her lip as I continued my way towards her. I don¡¯t know how I lost control or why I did that, but all I know is that I want to, I need to feel her lips again. I wanted to kiss her badly on the ne but I restrained myself as we are strangers. But I regret not kissing her the moment I lost sight of her. But not now, not when I finally get to see her and hold her again. I couldn¡¯t stop myself from grabbing her by her waist and the nape of her neck, smashing my lips on hers. Every fiber in my body was burning with desire as I started kissing her. Her lips are perfect. Not too soft or hard, just warm and perfect. Her body felt like heaven against me. I sucked her lower lip, making her moan. I froze as I felt a sting on my left cheek. I closed my eyes tightly, clenching my jaw. My hands curled into a fist. I, Alessandro Lexus Ganovese , just got fucking pped. ENTER THE SPY LUCY ¡±I-I¡¯m.. uh. I¡¯m so-¡±No wait! Why the hem Itrying to apologize? He deserves it! ¡°Umm.. y-you shouldn¡¯t do that!! It¡¯s inappropriate. Don¡¯t ever ki-kiss anyone without their consent¡± I said and ran away for the second time. This time I usedthatprivate elevator because, for one, no one could see my flustered face and two, I may never get this chance again. This time I know I¡¯m going to get fired. I groaned and stomped my foot. I went directly to Mr. Agosti¡¯s office and took leave, saying that I¡¯dplete my work at home. He agreed as it¡¯s just 3hrs and tomorrow is Saturday. I packed all my stuff and kept it in the corner of my desk. Well, if I¡¯m going to get fired, at least I should be prepared.Right? I took my phone and messaged Lia. Me:I¡¯m going home. I¡¯ll exin everythingter. Do you remember the school timing? Pick up VickyandJay on your way home. Tomorrow I¡¯ll tell Gemma to prepare your favorite Chicken Casserole.? Nat :And don¡¯t forget to buy a choco chip vored ice cream on your way.? Me : ? Nat : ? I changed into my long grey T-shirt which reached my mid thigh and wore shorts. I tied my hair into a messy bun and started giving replies to emails and made some calls. ¡±MA-MMA!!¡± Vicky screamed as soon as he saw me. ¡°VIC-KY¡± I screamed back, closing myptop and smiling brightly.Material ? N?velDrama.Org. He tossed his bag aside and jumped on the couch, giving me a tight hug. ¡±Why didn¡¯t youe to pick us up? I made a new friend and thought I could introduce her to you¡± he said, making a pouty face. ¡±Aww.. I¡¯m sorry, but I¡¯ll make sure to meet her on Monday, promise. But where are Jay and Nat?¡± I asked, looking confused at him. ¡±I ran into the elevator as soon as Nat aunty parked her car and closed the doors before they could enter¡± he said while giggling. But that made me worried. ¡±Don¡¯t do that Vicky, didn¡¯t I tell you and Jay to stay close to Nat?¡± I can¡¯t take any risk. What if something happens to them? They are the only family I have and I won¡¯t let anyone hurt them. ¡±HEY YOU LITTLE CHIPMUNK!! WHERE ARE YOU?¡± And hell broke loose!! After all the squealing and fighting, Nat andVicky made up by sharing their ice cream. Jay is in his room as usual doing his thing. And me, I¡¯m lying on my bed thinking about thekiss. I groaned loudly against my pillow, rolling side to side. Why did I p him? I should have punched him instead. Maybe because you enjoyed the kiss for a moment? I groaned again. . ALEX I chugged another ss of whiskey and mmed the ss. Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! What wasIthinking? I ran my hand through my hair for the nth time. How can I kiss someone without their consent? Am I that desperate for a fuck? Then why did I push Martha away? I¡¯m going insane! ¡±If you are going to start without me, why did you even bother to call me?¡± Ro entered and sat across me. ¡±Wow and now you are ignoring me¡±. I poured some whiskey into my ss and started twirling it. Ro signed and leaned back. ¡±Are you expecting me to guess? You do know that I don¡¯t know how to read minds right?¡± I gulped down my drink and tilted my face, giving him the perfect view of my left cheek. Yes, she left a print. . ¡±Yougotpped?That too for kissing? Dude??? Have you finally lost it?¡± After exining everything from ne to office incidents, we bothpleted our 3rd bottle. ¡±I know, right? I shouldn¡¯t have done that! What if she has a boyfriend? Or worse, a husband? I mean she isn¡¯t wearing a ring but-¡± I groaned, falling back on my sofa. ¡±No she doesn¡¯t, but I have to admit that she is unique and totally not into kissing strangers. Especially if it is her boss. I mean I literally told her to call me Ro whenever she calls me with the ¡®Mr¡¯ tag. But no, she will always give me a smile in return and continues her work. At first I thought she is just pretending to be professional, but when I observed her at work, she was totally professional¡± I signed, pulling myself up. ¡±Look, I need you to-¡­..¡± After I told Ro what to do, I smiled in satisfaction. Can¡¯t wait for Monday. ¡Á¡ñX ILARIA(RIA) ¡±Where the fuck are you? Come fast! I need a camera asap!! Or else I¡¯mgoing to miss him again!¡± I whispered, yelled at Toni who was on the other side of the line. I¡¯m patiently waiting outside of the hotel ¡±New View¡± following the one and only ¡®Nolo Moretti¡¯, CEO of ¡®Moretti Industries¡¯ and eldest sonof¡®NathanielMoretti¡¯. ¡±Turn to your right Ria¡± he whispered back. As soon as I turned, Toni threw the cam at me and ran back. fottuto codardo!! (Fucking coward!!) I know what I¡¯m doing is dangerous, but this is my job now! There will always be perks and risks in everything. And these are the risks of being a journalist. These are the risks my sister faced. Now it¡¯s my turn. There is something wrong with thispany! Or more like with Moretti¡¯s. Its understandable that theypete ineverything with GG, but this is Insane. Moretti built this hotel, ¡®New view¡¯, facing its back , to the back of the hotel ¡±Elemento¡±, which is owned by GG. Even though they face opposite to each other, when you look from above, they almost look like one. When Nolo came out and entered his car, I took some pictures and followed him in my car. As usual, nothing suspicious. It¡¯s been 3 months since I started following Moretti¡¯s but found nothing against them. I went to my apartment, which looked like trash. I threw all my things in a corner and went near my nning board. Moretti¡¯s 1. Nathaniel- Chairman Home- Office ¨C NewView 2. Nolo ¨C CEO Home- Office ¨C site seeing -NewView 3. Niven ¨C COO Home- Office ¨C NewView ¨C clubs . This is what they do regrly, atleast these few months. New View is where they hold all their dinner meetings and parties. If I want to find out more about them, I have to go to New View! B-But I need to book a room 2 weeks prior and I have to sacrifice my 6 months sry to stay there for a week! Fucking pricks!! Eating all our money! Okay.. my sry is low, but still!! I drank a bottle of water to control my hunger and went to sleep. I need to wakeup at 5am to follow them again.Screw my life! . ¡±Hello? Ria?It¡¯s me Ilina!I¡¯mspeaking from New York. Listen carefully!Ifound interesting news about Moretti¡¯s! They are more than what we see! You can¡¯t believe whomIsaw today! I¡¯ll sendyoua few pictures! Look into them and dig about them!¡± I reyed the voice mail again and again. Ilina, my older sister, is the one who started this! Our father sold our TVchannel to Moretti¡¯s against our wishes! After our mother died from Cancer , dad became an alcoholic and ignored uspletely. We thought it was his way of coping with our mother¡¯s death but he went behind our backs and sold the wholepany to Moretti¡¯s! I was still in college studying Business when this happened, but a few yearster Ilina sent me this! She went missing after that. I never received any pictures or calls again! It¡¯s been 6 months since that happened. After searching for 2 months, I got a phone call saying that my sister¡¯s body was found near ake, raped, tortured , and starved to death. I took a deep breath controlling my tears. I going to make them feel sorry for even touching my sister¡¯s hair! SEDUCING? LUCY I stood there without blinking. I saw someone sitting at my desk. What is he doing? I know I¡¯m getting fired but he should have called me to his cabin to tell him that instead of here, in front of everyone. I cleared my throat. ¡±Sir?¡± He snapped out of whatever he was thinking and stood up. ¡±Oh hey Lucy, I actually came to tell you to pack your things, but it seems like you have already ..¡± Mr. Agosti trailed off, ncing at my things, which were perfectly packed. I gave him an awkward smile. What should I say? That I already expected this? My nose started to itch, indicating that my eyes were going to sting. I pinched the tip of my nose before it was toote. Gosh, what¡¯s wrong with me? Why am I so disappointed? What did I expect? That I finally got a chance to experience all the lovey-dovey stuff? It¡¯s just a kiss! Not a big deal! ¡±I just uh.. expected this would happen sir. Should I just take my things and go or? Are there any formalities?¡± ¡±No, no. I¡¯ll call someone to shift your things and don¡¯t worry about formalities Lucy¡± Thank God, that¡¯s a relief! Wait, what? Shift? To where? ¡±Shift? I¡¯m not fired?¡± I¡¯m confused. Are they demoting me? Mr. Agosti chuckled ¡±Of course not! As you know, our boss fired hisst assistant and he needed a new one ASAP. So, I rmended you!¡± He said, looking amused. Yeah, I believed that. It¡¯s definitely him who nned this! He was going to torture me for pping him. ¡±Sir, but what about you?¡± I know this is all in vain, that they have already decided everything. But hey! A girl gotta try! ¡±Don¡¯t worry about me. I¡¯ll manage. This is just a temporary arrangement for a week or so, until someone will fill up that position and you can work for me again¡± I gave him a nod and followed the guy who was carrying my things. Well, the only good thing about this arrangement is I can use that private elevator! ^¡ð^ ALEX I was signing some documents when I heard a knock. I grinned, knowing who it was. Iposed myself, keeping my face neutral and asked her toe in. And there she is.. looking exactly the same asst time I saw her. Expect, her skirt and cardigan are grey. Such a in looking woman but still somehow managed to captivate me! ¡±What is this sir? I know I hurt your ego, but you totally deserved that! And you shouldn¡¯t be doing all this.. this nning for revenge! You aren¡¯t a kid!¡± She babbled, looking flustered, folding her hands. I looked at her amused. I got up from my seat and stood in front of her. Not too close, not yet. ¡±You imagine too much, Ms. Vitale. I can assure you that I¡¯m not plotting anything, although I did n something different¡±. I whispered thest part. ¡±W-what?¡± She asked, looking confused. Cute. ¡±I¡¯m sorry for what happened that day. You are right, I shouldn¡¯t have kissed you without your consent.¡± I said, taking a step forward. ¡±You are sorry?¡± She asked, looking surprised. I chuckled. ¡±Yes¡± I said, taking another step. She leaned back slightly, it was almost unnoticeable, but didn¡¯t move from her ce. Trying to look brave, huh? ¡±T-Then why are you doing all this?¡± She asked in a low voice. I took onest step. We are finally too close. I can feel the heat radiating from her body. I started trailing my fingers from her arm to her corbone, she shuddered and goosebumps erupted on her skin. I leaned down, brushing her earlobe with my lips, making her breath uneven. ¡±Are you in a rtionship, Ms. Vitale?¡± ¡±N-No¡± Her words came out in a whisper. ¡±Good.¡± LUCY ¡±Good.¡± Is he trying to seduce me? Because it¡¯s working! I took a deep breath, held his hand before his finger went any further. I can feel how strong it is under my palm. ¡±What are you doing?¡± I asked, clenching my teeth, controlling my hormones. ¡±I¡¯m an honest man, Ms. Vitale. As you said, I¡¯m not a kid. I don¡¯t y games. I was attracted to you at first sight¡± He said, looking into my eyes, indicating that he was serious. My heart did a somersault. My face became hot. Yeah, I could tell that, but why? When I¡¯m just a in looking Jane. Awe.. Is he going to ask me on a date? He ced his fingers on my chin, making me look into his eyes. When did I look down? ¡±And I want you in my bed, under me¡± Did he just¨C I scoffed. Way to ruin the moment! He is right, I can imagine too much. I sighed, taking a step back. ¡±I¡¯m sorry Mr. Ganovese, but that¡¯s not going to happen. I¡¯m too professional for that¡± yeah yeah¡­ a few seconds back I was excited a date. I rolled my eyes internally. He raised his eyebrows, totally taken back by my sudden reaction. He wrapped his hands around my waist and pulled me into his chest. It felt like d¨¦j¨¤ vu. ¡±Stop lying to yourself Lucy. I know you are attracted to me. Otherwise, you won¡¯t be clutching onto my arm like your life depends on it. You would have pushed me away by now.¡± ¡±Did you forget about the p?¡± I asked him, narrowing my eyes. Damn.. he is too tall for me. ¡±That was a reflex, I get it! You don¡¯t do casual. But make me an exception, please?¡± He asked cutely. I was awestruck. H-He looks adorable. God!! Why me? He is right. I¡¯m attracted to him. I¡¯m not even trying to move out of his embrace. I like being close to him. It makes you feel things I have never felt before. He is right, again. I don¡¯t do casual. Hell, I didn¡¯t do anything! I had never been in a rtionship before. I was never even involved romantically with anyone. He was my first kiss. But I do know one thing, I get attached too soon. I was already starting to like him. Why not? He is hot, too hot. He sincerely apologized for his mistake. He is honest with his intentions and, most of all, he makes my knees weak. Yup. Definitely attracted. ¡±Then let me also be honest, Mr. Ganovese. You are right. I don¡¯t do casuals and you aren¡¯t going to be an exception¡±. His lips formed a sexy smirk. I gulped. Kiss me please! No! Urgh.. ¡±We¡¯ll see that¡± He said, looking at his lips. I licked mine in anticipation. But when did I ever get what I wanted? He pulled back and went behind his desk. ¡±Let¡¯s get back to work Ms. Vitale¡± he said, sittingfortably on his chair. Leaving me. Flustered. .Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g! True to his words, he didn¡¯t give me any overwork, but he is indeed torturing me just by being there. I officially lost my brain cells. I want and don¡¯t want him at the same time. I finally got to meet Vicky¡¯s friend Lilly. She is such a cute little thing. We waited until her mother came to pick her up. We went shopping directly from there. Jay brought some sketches and books, Vicky got a few clothes and goggles. My boy gotta look smart. We are in the parking lot. I ced all the bags in their car. Vicky and Jay are already inside the car. ¡±Mamma I want kitkat milkshake¡± ¡±Nowa-¡± ¡±Mamma pleeeeeeease¡± Vicky asked, looking at me while pouting. Why am I such a softie? Screw me. ¡±Well? Did anyone n to apany me or should I go alone?¡± Vicky smiled sheepishly while Jay didn¡¯t even bother to look at me. Urgh.. fine. ¡±Just don¡¯t wander around¡±. I didn¡¯t even cross the car when someone bumped into me, making me fall on my ass. Ouch. That hurt like hell. ¡±I¡¯m so sorry I didn¡¯t mean to do it¡±. The girl who bumped into me apologized and pulled me up. ¡±It¡¯s okay¡± I smiled at her. She is a brte with a bob-cut. She wore a white T-shirt, a red hoodie over it and denim shorts. There is a camera in her hand which is broken. Her hands and knees were bleeding. ¡±Oh my god, did it happen now?¡± What? Am I that strong? ¡±N-No, it hap-¡± ¡±SEARCH EVERY INCH, I DON¡¯T WANT TO LOSE HER. REMEMBER SHE IS IN RED HOODIE AND HAS A CAMERA ¡± we heard some shouting and footsteps. That girl looked terrified after hearing that. ¡±P-please help me.¡± She is almost in tears. Hope I¡¯m not making a mistake. . ¡±Mom, Who is she?¡± Jay asked while we entered the kitchen. I brought her home with us. Her knees are bleeding too much and her palms are bruised and bleeding a little. ¡±I don¡¯t know Jay but she looked terrified and trying to run from bad guys so I helped her¡±. I prepared hot chocte for everyone, while Jay took a first aid kit. We went back to the living room. Vicky sat beside her and examined her wounds like a doctor he always wanted to be. I looked at him, amused by his actions. Jay went near her and opened the first aid kit to treat her. She looked at me confused. I shrugged at her ¡±He can do better than me¡±. After cleaning and putting a band-aid on his knees, Jay took his hot chocte and went to his room as usual. Vicky sat beside me but I signaled him to go inside his room. He narrowed his eyes at me but I pouted and pleaded to him silently. That big guy sighed loudly, shaking his head and went inside. That girl chuckled at seeing his reaction. Right. I still don¡¯t know her name. ¡±I¡¯m Lucy, by the way¡± I said, and took a sip from my cup. ¡±I¡¯m Ria. Sorry for the trouble and thanks for this¡± she said, pointing to the bandaid. ¡±Nah, no problem. So? What¡¯s with all the chasing?¡± Bite me, I¡¯m a curious person. ¡±Oh it¡¯s nothing. I¡¯m a journalist, I got caught while taking pictures¡± she said, giving me a weak smile. Her stomach growled but I pretended not to hear. I don¡¯t want to make her feel embarrassed. . *RIA* I hope she didn¡¯t hear it. I¡¯m already embarrassed enough for a lifetime. This hot chocte is delicious though! ¡±Why did you follow someone if it was life threatening? I know I¡¯m being nosy but those guys back there looked determined¡± Lucy asked, cing her empty cup on the table. That was fast. I shrugged ¡±Some are worth the trouble¡±. I don¡¯t want to go deep. Moretti¡¯s are dangerous and I don¡¯t want to involve anyone. ¡±Once again, thanks for everything! It¡¯s nice meeting you Lucy.¡± I stood up to take my leave. ¡±Why don¡¯t you stay? It¡¯s prettyte already! If you want, I¡¯ll drop you by after dinner.¡± Dinner? It¡¯s been more than a week since I had a proper meal at night. Ouch! My stomach hurts. ¡±Uh- I don¡¯t want to intrude¡± ¡±Nonsense, I insist.¡± Her kids, Jay and Vicky sat across each other from the corner. I sat beside Jay or was it Vicky? Lucy sat between them. It¡¯s spaghetti and meatballs. My stomach growled in anticipation! I don¡¯t know why these guys are eating from each others te. It¡¯s still the same food. Maybe it¡¯s a family thing. Whatever, this is delicious! . ¡±Give me a second Ria, I¡¯ll be back.¡± I wore my shoes and took my broken camera. Tony is going to kill me! Lucy came back after dropping her kids at her friend¡¯s apartment and took her car keys. There is afortable silence in the car. But she is going too slow for my liking. Well, beggars can¡¯t be choosers. It¡¯s actually a 20min drive to my ce, but if she keeps going at this pace it¡¯s going to take an extra 10min. ¡±So, what do you do, Lucy?¡± A conversation is better than a long drive in silence. ¡± I work at GG, I¡¯m an assistant to the CEO¡±. She said, giving me a side nce. Wow! At GG? She works under Alessandro? Rival of my enemy? Should I take advantage of this? But she has kids. What if something happens to her? No! I shouldn¡¯t involve anyone. ¡±Wow! You work for the richest person in the country! How is your experience?¡± She chuckled ¡±Not really, I just started working for him. I used to be a COO¡¯s assistant. We actually shifted recently! I¡¯m from NYC¡±. Too much coincidence. Is she from NYC? What if she knows Ilina? ¡±Do you know anyone named Ilina?¡± Shit! Why can¡¯t I keep my mouth shut? ¡±No, I never heard that name before¡±. I sighed in relief. But I¡¯m disappointed too. ¡±Hey, are you OK?¡± Lucy asked, giving me a tissue. Huh? Why? ¡±It¡¯s ok, let it go.¡± She said, pulling her car near my apartment. I¡¯m crying? When did I even- Lucy pulled me into a hug, rubbing my back soothingly. And I broke downpletely. I remember when Ilina used to do that for me, how we used to fight during dinner, how we used to share our secrets with each other, how happy we were before, to how pale her face looked in the mortuary, how I started running after what she started, how much I starved myself, how that bastard¡¯s bodyguard kicked me in my stomach! I was never beaten before in my life! It hurts to even cry! I have managed until now. I tightened my arms around her, imagining it was Ilina. If only it¡¯s her! I cried harder at that thought! ¡±Why are you so nice to me?¡± I asked her after the ugly breakdown. We are still inside her car. ¡±I just saw myself in you! A few years back, I was exactly like you¡±. I looked at her in confusion. ¡±Jay and Vicky aren¡¯t my own, I adopted them 3yrs back. I lost my family years before that.¡± ¡±Oh, I¡¯m so sorry¡± she has her own battles. ¡±It¡¯s OK, Hey! You are a journalist, right? Can you help me with something? You don¡¯t need to investigate or anything. Just tell me what you know about them¡±. Hmm.. Should I tell you that I¡¯m not actually a journalist? She looks desperate. Does she want to know about her hot CEO? ¡±Okay, I¡¯ll if I can. Who do you want to know about?¡± ¡±Really? Thank you so much!! It¡¯s about Moretti¡¯s!¡± Say what???? Too much for not trying to involve her! IGNORED LUCY ¡±Umm.. You there?¡± I asked waving my hand infront of her face. She blinked few times beforeposing herself. ¡±Why do you want to know about them? Is it because they are yourpany¡¯s rival?¡± ¡±No, it has nothing to do with thepany, it¡¯s moreplicated. Actually, why don¡¯t you have my number? It¡¯s toote now, give me a call when you are free!¡± I said giving her my card. She looked hesitant, but took it with a nod. ¡±Thanks for the ride Lucy¡± ¡±No problem¡± . ¡±Who do you think is best?¡± Mr. Hottie asked cing some pictures on his desk. ¡±We need to select one of them for our new product, I¡¯m counting on you.¡± He went back to signing his files after pushing them towards me. I sat infront of him and went through the pictures. There are some new and some are top models. After going through their social media ounts and some websites, I selected a new model, she is 5. 8ft tall, blonde and has light green eyes. Her name is Elvira D¡¯Oro and I think she is perfect! I got up from my seat and stood beside his desk. ¡±Sir, I think she is the one!¡± I said confidently showing him Elvira¡¯s pic. But he looked disappointed. ¡±I thought you would pick Sibi Altera, she is a top model right now.¡± He said with a frown. If you already had someone in your mind, why did you even bother to ask me? ¡±I ept that Sibi is a top model sir, but Elvira is an uing model, her followers in Instagram and Twitter are increasing rapidly day by day, she is half American and half Italian, She recently got published in Fashion scoop, which has world wide recognition. So I thought it would help our product to- ¡±Nonsense¡± came a voice from behind cutting me off. Rude. There stood Monica Redaelli, CCO of ourpany. Who is responsible for thepanies reputation, contacting the media and developing Branding strategies. She wore a ck dress which isplementing her curves. She has ck hair, dark brown eyes, tan skin. She is taller than me. I frowned looking at her. She came and stood at the other side of the desk assessing me. Her eyes held distaste when she saw my attire. I rolled my eyes internally. It¡¯s not like I can¡¯t afford to wear designer clothes or something. I¡¯m just morefortable in this! ¡±Next time don¡¯t forget to knock Ms. Redaelli¡± Hottie said looking at her nkly. She rolled her eyes folding her hands. Woah. They are close? ¡±I¡¯m serious!¡± He looked annoyed by her behavior. ¡±Fine! I came to know whether you picked a model or not. But here you are, taking nonsense from your assistant!¡± She said ncing at me. ¡±Excuse me?¡± I clenched my teeth trying to keep my cool. ¡±Oh and she talks back?¡± She looked at him with an raised eyebrow. ¡±I have every right to talk, especially when I¡¯m asked to!¡± Urgh! now she is getting on my nerves! ¡±Ourpany already has worldwide recognition. We don¡¯t need her for that! Sibi is more famous than her and have more followers in social media-¡± I stopped listening after that and waited for her to stop. ¡±I thought that but what Ms. Vitale is saying is also right. Elvira also looks more beautiful than Sibi. If her idea works, we might get more profits.¡± Mr. Hottie said to her making me smile. ¡±And she will also gain more poprity because of that! We can make her sign a deal with us for our future projects before she increases her remuneration!¡± I said gaining their attention back. ¡±Sheesh! Did you know that GG is richest in Italy? We don¡¯t need to do all those things! And what if it fails? We¡¯ll face losses!¡± She said giving him a pointed look. ¡±As you said, GG is the richest one! We won¡¯t face losses because we are already on top at cosmetic production and this product is a lipstick which is just thicker and brighter than the previous one! I¡¯m 100% sure we won¡¯t face any loss¡±. I said as confidently as possible. It¡¯s true though, we won¡¯t face loss because GG lipsticks are the most used lipsticks in Italy and some other countries. I don¡¯t know why she is making a fuss about this! ¡±It¡¯s settled then, Elvira D¡¯Oro will be our new model.¡± Mr. Hottie dered closing the argument. Yay! I can sense Ms. Redaelli¡¯s re but I choose to ignore it. Ha! Take that! ¡±You could have just called me if you want to know who I selected. Now tell me, why are you here?¡± Mr. Hottie asked her resuming his work. I went and sat on the sofa resuming my work too. Mr. Hottie asked me to go through some files regarding the meeting we are about to have in half an hour. ¡±Like I wanted to see your face. It¡¯s been too long since we had a family gathering, not my words. Mom wanted me invite everyone which also includes my grumpy cousin, so here I am¡± So they are cousins? Hey! I¡¯m not eavesdropping, I just happened to be in the same room. After few minutes she left but not before giving me a stink eye. Jeez, what¡¯s her problem? ¡ñ¡ñ This is torture, pure torture! It¡¯s time for me to go home, Mr. Hottie usually workste but today he is leaving early because of that family gathering. I should have pressed the close button when he said stop but me being me, waited for him to enter the elevator. He is standing too close, right behind me! He isn¡¯t touching me but my traitorous boby wish he was. Aish.. it¡¯s exhausting actually! Wanting something badly and can¡¯t have it, because it¡¯s injurious to health! And he is injurious to my brain and heart. So, it¡¯s best to keep my distance. Goosebumps erupted my whole body when he sniffed my neck. What is he? A werewolf ? ¡±Why do you smell like a coconut?¡± Huh? ¡±I never knew it smells so good¡± he said sniffing me again. I stopped breathing when his nose touched my neck. Move forward Lucy! Don¡¯t give in! I took a step forward and released a shaky breath. ¡±Am I being ignored? Too bad, I don¡¯t like that¡± my heart started to beat fast when his lips brushed my ears. 10 more floors! I clenched my jaw and tapping my feet impatiently waiting for this damn elevator to open before I turn around and jump into his arms. He needs to know that I¡¯m serious. Even if I want to give in secretly, he doesn¡¯t need to know that part. ¡±Why do you always tie your hair up? I like it more when it¡¯s down, just like in the ne¡± he said, chuckling in the end. 1 I sprinted out as soon as the elevator doors opened and huffed when I reached the parking lot. Urgh¡­ why does he have to bring up about ne? It¡¯s too embarrassing! I picked up Jay and Vicky on way as usually. I didn¡¯t get any call from Ria. It¡¯s ok, it hasn¡¯t even been 24hrs. . I straightened my hair and tied it into a neat bun. I like it more when it¡¯s down. Psh, why I am remembering this now? I hesitated for a second but eventually untied my hair. I smiled. He is right, I do look better. Should I go like this? What if he thinks I did this for him? Well, you are doing this for him. I tied my hair back again. Nope! I¡¯m not going to do anything for anyone, that too for a crush! Everything went normal for next few days. He didn¡¯t try anything, we aren¡¯t alone after office hours.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved. I would be lying if I say I wasn¡¯t disappointed. But this is to protect myself from heartbreak. Today is the day of shooting that lipstick ad. Mr. Hottie asked me to check if everything is going right. Good thing that they are shooting in this building itself! That saved a ride. I reached 20th floor, where the photoshoot is held. Woahhh. It¡¯s a chaos! Some are moving, some are shouting, some are carrying equipments. I passed through all of them and went near the shooting area. I met thedy in charge, who is in herte 30¡¯s and asked if there is any problem. Fortunately there isn¡¯t any. When I was about to leave, a man came and introduced himself as Elvira¡¯s manager, asked if she can meet Mr. Hottie for lunch to thank him for selecting her. It¡¯s me who argued to select her dumbass. ¡±I don¡¯t know if he will agree or not, I¡¯ll call him and let you know¡± I said giving him a fake smile. I called Mr. Hottie and he picked after 2nd ring. ¡±Is everything ok there?¡± No hello? Hi? ¡±Yes sir, everything is going ordingly. But Ms. D¡¯Oro wants to meet you for lunch to thank you for selecting her. What do want me to tell her?¡± Please say no, say no! After few seconds of silence he said ¡±Lunch? Okay. Make the arrangements Ms. Vitale. I want you to join as well¡± and hung up. I looked at my phone in disbelief and amusement. I told her manager that he agreed. ¡±Do I need to book a table at a restaurant or did you already do that Ms. Vitale?¡± Her manager asked looking happy. I smiled at his excitement. ¡±No need Mr. Baresi, Mr. Ho- Ganovese doesn¡¯t have time to go out. It will be within the building, where his usual Lunch meetings are held.¡± Oops, I almost called him Hottie. He face took total 180¡ã turn. He looked disappointed, but nodded his head giving me an awkward smile. Shooting took another hour toplete. I went to Elvira after she changed into her previous clothes. She is gorgeous. I totally don¡¯t like this lunch arrangement. What if he loses his interest in me after seeing her? Hell, I think he already lost! Told you he didn¡¯t try anything in past few days. Deep breaths Lucy, deep breaths. Isn¡¯t this what you want? It¡¯s best this way. INTERRUPTIONS & HUGS LUCY ¡±What¡¯s your name again?¡± I¡¯m starting to despise elevators. ¡±Lucy Vitale¡± I said giving her a forced smile. She didn¡¯t even look my way or atleast nodded her head. She is so engrossed in her mobile. ¡±Okay Lucy, you can go. I¡¯ll manage from here.¡± She said as we stepped out. ¡±Um, I¡¯m actually joining you guys for lunch.¡± This is getting awkward. ¡±Oh¡± she cleared her throat and continued. ¡± Can you not join? I want to talk to him privately ¡± The nerve of this girl! Uff! ¡±I can¡¯t do that Ms. D¡¯Oro. I wouldn¡¯t have joined if he didn¡¯t ask me to and your manager should have mentioned the word privately when he asked me¡± I said smiling at her sweetly. ¡±Take your seat Ms. D¡¯Oro, I¡¯ll be back in a minute ¡± I said to her when we reached the dining hall and went out. I don¡¯t want to be alone in the same room as her. I might smack her because of my insecurity. What¡¯s wrong with me? I saw Mr. Hottieing out of his private elevator and went near him. ¡±Ms. D¡¯Oro is inside sir¡± I said to which he just nodded his head. ¡±Um sir? Should I have to join? Ms. D¡¯Oro might actually want to have a private lunch¡± I want to join them just to irk her but I¡¯m curious about his answer. ¡±Oh you are going to be there Ms. Vitale, now move fast, I don¡¯t want to bete¡± He said pulling me along with him. We gave our orders. Elvira obviously ordered sd to maintain her physique, Hottie got Courgette & saffron risotto, which is basically made of rice. Damn I should have ordered same! But I don¡¯t regret getting Pollo Margarita, chicken breast with extra cheese! Yum! I sighed as the food touched my tastebuds. This is heaven! I wasn¡¯t paying attention to their conversation, she is trying to flirt and I don¡¯t want listen to that. Wish she had stuck to flirting with him without involving me in their convo. ¡±Lucy?¡± I heard you 1st time. ¡±Huh?¡± ¡±I asked why don¡¯t you start a healthy life style? You see, too much cheese is not good. Just lose some weight, change your dressing style and put some makeup on. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll get to date someone in no time¡± she said smiling genuinely. Yup, genuinely. I don¡¯t know why some people can¡¯t mind their own business. Even if your intentions are pure, you can¡¯t just give suggestions without knowing anything. How did she know that I¡¯m not dating anyone? Is it that obvious? Do I look that miserable? ¡±Thank you for your concern Ms. D¡¯Oro, but I¡¯m perfectly healthy and happy with my body, my choice of clothes are based on myfort and I love how I look! And about dating, I¡¯m living happily with my kids, I don¡¯t want anything other than that!¡± She looked taken back by my words. ¡±Wow, so you have kids? What about their father?¡± Why do you want to know? Can¡¯t you keep flirting with him? It¡¯s not that I want to keep it a secret, I just feel it¡¯s unnecessary to tell everyone that I adopted my monkeys. ¡±We are orphans. So I thought why don¡¯t we be a family? And adopted them¡± I can feel Hottie¡¯s intense look but I didn¡¯t dare to look at him. ¡±That¡¯s great, but why don¡¯t you want to date? You can still enjoy your life¡± I shrugged ¡±it¡¯s just my personal choice¡± We finished our food and Elvira finally decided to thank Hottie. Should have done that before flirting! Ah.. someone¡¯s Jealous. Psh! I¡¯m not! ¡±Thank you so much for selecting me Mr. Ganovese ¡± She said smiling at him extra sweetly. ¡±Thank Ms. Vitale, she is the one who selected you¡± Hottie said looking at me. ¡±Really? Thank you Lucy¡± Elvira pulled me into a hug. I hugged her back and looked at Hottie. He is just looking at me weirdly. Now what¡¯s his problem? ¡ñ¡ñ¡ñ ¡±Is that why you don¡¯t want to have sex with me?¡± He cornered me as soon as we entered his office. So that¡¯s his problem. I tried to move but he blocked me, cing his hands either side of my body, sandwiching me between him and his desk. ¡±Sir please move¡± or touch me, but don¡¯t just stand there hovering me. ¡±Tell me why? Am I not attractive enough for you? Or is it because I¡¯m your boss and you just want to have a professional rtionship between us?¡± Is he kidding? Not attractive enough? ¡±Neither, you won¡¯t understand even if I tell you¡± ¡±Try me¡± he whispered cupping my cheek. I leaned into his hand and looked at him. His eyes are full of curiosity. Should I tell him what¡¯s in my mind or is it best to avoid this topic? I want him, both physically and emotionally. But he just want me physically. He made it clear from the start. I can¡¯t be angry at him for being honest now, can I? There are many bastards out there, who harass their colleagues and employees for their pleasure. But he never did anything like that. I sighed. ¡±I get attached too easily Mr. Ganovese, I was never in a rtionship before or never had casual sex, never went on a date. You need to understand that I¡¯m just protecting myself from a heartache. It maybe just sex for you but it¡¯s more for me¡± He looked confused. ¡±You are virgin?¡± I gave him a nk look ¡±Is that the only thing you understood¡±. ¡±Oh my god! Did I interrupt?¡± Someone eximed interrupting us. Hottie sighed. ¡±I¡¯m going to lock my door¡± he said moving away from me. I almost pouted. I already miss his warmth. What¡¯s with women and their barging into his office? Jealous.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g! Shut up! ¡±Why? So that you can continue what you are doing?¡± She said giving him a yful re. Um.. who is she? Another cousin? ¡±What do you want Sam?¡± Hottie asked as he sat on his seat. Shepletely ignored him and pulled me into a hug.¡±So you are one who pped my idiotic friend? I¡¯m so proud of you¡± I looked at hottie for help but he just shook his head. ¡±Uh- Yes, thank you?¡± I said awkwardly tapping her back. ¡±Lucy right? Ro said so much about you, by the way I¡¯m Samantha but you can call me Sam¡± She said pulling away from me. ¡±H-Hi Sam¡± I said looking at her confused. Hehe, what¡¯s happening here? ¡±Awe, so cute¡± she pinched my cheeks making me wince. ¡±Ouch¡± I rubbed my cheeks with my palms. I hate when someone pull my cheeks. It hurts like hell. ¡±Sam, don¡¯t manhandle her¡± Hottie said seriously looking annoyed. My heart jumped hearing that. ¡±Oops! Sorry, I couldn¡¯t resist ¡± she apologized smiling sheepishly. ¡±It¡¯s okay¡± She smiled and looked at Hottie. ¡±Do you know why I¡¯m here?¡± ¡±Obviously to eat my brain¡± I snickered at his response. ¡±Ha ha very funny, I¡¯m taking your girl out for shopping, Monica is ignoring me saying that she is busy. Ro is busy, you are busy! And I don¡¯t want to go alone!¡± She said whining like a kid. ¡±I¡¯m not his girl!¡± ¡±She is not my girl.¡± We both said at the same time. Sam smirked ¡±Not yet¡±. ¡±Ro can apany you in evening. Now go, I have work to do.¡± ¡±Nope! I want new friends! I can¡¯t handle too much testosterone! I need girls time! Pleasee with me?¡± Sam asked looking at me pleadingly. Jeez, Hottie maybe your friend but he is my employer, I can¡¯te just like that in office hours! ¡±Hottie?¡± Sam startedughing hard. I blushed. Did I think out loud? I nced at him. He froze and I saw his ears became red. I-Is he blushing? I was shocked and tried not to smile. ¡±You can t-take her,*cleared his throat* but this is the first andst time you are doing this Sam, if you demand this type of shit again , I swear I¡¯m going to prohibit yo-¡± ¡±Yeah, yeah! Prohibit me from entering this building. Heard that before Alex, next time try something new!¡± Sam said sticking her tongue out. I never thought he was surrounded by this type of people. The way Ms. Redaelli and Sam speak to him, his response to them shows that he is just like the rest of us. He is the type of kid in high school that never speaks unless he wants to. He is popr yet silent, Arrogant yet understanding. ¡ñ¡ñ¡ñ We are in the parking lot waiting for Lia. When I asked Sam if it¡¯s ok to bring my friend, she said it¡¯s okay. So I messaged, more like begged Lia toe with me. Screw me! I¡¯m the most awkward person when I meet strangers, and here I am going shopping with one! I just don¡¯t want Sam feel awkward along with me, so I thought bringing Lia with us is a good idea, as she is a very talkative person. ¡±Took you long enough¡± I said as Lia neared us. ¡±Oh please! It just took 15mins. Don¡¯t mind her, I¡¯m Natalia, Lia for short!¡± She brushed me off and introduced herself to Sam. ¡±Samantha, but Sam would do¡± They both shook there hands and BAM! They are speaking like long lost friends! Never happened? You introduce your bestfriend to your other friend and they hit it off ? That¡¯s exactly what¡¯s happening here and I feel like a third wheel. We are going in Sam¡¯s car. We agreed toe back here again so that we can take our cars. I¡¯m silently crying inside. I hate shopping! Especially if it¡¯s not me who is doing it. ¡±Are you usually this silent? Or it¡¯s just now Lucy?¡± Sam asked as she tried another dress. ¡±No, I ju-¡± Lia chuckled interrupting me. I frowned. Too many interruptions for a day. ¡±Silent, who? Lucy? She is like this because you are just new to her. It takes time for her to warm up. But once you know her, she will be the best friend you ever had!¡± Lia said giving a side hug. And hugs too. Not that I¡¯mining. ¡±I bet she called me just to not bore you Sam¡± I smiled sheepishly at both of them. ¡±Awe..¡± before Sam could pinch me I covered my cheeks. ¡±Not my cheeks please.¡± I said making themugh. After Sampleted her shopping, we went to a cafe and ordered our coffees. ¡±What were you thinking of doing if I didn¡¯t interrupt you and Alex?¡± Sam asked wiggling her eyebrows. I almost chocked. ¡±W-What would we do? We w-would have continued o-our work¡± I stammered giving her pleading look. I may or may not have mentioned about the kiss and p to Lia. She will skin me alive if she find out that I kept it from her. Lia narrowed her eyes giving me a serious look. ¡±What are hiding Lucy?¡± I gulped audibly hearing her voice. ¡±Haha, n-nothing¡± I saidughing nervously. ¡±Oh, she don¡¯t know about the kiss?¡± Sam asked smirking at me. ¡±Are you nning to kill me?¡± I whispered to her. I silently looked at Lia, she was fuming with anger. ¡±KISS? YOU HAD YOUR FIRST KISS AND DIDN¡¯T TELL ME? WHAT AR-¡± I closed her mouth before we get kicked out. Sam wasughing her ass off, atleast someone is enjoying. ¡±Shh¡­ I¡¯ll remove my hand now but you¡¯ll not shout. Ok?¡± She narrowed her eyes but nodded. I hesitantly removed my hand, afraid that she will shout again but to my surprise, she didn¡¯t. ¡±I need to know everything¡± ¡±EVERY. FUCKING. THING.¡± After telling every-fucking-thing to her, she started squealing and said she knew I¡¯m going to find some one soon. If only he is the one! He wants nothing but sex. She was mad at first, but calmed down when I said I was too embarrassed to tell her. ¡±I¡¯m so d I went shopping with you guys! I freaking loved it! We are definitely doing this again¡± Sam said as we reached the parking lot of ourpany. ¡±I loved it too, I¡¯m up for this anytime girl!¡± Lia truly sounds excited. Is it only me who didn¡¯t enjoy this? Your introverted ass loves nothing but bed! Psh. It was almost 11 at night, when I got a call from an unknown number. I frowned. ¡±Hello?¡± ¡±Hello? Is this Lucy Vitale?¡± ¡±Yes, who is this?¡± ¡±It¡¯s me, Ria¡± NEXT STEP LUCY After speaking with Riast night, we decided to meet for lunch today. So here I am at a restaurant near my office waiting for her, but she iste. My break time is almost over and I don¡¯t know if I want to wait any longer. Because I just took the afternoon off yesterday because of Sam and I didn¡¯t want to irk Mr. Hottie. Speaking of Hottie, he looked extra hot today. I sighed, dreamily remembering him. As I was about to get up, I spotted Riaing towards me. ¡±sorry I¡¯mte¡± She apologized and sat in front of me. Okay, now should I tell her that I want to go? She looks like she ran a marathon to get here though. ¡±It¡¯s OK, but my break is over, Ria. I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t talk to you right now.¡± I said, looking at my watch. I¡¯m already 10minste. ¡±O-Oh¡± she looked like a sad puppy when she said that. I don¡¯t know what to do right now. Wasn¡¯t it me who asked for her help? I know that it¡¯s her fault that she camete, but since I need her.. I¡¯m going to take an off, officially this time. ¡±Actually, let me call my boss and take a leave.¡± I said and called Hottie. ¡±You are 13minste.¡± he said. Jeez, atleast add a Hello. His voice is so deep though. Sigh. ¡±Sorry sir, but can I take this afternoon off? It¡¯s an emergency.¡± Kind of. ¡±You just took one yesterday Lucy¡± ¡±It¡¯s you who gave me one, sir. I didn¡¯t ask for it. Now I want to take off officially.¡± He was silent for a few seconds. ¡±OK¡­ I¡¯ll give you one, if you agree to talk to me. After work.¡± I can literally hear my heartbeat now. ¡±You are abusing your power on me sir.¡± I said, trying to sound tough. He chuckled ¡±Is that a yes or no?¡± I can feel his smirk. I rolled my eyes. ¡±Yes¡± ¡±Then you can officially take off. Oh and Ms. Vitale, next time don¡¯t try to be sassy with me, I might punish you.¡±He said and hung up. I blushed at the thought of him punishing me. I shook my head to clear my thoughts. I looked at Ria and she was looking at the.. menu. Ria ordered Garlic Butter Turkey meatballs and Caprese Chicken. I got chicken Mars without mushrooms. ¡±What do you want to know, Lucy? And why?¡± ¡±I want to know if they are involved in any illegal activities like gangs, drugs, trafficking because-¡± I told her everything that happened 3 years back. About the ident, how they covered up all the traces, about Jay and Vicky¡¯s father¡¯s involvement in gangs, everything. ¡±I don¡¯t know if I¡¯m doing the right thing or not, but I wanted to confirm whether the Moretti who ordered to cause the ident and this Moretti were the same or not. If they are the same, I want to get them before they get us. I want to expose them to the world! They should get punished for what they did and are doing!¡± I said in one breath. Ria looked like she was thinking about something. Did she even pay attention to what I said? ¡±Um.. Ria?¡± ¡±Uh-ah, sorry! I was just processing what you said. I¡¯m almost positive that they are both the same Lucy. ording to your theory, they are powerful enough to block roads in particr areas and to change the story of an ident. That¡¯s not possible if they aren¡¯t involved with the mafia!¡± ¡±Mafia?¡± This is deeper than I thought. ¡±Yes Lucy, Mafia. Do you still think you¡¯ll be able to expose them? To fight against them?¡± I hesitated. Can I? ¡±I don¡¯t know¡­.. But I¡¯m not backing off without giving it a try. I don¡¯t think they caused that ident just because of some gang issues. If that¡¯s the case, they wouldn¡¯t have taken control of an area to cover it up¡± ¡±Maybe. Let¡¯s think you are right. Then there is a chance that they know you three are not dead. Since you guys are still alive, maybe their target is not kids, but their father.¡± She eximed, dropping the fork on her empty te. I sighed. Yeah, we would be dead by now. But that doesn¡¯t make me any less anxious, because sometimes I feel like I¡¯m stalked. What if they are waiting for the right moment? ¡±Ria, do you really think they are the mafia?¡± ¡±No¡± she muttered. ¡±What? But you said they are involved with the mafia¡± I¡¯m confused, isn¡¯t that what she said? ¡±Exactly! They are involved with the mafia. They are not the mafia. The Italian mafia went extinct 70 or 80 years ago. No one knows what exactly happened¡± ¡±And you think the Italian mafia can¡¯t be reformed?¡± I asked her, raising my eyebrows. She shrugged ¡±Even if they did reform, they can¡¯t be here. Italy is totally under GG¡¯s control. They are the unofficial government. Nothing illegal can happen here without their notice.¡± Wait. ¡±GG? I heard Moretti¡¯s and GG were partners before and they split 80 years ago. Do you think there is a link?¡±? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved. ¡±I got that doubt too. I checked every file and document about what happened when they split, but I found nothing other than that they had an argument about investing in somepany.¡± ¡±Oh¡± Ria cleared her throat ¡±So.. where do we start?¡± ¡±What do you mean we? You have enough on your te. Did you forget what happened that day? Now you want to be involved in this too? I get that you are a journalist but-¡± ¡±I¡¯m not a journalist and I¡¯m already involved with Moretti¡¯s, it¡¯s their bodyguards who chased me that day in the shopping mall. I have been stalking them for months.¡± I looked at her in disbelief. ¡±And you still want to help even after you get caught? Why are you so hell bent on exposing them?¡± ¡±Because they killed my sister! I asked if you know Ilina, remember?¡± I was dumbstruck. ¡±She was my sister. Our father had a TV, Channel Newstatic. It was running sessfully. We had everything, we were a happy family until my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. Our life started to go down from there. Newstatic ratings went down. Our father distanced himself from us when mom died. He became an alcoholic, he was never home and always stayed in his office. He didn¡¯t even allow us inside. Suddenly one day there was an article in the newspaper saying that Newstatic is now owned by Moretti¡¯s pvt. Ltd. and our dad went missing after that. He just left us a message saying ¡±Don¡¯t search for me. I¡¯ll be back when I want to.¡± When we went to file a missing report, the police just brushed it off, saying that he went on his own will ording to the message. We don¡¯t even know if he is alive or not. Ilina didn¡¯t give up though, saying that dad would never give up on Newstatic, on us, and that the Moretti¡¯s did something to him. She started collecting data about them and following them around for years. I told her to stop if she find nothing, but she didn¡¯t. She even cut me off from her life. And then one day I got this voice mail from her.¡± Ria said, handing me a bluetooth. I plugged it in my ears and waited for her to y that voice mail. ¡±Hello? Ria? It¡¯s me Ilina! I¡¯m speaking from New York. Listen carefully! I found interesting news about Moretti¡¯s! They are more than what we see! You won¡¯t believe who I saw today! I¡¯ll send you a few pictures! Look at them and dig information about them!¡± I pulled out the bluetooth and returned it after hearing that. ¡±Whom did she see? Whose photos were those?¡± Ria shrugged. ¡±No idea. She didn¡¯t send me any photos. She too went missing after that and her body was found near theke after a few months. She was tortured and raped, Lucy. I couldn¡¯t even recognize her properly! That¡¯s when I asked her boss to give me her job. At first he didn¡¯t want to, since I don¡¯t have enough experience in this field, but I somehow convinced him¡± Her voice is quivering at the end with rage. She took a ss of water and gulped it down. ¡±I know she thinks that Moretti¡¯s did something to our dad, but I don¡¯t think it¡¯spletely true. After mom died, he became entirely a different person. After all, she was his love. And again, aren¡¯t we the result of their love? How could he abandon us like that? Sometimes I feel, is it really worth it? Finding love? When all it does is make you feel miserable at the end?¡± I also wonder the same thing. Like how Jay¡¯s father started abusing him when his mother died. Of course, not everyone turns out like that, but it still makes me sad. I reached for her hand and squeezed it gently. Hope it helps her a little. I¡¯m not good at consoling people. ¡±What¡¯s our n then?¡± I asked when Ria got herself together. *~¡ð~ ~¡ð~* *Nolo Moretti¡¯s POV*: ¡±What¡¯s our n then?¡± *¡±At 1st* I thought about entering NewView and finding where their meetings are held. The thing is, we don¡¯t have any solid proof that they are involved in any of the illegal activities. We need evidence against them and for that, I should be inside NewView.¡± ¡±Then what are we waiting for? Let¡¯s go!¡± ¡±It¡¯s not that easy Lucy! It costs my six months sry to get a room there for two weeks. Not to mention that I-I lost my job because that camera broke and I paid for it from my savings, which I saved for NewView!¡± I smirked. Her boss didn¡¯t even blink an eye when I told him to fire her. ¡±Oh, it¡¯s fine. Don¡¯t worry about money, I¡¯ll help you to get there. We are definitely going to take Moretti¡¯s down¡± I pressed the off button on the receiver and called Max. He disguised himself as a waiter in that restaurant and attached a microphone under their table. They never learn. First her sister and now her. I thought she would give up if she got fired from her job. She practically lives in trash. But no, she has to go and make acquaintances. Now I have to deal with two people! As I said, they never learn. ¡±Who is the other girl Max?¡± ¡±Her name is Lucy Vitale, Sir. She works as an assistant for Alessandro Ganovese¡± I cut the call and took a deep breath. Fucking Great! ARGUMENTS ALEX ¡±I¡¯m going to invite Lucy and Nat to my birthday party¡± ¡±Don¡¯t you fucking dare Sam¡± Monica said, ring at her. Here we go again! ¡±Why the fuck you are so against it, Monica?¡± Sam asked, ring back. ¡±Yeah, why?¡± I kicked Ro¡¯s leg when he asked that. One thing I got to know from years of friendship is that, never, I repeat, never get in the middle of a girl¡¯s argument. Thankfully, they are both busy ring at each other to notice us. We do this shit twice or thrice a month ording to our schedules. This time it¡¯s my ce. I live in a separate house, apart from my family. When I say family, it means the whole family. My grandmother died before I was born, so it¡¯s just my grandpa Adriano, his first son, a. k. a my father Gilbert, his second son Gino, my uncle and his wife Melissa, along with their daughter Karina, it¡¯s our grandma¡¯s name, live in our family house, but I moved out as soon as I joined college. His third and precious child, my aunt Giada and her husband udio Radaelli live on the other side of Rome, their kids Enzo and Monica live separately too. As Monica works here as a CCO, Enzo is a senior resident at GG hospitals. Enzo was never close to our group, for some reason he hated my guts. ¡±Because I don¡¯t like Lucy! You can call Nat though, whoever she is¡±. Monica shrugged and took a bite from her pizza . ¡±Why? Lucy is so sweet! I agree that she seemed like an uptight person at first, but I got this feeling that she was going to be my best friend¡± Sam said to Monica and looked at me. ¡±You should have seen her face when I brought up your romantic, almost, kiss Alex¡± she said, giving me a teasing smile. She did what? I didn¡¯t even get a chance to react when Monica screamed at me. ¡±You fucking tried to kiss her again? What¡¯s wrong with you Alex? Did you forget how she pped you for just kissing her?¡± I opened my mouth to speak but Sam beat me to it. ¡±Just kissing? What do you mean by that? What did you do when a creep grabbed my ass at some party when we were in high school? You kicked his genitals and punched him so hard that you bruised your knuckles!! She is the same as me! Let¡¯s feel happy that she just pped him instead of filing a sexual harassmentint. And that was her first kiss too¡±. Ro chocked on his drink ¡±First kiss? She has two kids for God¡¯s sake!¡± I kicked his leg harder this time, making him groan in pain. Why can¡¯t he keep his fucking mouth shut? Sam looks confused but Monica.. ¡±Kids? I knew it, she was a whore! No wonder her presence irritates me.¡± Monica had a disgusted look when she said that and, for some reason, that made me angry. ¡±I suggest you shut your mouth instead of jumping to conclusions when you know nothing, Monica¡± I said, calmly trying to keep my cool. Monica has always been a conservative person in our group. She never let her guard down around others. She is always in her defense mode when ites to outsiders. She looked at me in disbelief ¡±You are taking her side? Who knows she may be cheati-¡± I cut her off before she could finish that sentence. ¡±And when did you start judging people? Thinking about worst-case scenarios? No, she isn¡¯t in a rtionship. They were orphans and she adopted them¡± ¡±Really? Howe I don¡¯t know that?¡± Ro said, gaining a smack on his head from Sam. ¡±Ouch! That hurts, woman! You guys need to stop abusing me¡± He said, rubbing his head. ¡±Maybe we will, when you learn how to keep your mouth shut¡± I snapped, giving him a cold re. ¡±Why are you ring at him? He also has a point. Why is it only you who know about this when she also worked under Ro for a few months? She is totally fooling you both¡± Monica crossed her arms, looking at me and Sam. ¡±I don¡¯t think so, it¡¯s not Lucy who said that it was her first kiss, Nat screamed at her for not telling the details about her first ki-¡± ¡±ENOUGH¡± I shouted, making everyone freeze. I have this strange feeling inside me, whenever I think that I¡¯m the only guy who kissed her. I took out my phone and called Carlo. My private investigator and hacker. ¡±Sir¡± ¡±I need you to do a background check on Lucy Vitale, my assistant. I just need to know her past and present rtionship status, Carlo, nothing more.¡± ¡±Sure sir, I¡¯ll get it done as soon as possible¡± I hung up and looked at Monica. ¡±Is that okay? Now we will know if she is fooling us or not¡±. ¡±If you are going to do that, you should have asked him to do a full background check!¡± Oh god! Nothing satisfies her. ¡±What I did is already invading her privacy, Monica and you guys better don¡¯t do any background check on her¡± I warned all of them. After almost two hours, I got a call from Carlo. I rolled my eyes and put it on speaker mode when Monika signalled me to. ¡±What did you find?¡± ¡±Sir, Are you sure you don¡¯t want to know anything other than her rtionship status? There is something odd-¡± ¡±Is that why you took that long? Just tell me what I asked you, Carlo, and delete all other information¡± I snapped, cutting him off. I fucking hate it when someone cuts me off and here I am doing it again and again. ¡±Sorry sir, I will. And she was never in a rtionship, sir, but adopted two kids 3yrs back who are brothers¡± ¡±That¡¯s it?¡± ¡±Yes sir¡± I hung up.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g! ¡±See? She isn¡¯t cheating or fooling anyone, now stop assuming the worst about her!¡±I said, looking at Monica. She red at me and got up muttering she was sleepy and went to one of the guest rooms. Ro sighed, giving me a nk look.¡±I didn¡¯t get why you did a background check on someone just to make this silly fight stop¡± ¡±They aren¡¯t fighting among themselves, they involved Lucy and were judging her¡± ¡±I didn¡¯t judge her though¡± Sam pouted, but we ignored her. ¡±So? Why do you care? This isn¡¯t the first time they have been arguing about someone. You shouldn¡¯t have gone to that length just to shut them up¡± Shit! He is right. What did I just do? Why do I always do something without thinking when ites to her? I shrugged and ran my fingers through my hair. ¡±She isn¡¯t just someone, right? Did you see his face? He is blushing. Atst, someone started to wake-up the lover boy in you¡±, Sam said,ughing, and Ro joined her when I didn¡¯t say anything. ¡±Bullshit! I¡¯m also going to sleep¡± I said and went to my room, which is on the first floor. I took a warm shower and wore my shorts. I switched off the lights and lied on my bed thinking about her. She said it isn¡¯t just sex for her, that she would get attached fast, but it looks like she is attracted to me too. The way her face flusters whenever I get close to her, the way she blushed on the ne and when she called me Hottie. The fact that she thinks I¡¯m hot and I was her first kiss makes me all giddy inside. Fuck! I¡¯m behaving like a fucking teenager! I¡¯m even smiling like an idiot. She is beautiful inside out though. When she said she adopted her kids I was shocked, it would be an understatement. It¡¯s not that she can¡¯t, but raising two kids alone isn¡¯t easy. That too, when she is an orphan herself. I can tell that the boys love her, the way the older one snapped at me for checking her out still makes meugh. It wasn¡¯t fun at that time, but now it is. She raises them well too. God! She is driving me crazy! Her doe eyes, her lips, her smile. I groaned, turning to my left and closed my eyes hoping I could get some sleep. But when I couldn¡¯t, I got up and huffed in annoyance. Well, if I can¡¯t sleep, I can at least work. . ¡±You look tired¡­. sir¡± Lucy said, cing my coffee on the desk. Yeah, and you are the reason. ¡±Nothing I couldn¡¯t handle, Ms. Vitale, now tell me today¡¯s schedule¡±. I said, taking a sip of my coffee without looking at her. After yesterday¡¯s sleepless night, I decided that it¡¯s best to ignore her. I thought having sex with her will keep her out of my mind when I saw her in my office for the 1st time, but now I¡¯m not sure anymore. I always do something stupid when ites to her. The thing is I don¡¯t think I¡¯m ready to date anytime soon. It¡¯s too early for that after I almost got married. And I also think this attraction will fade away in time if we remain professional. ¡±That¡¯s pretty much it sir¡± Huh? Did I zone out? ¡±O-Okay, you can go now¡± I said, shooing her with my hand. I face palmed myself when she was gone. I couldn¡¯t even look at her face. When I thought things wouldn¡¯t get worse, Lucy stormed inside with teary eyes. ¡±S-Sir, J-Jay is in hospital, I-I need to go¡± Something twisted inside me when I saw her like that. She is literally shaking. ¡±I¡¯m driving¡± I said. She looked at me for a second and nodded. ¡±Which hospital?¡± I asked when we got into the car. ¡±GG hospitals¡± Good, it¡¯s just a 15min drive, but I drove fast and we reached within 8mins. We went into one of the rooms after finding where Jay was, in the reception. He was sitting on his bed with a few bruises on his cheek, a swollen eye and bruised knuckles. ¡±What the hell Jay! How did you get into a fight?¡± Lucy went and started scolding him. Wasn¡¯t she crying until a few minutes ago? ¡±Jay didn¡¯t do anything wrong Mamma, it¡¯s that kid in his ss who always makes fun of us¡± Oh! The smaller one was here too? ¡±Didn¡¯t I tell you toin to your teacher when someone bullies you? Then why-¡± I went out of that room and sat outside to give them privacy. I never understood mothers, maybe I would have if my mother was alive. I stood up when Lucy came out. ¡±Is everything okay?¡± I asked when she looked sad. ¡±Yes. Thank you sir, for driving me here¡± ¡±It¡¯s fine.¡± I said, cing my hands in my pockets, looking around. It¡¯s awkward. What should I say now? ¡±Wow! It¡¯s fancy seeing you Alessandro. What brought you here?¡± Came an annoying voice. ¡±My hospital, my wish. What are you doing here, Enzo? I¡¯m sure pediatrics isn¡¯t your ward.¡± I said, looking at him without hiding my annoyance. He shrugged ¡±I came to see what brought you here and now I know why¡± He said, looking at Lucy. ¡±I¡¯m Enzo Redaelli, senior resident¡± He introduced himself to her with a smirk. ¡±I¡¯m Lucy Vitale, nice to meet you¡± she said, giving him a hand shake. ¡±It¡¯s nice meeting you too Lucy¡± He said, kissing her hand and gave me a got you look. Bastard! BULLIES AND FIGHTS LUCY ¡±Didn¡¯t I tell you toin to your teacher when someone bullies you? Then why did you hit him Jay?¡± I¡¯m furious to see him like this. His left eye was slightly swollen, his cheeks and knuckles were bruised. God!!! It must hurt a lot. ¡±I-It was me who hit him first, Mamma. When he tried to hit me back, Jay came in front of me and this happened. I¡¯m so s-sorry Mamma, I-I¡¯ll not do this again! I-I P-Promise!¡± Vicky said, his voice cracked at the end, making me want to cry all over again. But I need to be strong! If I cry, he will cry too. ¡±Did you cry Mom?¡± Jay asked, cing his hand over my cheek. He opened his mouth for the first time since I came. I took his hand and squeezed it lightly. ¡±No, I didn¡¯t and why is that only you two are here?¡± I frowned, looking at him and Vicky. ¡±Ma¡¯am went to take a call, it¡¯s just been 10 mins mom. Don¡¯t stress out!¡± I nodded and looked at Vicky. ¡±Now tell me, why did you hit that boy in the first ce!¡± But he shook his head. I pulled him towards me, made him sit on myp and hugged him sideways. ¡±It¡¯s OK, tell me Vicky. I¡¯m your friend too, right?¡± He nodded his head and leaned to me, hugging me, but didn¡¯t say anything for a moment. ¡±H-He always used to make fun of us, saying that we don¡¯t have a d-dad, how his dad buys him everything. Jay used to say, we have you and we don¡¯t need a dad for us! We evenined many times to the teacher as you told us to, but he and his friends never stopped! T-Today was the same but then he started making fun of you and I couldn¡¯t just-¡± he hugged me tight and said ¡±control. S-So I hit him¡±. I sighed. ¡±But nothing changed Vicky, other than seeing Jay in the hospital bed with bruises. He will still make fun of you, maybe more than before.¡± Jay scoffed ¡±You should have seen his face, mom. I broke his jaw¡±. My eyes widened hearing that. ¡±What? Where is he now?¡± I can¡¯t believe this kids. ¡±Beside this room¡± he said, pointing to his left. ¡±I¡¯ll go and see him, don¡¯t go anywhere¡± I said to Vicky, cing him down. He nodded and sat at the edge of the bed. I went out and realized that I was not alone. Hottie sat on one of the chairs outside the room looking around. He stood up and came towards me when he noticed me. ¡±Is everything OK?¡± No. ¡±Yes. Thank you sir, for driving me here¡±. I really am. I wasn¡¯t sure I could have driven. I was terrified when I got a call from school saying Jay had got into a fight and is in hospital. ¡±It¡¯s fine¡± He said, cing his hands in his pockets, looking around. ¡±Wow! It¡¯s fancy seeing you Alessandro. What brought you here?¡± A man with brown hair and chocte brown eyes, in a white coat with a stethoscope around his head asked Hottie as he came near us. He is almost Hottie¡¯s height. ¡±My hospital, my wish. What are you doing here, Enzo? I¡¯m sure pediatrics isn¡¯t your ward.¡± Hottie asked, looking annoyed. Okayyyyyy? The man whose name is Enzo shrugged ¡±I came to see what brought you here and now I know¡± He said, looking at me. ¡±I¡¯m Enzo Redaelli, senior resident ¡± He introduced himself with a smirk and moved his hand forward for a handshake. Redaelli? Since Ms. Redaelli isn¡¯t married. I assume he is her brother. So, is he also a cousin? Then why do I feel negative energy between them? Bad blood? ¡±I¡¯m Lucy Vitale, it¡¯s nice meeting you¡± I shook his hand. ¡±It¡¯s nice meeting you too Lucy ¡± he said, cing a kiss on my hand and giving a look to Hottie. I rolled my eyes and pulled my hands out of his grip and looked at Hottie. ¡±Can you please keep an eye on them? I¡¯ll go and meet the other kid¡± He frowned ¡±Are you sure you want to go alone?¡± I nodded at him and went near to the room. I took a deep breath and knocked twice. When I heard ae in, I opened the door and saw a couple near the bed. They looked confused at seeing me. I winced when I saw the kid. His eye looks so badpared to Jay¡¯s and his face is bandaged to keep his jaw intact. I feel sorry for him. ¡±Who are you, Miss?¡± The man asked, looking at me with confusion. ¡±Um.. I¡¯m the mother¡± I said, pointing towards the direction of the other room. He looked angry when he realized what I said. ¡±Your kids bulled my boy! Is this how you raise them?¡± He shouted and his wife ced her hand on his shoulder, trying to cool him down. ¡±I don¡¯t know what you heard sir, but ording to my children, your boy is the one who is bullying them daily, saying that they don¡¯t have a father like he does and today he went too far. I know whatever the reason, violence isn¡¯t the answer. So I¡¯m here to say sorry to you, that you have to see your son like this¡± I said, looking at both of them. ¡±Is it true? Did you bully them?¡± He asked, looking at his son seriously, to which the kid nodded hesitantly. The couple also apologized to me and assured me that their kid would not bully anyone again. Thank god that went well. I thought they were one of those parents who will spoil their kids and pamper them too much. I went out and entered Jay¡¯s room. But, something is wrong. The teacher is there too, she looks flustered and Enzo has this satisfying look, Vicky is beside Hottie and smiling with his hands covering his mouth. Hottie¡¯s face became red, he looked so embarrassed and Jay looked¡­ angry? ¡±What¡¯s happening here?¡± I asked, breaking the silence. Vicky came towards me and held my hand. ¡±Nothing mamma,e¡± he said and pulled me towards the bed. Before I could say anything, a doctor came inside and said that I could take Jay home. I thanked him, he nodded and went out. I thanked the teacher too and said I¡¯ll take care from here. She gave an awkward smile and went, but not before ncing at hottie, making him more ufortable. What happened? Enzo also soon followed her after waving at us. ¡±Where do you want me to drop you?¡± Hottie asked, looking at me. ¡±It¡¯s ok sir, I¡¯ll take a cab. I¡¯ll pick up my car tomorrow ¡± I¡¯ll go with Lia to the office tomorrow. ¡±I insist¡±. He said and made me agree to his offer. Vicky sat in the front seat beside Hottie telling him directions to our house as he drove. Jay and I sat in the back seat. Soon he pulled his car into the parking lot. We all got down except Hottie. When I invited him, he said it was OK and didn¡¯t want to intrude. ¡±No sir, I insist.¡± I said with a smirk, using the same tone he used on me before. He looked at me amusingly but reluctantly agreed. Jay didn¡¯t look happy though, I¡¯ll ask him again. While Vicky held Hottie¡¯s hand, smiling at him. ¡±Come Alex, let¡¯s go¡± he said, pulling Hottie towards the elevator. I shook my head at his actions. We entered the elevator and I pressed the 5th floor. It¡¯s a 12-floor building and has four apartments on each floor. The elevator is in the middle, dividing two apartments at each side. We stepped out when the elevator opened and turned left to see the door wasn¡¯t locked. ¡±Why is it not locked?¡± Hottie asked, looking confused. ¡±My cook leaves by 4pm sir.¡± I said and opened the door. Vicky and Jay went inside. Hottie nodded and removed his shoes as I removed my 2 inch ck wedges. We reached the living room, where we could see the entire apartment. There is nothing special but it¡¯s ssic and spacious. The kitchen and dining are on the left side, there are two rooms with bathrooms attached to each on the right and a balcony at the back. ¡±Vicky! Fresh up first, you can chatter¡± I said when i saw him sitting on the ind near the kitchen while Gemma was preparing our dinner. She¡¯ll make our food and ce it in the refrigerator for us to eatter. ¡±Gemma? What are you doing here?¡± Hottie asked as soon as he saw her. They know each other?Material ? N?velDrama.Org. Am I having a heart attack? ¡±Oh my god, Alex! What are you doing here?¡± Gemma asked, looking at me and him. ¡±Um.. okay? What¡¯s going on?¡± I asked Hottie. ¡±Uh, oh! Gemma works for me. She takes care of my house at the weekends.¡± ¡±Oh?¡± I looked at Gemma for further exnation. ¡±Yeah! I work here on weekdays and at his house at the weekends!¡± ¡±Okayyy?¡± That¡¯s too much coincidence. ¡±Why don¡¯t you both sit? I¡¯ll make you coffee?¡± Gemma said and went back to her work. I nced at Hottie, he looked as shocked as me. When he saw me looking at him, his eyes widened and said ¡±I swear I didn¡¯t know anything about this¡± I chuckled, shaking my head. ¡±Make yourself at home sir, I¡¯ll be back¡± he visibly rxed and nodded. I went into the kids¡¯ room to check on Jay. He had already changed into his PJ¡¯s and sat on his chair opening his books. I went towards him and closed his book. ¡±Take rest Jay, you are not going to school tomorrow.¡± ¡±But I¡¯m alright mom!¡± I shushed, pulling him up and made him lie down on his bed. ¡±Yay! No school¡± Vicky came out running without drying his face and hands. ¡±Not for you mister! You have to do your homework.¡± I said, taking the towel from his hands, drying his pouty face. I went to my room to freshen up and changed into my long green T-shirt and shorts. I wore the longest T-shirt, it reached my knees. I usually don¡¯t wear a bra at home, but since I havepany, I decided to wear one. I pulled my hair into a messy bun and went out. Hottie is drinking his coffee while chatting with Gemma. ¡±Sorry, I¡¯mte¡± I apologized and took my coffee. I sat on the sofa opposite to him. ¡±It¡¯s fine. Your house looks homely¡± he smiled, looking at me. My heart, ouch! His smile is so beautiful. I tried not to smile too widely ¡±Thank you sir.¡± ¡±The world is so small! My one employer is an employee of my other employer!¡± Gemma said, pping her hands. I chucked at her excitement. It sure is small. ¡±I¡¯ll resume preparing your dinner Lucy¡± Gemma said to me and waved at Hottie, returning to the kitchen. There was an awkward silence between us. What do we speak to our boss normally other than work? Hottie cleared his throat ¡±So you don¡¯t know how to cook?¡± ¡±Uh, I know sir, but I can¡¯t make it that edible. I mean, it¡¯s edible but not edible¡± I rambled out. What the hell? Stop embarrassing yourself Lucy! He chuckled ¡±Rx Lucy, and you can call me Alex when we are not working¡±. I nodded and tried not to smile widely. I¡¯ll not call him Alex though. I usually try to smile when I¡¯m with others, but he is making me smile too much. ¡±Why did you choose toe here? Italy out of all ces?¡± ¡±I have always loved Italy, since I was a kid. My parents are actually from here, so yeah, when I got an opportunity toe here for work, I decided to stay permanently¡± ¡±I did think you looked familiar, so that¡¯s why, huh? Because you¡¯re actually an Italian woman¡± He said, making meugh. ¡±What about you sir? Sam? Ms. Redaelli?¡± He gave me a look when I called him sir and shook his head when I just smiled. ¡±Sam, Ro and I are college buddies. Even though Monica is my cousin, we studied at the same college¡± he stopped smiling for a second and zoned out. ¡±Sir?¡± I called him, waving my hand. ¡±Huh?¡± He snapped out and shook his head. I wanted to ask about Enzo, but decided to shut up. ¡±Then how is it here? Do you like it?¡± ¡±I love it sir! I don¡¯t regreting here¡± And I also like seeing you Mr. Hottie. ¡±If you don¡¯t mind, can I ask what happened to your parents? You mentioned you were an orphan before¡±. He asked hesitantly, looking at me. ¡±They died when I was in college, sir. They were on a date, but an armed man shot randomly and killed 14 members. Afterwards, he also shot himself. Police said he was mentally unstable.¡± I tried hard not to cry. A knot formed in my throat, but thankfully I didn¡¯t cry. I thought about Jay and Vicky, our happy moments and tried to smile. ¡±I¡¯m so sorry you have to go through that. I also lost my mom when I was a kid in an ident¡± He said, giving a half smile. Oh my god! He was too young! He is just like Jay. ¡±I¡¯m sorry sir¡± I don¡¯t know what else to say. He shrugged ¡±We can¡¯t do anything about it now, can we? What about Jay and Vicky?¡± Are we getting to know each other? ¡±Three years back, we met through an ident. A truck hit their car and it collided with mine. Their father died on the spot and Jay¡¯s mom died giving birth to Vicky, so they had no one. And Vicky had the same name as my father, William. So I thought why not adopt them?¡± I shrugged at the end. Shit! Why did I mention the ident? What if he asks for details? Or worse, do a background check? He wouldn¡¯t do that, right? Because there isn¡¯t any evidence that the ident actually happened like I mentioned. I should have stuck to the story everyone believed. What if he thinks I lied? Cool Lucy, cool! Why would he even do a background check on you? So chill girllll! ¡±You are a good person Lucy¡± Hottie said and looked at me, which was strangely making me blush. Gemma came out ¡±I¡¯ll see you tomorrow Lucy and you on Saturday Alex¡±. She said and went out. After a few minutes of silence, Hottie got up too ¡±I¡¯ll also go now¡± That soon? What do you think he will do? You probably looked like someone forced you to talk! jeez. I pouted internally and got up along with him. He wore his shoes and looked at me. ¡±Um.. Thank you for having me Lucy¡± Sigh. I wish. ¡±So? This counts, right?¡± He looked confused. ¡±For taking leave sir, you said we should talk after work. So this counts, right?¡± I asked, trying to hide my smile. Hottie looked amused and stood in front of me. I didn¡¯t try to move back though. I like being close to him. In fact, my hands were itching to touch him from the start. He bent slightly to look into my eyes. Gosh, his hazel eyes! ¡±Didn¡¯t I tell you to not be sassy with me? And it¡¯s the second time in a row today. Now, how should I punish you?¡± I blushed hard trying to keep my excitement inside and not to smile. ¡±T-That¡¯s inappropriate¡± I said, looking away. Heughed, making me look at him. I frowned ¡±And you said you were too professional. I was talking about punishing you with more work¡±. I groaned and hid my face in my hands. Whyyyyyy? Why do I have to embarrass myself? That too, in front of him. ¡±Remove your hands¡± He tried to move my hands away from my face, but I turned around and shook my head. ¡±God you are so cute¡± He said, hugging me from behind and ced his head over mine. Butterflies are killing me from inside. I slowly removed my hands and ced them on his hands, which were wrapped around my waist. ¡±Lucy¡± I hummed in response. ¡±I-I seriously like you. I know I said I just wanted you in bed, but now I think I like you more than that¡±. He said making my heart do a double and triple flips. Am I having a heart attack? He tightened his arms around me when I didn¡¯t say anything. ¡±I-I¡± what should I say? My throat feels like the Sahara desert. Suddenly, I lost warmth in his body. I turned around when I heard the door open and saw him going out closing it with a thud. * * * * * * ¡±How is everything Ria?¡± I asked her on the phone while going through my wardrobe. Sam invited me and Nat to her birthday party! She even asked me to bring the kids. I still don¡¯t know how she knows about Jay and Vicky. I¡¯m assuming it¡¯s either Mr. Agosti or Mr. Ganovese was the one who told her. Yeah, he is not Hottie anymore. It¡¯s been more than a week since he came to my home. Things were awkward afterwards. I tried to speak to him many times during office hours, but he chose to ignore me. I was so hurt that I almost cried! So, now back to Ria. As we nned, I booked her a room in NewView! She is staying there from today for two weeks. Hope she finds something against Moretti¡¯s! ¡±Everything is okay. The room is so beautiful! The view from the balcony is awesome.¡± She sounds excited. ¡±I¡¯m d you like it! But please be careful, if you ever have the slightest doubt that you are in danger, just run from there, OK?¡± ¡±Okayyy¡± she said in a sing-song voice. I rolled my eyes ¡±I¡¯m serious Ria, take care. Bye¡± I said and hung up. One of the biggest reasons why I hate parties is selecting a dress. I always look underdressed. If I dared to wear bold, I¡¯d look overdressed. Urgh!!!!Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g! I decided to wear a ck dress. It reached a few inches above the knee. I badly wanted to pull my hair into a bun, just to irk hott- uh, Mr. Ganovese. But I didn¡¯t though, instead I curled my hair loosely and let it flow. I also put on some eyeliner and mascara, lip gloss, coconut body lotion. Coconut, I remember when he said about me smelling like a coconut. Why do you smell like a coconut? I never knew it smelled so good. Stop thinking about him!!! I closed my eyes tightly and took a deep breath. I took my clutch and went out of my room. Nat is already here irritating Jay, along with Vicky. She wore a white half-shoulder dress which reached her mid thigh. She looks beautiful! Jay wore a suit and Vicky, being Vicky, he wore theplete opposite of his brother. ¡±You look beautiful Nat!¡± I said as I reached them. She looked at me and gave me an appreciated look. ¡±And you look more innocent¡± she said with a wink, making me pout. ¡±How do we look Mamma!!¡± Vicky asked, giving me a pose holding Jay¡¯s hand. I pretended to think a moment and said ¡±Not bad¡±. I chuckled when he pouted. ¡±Just kidding, you both look handsome¡± I said, pinching his cheeks, kissing his forehead. He kissed my cheek and said ¡±You look gorgeous mamma¡± ¡±Aww thank you¡± I ruffled his hair and turned to Jay. ¡±Will I not get apliment from my Mr. Ialwayslookserious?¡± I asked him, wiggling my eyebrows. He rolled his eyes with a smile. ¡±You always look like an angel mom¡± He said, melting my insides. ¡±Can we go now? You guys are making me jealous¡± Nat said, stomping her foot. Vicky stuck his tongue out at Nat and ran outside. . . . We are all going in Nat¡¯s car. The party is at Sam¡¯s house. It took almost 40min. Ugh!! One day this motion sickness is going to kill me!! I got out of the car immediately to breathe fresh air so that I could reduce this vomit-like feeling. Woah¡­ it¡¯s not a house, it¡¯s a mansion. We all went inside. It looks like a business gathering more than a birthday party. I looked around to find a familiar face, but my breath hitched when I saw Mr. Ganovese looking at me. He wore a ck tuxedo holding a wine ss. He is checking me out instead of paying attention to the man beside him. Heat rushed to my cheeks when I saw desire in his eyes. HE DOESN’T CARE ¡±There she is¡± Nat said, pointing to Sam, who was talking to an elderly couple. She wore a gold sequin dress, making her presence shine. Sam saw us and excused herself when we neared her. ¡±Ah! You guys made it!¡± She said, pulling me and Nat into a hug. ¡±Yeah, Happy birthday by the way!¡± I said when she pulled away from us. ¡±Thank you! Where is my gift?¡± She asked when she saw my empty hand. ¡±I¡¯ll give it to you when you tell me what my kids should do here, where they serve only wine!¡± I said, folding my hands. ¡±You mean kid?¡± She asked, looking beside me. I frowned and turned my head. There is only Jay. ¡±Where is Vicky?¡± He sighed and pointed to somewhere in the crowd. I followed his hand only to find Vicky talking to Mr. Ganovese. I rolled my eyes and looked back at Sam. ¡±Chill! The real party is on the first floor. This is just for my dad. My role on this floor has just finished.¡± She said, chuckling. I nodded my head and said Jay to go with Nat and Sam, but he shook his head. ¡±I¡¯lle with you¡±. So I took Jay with me and went near Mr. Ganovese. ¡±Vicky! Don¡¯t just go like that without telling me.¡± ¡±But it¡¯s just Alex!¡± He said, holding Mr. Ganovese hands. I looked at him in disbelief ¡±It¡¯s not about who you met, it¡¯s about disappearing in a new ce without telling me!¡±. ¡±Right, Sorry Mamma¡± He said with a pout. ¡±It¡¯s okay, just don¡¯t do it again.¡± He nodded with a smile. Mr. Ganovese cleared his throat, making me look at him. ¡±You look beautiful Lucy¡± he said, making me all squishy inside. ¡±Thank you sir¡± I said with a fake smile and turned to leave. But an elderly couple who were talking to Sam before stood in front of me. ¡±Won¡¯t you introduce me to your friends here Alex?¡± The man asked, looking at me and the kids lovingly. Mr. Ganovese chuckled and stood beside me. ¡±Ofcourse I will. This is Lucy Vitale, my assistant, and her kids Jay and Vicky. Lucy, he is Lorenzo De Luca and his wife Diana De Luca.¡± ¡±It¡¯s nice meeting you Mr and Mrs. De Luca.¡± I said, giving them a forced smile. This is making Jay ufortable. He doesn¡¯t like meeting new people. ¡±You are so beautiful¡± she said, pulling me into a tight hug. I smiled. ¡±Nothingpared to you, Mrs. De Luca, you look gorgeous.¡± It¡¯s true though, she looks around 65yrs old, but still has an elegant style. ¡±True child, she is gorgeous¡± Mr. De Luca said, making his wife blush. Aw. I need this type of rtionship! I told Jay and Vicky to go upstairs and meet with Nat. After that, we spoke for a few minutes. I got to know that they are partners with GG and held 40% shares. That¡¯s huge! They lost their family in an ident and live by themselves. ¡±You guys are stealing the spotlight. Why is it so radiant in here¡± Another man around Mr. De Luca¡¯s age came and stood near us. ¡±That¡¯s natural Adriano, we De Luca¡¯s have that charm in us¡± Mr. De Lucaughed, looking at me. I smiled in return. ¡±Nonno, where is dad?¡± Mr. Ganovese asked, looking at the man. Nonno? His grandfather? ¡±He can¡¯t make it tonight Alex, his meeting extended¡±. ¡±Mr. Ganovese, I¡¯m Lucy Vitale. Mr. Alex¡¯s assistant¡± I introduced myself to him. ¡±Call me Adriano, Lucy. I¡¯m not working at GG anymore!¡± He said, patting my head, making me smile. These people are so kind. They don¡¯t have any ego because they are rich. ¡±We will go upstairs, Nonno. See you guyster¡± Mr. Ganovese Jr said, pulling me by my wrist. ¡±Oh wait a second Alex!¡± Mr. De Luca said, stopping us. ¡±You have toe to our house along with your kids for lunch, Lucy. And don¡¯t even try to turn down our invitation.¡± He said in a final tone. ¡±Is this weekend ok with you?¡± I nodded my head not knowing what to say. ¡±Okay then, Alex, bring her on Sunday ¡± Why him?? ¡±No need to bother Mr. Ganovese. I can manage-¡± I tried to refuse but he interrupted me. ¡±It¡¯s okay Lucy, it¡¯s not a bother, I haven¡¯t caught up with them in a while too¡± They all looked amused. ¡±That¡¯s right Lucy, we haven¡¯t seen Alex in a long time.¡± Mrs. De Luca said with a smirk, looking at him. I nodded slowly, looking between them. Are they talking through their minds? We said our byes and made our way upstairs. I pulled my hand from his grip and went before him. Now this, looks like a birthday party. There are some kids besides Jay and Vicky. They formed a group and are doing their kids¡¯ thing. Everyone isughing and chatting. Nat, Sam and Ms. Radaelli is smiling and talking happily. But when Ms. Radaelli saw meing towards them, she stoppedughing and frowned. God! I¡¯m not ready for this. Ms. Radaelli wore a maroon dress. She looks ssy and elegant. ¡±What were you two doing until now, huh?¡± Sam asked, smirking. I rolled my eyes. ¡±Nothing, we met Mr and Mrs. De Luca. We have talked until now and they invited us for lunch at the weekend. That¡¯s it¡± Sam and Ms. Radaelli looked at me in disbelief. ¡±Why would they invite you?¡± You guessed right, it¡¯s Ms. Radaelli. ¡±How would I know Ms. Radaelli?¡± I sighed, folding my hands. ¡±Seriously? I know that they are a sweet couple. We have known them since we were kids. The thing is, they never invite anyone other than us to their house. And they just met you Lucy! What magic did you do?¡± Sam asked, looking at me with wide eyes. ¡±The same magic she did on Alex¡± Mr. Agosti said, joining us. ¡±Please Mr. Agosti, not you too¡± I said, making all of themugh, expect, yeah her. I looked around to find Mr. Ganovese. ¡±Alex is busy talking on the phone, and call me Ro, I¡¯m not your boss anymore Lucy¡± He said, looking at me pleadingly. I chuckled and nodded. ¡±Okay, Ro¡± ¡±Oh thank god! I need to celebrate this!¡± He said excitedly and asked someone to y music. The lights became dim, and everyone started dancing with their partners. Ro turned towards Nat ¡±Can I have a dance with you beautiful?¡± Nat chuckled and nodded her head. They both went to the dance floor and started dancing. ¡±Being me sucks¡± Ms. Radaelli said with a pout. Being me sucks too. ¡±We know¡± I almost jumped when I heard him. Jeez Lucy! He isn¡¯t talking to you. ¡±Shut up Alex!¡± Ms. Redaelli said, giving him a re. ¡±Stop it guys! It¡¯s been more than a week, just make up already!¡± Sam said to them. They fought? ¡±She is the one who stopped talking to me, so only tell her Sam¡± He said, making Ms. Redaelli scoff. ¡±Heydies¡± Enzo came and joined us. ¡±Too early Enzo¡± Sam said, narrowing her eyes. ¡±Sorry, had surgery to attend. But I did get you a gift. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll forgive me when you open it¡± He said, giving her his gift. ¡±Happy birthday Samantha¡± ¡±Ahh! Thanks. It¡¯d better be something useful, Enzo, or someone else will do your surgery tomorrow!¡± Sam said, giving him a sweet smile. That¡¯s scary! I opened my clutch to take out her gift. I brought her a tinum deer heart shaped ne. I hope she likes it. ¡±Happy birthday Sam!¡± I said while giving it to her. She gasped ¡±I forgot about your gift! Or else I would have asked as soon as you got here¡± she said, and Ms. Radaelli smacked her. ¡±You have enough money to buy things! Stop asking everyone for gifts¡± Sam crunched her face, rubbing the spot. ¡±You look beautiful Lucy¡± Enzo said, looking at me. ¡±Thank you Enzo, you cleaned up nice too¡± I can see Mr. Ganovese from the corner of my eyes, ring at us. Enzo chuckled and offered his hand ¡±would you like to dance?¡± ¡±I¡¯m not a good dancer though¡± I said, taking his hand.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g! ¡±Then I¡¯ll teach you¡± Enzo said with a smirk and pulled me to the dance floor. I wrapped my arms around his neck, while he ced his hands on my hips. We started to dance slowly along with the music. Enzo pulled me a little closer and nced at Mr. Ganovese. ¡±You know, you can¡¯t actually gain anything by doing this. Mr. Ganovese doesn¡¯t care¡± I said, rolling my eyes. He chuckled ¡±So you know, huh? That I¡¯m trying to irritate him?¡± I nodded ¡±From the start¡±. He sighed ¡±I¡¯m just giving him the taste of his own medicine¡± I didn¡¯t get what he meant. But I hope this isn¡¯t something serious. They are behaving like kids. ¡±You do know you are behaving like a kid, right?¡± Enzo chuckled ¡±Maybe I am, but who cares?¡± He shrugged at the end. I shook my head, smiling. ¡±Look at him, it¡¯s so satisfying seeing him like this¡± Enzo smirked, looking at him. My eyes widened when I saw Mr. Ganoveseing towards us with a clenched jaw and angry look. He held my wrist and pushed Enzo, making him stumble back. Thank god! The lights are dim and the music is loud. Everyone is busy dancing. My heartbeat reached my ears when he pulled me along with him into a room and closed the door. What. the. hell? LIKE A DATE!? LUCY I hissed as soon as he mmed me against the door. ¡°What the hell do you think you are doing?¡± ¡±I should be the one asking that!! What the hell do you think you are doing out there, huh? Trying to make me jealous-¡± ¡±Oh please, I know you don¡¯t have any kind of feelings towards me for you to be jealous, unlike what you said in my apartment¨C and that¡¯s exactly what I told your cousin too. So, why don¡¯t you save ¡®I¡¯m your boss and your just my employee¡¯ speech to yourself ? That could save both of us a lot of time ¡± I snapped and looked at the wall to my left. He sighed, releasing me from his grip. He ran his fingers through his hair, licking his dry lips. ¡± Lucy- ¡± He started to say something but stopped cing his hands on his hips and sighed. I folded my arms and raised my eyebrows, looking at him in disbelief. He doesn¡¯t even have an exnation? I scoffed and muttered ¡®unbelievable¡¯. I was about to turn around but he pulled me into a hug, making me shriek udylike. ¡±WHAT THE¨C ¡± ¡±Please!! Just for a moment. Let me gather my thoughts¡± He said, tightening his arms around me. I looked up from his embrace and narrowed my eyes at him. ¡±For someone who wants to keep things professional, you sure are touchy.¡± ¡±And for someone who is always professional, you sure melt in my arms¡± he said, smiling at me. ¡±Well, but that doesn¡¯t make everything that happened in the past few days disappear now, does it?¡± I said, pulling myself out of his embrace. He looked as disappointed as I am. But hey! Self-lovees first. I moved back and leaned against the door, where I could take a look at him without straining my neck. I folded my arms and raised my eyebrows at him, waiting for his exnation for the second time. ¡±Lucy, it¡¯s¨C not as easy for me as you think. Despite being with a few women, I don¡¯t even have minimal knowledge about rtionships. I just had one girlfriend ¨C Ang, my best friend. She was my first in everything. She died on the day when we were supposed to get married. I was almost a married man a few months ago, Lucy. Can you imagine my surprise when I did things I never did before because of you? Someone I merely know? I was so confused!!¡± He said, running his fingers through his hair and pacing around. He stopped and stood in front of me ¡± I was confused about my feelings. Do I really like you? Not just physically? Is it not just a passing cloud? Not a rebound like other women?¡± I almost winced when he said rebound. ¡±I had to be sure. Sure to not hurt you. And yes! I am jealous! Because I have feelings for you, Lucy. Because I like you.¡± I was awestruck at his confession. I never expected this. I was waiting for someme excuses, but definitely not this. Do something dammit!! Don¡¯t just stand like a statue. And I did. I tiptoed, pulling him by his cor and ced my lips against his. It¡¯s like everything around us stopped. I slowly started to pull myself away and looked at him apologetically. ¡±I¨C¡± I was cut by someone who opened the door roughly, making me stumble upon Mr. Hottie. We are both sandwiched between the wall and the door. I looked at Hottie, he looked amused and was about to say something, but I ced my palm on his mouth when I heard something. Moans and kissing sounds. Fucking moans and kissing sounds at a birthday party. The same birthday party where kids are around. My kids! ¡±Umm.. we should.. *panting* stop¡± I heard a familiar voice. ¡±Yeah.. we should¡± I heard another familiar voice. I looked at Hottie with my jaw dropped and he looked back at me with wide eyes. ¡±I¡¯m s-serious, *giggles* Lucy will kill me if she finds out what I am doing with her kids around.¡± Yeah, that¡¯s right Nat. I¡¯m gonna kill you.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g! ¡±Fine. But we are going to finish this again¡±. I removed my hands from Hottie when I heard the footsteps fading away. ¡±Uh¨C we should probably get going¡± ¡±Wait¡± He said, grabbing my hand, making me look at him. ¡±Let¡¯s go out tomorrow¡± ¡±Like a date?¡± I mmed my mouth shut as soon as the words flew out. What a stupidity. He chuckled and kissed my hand. ¡±Yeah, like a date.¡± I squealed inside and blushed like an idiot. We attended the party like nothing happened. I wished Sam once again while we said goodbye. ¡±Your lipstick looks fresh Nat¡± I said, smiling at her sweetly. ¡± rmend it for me too¡± She chuckled hesitantly and replied ¡± I reapplied it again silly¡± I smiled at her again and turned my head towards the road, thinking of an evil n forter, to make her speak. Jay is half asleep in the back seat along with Vicky, who is fully knocked out. I suddenly felt bad taking the kids to the party, when I saw Jay struggling to stay awake through the elevator ride. The good thing is that tomorrow is the weekend. I carried Vicky in my arms, he was sleeping like a monkey, wrapping his arms and legs around me. I smiled remembering how I used to carry Jay like this too. They sure grew up fast. I tucked Vicky in and removed his shoes. And I helped Jay remove his zer and shoes. ¡±Good night mom¡± Jay mumbled, pulling hisforter up and closing his eyes. ¡±Good night¡± I said, cing a kiss on his forehead. I did the same for Vicky and turned the light off. I was changing into my Tshirt and shorts when I heard a ping. Mr. Ganovese : Tomorrow at 5 PM. I¡¯ll pick you up. I smiled at his bluntness and changed his name back to Mr. Hottie . I jumped on my bed, pulling a pillow towards me, squealing at it and smiling like an idiot from ear to ear. I have a date tomorrow. My. first. ever. date. THE DATE! – 1 LUCY Nat freaked out when I said I have a date and told me I was finally living a life. I rolled my eyes. Dramatic much? When I told my monkeys, Jay smiled and told me to enjoy myself, while Vicky begged me to take him along. It took a lot of time for us to convince him and he finally calmed down when Nat said they would have an indoor date while I was gone. It¡¯s still noon and the clock is not ticking fast enough. One minute it feels like I only have 5 hours and the next second it feels like I still have 5 hours. Urghhh. Right now, Nat is going through my closet, trying to find the perfect outfit for today¡¯s date. She was doing that for the past 30min and still didn¡¯t find anything. ording to her and I quote ¡± Mr. Hottie will definitely take me to a grand ce and all I have is grandma¡¯s clothes¡± I rolled my eyes and decided to message Hottie. Me : Where are we going? I don¡¯t want to get underdressed or overdressed. I still didn¡¯t get a reply even after waiting for 5min. Is he just busy doing something or did he forget about the date? After another 10 min, I finally got a rey. Mr. Hottie : Dress casually. What? That¡¯s it? He is too straightforward. I sighed and looked at Nat, who was still going on a rampage to find me a dress. ¡±Stop messing with my closet, he asked me to dress casually and I know exactly what to wear.¡± She pouted and fake red at me, but let me choose what to wear. We cleaned my closet and had lunch. As Gemma works only on weekdays, Nat cooks and eats with us. Most of the time, we just order. It¡¯s 3:30 pm and I started getting ready. I wore denim jeans and a peach-colored top. I decided to go with a strapless bra, since the top looks cute off shoulder. I side-braided my hair to my right. I want to leave my hair free, but I hate it when it gets on my face. * * * * It¡¯s 4:55 pm now and I¡¯m a nervous wreck.? N?velDrama.Org - All rights reserved. What if he changes his mind again and starts ignoring me? What if he realizes that I¡¯m not enough for him? What if he stops liking me after this date? What¨C I snapped out my train of useless thoughts when I finally heard it. Ding. Dong! I released my shaky breath and went to open the door, but Jay and Vicky beat me. And there he stood, taking my breath away. He got me flowers and choctes. He gave them to me awkwardly and I took them more awkwardly. We stared at each other without saying anything. It¡¯s my first time seeing him wear something so casual other than suits and he fucking nailed it. He just wore a simple gray Tshirt, ck jeans and a hoodie. His hair looks messy but neat. Is that even a thing? Nat cleared her throat, smirking at us. ¡±I don¡¯t like you at all, but since mom wants to go out with you, I¡¯ll give you a chance¡± Jay said, crossing his arms. Hottie looked amused at him but nodded his head. ¡±I¡¯ll not make you regret your decision¡± ¡±Alex!! Buy mamma food! She loves it!!¡± Vicky said, making me groan in embarrassment. Hottie chuckled, nodding his head and bent down to give Vicky and Jay hi-five and when Jay refused, hottie just ruffled his hair making Jay re at him. I shook my head at their behavior. ¡±Shall we go?¡± Hottie asked, looking at me. I nodded my head, giving flowers and choctes to Nat. I whispered her to let me have atleast one piece of chocte, making her stomp on my leg. Ouch! I red at her and went to him, closing the door, but not before kissing Jay and Vicky a bye. ¡±You look beautiful¡± Hottie said, cing a kiss on my cheek whichsted more than three seconds, making me blush. ¡±You look beautiful too©\ shit! I mean handsome, yeah handsome.¡± I rambled, making himugh out loud. I cried internally. Why??? He took my hand and squeezed it. ¡±Rx¡± He whispered, kissing the back of my palm. ©\¡ª¨C Guess where we are? In a movie theater!! It¡¯s been ages since I actually saw a movie and I eventually lost interest in them. Not that I¡¯mining. But I can¡¯t believe he actually brought us to a crowded movie theater considering he is the CEO of the richestpany in the country. It¡¯s some scifi movie, it is good and Hottie is so engrossed in it to even acknowledge me. It was fun looking at him like that. His eyes are narrowed to the screen with interest, taking one popcorn at a time, cing it slowly on his lips and rolling it into his mouth. As he took a sip from his coke, I watched how his Adams apple bobbed, making me want to lick it. I gulped, suddenly feeling hot. I leaned back in my seat and noticed the girl sitting on the other side of him also gawking at him. I turned to my right side, finding other girls were also looking at him now and then. I frowned, not liking it. I want to take him out of here, but since he is enjoying the movie, I gave up on that thought. Instead, I pulled his hoodie up, making him look at me. He raised his left eyebrow, probably asking me , what the hell is that for? But I grabbed his chin and turned his head towards the screen. I can¡¯t see him now, but at least he will have fewer eyes on him. After a few minutes, he leaned back and took my hand into his, never leaving it till the end, making me smile like an idiot throughout the movie. ¡±Where are we going?¡± I asked as we entered the car. ¡±You¡¯ll see¡± he said, giving me a smile, making my heart jump. I hesitated. ¡±Well¡­ I just want to know how much it will take. I have motion sickness and don¡¯t want to feel nauseated while we are on the date¡± I finished with an awkward chuckle. ¡±Ah, it will probably take 40min. Is it okay? We¡¯ll go somewhere else if it¡¯s a problem¡± he said with a frown, looking concerned. I shook my head. ¡±Nope. I came prepared. Can I open the window?¡± I asked while taking out my mask. It surprisingly helps, I only learned it during the pandemic. He nodded, turning off the AC. I opened the window, only enough for the soft breeze to hit my face. I am d that he chose to drive slowly,pared to the time he drove to the theater. Thank God, that was a short drive. We are both ncing at each other now and then. I can¡¯t help it, he is just so handsome. I panicked when his hand reached mine. I pulled away and looked at him like he was crazy. ¡±What?¡± He asked, looking at me confused. ¡±I know at this point I might sound demanding, but please from now on, while I¡¯m in the car, can you solemnly focus on driving? Eyes on the road, hands on the steering and drive at this pace? I¡¯m sorry but I have a terrible driving experience¡± I said, hoping he wouldn¡¯t find me a nuisance, that too on our first date. He chuckled and said okay, making me sigh in relief. I was confused when we passed my apartment street and headed towards thepany. ¡±What are we doing here?¡± I asked, taking off my mask, cing it inside my bag, when we reached the office. He said nothing even when we got out of the car. He tossed the keys to the guard standing at the entrance and took my hand as we entered the building. ¡±Well?¡± I asked him again when we reached his private elevator. ¡±Wait for a few minutes will you?¡± He said with a chuckle and kissed my hand. I blushed and nodded my head sheepishly. I have zero patience. We entered the elevator and I was confused when he pressed R. It means Rooftop. Only this elevator has this option and I know why. But why are we going there? Don¡¯t tell me- My thoughts were cut short when Hottie pressed me against the elevator, making me gasp. His one hand is on the nape of my neck and the other is on my waist. ¡±You look breathtakingly beautiful and it takes everything in me to not touch you.¡± He said, tracing his lips along my neck, making me whimper. THE DATE! – 2 I bit my lip to stop myself from moaning. I never moaned, atleast not in pleasure. His hand went inside my top, touching my bare waist. Goosebumps erupted everywhere he touched, sending delicious shivers down my spine. I tilted my neck, to give him more ess, when he started kissing my neck and shoulder. Thank god I chose this outfit.Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDra/ma.O(r)g! His hand went around my waist and I wrapped my arms around his shoulders, trying to pull him even closer if that was possible. I moaned and my hand went into his hair, when he sucked the spot below my ear. At this point, I don¡¯t even care if I sounded like a dying pig. I looked up to the elevator and it showed that we are at 43rd floor. I hope time will freeze. He drew circles around my waist with his thumb, still kissing my neck. I pressed my thighs together when I felt tingling down there. He started kissing my face, nose, eyes, forehead, everywhere except my lips and it was frustrating. I feel hot, especially my lips. My breasts became heavy, I suddenly felt suffocated. ¡±Fuck tesoro!! You are irresistible¡± he cursed, pulling away. I moaned in displeasure, making him chuckle. ¡±Patience tesoro¡± he said, kissing my cheek, pulling me out of the elevator. I scoffed in disbelief. He is talking about patience? I was awestruck when I saw the helipad, which was decorated with dim lights. We took stairs to get to the top of the helipad. ¡±I hope you like it¡± he said nervously. I looked at him in disbelief. ¡±You are kidding, right? It¡¯s perfect. I love it!¡± I took a deep breath and blinked my tears away. It¡¯s a freaking pic date!! On the rooftop! That too, on the helipad!! With a perfect view. It¡¯s my dreame true. It¡¯s so beautiful. There is a thick nket in the middle, a few cushions and a small table ced on it with dim lights decorated around us. I removed my sandals as he removed his shoes and we sat facing each other. I looked at the food ced on the table. They are still hot, making me wonder how? There is pizza, with extra cheese,sagna, risotto and, for dessert, my favorite Tiramisu. ¡±They look delicious¡± I said, smiling at him widely. ¡±They taste delicious too¡± he grinned, seeing my excitement. Oh gosh, can anything make him less attractive? We talked a lot while eating. I told him about my school crush, Noah, and about my best friend in college, how we suddenly got distant as we both got busy with our careers. I had a boring life, so there is nothing exciting to tell. Where as Mr. Hottie has such an adventurous life. ¡±Seriously?¡± ¡±Yes, Ro and Sam are too wild for my liking, they always n trips and hiking. Sam just loves new things, always drags us shopping. Ro says yes to anything and everything as long as it keeps him entertained. Even though I hate to admit it, I did enjoy spending time with them and Monica is a more serious and matured one, keeping us at bay.¡± He said andughed as if he remembered something. ¡±As you know, we give a 10 day vacation, twice a year to employees, not just them but to their families as well. They can join us or go on their own if they wish to spend time with their families. It was Ro¡¯s idea. I was totally against it but he made a bet and won. Bastard¡± he shook his head, making meugh. ¡±Well, we need him if our CEO is this grumpy¡± I said and took a spoonful of Tiramisu from the box, eating it. He narrowed his eyes yfully ¡±I¡¯m not grumpy. Come here¡± he said, pulling me towards him by my waist, so my back was pressed to his front and he wrapped his arms around me. ¡±Tell me more about you¡± I sighed and made a humming sound. ¡±There is really nothing much. My friend in college is also an introvert and all we did was stay in our room and watch kdramas. After my parents¡¯ death, I concentrated on my studies. So, if I have any free time, it will be filled with food, sleep and headaches from binge watching all the kdramas¡± ¡±You don¡¯t like traveling?¡± I shrugged ¡±Nope. I hate traveling because, 1. My motion sickness won¡¯t allow me to and 2. I get too tired. But I would love to visit all ces around the world without traveling though. I just wish I had my own anywhere door ¡± ¡±Some weird and impossible wishes you have¡± he said, cing a kiss on my head. I sighed and turned my head to face him. ¡±If I knew being in someone¡¯s arms feels this good, I would have dated before¡± I said teasingly. He gasped loudly, making me giggle. ¡±I don¡¯t know whether I should feel ttered or offended¡± I raised my head and pecked his jaw. ¡±Definitely ttered¡± He grinned, making my heart flutter. I turned towards him fully and started tracing my fingers on his cheeks, trying to feel him, and looked at him. His eyes were darkened with desire. In a swift motion, he wrapped his hands around my thighs and pulled me close, burying his head in my neck. My hands instantly went to the back of his head as he started peppering kisses on my neck. I wrapped my legs around him, trying to pull him closer. I whimpered when he started to suck my neck roughly. He squeezed my waist and gave open mouth kisses on my shoulder des, pulling my sleeves further down, exposing my cleavage. This is too much. Too much pleasure, too much need. I gasped as he sucked the skin on the top of my breasts. I-I can¡¯t¨C My eyes started to tear as my body felt hot. Again, my lips started to feel hot and trembling with need, need to be kissed. I bit my lip hard and tilted my neck to give him more ess. His hand started moving up and stopped at the side of my breast, still sucking on my neck. I gripped his hair and moaned out loud when his thumb traced my hardened nipple through the fabric ¡±L-Lexus¡±. He froze and looked at me shocked. ¡±W-What? Should I not call you that? It¡¯s okay if you don¡¯t like it, I¡¯ll just call you Alex¡± I said quickly, not wanting to upset him. He shook his head. ¡±No, it¡¯s just¨C¡± he gulped ¡±no one calls me by my middle name. And it feels sexying from you¡± he groaned, kissing my cheeks and jaw, going further down. I cupped his face and pulled him up angry. ¡±What?¡± He asked, acting innocently, obviously sensing my anger. ¡±Why aren¡¯t you kissing me?¡± He smirked ¡±That¡¯s what I¡¯m doing Tesoro¡± ¡±No! You know what I mean!! Why aren¡¯t you kissing me on the lips?¡± I asked, puckering my lips at him. He chuckled and looked at me amused. ¡±I just don¡¯t want to be pped again¡± I looked at him in disbelief. He probably did more than kissing at this point. I pped his face lightly with an angry frown. ¡±If you don¡¯t kiss me now, I¡¯ll p you hard next ti¨C¡± he cut me off, crashing his lips into mine with a rough kiss. He gripped my neck, angling it and devoured my lips, making me whimper. I don¡¯t even know what to do and how to do, but he is just kissing me senselessly. I tried to pull away from him, his grip was too strong, but I did it with a lot of difficulty. We are both panting hard. He looked at me cutely, confused. ¡±As much as I like you to go rough on me, I want to kiss you too. So-¡±I pecked his lips ¡±kiss me slowly, so that I can learn how to kiss you back properly¡± ¡±I don¡¯t mind though¡± he muttered and bit my lower lip, pulling it. ¡±B-But I do¡± I managed to choke out. He finally decided to grant my wish and cupped my cheeks, pulling me close, cing his lips against mine, with a sensual kiss. His arms wrapped around my waist, while mine went around his neck. He sucked on my lower lip and I followed his lead, sucking his upper lip. I¡¯m not clueless. I have watched so many movies before, so I know how to kiss, but I just need some experience. So we kissed that night, for god knows how long, under the stars. That¡¯s how my date went. And I definitely know that it is the best first date I could ever ask for. ROYAL TREATMEANT! LUCY ¡±Fast! Fast!! Over take that car Alex!! YAY!!¡± Vicky screamed when Lexus overtook the car he pointed at. Jeez. Boys. We are going to Mr and Mrs. De Luca¡¯s house today for lunch. I totally forgot about that until Lexus came to our home to pick us up. Vicky sat in the front while Jay and I were in the back. Lexus said that it would take more than an hour to reach De Luca¡¯s house, so I had my mask on. Jay is silently ying with my phone. He is mad at me because I didn¡¯t inform him before. Hell, I don¡¯t even remember as I was excited about my date. And I honestly thought they were just being polite. My jaw dropped when we reached De Luca¡¯s mansion. There were four armed guards at the front gate. One of them signaled to open the gate as if they were expecting us. It took more than a minute to reach the mansion from the front gate. There are more armed guards along the way. When I was about to open the car door , it was opened by the guard startling me. He gave me a stiff nod when I stepped out of the car. I noticed that the other guards had also opened the remaining car doors. What¡¯s with the royal treatment? Vicky, Jay and I exchanged looks. None of us dared to open our mouths as we reached the front door. This is too much for us. ¡±Aren¡¯t there too many guards?¡± I whispered to Lexus as we entered. He chuckled and wrapped his arm around my waist. ¡±No. This is lesspared to the guards in the Ganovese mansion. And half of the guards are hired by my Nonno. We have enemies out there and he doesn¡¯t want anything to happen to his dearest friend.¡± Ohhh. Rich people. ¡±Lucy! Alex!¡± Mrs. De Luca greeted us, walking fast towards us, along with Mr. De Luca and two other people. ¡±Diana, for god¡¯s sake slow down¡± Lexus said, pulling Mrs. De Luca into a hug. ¡±Oh, I¡¯m just excited to meet you guys!¡± She said and stepped towards me, cupping my cheeks. ¡±How are you dear?¡± She asked me, smiling widely. I bent down a little, to not strain her as she is a few inches shorter than me and smiled. ¡±I¡¯m fine Diana, how are you?¡± ¡±Fine dear, I¡¯m fine¡± she said and looked towards Vicky and Jay. ¡±Awe. Who do we have here? What are your names again, little ones?¡± ¡±We are not little!¡± They said at once, making us allugh. ¡±Oh, we apologize!¡± Said Mr. De Luca, standing in front of us.¡±Now what are your names, young men?¡± ¡±William! But you can call me Vicky¡± Vicky introduced himself, while Jay¡­ ¡±Jason¡± he said and shoved his hand towards them for a shake hand. I snickered when Diana hugged them both, ignoring Jay¡¯s coldness. ¡±Aren¡¯t they the cutest?¡± She said to Mr. De Luca while pinching their cheeks with an adorable look in her eyes. He chuckled ¡±Yes, they are. Oh, this is Marco, head of the security, and Bernardo, our head chef¡± After all the Introductions, we went inside. There are so many sculptures and paintings. Hell! There is even a fountain. This mansion has an ancient Roman look and it¡¯s absolutely breathtaking. I almost choked when I saw the dining room. Is this how rich people live? The dining table is filled with different types of food. Mr. Lorenzo De Luca sat at the head of the table. Diana sat to his right, followed by Lexus, and Vicky sat to his left, followed by me and Jay. Soon, maids came and served our food. I looked at the tes, they looked thick and heavy, obviously made of some rich ss. Spoons, forks, knives, pretty much everything other than food containers are made of silver. Now I clearly understand what the expression Born with a silver spoon means. My breath hitched when Vicky ced the ss down with a thud after drinking water. I bent down to his ear and whispered pleadingly ¡±Careful there buddy, looks like I can¡¯t afford this table if you break it¡±. He smiled cheekily, nodding his head. ¡±How are you adjusting here, child?¡± Mr. De Luca asked after everyone¡¯s tes were filled. ¡±Good Mr- uh Lorenzo, we are adjusting pretty well. By the way, your house looks amazing¡± I said before I could even process what I was saying. ¡±All thanks to my wife!! She designed every corner of this house after we got married¡± He chuckled and looked at Diana, who was now shaking her head with a broad smile. I looked at her wide-eyed ¡±Woahh.. you are awesome Diana¡± ¡±Stop glorifying me and tell me how your date went yesterday Lucy¡± She said with a mischievous grin, making me choke. ¡±H-How-?¡± I asked, surprised, after drinking some water. Lexus sighed ¡±They know my every move. My Nonno keeps an eye on everyone within the family¡± Ohh. I nodded my head. ¡±Uh- It was amazing¡± I said with a smile. I blushed hard as I remembered everything. My lips were swollen due to all our kissing, so I applied some lipstick. I even wore a turtleneck top, which I borrowed from Nat, because my neck is covered with hickeys.Material ? N?velDrama.Org. I looked at Lexus, he smirked at me as if he knew what was in my mind. I only ate what was on my te, too afraid to serve myself. What if I identally drop something? And I was too awkward to ask maids. Totally not my thing. After lunch, Diana took me with her to show me around the mansion, while the others were in the gaming room. I was in awe. Literally. There are 4 kitchens, 12 bedrooms, 15 bathrooms, 3 gaming rooms, 2 indoor pools, onerge pool in the backyard- uff, I lost count. Heck, they even have a golf course. ¡±Here, try these. I made them myself¡± Diana said, giving me a te full of cupcakes, cookies and pastries. We are in her personal kitchen now. I sat down on the kitchen ind, my feet were aching from all the walk. I took a big bite from the cupcake and moaned loudly. ¡±These are amazing¡± She smiled at me lovingly. ¡±Taste everything, I noticed you didn¡¯t eat your lunch properly¡± I blushed and nodded my head, too embarrassed and not knowing what to say. By the time we headed back towards the gaming room, everyone was so serious and all focused on their game. Chess. Of course, intelligent people. Lorenzo and Jay are one team, while Lexus and Vicky are teamed together. Diana and I sat near them on one of the sofas. It¡¯s mostly Lorenzo, Jay and Lexus who are ying, while Vicky is just screwing up the game for Lexus. ¡±Oh no, no, no.. not that one!¡± Lexus almost screamed when Vicky made a wrong move. ¡±NOO!! I want this -¡± Vicky said, holding one of the chess pieces ¡± to be here¡± and ced it somewhere. Lexus groaned ¡±But it¡¯s against the rules¡± ¡±Then I¡¯ll make new rules¡± he said with a hump, making everyoneugh. It was almost 5:30 pm when we decided to go. ¡±Why in so much a hurry? You can go after dinner, right honey?¡± Diana asked Lorenzo with a sad frown, hoping he would say something to convince us. Oh no, one more minute in this house and I¡¯ll lose my brain cells. ¡±It¡¯s okay Diana, we will definitely visit again¡± I said before Lorenzo could say anything. She smiled, nodding. ¡±You know, you can call us Nonna and Nonno.¡± she said, making everyone still for a moment. Lorenzo wrapped his arm around her shoulder ¡±Sorry dear, she is just so happy after so many years. She probably remembered the loved ones we lost. You don¡¯t have to call us like that if you don¡¯t want to.¡± I felt bad when I saw tears in Diana¡¯s eyes. ¡±I-It¡¯s okay, Diana- I mean Nonna, From now on, I¡¯ll call you guys Nonna and Nonno¡± I said with a smile. It feels weird calling them Nonna and Nonno, as I never had anyone to call like that before. Diana smiled happily through her tears and pulled me into a hug. ¡±Please don¡¯t forget to visit us¡± she whispered and pulled back. I nodded and looked at Lorenzo. He smiled and gave me an appreciative nod. ¡±That was- unexpected¡± Lexus said as soon as we entered the car. ¡±Yeah¡± I whispered. The drive back was fast as I fell asleep throughout the ride. Jay woke me up when we reached the apartment parking lot. Vicky said bye to Lexus while he and Jay went into the elevator, while I decided to stay back for a few more minutes. ¡±Why don¡¯t youe upstairs?¡± I asked, pursing my lips, not wanting to leave him. I didn¡¯t even get a chance to talk to him back at De Luca¡¯s mansion. He leaned back on one of the pirs and pulled me towards him, wrapping his hands around my waist. ¡±I wish I could, but I have work to finish. Of all people, you should know that, since you are my assistant¡± he said, cupping my cheek and caressed it with his thumb. I frowned. ¡±Speaking of assistant, I want my old job back¡± I said, cing my hands on his chest. ¡±No¡± he said, narrowing his eyes. ¡±Pretty please?¡± I gave my best puppy eyes and pouted. He sighed and pecked my pouted lips. ¡±Why? You don¡¯t like working with me? Am I putting too much pressure on you?¡± His voiceced with concern. I shook my head ¡±It¡¯s not that, it¡¯s too weird and clich¨¦, that I¡¯m an assistant to my boyfriend.¡± He raised his eyebrows and smirked. ¡±Boyfriend?¡± He whispered. I smiled and kissed him. This time I bit his lower lip and pulled it, making him groan. ¡±Yes¡± I whispered back, panting. He grinned. ¡±My girlfriend is a fast learner¡± Iughed ¡±Oh, that she really is. So, about my job?¡± ¡±Fine. But you better make it up to me, cause I¡¯ll miss my girlfriend¡± He said, cing his forehead against mine. ¡±I will¡±, I promised with a smile. G**GLE, HOW TO MAKEOUT WITH MY BOYFRIEND? LUCY ¡±He is just so hot, like he came out directly from the magazine. I mean how is that even possible?¡± Beatrice, Alex¡¯s new assistant, said, shaking her head. It¡¯s been a few days since our date and I miss him like hell. We barely get any time to meet and I almost regret taking my old job back. Almost. But he always makes sure to call me though, atleast once a day. Sometimes hees to our floor to meet Ro, in excuse to see me. And sometimes, I go to his office, using some excuses like getting his signature or giving him some files, like right now. ¡±Yes, I agree. I can go in now?¡± I asked her impatiently, giving her a forced smile. ¡±Uh-ah, not so soon. I know what you are doing, Lucy. Youe here every chance you get and you wont even let me, his assistant, to take those files to him¡± she gave a knowing look and continued. ¡±No offense honey, but he is out of our league. I tried flirting with him on my second day and almost lost my job. He literally said ¡®Ms. Calvo, I don¡¯t appreciate what you are doing. Flirt with me again and you can see yourself out, forever.¡¯ I mean who the fuck says no to me.¡± Well, I can tell why his rejection hurt her ego. She has blonde hair, blue eyes, a sexy figure and she is around 5ft 8inches. Fuck, why is everyone around him so tall and sexy? ¡±Ohh..¡± I said, trying to sound surprised. ¡±Yeah, so stop trying or if you like him so much that you are willing to lose your job, then atleast show some skin. You are literally inside in your jacket.¡± She said, eyeing my attire in distaste. I wore a ck shirt, blue pants and jacket. I love thisbination and it¡¯s my favorite outfit, perfect for the office. ¡±I¡¯m not going to sh my skin, Trix¡± I said, rolling my eyes. ¡±Your loss¡± she said dramatically, letting me go. I knocked on the door, knowing Trix was still watching me from her desk and I entered when I heard a faint e in¡¯. My breath hitched when my eyesnded on him. His zer is off and his shirt feels like his second skin, showing his muscles. His sleeves are rolled up, making him look more rugged and him going through some files on his desk with a serious frown is not helping. ¡±Mr. Ganovese, we have a serious problem.¡± I said when he didn¡¯t notice me. He smiled, still looking at the file. ¡±And what is it, Ms. Vitale?¡± I went and stood near him, leaning against his desk. ¡±Your girlfriend is kind of upset that you two are not spending enough time together¡± I said, pursing my lips. ¡±Is that so? Remind her that it¡¯s her idea to not work with me¡± he smirked, looking up. ¡±So it¡¯s my fault now?¡± I fake red at him, crossing my arms. He shook his head, smiling. ¡±Are you done for the day?¡± I gaped at him. ¡±It¡¯s barely 11, I still have to make a few calls and schedule meetings.¡± ¡±Then you better run andplete them by noon, we are going out¡± he said, shooing me. On my way out, Trix shook her head, seeing my smiling face and it made me smile wider. He likes me. His girlfriend. I made calls and scheduled meetings but there are still a few emails that I need to read and reply to, but I decided to do themter tonight. I messaged Alex that I was ready and asked him to send me the location, saying I¡¯d meet him there directly. As much as I want to go with him, we just started seeing each other and I don¡¯t want everyone in the office to gossip. They will definitely think we are just fucking. Another reason why I don¡¯t want to be his assistant anymore. I¡¯ll just be another Martha for them. I frowned when I reached the location he sent. It¡¯s just a few blocks away from my apartment and it¡¯s definitely not a restaurant. He sent me the location of a house. His house. I looked at it in disbelief. We live this close to each other and I found out now? I rang the doorbell and it was opened in seconds by Alex himself. He is wearing a sleeveless shirt and shorts. It was my first time seeing his muscles in the flesh and I wanted nothing but to lick them. I gulped inaudiblely. He is so ripped. ¡±You can still gawk at me aftering inside¡± He said, trying to hide his smile, snapping me out of my trance. I smiled sheepishly and went inside. As soon as I removed my jacket, Alex wrapped his arms around my waist and kissed me hard. I moved my lips against his, trying to keep up with him. I shivered when he licked my lower lip after biting it. ¡±I have been dying to do this¡± He said, pulling away. I chuckled breathlessly. Me too. I hope I have the courage to say that out loud. ¡±What do you want for lunch?¡± He asked, walking towards the kitchen. ¡±Anything but sea food¡± I said, looking around. He lives in luxury. I sat on the kitchen ind while he took ingredients and vegetables from the refrigerator. I kind of expected him to reheat whatever food was in the refrigerator, but he is cooking. Can he get any more perfect? ¡±What are you making?¡± I asked, cing my palms under my chin, looking at him curiously. ¡±Steak sandwich¡± he said, tying his apron, taking a sharp knife to cut onions and tomatoes. Fuck, he looks hot. ¡±Hmm. Why didn¡¯t you tell me that you live 5 blocks away from me?¡± He shrugged ¡±Never found the right time to mention it and you never asked where your boyfriend lives¡±Material ? N?velDrama.Org. ¡±I¡¯m sorry, it¡¯s all new to me. Sometimes I feel like a teenage little girl who knows nothing about rtionships and dating.¡± I bit my lip looking down. ¡±It¡¯s okay. We will get there eventually. Now tell me how do you like your steak cooked?¡± He smiled, holding the raw meat. I shook my head, smiling ¡±Make it your way¡± Soon, everything was in front of me. We sat on Kitchen Ind itself, as this ce is big enough to eat. I closed my eyes in delight when the steak touched my taste buds. It is so juicy and delicious. ¡±Where did you buy the bread? It tastes different. Good, but different.¡± The crunch is not very hard, and it also tastes amazing. ¡±I made it¡±, he said proudly, pointing at himself. He chuckled seeing my dumbfolded face. I do know people make bread at home, but dang, this bread is on another level. ¡±Well, at least one of us knows how to cook¡± I smiled sheepishly, taking another bite. After eating, Alex kept the leftovers in the refrigerator and started cleaning the ind. It¡¯s weird seeing a billionaire doing all the work, which is a bare minimum, but still it¡¯s a weird sight to watch. I took the tes and ced them in the sink to wash. I turned around to get utensils too, but came face to face, uh¨C face to chest with Alex. ¡±Let it be, I¡¯ll wash themter.¡± He said, tracing his thumb over my cheek. ¡±It¡¯s okay, I¡¯ll do it now or else your kitchen will stink¡± I said, scrunching my nose at the end. He gave me an amused smile ¡±You are not going to listen, are you?¡± I shook my head negatively. He sighed in defeat and turned to get utensils. I faced the sink and released a shaky breath. I¡¯m trying so hard to not have dirty thoughts, so I decided to keep myself busy. Is it weird that I want to kiss him? Touch him? I mean, we are in a rtionship, right? Should I search for something on Google like how to makeout with my boyfriend without feeling anxious? I jumped when Lexus¡¯s hand touched mine while he ced utensils in the sink. I¡¯m extra cautious while doing dishes as I feel his gaze from the corner of my eyes. I looked down and saw that there were only two more tes left. Shit! I slowed my pace while washing them, all while trying not to look at him. ¡±Your house looks awesome, is it built or bought?¡± I asked, walking out of the kitchen, as soon as I dried my hands. ¡±Build¡± I heard him not too far from me. I nodded my head and moved towards the backyard. There is arge pool on one side and a garden on the other side with a seating area. I took a deep breath and looked around aimlessly. What to do? ¡±Lucy¡± ¡±Hmm. What?¡± I asked, not turning around. My breath hitched when I felt his arms wrapping around my waist. I shivered as his lips gazed at my earlobe. ¡±Tesoro, look at me¡± I shook my head, not trusting my voice. ¡±I swear I¡¯ll not do anything, just look at me.¡± I felt awful when he said that, like he did something wrong. I pinched my nose when my eyes stung with tears. I turned and looked at his concerned face. ¡±It¡¯s not that!¡± I whined, closing my eyes. ¡±Then what? And why do you look like you are about to cry¡± He said, caressing my cheek. Oh god!! This won¡¯t work. He is too much for me. Too good. I can¡¯t even believe he likes me. ¡±Tesoro, you can tell me anything¡± He said, kissing my forehead. ¡±I-It¡¯s just that, I w-want t-to¨C¡± I stopped but Alex gave me an encouraging look so I took a deep breath. ¡±Iwanttokissyouandtouchyoubutimafraidthatillspoilit¡± I said fastly. Okay, maybe I said it too fast. Heughed out loud, throwing his head back, making me smile. Thankfully, this eased the tension between us. ¡±You are so fucking cute¡± He kissed my cheek and swept me off my feet, making me scream. ¡±WHAT ARE YOU DOING! LET ME GO!! YOU¡¯LL DROP ME¡± I screamed, holding on to his neck tightly. ¡±No, I won¡¯t. Now stop squirming¡± He said, taking me inside. ¡±You will eventually. I weigh a ton¡± I said, burying my head in his neck, too afraid to look. ¡±Don¡¯t be ridiculous. You don¡¯t weigh that much. I can handle you perfectly¡± I scoffed and looked at him. He looks sexy from this angle, so I enjoyed the view while he carried me upstairs. It¡¯s so overwhelming that I¡¯m being carried. It¡¯s kind of my dream. Since I used to be obese, I knew no one could lift me. Even now, I weigh a little more for my age, but I don¡¯t care anymore. I leaned forward and kissed his jaw, smiling like an idiot. ¡±Hold me tightly¡± I did as he said, while he opened the door. I think it¡¯s his bedroom. It looks so clean, that it brings shame to my room. He sat on the bed, with me on hisp. I wrapped my legs around him, so that I¡¯m facing him now. ¡±Now tell me what you want, Tesoro¡± He asked me, wrapping his arms around my waist, pulling me closer. ¡±I-I want to kiss you¡± I whispered, looking down. ¡±And?¡± ¡±To touch you¡± I said, tracing my fingers along his biceps and looking into his eyes, which were now darkened with desire. He clenched his jaw and gripped my hips. ¡±Then do it¡± PATIENCE, TESORO I closed my eyes and brushed my mouth against his. We kissed slowly at first, but it soon became hot as he sucked my upper lip, making me moan. I leaned forward, pressing my body against his, squeezing his arms with my hand. He sucked on my bottom lip and I licked his lips. He didn¡¯t open his mouth and I moaned in frustration. ¡±Lexus, please.¡± I muttered against his lips with a pout. I guess I¡¯ll call him Lexus whenever I¡¯m horny. ¡±What do you want, Tesoro?¡± I blushed ¡±I want a real kiss.¡± I ignored his amused smile and licked his lips again. He opened his mouth, which made me smile. I pushed my tongue into his mouth, he sucked hard on it, making me moan loudly. I tugged his arms when he slipped his tongue into my mouth, exploring it with gentle licks. He cupped my neck and angled his mouth over mine and kissed me more deeply, making me melt in his arms. I suddenly regretted wearing this outfit. I wish I had more fashion sense right now. My shirt is so thick and it¡¯s ck. I remember the day when he traced my nipple with his thumb. That thought alone made my body feel hotter, hardening my nipples. I didn¡¯t realize I was pressing my breasts against him, until he cupped my breast and squeezed it firmly. I arched into his hand whimpering with pleasure. I pulled away from his lips and looked at him, breathing hard. He looked at me hungrily, still cupping my breast, but didn¡¯t do anything, as if waiting for my reaction. I bit my lip. He feels like a drug, consuming me, making me want more of him. ¡±I want more¡± I whispered, squeezing his shoulders. He traced my lower lip with his thumb, looking at me intensely. ¡±Tell me to stop if it¡¯s too much, okay?¡± I nodded my head and he didn¡¯t waste any time before burying his head in my neck, nibbling and sucking on my skin. He squeezed my breast again onest time and started to undo my shirt buttons. My breathing became irregr with both excitement and anxiety. Lexus¡¯s hands touched my bare waist when he untucked my shirt, making me shudder. I love how his touch feels delicious. He helped me remove my shirtpletely, leaving me in my bra. He took a sharp breath, looking at my breasts. ¡±Bellissimo!¡± He muttered and cupped both my breasts. ¡±Ahhh..¡± I moaned, closing my eyes, when he pinched my nipples through the fabric. He sucked the skin on my breasts harshly, moving his hands to the back of my bra, unhooking it. ¡±Do you want me to stop?¡± he asked, trailing his fingers on my naked back. ¡±God, no! Please, not now Lexus¡± I whimpered, looking at him pleadingly. He smiled and pulled my bra straps down my arms. He tossed my bra across the floor and buried his head in my breasts, cupping them. ¡±Please¡±, I begged him. I don¡¯t know for what, but I want, no I need him to do something. He sucked and licked my corbone and started peppering kisses on the top of my breast. ¡±Fuck Lexus!! Please.¡± I cursed, pulling his head down towards my nipple, making himugh. He kissed my nipple and looked up, smiling teasingly. ¡±Patience, Tesoro¡± I looked at him in disbelief. ¡±You have gotta be kidd-¡± I squealed when he tossed me on the bed and hovered above me. My jaw dropped when he pulled his shirt over his head, throwing it away. I got up with the help of my elbow and traced his abs with my fingers. God, he is ripped and perfect. I looked at him sheepishly when he closed my mouth. He chuckled and pushed my back into his bed. Wow, this bed is so soft andfy. I frowned. Wait. He has a reputation with women. Did they share this soft andfy bed with him? ¡±Do you usually bring girls here?¡± I asked without even thinking. I closed my eyes in frustration. My timing sucks!! I hissed in pleasure when Lexus pinched and pulled my nipple, snapping me out. ¡±You are the only woman that has got to share this bed with me, Tesoro. I never brought anyone home. So, stop your unnecessary thoughts. Okay?¡± He said, cing kisses between my breasts. I nodded whimpering. ¡±Words, baby¡± He muttered squeezing my nipple. ¡±Yes!!! Yes, oka- Oh!!¡± I let out a loud cry of pleasure, when he took my nipple into his warm mouth. He sucked hard and tugged it with his teeth, sending a wave of pleasure to my south. I ran my fingers through his curls, as he licked my nipple soothingly, while squeezing and toying with my other breast. I arched my back and squeezed his leg with my thighs, when he sucked my other nipple, giving it the same attention. ¡±Do you like me ying with your nipples, Tesoro? Sucking them? Hmm?¡± He murmured, circling my nipple with his tongue. ¡±Yes!!¡± I cried. ¡±Oh, yes, I need more.¡± God!! His dirty talk is turning me on even more. He lied down beside me and cupped my face with one hand, kissing me while his other hand was squeezing my breasts, pinching and pulling my nipples. I was gasping, squirming and moaning under him. I froze when his hand slipped inside my pants, into my panties. ¡±I©\I-¡± Words caught in my throat. I don¡¯t even know whether to stop him or encourage him to continue. ¡±It¡¯s alright. We will not do anything. I¡¯m just going to make you feel good. I Promise.¡± I nodded and wrapped my arms around his neck, pulling him into a kiss. Our tongues stoked each other and I sucked his tongue, tracing my fingers along his arm. I squirmed and cried out with pleasure when I felt his fingers against my swollen clit. He started to circle my clit gently making me a moaning mess. ¡±Fuck, you are soaking, so ready for me.¡± He whispered and I blushed. ¡±L-Lexus. Please¡± I begged. ¡±What do you want, Tesoro?¡± He asked, slowing down his pace. ¡±I w-want more. Faster, please.¡± I whined, moaning. He rubbed faster and harder, making a knot in my belly. ¡±L-Lexus¡± I whimpered, holding on to him. ¡±I know baby¡± I squealed when he pinched my clit, sending me over the edge and I came like never before. It was so intense that I almost passed out. I opened my eyes and saw him looking at me with parted lips, in amazement. ¡±You are so fucking gorgeous¡± He whispered and kissed me hard, knocking me out of breath. He pulled away and grinned, licking his fingers that were coated with my¨C with my¨C ¡±You also taste amazing ¡± I blushed hard but reached out and kissed him, tasting myself. He groaned into my mouth, pulling me closer. Our half-naked bodies pressed against each other, I moaned when my nipples brushed against his chest. Fuck, this is so hot.This text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org. He pulled away and ced his forehead against mine. ¡±I need to take a shower, I¡¯ll be back. Don¡¯t move.¡± He said, kissing my temple and climbed down the bed. I blushed when I saw his¨C umm, thing stood proudly between his legs. I turned my head flustered, afraid of being caught- gawking at his¨C uh, thing. I released a breath when I heard the bathroom door closed. I smiled, took a pillow and cuddled into it. This bed is so soft. I hummed with satisfaction and looked at my watch. My eyes widened when I saw the time. Shit, shit, shit!!! It¡¯s almost 4PM and I have to pick up Vicky and Jay at 4:30 from school. I stumbled out of bed, almost falling on my face and searched for my bra. I sighed in relief when I found it. I sped my bra and wore my shirt, tucking it neatly. I groaned when I felt stickiness between my legs. I left the room in search for a bathroom, to clean myself, and thankfully found it, in one of the bedrooms. I hope Alex won¡¯t mind me using it. I came back to his room and found him wrapped in a towel that hung low, showing his V line. I gulped and looked into his narrowed and confused eyes. ¡±Didn¡¯t I tell you to not move?¡± I rolled my eyes. ¡±You did, but sorry I can¡¯t. I have to pick Jay and Vicky up -¡± I paused and looked at my watch. ¡± in 20 minutes.¡± ¡±I¡¯ll ask one of my guards to pick them up¡± he said, looking disappointed. I shook my head and went near him. ¡±They won¡¯te, unless it¡¯s me or Nat.¡± He opened his mouth to speak but I cut him off, ¡±and even if Nat picks them, I should be there when they reach home¡± He frowned and pulled me closer, gripping my hips. ¡±You always have reasons, it¡¯s not fair.¡± I smiled, pecking his lips. ¡±Spend the weekend with us?¡± I asked hesitantly, hoping he would agree. Dating me means being in my kids¡¯ lives too. Jay still needs to warm up with the fact that I am in a rtionship with Alex, considering Jay¡¯s extra coldness towards him. To my relief, he grinned. ¡±I would love to. What do you guys usually do?¡± ¡±We normally go to the bakery where I used to work. But we can go somewhere else.¡± ¡±You used to work in a bakery?¡± He asked surprised, raising his eyebrows. ¡±More like learning how to bake. Okay, I¡¯m runningte. You know how slow I drive.¡± He shook his head, smiling. ¡±Atleast let me change.¡± ¡±It¡¯s okay¡± I said and kissed him hard, catching him off guard. ¡±Oh and text me where you brought your mattress. It¡¯s sofy¡± I said before closing the bedroom door at his amused face. MS. SPY! NICCOLO MORETTIThis text is property of N?/velD/rama.Org. (Few days back) ¡±Sir, Ms. ria Salvo checked in yesterday.¡± Said Eric, my assistant. I smirked. ¡±Where is Niven? I haven¡¯t seen him since morning.¡± ¡±He is out to get a deal from Mr. Barnard, regarding his shares¡± Eric said with a hint of a smile. ¡±You are not going easy on him, good.¡± I said, giving him a knowing look. Niven is a carefree asshole, pampered and spoiled rotten by my mother. But Dad wants him to get on the right track, so I¡¯m stuck with him until he learns how to run a business efficiently. I wrapped things at the office by noon and headed to NewView. As soon as I entered, I saw Ria sitting in the lobby, pretending to read a newspaper wearing a blonde wig and sunsses. I scoffed. Who wears sunsses while reading a newspaper? That too indoors. As always, she sucks at spying. I ordered my guards to leave her alone and let her do her thing. At first, I thought about changing my guards as they almost caught herst time at the mall but went against it. Cause she is hopeless. I wonder how she survived this long all alone. Most of our guards are mixed with civilians. Only one or two guards are always with us dressed formally. Eric and I went past Ria and entered the elevator. When the doors were about to close, I saw her stumbling in front of the elevator looking side to side with wide eyes. I suppressed my smile and decided to y along. ¡±Are you getting in, miss?¡± I asked her, pressing re-open. ¡±M-Me?¡± She asked, pointing to herself. I smiled tightly. ¡±I don¡¯t see anyone else behind you.¡± ¡±Yes¡± she said faintly and entered. I tapped her shoulder, making her flinch. ¡°Floor?¡± ¡±Oh, I forgot. Silly me¡± she chuckled nervously and took her sweet time. Her fingers dangled around the buttons for a few seconds and finally pressed a number, a few floors below mine. She was so stiff throughout the ride but rxed when the elevator doors opened. She stepped out and shrieked loudly when she saw a group of men pass her wearing nothing but towels or boxers, and ran back into the elevator. She hissed loudly, pping her forehead when she saw me and ran out again. I chuckled and Eric snickered but covered his mouth when I gave him a look. I shook my head in amusement because she pressed the sauna floor for men. I went into my office and attended a few online meetings. My dinner meeting with Carlo Terzi, one of the major shareholders of an investmentpany, got cancelled today. He wanted to reschedule, so his daughter could make it to the meeting. Great. He is trying to hook me up with his daughter. I¡¯m too tired to go home. So I decided to stay for the night. Eric took his leave and I went into my penthouse. After a nice hot shower, I made a call. ¡±What?¡± ¡±Where the hell are you?¡± I asked when I heard some background music. ¡±At a birthday party. Why did you call me? Did something happen?¡± ¡±Kind of, Yeah¡± ¡±Can¡¯t you handle it? I¡¯m busy here¡± ¡±Fine, but I¡¯m doing it my way. No questions asked¡± He grunted before ending the call. I sighed, lying on the bed thinking what I should do about Ria and Lucy. Lucy is the mostplicated one. I don¡¯t even know how or why she was involved in this except for the ident she mentioned to Ria. And Ria. She will not stop until she gets to the bottom of this. Will she mind her own business if I tell her what she wants to know? No, she is stubborn like her sister, she will dig her own grave. Surprisingly, for the next few days, my visits to NewView were enjoyable. It was amusing to watch her fool of herself. But everything has an end and I didn¡¯t know that my little game with Ria would end today and something more would begin. ?¡· I took a sip of my wine, wishing I could be anywhere else but here. Listening to a father who praises his daughter is torture. That too, when you have a stalker who sucks at ying Spy. ¡±My baby has 3 million followers on her Instagram and even has that- ah checkmark¡± Mr. Carlo Terzi said proudly, looking at his daughter. ¡±That¡¯s great, Ms. Terzi. For how long have you been an influencer?¡± I asked her, trying hard not to look at my right, where Ria was seated and eavesdropping. She is making it so obvious that even Mr. Terzi is starting to notice her. She ordered a lemonade, sipping it for almost an hour. ¡±Please call me Laura. And it¡¯s been six, almost seven years. Are you free tonight Nick? We can go live! My followers would love to see you. I know I would.¡± Laura asked, smiling suggestively. Ms. Spy snorted loudly. Loud enough to make us all look at her. ¡±Are you eavesdropping on us, Ms? Who are you? Paparazzi?¡± Carlo asked her sternly. ¡±I-Im not. Sorry¡±. She muttered, looking embarrassed. Carlo scoffed. ¡±I can¡¯t believe this is happening. Security here is so poor Nolo.¡± I frowned. I don¡¯t like where this is going. He still hasn¡¯t signed the documents and I don¡¯t think he will until I agree to spend time with his daughter. ¡±I¡¯m sorry sir, I¡¯m not paparazzi. It won¡¯t happen again.¡± Ria stood in front of us and apologized. Her cheeks flushed and she looked like she was about to cry. I groaned internally. Don¡¯t do this Nick, don¡¯t blow this up. Toote. I caught her wrist before she could escape and made her sit beside me. ¡±You don¡¯t need to be sorry Cielo. I should be the one apologizing. I¡¯m sorry, I was so rude to you before.¡± I said, pecking at her ridiculous blonde wig. God! It stings. Everyone was looking at me in disbelief. I forced a smile and wrapped my arm around Ria¡¯s waist and pulled her close to me. ¡±Sorry for the interruption, Mr. Terzi. This is my girlfriend, ria Salvo. She is upset with me that I cancelled our date tonight. You know, the usual couples quarrel.¡± I said and looked at Ria. She was about to say something but I squeezed her waist firmly, indicating her to follow my lead. ¡±And I can¡¯t go on live, Ms. Terzi. There is a reason why we don¡¯t have our faces on the inte or social media. We give importance to our privacy.¡± Both father and daughter look pissed at this point. ¡±Why don¡¯t you go and wait in our room, Cielo ? I¡¯ll wrap this meeting up and meet you there. Hmm?¡± ~~ ILARIA W-What? In his room? Me? Wait? I snapped out of my scrambled thoughts when Nolo squeezed my waist again. I feel nauseated just sitting beside him and now I want to puke my guts out. I nodded my head and literally ran from there. I went to the restroom and hid in one of the stalls. I hurriedly tried to find my phone and cursed when I couldn¡¯t. I pped my forehead and groaned, realizing I had left it at the restaurant. I took a deep breath. Everything¡¯s going to be alright. I¡¯ll wait here for a few minutes and I will get the hell out of this Hotel. After what felt like forever, this ce started to feel stuffy. Will it be okay to get out now? What if they are still searching for me? Suddenly, I started to question all my life choices that led me to this stall. ¡±ria? Where are you hiding, sweetheart? I know you are in here.¡± My heart dropped when I heard that voice. He is the same guy that hit me in the mall. I never saw him during my stay here, so I assumed-fuck! it doesn¡¯t matter now. God! Please not him. Anyone but him!! ¡±It will be painless if youe out willingly. I think you know what will happen otherwise.¡± He said, chuckling as if he was pleased with himself. I pped my mouth shut when I choked out a cry. I feel sick in my stomach. That¡¯s it, I¡¯m gonna die today. ¡±I¡¯m going to count three. If you aren¡¯t out by then-¡± I opened the door before he could finish his sentence. He stood tall and broad, over six feet, with a creepy smirk and dirty brown eyes studying my every move. He looks like he is in histe thirties or early forties. I cried out loud when he ripped out my wig along with the pins I secured to my hair, making my head burn and throb. ¡±Shut the fuck up cunt!¡± He cursed, gripping my jaw tightly. It was like he was using all his energy, the grip was painfully strong. I whimpered, nodding my head and tried to pry his hands off me, but he didn¡¯t budge. ¡±P-Please¡± I begged. Hot tears are running down my cheeks. ¡±Please- don¡¯t hurt me¡± I felt embarrassed when I heard the desperation in my voice and cried hard. He clicked his tongue twice and moved his grip from my jaw to my cheeks. He groaned, pinching my lower lip hard using his other hand, with his thumb and forefinger, digging his nail in. I closed my eyes shut and cried when I felt the metallic taste in my mouth. ¡±Look. at. me¡± He growled, pinching harder. I whimpered but looked at him with teary eyes. ¡±You will make no sound and follow me. Got it?¡± He asked, pulling my face near him. I nodded my head or atleast tried to. I hissed as his thumb traced along my bleeding lip. He sucked it and muttered ¡±Next time¡±, releasing me. Next time? I hope to lord not! I opened the bathroom door with trembling hands and walked out. There were two more men outside and one of them gestured me to follow. I tucked my chin down and followed them into the elevator. I didn¡¯t make a sound throughout the ride and only concentrated on my breathing. In, out. In, out. As soon as the elevator doors opened, my feet stuck in ce. I don¡¯t want to go there. I somehow knew I wouldn¡¯te out in one piece or even alive. That thought sent a shudder down my spine. ¡±Fucking move bitch¡± I hissed when that giant asshole gripped my hand tightly and dragged me with him. After opening the 2nd or 3rd door, he pushed me inside and closed the door shut, leaving me alone with thest person I wanted to see. Or not! It¡¯s better than being in the presence of that giant. At this point, I don¡¯t know who I hate the most. The Giant or Nolo. I hugged my waist to stop myself from trembling. I blinked back the tears that were threatening to fall and looked up. My breath caught in my throat when I saw Nolo¡¯s green eyes darkening with rage. His jaw was clenched and he looked ready to pounce. He sat on the sofa with a drink in his hand. ¡±Sit down¡± He growled lowly, still clenching his teeth. His voice sent another shudder through my body. I gulped loudly and sat on the corner of the sofa, leaning away from him. ¡±Do you know how important that deal was for me? I swallowed my pride there and almost got that fucking pimp to sign the papers I needed but you wanted to ruin it, didn¡¯t you?¡± He sneered, tightening his grip around the ss like he wanted it to be my neck instead. My breathing increased but I kept my mouth shut, not trusting my voice. ¡±What the fuck do you want from me, woman? I left you alone thinking you¡¯d give up when you find there is nothing here linking to your sister. But of course, I should have guessed that you were too dense and too busy ying Spy. In which you suck, by the way.¡± Fury ragged inside me when he mentioned my sister. All fear and pain are temporarily tucked aside when I feel the adrenaline rush through my body. I clenched my fists on myp. ¡±Don¡¯t you dare mention my sister.¡± I snapped, ring at him. He raised his eyebrow. ¡±She talks. Nice. Let me tell you, your sister is good at spying. Too good that it got her fucking killed. Should have listened to me when I told her to fucking stop. Now I¡¯m telling you the same. Stop. Stop before you end up like your sister¡± I don¡¯t know how, but I used all my pent up frustration, fear, embarrassment and channeled it into my fist and punched him hard. So hard, that I bruised my knuckles. That felt good. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!