I woke up feeling warm. Something tickling my cheek. My eyes slowly opened and Alessandro's brown eyes were all I could see.
His lips slightly pulled up and his thick long lashes ever so slightly brushing the top of his cheeks every time he blinked. His hair was a complete tousled mess.

His stitched arm moved from touching my cheek and swung over my waist and the other tucked under his pillow as he lay facing me and our legs tangled together. Neither of spoke, we didn't have a reason to. Finding some courage I lifted my hand and it placed it on his cheek. Alessandro leaned forward, our foreheads pressing together and he closed his eyes.

I couldn't have handled anything more. It took me nearly a year to be able to kiss George. Even then it was too much. Letting out a breath I didn't realize I was holding I shut my eyes. Simply feeling his presence. My thumb absently moving up on his scruffy cheek.

"I'm sorry Fiorella" he whispered drawing small circles on my waist with his thumb. "The way I acted was inappropriate. I..I've never done anything like this..." he sighed.
"I was meant to marry the daughter of my father's good friend. Everything was planned out for me"

I pulled away slightly to look at his face. "Why are you here then?" I asked. "Because you're like a magnet. I couldn't keep myself away if I tried to" he smiled

"What about the girl you were supposed to marry? " I asked looking into his eyes.
"She left . I don't know where"
"What if she didn't leave? Would you have married her?" I whispered suddenly uneasy.
"I wouldn't have had a choice. Everyone born into our families are tied together by arranged marriages. Unhappy marriages is one of the reasons both parties end up having outside affairs" he finished

"What if she comes back?" I ask looking away from his eyes.
"To late to change my mind about you" he said pressing his forehead to mine once again. "You make me feel like conquering the world and putting it at your feet Fiorella." He slowly whispered brushing his nose against mine.

The both of us became silent once again completely at ease and content . This time only for a few moments as Alessandro's phone rang, cutting through the silence. We pulled apart and I handed him his phone. He looked slightly annoyed as he picked up the call.

I busied myself in the bathroom and freshened up.

"I don't care if you have a lead Joseph. That chapter is closed" Alessandro gritted in annoyance as I sifted through my closet for clothes.

"Fiorella why do you have bruise on your leg? " he asked hanging up the phone.

I looked down to see a purple and green blotch with blue and black running through it on my calf.  " I probably bumped into someone don't worry about it. Why don't you go freshen up?" I offered. He stared at me for a moment before nodding and heading to the bathroom.
"I'm leaving the door open" he threw out suggesting other things.

"I'll close it for you if you can't figure it out" I called back slipping into black pants. He chuckled out loud before the sound of running water took over.

I pulled on a mock-neck printed top and gathered my hair in low pony tail.

I waited for the knock on the door before opening it. A man I remember as Alessandro's body guard stood with a suit in his hands.

"Viktor right?" I said and he nodded. "Yes ma'am. Mr. Raimondo asked for his clothes." I nodded taking them from his hands. "Is there anything else Mr. Raimondo needs?" I asked looking at him. He seemed relatively young, no older than 25. "This is all, I'll be leaving now " and then he walked away. Why was everyone so uptight?

I walked back into my room. To find Alessandro completely naked. A scream left my mouth and I ran out the room slamming the door behind me. "Did I scare you?" He asked with amusement. "Why the hell are you butt naked!" I exclaimed putting my hand over my heart.
"I couldn't find a towel" he called back nonchalantly.
"In the cabinet. Viktor brought your clothes "
After some shuffling and shouting if doors I heard Alessandro. "You can come in now "

I cautiously opened the door making sure he was covered. Alessandro took one look at my face and burst into laughter. I ignored him checked his bandage.
"Put on some clothes then I'll change this" I said handing him the clothes and getting the first aid kit.

When I came back into the room he was sat in the edge of the bed in his pants.
"Why the Phoenix?" I asked removing the bandage. Without missing a beat he answered me. " it rises to the top despite all the challenges and obstacles "

I nodded my head smoothing down the fresh bandage. That's one way of looking at it.

"Tonight is the opening of my new club. " he said tucking his shirt into his pants.

"You don't waste time do you?"

"Every second counts. I'd like for you to attend with me. 10:45 tonight I'll pick you up"

"What should I wear " I asked wrapping his tie around his neck
"Nothing " he grinned and I pulled up the knot nearly cutting off of his circulation.
"Let's try that again" I said as he raised his eyebrows at me.

"I've got that dress for you" he said gesturing to cover Viktor had brought.

I opened it up and found a gorgeous embroidered golden gown. Full length sleeves and a deep v neck with high slit.
"How convenient " I smiled
"What is ?" Alessandro asked from behind. His head hovering over my shoulder.
"The slit is on the side I'm not bruised" and he sheepishly smiled.

"If anyone saw that they'd assume things and I'm not putting you at risk "he muttered.
And I nodded in understanding.

"Its really lovely. Thank you Alessandro " I said smiling at him.

I've been doing that a lot.

I helped him with his coat and he placed on his rings and watch before kissing the top of my head.

"I will see you tonight Fiorella " he grinned before leaving.

My phone rang and I answered it without looking at the caller ID . Only a few people had my number.

"When can I expect my god children?" Ivan mused

"My leg is perfectly fine. How are you Ivan?" I answered back.

"Tired. These animals don't even sleep"

"Makes sense, like father like children " I shrugged pouring myself a cup of coffee.

"You're the god mother . I'm bringing them over. "

"I've missed them." I answered truthfully

Ivan had twin boys and a little girl. They were the cutest things ever

"There's something you're not telling me."

"Alessandro invited me to go to his club opening"
"With him?"
"Yes"
"He bought you dress didn't he?"
"Yup"
"Did you check for any trac-"
"Of course I did. How stupid do you think I am?"
"Very"
I rolled my eyes at him.
"I don't understand how Natasha is still with you"
"She's lucky I'm still with her. Damn crazy woma- ow fuck!"
"Tell Natasha I said hi"
"She says hi back. What the fuck was that?" He grumbled and I chuckled.
Natasha wasn't one to be messed with.

"Ok we're coming over soon."
"Bring food. I'm not cooking for you"
"Are you serious?" Ivan whined
"Dead serious "
"Hey babe? " he called out to Natasha
"Ivan I will cut you in your sleep if yo-"
"Ella's going on a date tonight"
"Tell Natasha " I finished
5
4
3
2
1
"OH MY GOD ELLA! " she screamed in the back.

And I hung up.

What the hell have I gotten myself into?

*****

I'm on a roll.

Or that I'm procrastinating doing everything else.... Senorities is a real disease.
I'm suffering from it.

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-LoveBigBooks