ALESSANDRO'S POV

The room is blurry, light shimmering through windows as I feel a weight on top of me.

Hair falls on my face, blocking the blurry sight for a moment and when it removes, I blink and see normally once again.

"Good morning" her voice opens my senses, alerting me of all surroundings and elements. She grabs my chin with her hand and pulls me for a kiss.

I lean with her as she ends our touch and sits up. My eyelids feel heavy, dragged downwards to a clear force. I rub them and my throat dries. "What time is it?" My head falls back on the pillow, not in full strength for movement this early.

"It's five in the afternoon" I shot back up, glaring at her in shock. We've been asleep for almost an entire day.

"Did you sleep" the question trails off my tongue without consideration so I let it sink in and wait for her answer. "I guess" A hint of color creeps up her cheeks while my jaw drops.

I stutter, unsure where to start. She smiles and takes the wheel without my request. "I can only guess. The hours passed quickly yet slower seconds after another. It was like the world around me was moving, spinning rapidly while I stood alone in the middle, my body pinned where it was and if I attempted a stretch, it was slow, dead."

Listening to her speak softly about the sleep she had never experienced sent my guard down, got rid of any unease and concentrated attentively on her. "It felt real, too real for a dream and too fanciful for a truth" my mind calculates, taking notes in case I could help solve the mystery but it ends up in a blank space every time. "How do you feel"

With a deep inhale, she began exhaling along the words, "I feel absent, I'm not here, a part of me is missing, not present in this life as I breathe. And that piece is hiding, somewhere out of my reach, somewhere I'm not allowed to cross, to learn of, it's meant to be left unknown, it's better left unknown"

We push through the bed and make it to the shower. Tonight Akila and I are going on a date. Hell, I wished it was for us but no. We're going on separate ones, me with Georgiana and her with Darius.

We figured if he knows who we are then he must know our cover and follow us. Akila has told him her real name and now it's clear why she did. He would hunt, crave knowledge he doesn't have, the veracity stolen from him.

We're taking both dates to the same restaurant, quiet in the town but calm and decent for first dates. They start at the same time, eight on the dot and knowing Akila and myself, we hate being late so let's hope they show up in time and we don't end up having a date of our own as I deeply hope.

Akila leaves the shower before me, saving her time to dry her long hair which I'm still stunned by how it grew back in a matter of weeks. She hasn't cut it that short, only a few inches above her back muscles yet it grew back, falling on her lower back once again.

The sound of the air dryer breaks through the walls as I step out with a towel wrapped around my waist. Akila gives me one look past the mirror and focuses back onto her hair. She grabs the hot machine into her mouth and processes to fluff her wet strands.

I chuckle and walk up to her, my fingers drawn into her brown soft curls, shaking the water out of it gently. She grips the hair dryer and points it where my hands work the variety of shades in her locks I will never figure out.

With a simple click, the warm air dies off and her hair is now out of water, completely parched. "Thank you" my arm lurks around her stomach and hips, pushing her back on my body. I bend down and the smell of her honey scent body wash enters my lungs, dancing around circles. My lips press onto her neck, leaving a mutened kiss, "You don't have to thank me, love"

I open our shared closet, where half is Akila's and half of mine is also hers.

Akila has a habit, or maybe a way to mess with me. She likes to steal my clothes, especially the ones I plan on wearing the night before. She recently took my socks, my jackets and soon enough, I will be missing pairs of shoes.

I believe she hasn't gone that far quite yet only because her foot wear collection is already fitting and full but who knows, you never expect to be right with this woman. Although I'm pretty sure I've gotten better at reading her, if she gives me something to read of course. Akila may have started revealing more emotions but it doesn't end the fact that she retains a neutral expression on all occasions, wiping away any source or hint of reaction.

I admire her for that, she mastered her heart and feelings like no one else's, she is the one to order and tell when to show and feel. Mind over heart. A mindset and lifestyle I will always stand by.

Since our shopping haul, we didn't buy much formal if that is how you name it. I decided on the most simple black suit I brought from back home, black and made of expensive cashmere. At the end of the sleeves is fine silk, reflecting the slightest glow.

I dress fully black unlike my current character but I don't care, it's a date night. The black dress shirt tucked in my matching trousers, adding the leather shoes to my feet.

By the time I finished getting ready in our bedroom, I heard the bathroom door unlock.

Excitement flashed through me, completely forgetting she's getting ready for another date, another man.

But it all vanished away when she came into my sight and took over my gravity. A long strapless dress, with a very dangerous cut, stopping right above her divine hips. Long black sheer gloves slip up her biceps, two white rich pearl bracelets hung on her wrist with golden locks through the gloves' elegant fabric, matching the knee high socks she wore up her inner thighs.

Her hair appeared black, dark and matt due to the absence of sunlight and change of lightning in the bathroom. Laid back with many soft curls, her bangs rolled and swung on her cheeks as she touched up her dim red lipstick.

She lastly sprayed her perfume and turned to me. "What do you think" her covered arms separate opposite ways, motioning and referring to her work, her art.

Unable to use my own voice, I signal her with my index finger to make a three hundred sixty twirl for me. She kept a smile upon her face, biting onto her lower lip and started whirling.

My head titles, leaning in and watching her closely, taking in her delicate curves and form, so beautiful, so glorious and warming to my damaged heart, the one she broke, the one she healed, the one she ruins again and again, repeatedly, none stop without trying, with only a look her way and it all collapses and crumbles in ignite.

The twirl ends and my instincts instantly ask for more.

But I don't exhaust her and share my madness by myself. Akila's blazing stare is buried into mine, waiting for a comment or opinion, they won't be enough, they won't be worthy of how I truly saw her, how her image sparkles in my eyes.

"Magnifical" her spark rose, extending and springing along her small gesture and timid smile.

I stare at her for too long, speechless and out of mind. She rolls her eyes playfully and shoves my shoulder as she walks out of the bathroom with the sound of her high heels clicking on the floor.

"I like your suit" my lips edge to one side while my heart flutters with joy. My tongue moves around my inner cheeks, trying its best to take these varieties of emotions.

A tender touch caresses my back, dragging and travelling up my neck, fingers carrying into my hair. Chills, shivers dominate my spin, my arms and throat. I swallow, catching my breath I've missed when she tortured me, seduced me and left me with nothing.

"We'll continue this later, now let's finish what we came here for"

[V]

We took a cab to the restaurant, dropping us a few buildings before the location since we didn't exactly tell our dates we're having them in the same place.

It's an evil move, considering Darius and shy Georgiana who hate the sight of us side by side in any situation.

I offer Akila my arm and she rests hers in mine, laying her head on my shoulder as we walk to the restaurant. The street lights are soft, and yellow. It's surprising there's not much cars around this area, there are motorcycles passing by from time to time but aside from them, it's empty and quite, perfect balance for my liking.

Our reservation starts at eight and we arrived fifteen minutes earlier which gives us time to pick each table far away from one another. We can't let this opportunity slide or fail. Akila is certain if he ever shows up, it would be here.

He made sure to expose his secret and it means that he wants something back, a truth for another. He wants something back for revealing his true self but since she crushed his dream and her name was told and sold freely with no price, it made them even, an identity for a name yet he needs more than that and this is when the plan begins.

After choosing our tables, I accompanied Akila to hers and looked around this place for emergencies or any turns of events. It is vintage old academy themed, good and simple brown decor, long crystal chandeliers and open glass windows by the entrance. Art hung on the walls, some painted and some closed in avatars. They're plain and not too extra for a decent restaurant in the neighborhood.

I wouldn't call it fancy compared to what we're used to back home but so far, not bad. The hostess at the front doors was polite and friendly, of course too friendly for normal but we also ignored that and moved on. Waitresses and waiters are dressed in white and blue uniforms that I don't mind it.

We reached Akila's table and I realized it's time to go. My hand falls to her waist and I pull her against me. I kiss her cheek and the words slip out of my mouth, "Don't let that guy touch you or I will have to kill him" I press another kiss on her cold skin quickly and rush back to my table before she lectures me about what I said and behavior.

I sit down on my chair, greeting the empty one across from me, the one Georgiana is about to fill right in front of me. I watched her search around for me, tracing down every table until she found me. She wore a baby blue dress, matching with her glittery heels. Her hair is combed into a high ponytail, straightened and boring.

"Hi" she waved at me and helped herself sitting down while I judged her choice of clothing. I rest my chin on my joined fingers. "You look great'' Surprisingly, she's the one to compliment first and I appreciate the effort for a girl like her. "So do you" I lie through my teeth and sip from my glass of wine a waiter had brought earlier.

I caught one passing by and signaled him to come over. I took a quick look through the menu and ordered something light, some mashed potatoes with beef stew and a salad served on the side.

Georgiana got herself ciorbà täräneascà, a traditional vegetable soup for appetizer and for the main course, baked potatoes with chicken breast stuffed with vegetables.

The waiter excuses himself to inform chefs of our meals and others. The restaurant is not crowded, people keep coming in little by little as some leave, mostly adults, married couples who have taken their night off, away from work and stress, children and responsibilities. Those who have kids and must care for them, providing the best and a safe life for their children, a lifestyle I will never, never have or even think of considering.

Kids are a huge mess, they're too much work and useless. I remember my mother used to praise the idea of me marrying one day, surrounding her with toddlers of my own. I was disbelieved and disgusted from the idea, and still am.

"What's on your mind" her question snaps me back to life and I actually decide to share my thoughts for such a discussion this early. "I was thinking how much I hate kids and will never get one no matter what" I end my sentence with a wicked smile, watching colors escape her face and mouth falls open. I just love seeing their reaction, expecting and assuming upon me when they know nothing. I narrow my eyes, waiting for her next choice of words. "Not even one?"

The grin on my face deepens and I teasingly yet seriously say, "Not even for a heartbeat."

"What if you get married, wouldn't you want a kid with her?" I swear she almost said with me but I acted against it. If this girl actually thought of us getting married one day and having kids, lord save me from this woman.

I've known her for a month, this is mad. "If I marry, I will marry a woman who doesn't want children and despise them just as much as I do"

Her shoulder sink, energy draining from her body and long lost yet she insists on arguing back in absolute nonsense. "There is no woman who doesn't wish and want her babies, we're females, it's in our blood and nature to care like a mother and dream of our children" I wet my lips, guessing her response right and I lean forwards with an attitude, "That right there, is not true, Giana" I clasp the glass in my grip, drinking my red wine when the waiter came back with our food.

The tension is high, thick in the air floating between us. She knows exactly who I'm speaking of but it's a kind of knowledge you don't say out loud and vocalize, you sit back and let the information settle in, spread into your mind for an abrupt moment.

We dig into our plates and the mashed potatoes immediately melt in my mouth, leaving behind the taste of beef juices and stoke.

"So how did you get here" I chew on my food and finish a mouthful as she takes another. "A car rode me here but I sure miss my car" No part of our identity was really hiding our wealth, but of course not showing all of it, these kids would call the cops on us if they found out quarter of what we make every minute.

Despite the destruction in our home country, Amaya and Seif managed to grab some cash and essential items that helped them get here where they both are on a date with two different people, under the exact same roof.

"Wait, do you drive fast? Over the speed limit?" Her tone shifts into concern and hesitation. "Yes?" I'm not sure what else she had expected or how I was supposed to react and answer. "Seif, that is dangerous, you can get yourself in an accident" her eyes wide, taking full alert. "Already did" I said casually before shoving another spoon into my mouth and those damn potatoes once again felt like butter when I heard a gasp coming from the human figure who definitely never knew of our business. Such a vanilla girl.

"When" her questions are short and startled, over dramatic too I might add. I make a huff sound and play with the the spoon in my hand, "A couple dozens if not hundreds"

I may have taken it too far, giving the innocent girl so much information she stopped talking and shut her up for a few long minutes while I finished my amazing dish.

I bring my hands together and clap, "Ready for dessert" my lips twist into a greedy smile and she slowly nods. The waiter approached and I got both of us two papanasi, a delicious glazed donut with forest fruit jam and sour cream. Romanians really like to add sour cream on everything and I enjoy it on some occasions including this beauty.

"Does she know?" I'm actually impressed by her bravery, Georgiana never likes the mention of Akila, Amaya.

"Yeah, she knows everything"

I fight back the wildest grin, hoping it stays in or my cover is officially blown up and for all ruined, not forgetting what Akila would do to me if I messed this up. "What do you mean everything?" She truly seeks answers about her.

Thank the lord in the sky, the waiter appeared and served us the mouth watering papanasi, producing a sweet smell to my lungs that I forgot Georgiana's question and her whole presence then I started running my fork through the fried pastry filled with urdã, soft and creamy cheese to top it all.

Georgiana takes the hint and silently eats her dessert. Right when I thought life was getting better, Georgiana spoke again. "How do you know our transitional foods and dessert if you've never been here before" I almost choked, at the stupidity.

So I chose to be an asshole, hate me.

"Amaya always made sure to teach me all about Romanian culture and history. We would sit down for hours and she would tell me about the stories and books she'd read. She has always been the kind of person who's interested and drawn to other countries, their past and ancient legends. I'm proud of her, for studying such a major and choosing it as a career. She is a hard working student, prioritizing her future and profession before anything and anyone"

"Sounds like she's nice" she tries to hide her jealousy and I see right through it. "She is, and much more"

My eyes caught a shadow, a shadow that was meant for me to see and follow.

"Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to the bathroom" I rose to my feet and walked away down the hallways situated next to the kitchen as I could feel the shadow roaming behind me. The very bad shadow.

I stood at the end of the hall, met with a dead end, in front of me was a painted wall and while I didn't hear any sound, I knew she was here.

In one beat, I capture the shadows and slam our bodies onto the wall out of three. Burning hazel stares back at me, "Hello, love" my lips crash into hers, devoting and sucking on her mouth.

My tongue unfolds, attacking hers like a serpent swings and moves in a serpentine locomotion, slithering forwards, entangled to her, to her scent, her taste emad muted moan.

Tension increases, my body heat grows out of control and my hands can't seem to stop exploding her body, her sides and parts I've been inside for a million times hey unable to leave, pull my hands and mouth off what's mine, what I claimed between my teeth, marking her with kisses and dark red, deep hickies that whenever they fade away, I stop everything to put one back on her soothing skin.

We break apart at the same time, hating my organs for their need of oxygen every now and then. I curse under my breath, removing one hand off her to fix my hair she messed up. She follows my lead and I slowly set her down on the ground. I couldn't help myself and clenched onto her neck, bringing wet kisses over her collarbone and throat.

She slips under my arms and magically vanishes into the dark, going back where we're meant to be at this hour.

The short heel of my shoes echo back at me as I walk out of the bathroom's hallways, carrying my thumb to my lips, dragging it down, rubbing off her lipstick with one swipe.

I adjust the neckline of my dress shirt, taking my seat back on the table. Georgiana began talking again, about her life, the places she traveled and visited while I sat zoned out, the things that went through my head, the sinful things I was ready to screw everything and do right there to her.

After an hour and half, my wish came true. "It's getting late and cold, maybe we should head back, I don't want my parents to worry about me staying out all night with a handsome guy"

"You still live with your parents" I assumed since their university has dorms, she would be living there with a roommate or something, however that works. "Yes, they're very protected of me" a blush creeps onto her sentence and I hold myself from cringing. "And they want to meet you" say what now.

For one second, for one split between an inhale and exhale, my gaze lands across the room, far away in the distance but I can see, I can see them blue eyes, white hair and ice stare.

A chuckle vibrates his body and in the next blink of an eye, he's running.

My chair was knocked down, my figure no longer sat but rushed to the main door where I looked to my left and found Akila with a pistol she didn't bother to hide in her hand.

And in a form of silent communication no one else understood as they panicked in heat, Akila shot bullets into the clear glass and we ran through the broken pieces, chasing after HIM.

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