Novel-novel oleh Oluwabuyi Kafaru

Luca’s POVI left her with a gentle kiss to her cheek. If only she knew how I wished I could consume her without being gentle.But that's not the side of me I'd like her to see… for now.I went up to my room, slumped on the couch, and closed my eyes. Not trying to think of anything in particular. Just wanted to forget the world for a while.I thought about the attack on my shipment, wondering if Emilio or Fabby had something. If they did, they would have reached out.Thought of the night I met Maria, then how all of sudden she's here in her house. I had made it happen.“What would she do if she found out?”How would she though?And even if she did, I could make up something. She has to stay.I got up and went straight to my large bathroom. I looked at the blank screen, wondering what Maria was probably doing.I should probably let her sleep, she had a boring day.But what if sleeping was what she's been doing all day and now she couldn't.As these thoughts and concerns ran through my

Maria's POVI didn’t sleep.Even with how cool and soft the bed and pillows were, sleep refused to come. Every time I closed my eyes, I saw the man’s hand reaching for me again—cold, rough, and full of hate.And Luca.Standing there like a king in his dark penthouse, as if he hadn't caused all this to happen.“But at least he's making an effort.” I thought to myself.I curled up tighter under the covers, hating how small I felt in this place. I didn’t belong here. I didn’t want to belong.A soft knock came on the door, pulling me out of my thoughts."Come in," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.Alex walked in—calm, professional as always. He had a lady beside him. I wondered if she was Italian as well."Ms. Santina, this is Louisa, she'll be of help to you whenever you need her."I didn't say anything, I just moved my eyes from Louisa to Alex and back.Louisa just stood there smiling."And Mr. De Rossi is at the dining table,” Alex continued. “He expects you to join him now. He

Maria's POV"I told you to stay with me." Luca said to me immediately I arrived at his penthouse.I paused to look at him as an idea got to me."How do I know you didn't plan this?" I said him.Luca was silent for a while, then he said: "You really believe I could stoop that low to have you by my side?"He gently moved closer to me, slowly. His face expressionless like he was about to charge at me.I try to stay tough, but the look on his face made me scared. I swallowed but he came closer. His masculine scent I could now smell."Who do you think you are, Maria Santina? Just because I find you interesting does not give you the right the insult my personality. I can have any woman...""You can't have me." I interrupted him."You might be able to get any woman you want, Mr De Rossi but not me." I repeated. "And you may not have orchestrated this attack on him but you are surely the reason I'm in this mess.""And I apologise for the burden I've caused you but I can take care of it.""The

Maria's POV“Maria!” I heard as Luca tried to call me back as I stormed out of the room through the other door of the room.I looked back and I could see Alex coming after me. I tried to run faster as I moved from hallway to hallway. I don't even know where I was but then I heard the ding sound of an elevator.I ran to it and entered before Alex caught up with me. Alex ran as fast as he could but the elevator closed before he could even reach it.My heart was heavy, I felt so sad. About what? I asked myself. I already knew he was dangerous and I already planned to stay away but deep down, I knew I wasn't going to.The elevator rang as we touched down. I walked out of it, watching as people trooped in and out of the massive building. I couldn't run any longer, or I didn't want to.I got to the front door of the building but Luca was already waiting for me.My heart skipped a bit. Was he even a man?I didn't even want to think about it now. Whatever he thinks he's doing, I'm never letti

MARIA'S POVI didn’t even remember the last time I wore a dress this expensive. It fitted me too well. Too perfect. I guess that's what it's like to afford anything.The car ride to the gallery was lonely for me.. Luca didn’t say a word to me, he only spoke to Alex. Sometimes in English and sometimes in Italian.The driver and I were the only ones who didn't say anything throughout the ride to the gallery.When we got to the gallery, people turned. Like literally paused. Luca's presence was loud, even without a word. And me? I felt like I didn’t belong.The space was too elegant, too calm. Soft music playing in the background, people sipping wine like they knew something the rest of us didn’t.Luca placed his hand on the small of my back as we walked in, and I flinched. My flinch didn't even bother him. He maintained his possessiveness.“Stop it,” I muttered to myself.“What was that?” he asked, leaning a little close.“Nothing,” I said quickly, fake smiling at a woman who looked like

Luca's Pov“Thanks for the invitation, Mr De Rossi but I suggest you don't contact me again.” I listened as Maria said. Thought she was able to hang up but then she added, “I'm not a little doll.”I closed my eyes as I heard her hang up. She must be feeling tough. I laughed.“Alex, the little doll's apartment, you know where it is?” I called Alex.“Yes sir.” Alex replied.Take me there.Throughout my ride there, the only thing I could think of was how to best handle the situation without causing any more trouble but couldn't think of any.******Her apartment was on the other side of city, where those aiming to be successful live until they're able to climb up the ladder. Maria was one of them.I knocked gently on her door, trying to be a gentleman and not long, the door swings open. Her innocent face surprised to me.“Mr De Rossi?” Maria says, my heart soften as she called me, but I tried not to show it.“Maria, I tried to be a gentleman by inviting you over to an art exhibition I'm