GianniI’ve reached a new low: the world’s biggest asshole. I’m a total screw-up, a hopeless case. Why did I let it happen? The question haunted me as soon as I woke up before dawn to find Caterina’s head resting on my chest. Her gentle breathing, the sweet scent of her shampoo, and her hair brushing against my nose created a brief moment of pure happiness.For a fraction of a second, I was as content as I’ve ever been. Holding the world in my arms felt like everything I needed.What a fool I’ve been.By the time I step onto the treadmill in the gym, I’m seething at myself. I need a hard run to clear my mind from this mess I’ve created.I set a five-minute warm-up, starting slow to loosen my muscles before increasing the pace. Maybe I can outrun this guilt.What seemed complicated yesterday morning has spiraled into a complete mess, all because of my lack of impulse control. I’ve always had a knack for convincing myself to pursue what I want, even when I know it’s a mistake.Though I
“Mr. Rossetti, this is an extraordinarily generous donation,” Commissioner Ramsey says, staring at the sizable check I’ve just given him. “We’re truly at a loss for words.”“I didn’t expect a speech, Commissioner,” I reply with a neutral smile, extending my hand for a handshake. “Just your acknowledgment.” The real message is clear: Keep your distance from me and my associates.While I have no objection to charitable work, investing in the city is one of the most worthwhile causes I can think of. If I can achieve more than one goal with this gesture, so much the better.“You certainly have our gratitude,” he says, shaking my hand firmly while eyeing the check with evident disbelief.“The city will certainly benefit from this.”“There’s no question. This amount will address many of the city's issues.”“It’s nothing. I’m always ready to contribute.” I rise, adjust my jacket, and walk around the desk as Roger opens the office door. “If there’s anything else I can do, please let me know.
CaterinaAs I drive downtown to meet with my new boss for lunch, where I’ll finalize my contract and HR paperwork before starting my new job on Monday, I should be feeling excited. I was thrilled when they offered me the position initially. It represented my hard work paying off. While some classmates are still job-hunting, I’ve managed to secure a role right out of graduation, always the diligent student who follows the rules.I should be feeling grateful and content with how things are progressing in my life. Instead, I’m preoccupied with thoughts of Gianni, questioning whether what happened last night was wrong, and worrying about Tatiana finding out and potentially hating me. Luciano is a distant thought now, but Tatiana's possible disapproval would be a heartbreak I might never recover from. She’s like the sister I never had. Is it worth risking that for someone as extraordinary as her father?Incredible, attractive, and so adept at igniting my desires. Even hours after leaving h
The clock is ticking, so I hurry out of the car and into the building, pep-talking myself the entire time. Out of the elevator pours a group of people around my age, probably on their way to lunch at one of the cafes peppering the business district.I’ll be one of them soon.I feel nothing but boredom at the idea. No exhilaration, no eagerness to get started.Shake it off, damn it.Once I reach the tenth floor, I step up to the desk across from the elevator doors. “I’m here to see Eric Adams. We have a twelve-thirty appointment.”Once the perky girl behind the desk announces me through her headset and offers me a seat while I wait, I take a slow look around the open, sunny reception area. People walk past, carrying folders and tablets. A couple of guys discuss last night’s baseball game while they wait for the elevator.They’ll be my coworkers in a few days. I wonder if they ever question their choices. Everybody does, I guess, but we get through it. We honor our choices, and this was
GianniWhat’s taking Caterina so long to get home from work?I know it’s irrational. One physical encounter, and now I feel like she owes me an explanation for everything. I’m being ridiculous.The past few days have pushed my self-control to its limits. The constant push-and-pull, the battle between wanting her desperately and wanting what’s best for her, has created unbearable tension between us. It’s maddening to know how easily I can influence her, and I’m fighting not to give in to the urge to have her right there on the kitchen counter whenever we cross paths.Every moment I resist only makes her occupy more of my thoughts. She’s all I can think about.Today was her first day at her new job, but there’s no reason for her to stay late. It takes half an hour to get from town at this time of night, yet the beat-up Corolla she drives is still missing.And I’m ready to rip some fucking heads off.“Roger!” My bark brings him from his smaller office across the hall in record time. “How
I glance up from the names and addresses. Roger’s stone-faced, the way he should be. This isn’t the first time we’ve had this conversation. But it is the first time we’ve had it with Caterina hiding under my desk, playing with my cock. She rubs her palm over my dick, and blinding pleasure zings through me. I can hardly breathe for wanting her mouth on me.“Possibly,” I grunt. “We can decide on that later.”“Later?” His brows furrow. “We’re talking about a lot of money. Two of them, we already gave extensions. They knew what they were doing when they borrowed—”“Enough!” I growl, my voice booming. Caterina’s touch freezes while Roger’s head snaps back. “Since when do you tell me how to manage my business? Thank you for bringing me the info I requested. That is your job. It is not your job to tell me how to handle things after that point.”“Pardon me if I’m overstepping, but any other day you would usually be halfway to the car, ready to blow some brains out if they didn’t pay up.”Cate
CaterinaMy stomach twists as I drive through the front gate, the same unease I’ve felt every night for the past few weeks. The guards let me in without question—by now, they’re accustomed to my comings and goings. They seem pleased to see me, like I belong here.Except for one person. The one I’ve barely seen since that night in his office. The one I can’t stop thinking about.As I look at the house, it seems to grow larger with each turn of the wheel. It feels like a gilded cage. I could leave any time; Dad would let me move in with him without hesitation. But that would be trading one cage for another, and at least this one offers space and freedom—though that freedom feels more like an illusion. Gianni may not interrogate me or control my every move, but his presence still looms over me. It’s all a trade-off in the end.I have the freedom to come and go as I please, so why do I always end up back here after picking up dinner? I could hang out with colleagues from the office or vis
GianniI knew there was no escaping Caterina from my mind. The near-constant self-indulgence over the past few weeks has only intensified my desire for her. No workout can distract me, no amount of pressing tasks can clear her from my thoughts.I’m overwhelmed by an almost relentless craving for her scent, the sweet taste of her skin, and the irresistible allure of her. I’d give anything to bury my face in her, my body still buzzing from a grueling gym session.Seeing her in front of me now, with that vulnerable look in her eyes, only heightens my need. The impulse to take her in my arms and reacquaint myself with her is nearly uncontrollable.Watching her on the security feed is agonizing—painful to see her without touching her. It’s a desperate fix. Often, I find myself resorting to the sight of her getting in and out of her car, needing that visual to relieve the tension.It’s a miserable situation, but it’s my reality. Every instinct drives me to go to her, to touch her, to hear h