Caterina
"Let me make sure I’ve got this right," my best friend Tatiana says, leaning over with her elbow making a squeaky noise on the leather seat while trying to balance a glass of champagne. She brushes her blonde hair away from her face.
"So, you just graduated, and your boyfriend of five years didn’t come to the ceremony or spend any time with you afterwards?"
I grit my teeth. Her straightforwardness can be a bit much. Even though she's had quite a bit to drink today, her honesty is nothing new. We had to attend five graduation parties, according to her. It was fun, but I felt like I was just watching from the sidelines, feeling like something was wrong with me.
My absent boyfriend seems like a convenient excuse, though it doesn’t feel entirely right. There are deeper issues, but I’m not ready to face them.
"He had to work early tomorrow," I say, repeating the excuse he’s given me too many times. "I guess I can’t blame him for trying to be responsible."
"An adult would have asked for the day off. He’s known about the graduation date for months," she says with a shrug. "I don’t buy it, Caterina."
She’s always calling me out.
I just shake my head.
"What matters is that it’s important to you," she continues. "If he really cared, he’d be here. He’s treating you like an afterthought, and that’s not right. If he were truly committed, being with you would be his top priority. I know you don’t want to admit it, but you don’t seem to matter to him, and it makes me want to do something drastic."
I sigh, unsure how to respond. There’s no answer that will make her accept my choice to stay with him. Luciano has hurt me so many times that I can’t see any good left in him. I don’t know why I stay.
Maybe it’s the fear of being alone or hoping he’ll change. I’m not sure. We’re not engaged or planning a family.
I can’t spend the rest of the night hearing things I’ve already told myself, so I try to shift the conversation.
"Hey, it’s not all bad. His absence means we get to spend the whole day and night together. And from what I heard, your boyfriend couldn’t join us tonight either." I immediately regret saying it when I see her confident smile fade.
"Yeah, I guess we’re both unlucky in love. He had other things to do too."
She won’t say what, and I wonder if he even told her. She talks about her relationship with Christopher as if it’s perfect, but I know it’s not. She seems to have learned to hide her true feelings, just like her powerful father, who can't show his emotions.
Our driver, Roger, turns onto the road leading to the Rossetti estate. My stomach flutters. Gianni Rossetti is both dangerous and intriguing. He has many enemies because he doesn’t always follow the law, which my father warns me about.
The guard at the gate waves us through, and we drive up the long, winding driveway. There’s so much land that even Gianni’s bodyguards live in small houses near the high stone wall.
Tatiana finishes her champagne and looks at me with dazed eyes. “What were we talking about?” She taps her chin. “Oh right, Luke the jerk.”
I roll my eyes at her nickname. “He’s not a jerk, Tatiana.”
Maybe if I keep telling myself that, I'll start to believe it too.
“But he really is, and you know it. I know it. His mom probably knows it too. You might be mad at me, though I doubt it, but it’s your graduation day—a once-in-a-lifetime event. He knew how important it was to you, and he couldn’t even make time for dinner when your dad specifically invited him.”
It bothers me more than I want to admit, but all I can do is come up with another excuse. “He couldn’t help that he had to cover a shift.”
Her snort fills the car. “Oh, right. I forgot about his job at his uncle’s gym.”
“The gym he’s going to take over,” I remind her gently. “It’s a big investment. If he wants to be taken seriously, he needs to make responsible choices; otherwise, what’s the point in taking over?”
“I’m just saying... you deserve better. He could have taken the day off. He didn’t even make an effort, which shows he doesn’t care.” She burps and then groans. “I’m sorry. I just hate seeing you hurt, and that’s all he seems to do.”
“I’m not hurt.” At least, not really. Not in the way I should be if I cared enough about him to let him affect me.
Roger parks the car, gets out, and opens the door for us with a sense of formality. I’m still getting used to the special treatment Tatiana and I receive when we’re together.
I grab my overnight bag from the seat and give Tatiana, who’s a bit unsteady, some space to get out.
“Do you need help?” Roger asks, noting Tatiana’s swaying. She’s tipsy but still on her feet.
Tatiana narrows her green eyes at him and purses her glossy pink lips. “Excuse me, sir.” She pokes his suit jacket with a manicured finger. “My dad pays you to look after me, not judge me. Yes, I had a few drinks. I graduated today. What did you do?”
Roger rolls his eyes, and I can’t help but smile at their dynamic. They’re like fire and gasoline, constantly sparking off each other. Of all the people Tatiana interacts with, Roger is the only one who stands up to her without flinching.
“Get her to bed before she makes a bigger fool of herself,” he says, not breaking eye contact.
I link my arm through Tatiana’s and guide her towards the front door.
“You’re incredibly rude, and I’m going to tell my dad to fire you,” Tatiana shouts over her shoulder.
“That would be fantastic. I could use a break from your high-maintenance attitude,” Roger retorts.
“You’re such a jerk!” Tatiana struggles, but I tighten my hold to keep her steady. She’s ready to argue, but it’s not worth it tonight.
I give her a gentle tug. “Stop. He’s just trying to provoke you, and you’re falling for it.” We’re adults, allowed to have a few drinks, but making a scene isn’t ideal. The last thing we need is Gianni coming out to scold us—if he’s even here.
“Why does he have to be such a jerk?” she asks, her whisper loud and slurred.
“I don’t know, but you’re not helping. You push back just as hard. If that’s how you flirt, I can only imagine what it’s like when you’re in love.”
“That wasn’t flirting,” she says, using her finger to unlock the door. As soon as it beeps and unlocks, she pushes it open. Stepping inside, a sense of calm washes over me. Unlike my home where my father’s questions and disapproval are constant, here it’s just peaceful.
“I should have eaten something,” Tatiana pouts as I help her to the kitchen. She leans on me more heavily. “My stomach hurts.”
“Of course it does. You only had half a sandwich today.” I set her down by the counter, grab a granola bar and some water, hoping it will help with the alcohol.
Then we head to her room.
I know I’ve made similar mistakes, but I’d never get this tipsy if I knew I was heading home to my father. Living with Luciano means avoiding my detective father’s reminders about how easy it is for college students to get into trouble. He’s seen a lot in his career, and his overprotectiveness can be overwhelming.
Gianni is different. Even before we could legally drink, he took a more mature approach to Tatiana’s partying.
“It’s pointless to forbid you, so just make smart choices and call me if things start to go wrong.”
As a notorious arms dealer, Gianni Rossetti understands the darker side of life as much as any detective. It’s intriguing how their approaches differ: one fighting crime, the other involved in it.
I’ve always been fascinated by Gianni. Since I was a teenager, he’s been drawing me into his complex world, making me crave his presence without even realizing it.
As we walk to Tatiana’s room, our footsteps echoing on the polished floor, she answers my unspoken question about her father.
“He’s working. Always working,” she whispers. “He said he had important things to do tonight. I doubt he’s even home yet.”
He’s always working. After lunch, he mentioned he’d be home late, so Tatiana is probably right. Running a business like Rossetti Explosives, which appears legitimate but is deeply entwined with mob activities, must be exhausting. The layers of protection around the family’s dealings frustrate my father, who can only watch from the sidelines.
Once we reach the bedroom, I guide her into the bathroom and sit her on the closed toilet lid so I can remove her makeup. Her eyes are half-closed, but she gives me a grateful smile, likely relieved she won’t wake up with mascara smudged on her face. “I don’t deserve you, B.”
“Don’t say that,” I reply as I soak a cotton ball with makeup remover and gently wipe her eyes. “We’re friends, and that means being there for each other, even when it’s just holding your hair back while you’re sick.”
Her lips curl into a shy smile. “No sickness tonight.”
I return her smile as I finish cleaning her face. Then I help her change into pajamas and settle her into bed before changing into my own sleepwear.
“It would be wise to eat something before you...” I stop as I see her asleep, her soft snores filling the room. I place the granola bar and two Advil on the nightstand. I had hoped to find some relief from my frustration with my boyfriend through drinking tonight, but taking care of Tatiana, as she has taken care of me, kept me in check.
With Tatiana asleep, I use the restroom, wash my face, and brush out my long, brunette hair. The only light in the room comes from the moon shining through the windows, and I let out a deep sigh. I have a strange longing for the dark, a desire to escape the reality of what it hides.
When I climb into bed on my side, Tatiana stirs. “It’s just me,” I whisper.
“I know. I’m not that drunk,” she responds, turning to face me and fluffing a pillow under her head. “I’m sorry.”
“For what, being drunk?”
“For giving you a hard time about Luciano. You’re right,” she admits with a sigh. “Christopher isn’t much better. Sometimes, I don’t even think he likes me.”
It’s unusual for her to be so vulnerable, and her admission reveals that it’s been bothering her for some time.
“I’m sure he does like you,” I reassure her, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear and patting her cheek. “What’s not to like about you?”
“You know what I mean. He’s so inconsistent. One minute he’s loving and sweet, and the next he acts like I’m a burden. It’s confusing and hurtful.”
I feel a pang of concern for her. “How long has this been happening?” Christopher has always seemed distant—quiet and reserved, almost perfect. But if he’s treating her poorly, that needs to be addressed.
She looks away, then meets my gaze again. “Not long. I’m worried he might be seeing someone else.”
“Someone else?” I’m taken aback. This is the first I’ve heard of this. “I don’t think he’s foolish enough to let go of someone like you. And if he is, maybe it’s for the best.”
“I’m hoping our trip to France will fix things,” she says, her eyes closing as sleep starts to take over. “A whole month together.”
“I’m sure things will work out,” I say softly, though I wonder if spending a month with a detached boyfriend is the best plan. I’d hate to see him abandon her in another country, and if he hurts her... I can only imagine the fallout from her father and Roger.
With that on my mind, I know sleep will be elusive. Plus, I’m still wired from the whirlwind of parties, socializing, and the fact that I graduated. I did it. I smile at the thought, feeling a deep sense of pride. But despite that achievement, I feel emptier and sadder than I expected.
I worked hard, earned good grades, applied for internships, and went through interviews. My father was beaming all day, bragging about my upcoming job.
“You’re very fortunate to have secured a job so quickly,” he said.
But I don’t feel fortunate. I feel trapped, like my life is on a track with only one direction. I chose a career in economics for its safety—safe job, safe boyfriend.
Safe. Safe. Safe.
I’m technically in control of my life, but it feels more like I’m performing a carefully rehearsed play. I can only adjust the speed, but the direction remains fixed—there’s no changing course or turning back. With a sigh, I try to reason with my own frustration, knowing that overthinking will only make me more miserable. I push back the covers, getting out of bed slowly to avoid waking Tatiana. Maybe a cup of tea and a snack will help clear my mind.
As I step out of Tatiana’s room, my thoughts shift. I try not to dwell on Gianni—where he might be or who he might be with. The truth is, I’ve nursed a secret crush on him for years, but he’s unaware of it, and it’s unlikely anything will ever come of these unspoken feelings. He’s my best friend’s much older, captivatingly mysterious father, and that’s where it ends.
The stark reality hits me: Gianni will never know how I feel. I have Luciano and a secure job lined up. I should be content, but instead, I feel restless. Is it wrong to yearn for happiness when it seems so elusive? It can vanish as easily as cotton candy dissolves under a drop of water. I’ve always been taught to seek stability and security—a mantra my father has repeated for as long as I can remember.
“Happiness comes after securing the basics and more. It comes from feeling safe,” I can almost hear my father’s deep voice saying.
I have a steady boyfriend, a degree, and a job waiting for me, yet none of it feels right. I can’t even pinpoint what I truly want. All I know is that when I think about happiness, the word that comes to mind is passion. I want a life that excites me, one filled with new experiences and adventures.
But who’s to say? If I had that passion, maybe I’d long for the simplicity of a stable job with a boyfriend who likes routine and a favorite takeout spot nearby. Perhaps some people aren’t meant for constant excitement; they just think they are because they’ve never known it.
I wish I could convince myself that was true for me. I can’t shake the feeling that there’s something more fulfilling out there, just beyond my grasp.
The kitchen is dim when I reach it, illuminated only by the patio lights filtering through the sliding glass door. I navigate to the fridge, trying to push aside thoughts of Gianni. He probably doesn’t even know I exist beyond being Tatiana’s friend.
I open the fridge to find it stocked with fresh produce. I consider making tea but am drawn instead to a pre-made yogurt smoothie. Despite my mood, I grab the smoothie and settle onto a stool at the island in the middle of the kitchen. The space is sleek and elegant, with its gray and blue tones and dark wood accents. It’s a far cry from the cozy, two-story home my father owns.
As I twist off the cap and take a sip, my enjoyment is abruptly interrupted by a sound. Not a voice, but a series of moans, unmistakable and intense.
Scanning the patio and pool for the source of the moans, my first thought is that it could be Tatiana, but that’s not possible—she’s completely out of it. These aren’t distressed sounds; they’re filled with intense passion.My gaze is drawn to one of the lounge chairs by the pool. The underwater lights cast a faint glow, revealing a sight I missed earlier.About twenty feet away, Gianni is engaged with a woman I don’t recognize. He’s kneeling at the foot of the chair, and she’s sprawled out before him. My face flushes with embarrassment, and though I know I should look away, I can’t. I watch as he moves his face toward her, his intentions unmistakable.I press a hand to my mouth, trying to stifle a gasp. Gianni’s hands grip her thighs firmly as he performs oral sex. A forbidden desire begins to stir within me. Gianni, always the epitome of sexiness, has been the subject of countless fantasies, but I’ve never seen him in such a raw, intimate moment. His usual persona—professional, comm
GianniI must be imagining things because there’s no way I just saw what I think I did.What a provocatively audacious girl.Caterina isn’t as innocent as I had believed. I always thought of her as a model student with perfect grades, an early bedtime, and a rule-following nature. She seemed like the ideal sweet girl with a shy smile and a figure many men would covet.To think I saw her as an innocent angel when she’s actually been a temptress in disguise. I can’t count how many times she’s stayed at our house or joined us on vacations, subtly enticing and provoking me from a distance.It’s fucked up to acknowledge how many years I’ve spent reminding myself she’s my daughter’s best friend, not to mention the fact that she’s way too young to even consider touching. There have been many times over the years when those reminders are the only thing that kept me from throwing her to the floor and fucking her unconscious.Where Caterina stands, my patience is razor thin. Sweet, beautiful Ca
.Women have their place, and once I’ve had my fill, I send them on their way. It might make me an asshole, but at least I make sure they’re satisfied before they leave.I rake a hand through my thick hair, letting out a deep sigh. I can’t help but think about what would happen if I ever gave in to the years-long battle with my conscience and acted on my desire for Caterina. The idea of sending her away like all the others bothers me—not just for her, but especially for my daughter.How could I look her in the eye and tell her I slept with her best friend and discarded her like yesterday’s news?I walk barefoot through the first floor, my swim trunks sticking to my muscular legs.A sudden urge to go to her almost overpowers me. My body says yes, but my mind says no. Our dirty little secret would remain hidden, something we’d both pretend never happened, especially for Tatiana’s sake. I can only imagine her reaction if she found out what went down tonight.My daughter must never know,
CaterinaTatiana: Sorry, running late. Long story.I know her well enough to guess that Christopher is probably involved—he’s the kind of guy who stirs up trouble or dismisses plans, and Tatiana never lets that slide. I want to tell her to cut him loose, but that’s not my place as a friend.Me: I’ll be waiting. :)I add a smiley face to keep things upbeat, even though what I really want to say is how much I’m looking forward to seeing them. The eerie feeling I had on the way here, like someone was following me, is something I’d never admit. I don’t want Tatiana to think I’m paranoid.For now, I’m surrounded by people in the club, so I should be safe. The attention I’m getting is just because I’m alone, and I can handle that.Breathe in, breathe out. You’re just being paranoid.The bar is quiet at the moment. A few people are scattered at the bar and at tables around the dance floor, while the balcony above is mostly empty. I came early to avoid the noise and catch up with Tatiana befo
Both Tatiana and I flinch when Roger opens the car door and leans in. “Everything’s clear,” he reports, his eyes scanning both of us. “Some drawers are open in the bedroom, but other than that, the place is empty. He’s taken all his belongings. I doubt he’ll come back, but I’ll arrange for one of the guys to change the locks, just in case.”“Thanks,” I say quietly as he returns the key. “I appreciate you checking.”“Not an issue.” He extends a hand, helping me out of the car. Once I’m on my feet, he reaches back to assist Tatiana. “Let’s move, princess. I’m not staying here all night.”“You’re such a jerk,” Tatiana mutters as she exits the car. “I don’t need a ride home in the morning. I’ll arrange something else.”“I’ll be here at eight. Don’t think about finding an alternative, or I’ll inform Daddy that you’re disregarding my instructions and your safety might be compromised.” His tone is harsh, a stark contrast to how he’s treated me. “Be ready, or face the consequences.”“Whatever
Gianni"That's it, baby. Open up and let me see just how eager you are. Show me what I desire."Damn it. A low, involuntary sound escapes me as the fantasy consumes my thoughts. No matter where I am or what I'm doing, right now, I'm at my desk getting ready for a meeting in thirty minutes. But the meeting—about the status of several new cargo planes for our shipping expansion—seems insignificant compared to the overwhelming distraction in my mind.This plan has been in the works for months and has required countless hours of research, vetting, and inspection. We’re close to finalizing the deal with the current owner of the small air fleet, and somehow, all I can do is sit here and do everything in my willpower to resist the ache in my cock.She’s sitting in front of me, her thighs spread wide to reveal the pink, shining slice of heaven between them. Fuck, business is the furthest thing from my mind, my tongue craving each drop of sweet nectar that will inevitably leak from her perfect
“Thank you for your time. I expect the signed contract in my inbox by the end of business tomorrow.”The seller and his legal team grunt their agreement. Roger, ever the professional, extends an offer to answer any further questions they might have.It’s all just a formality. I’m offering twice the value of the planes, fully confident they’ll boost our profits by thirty percent in no time. Sometimes, being generous is part of the strategy. Turning down my offer would be foolish.Roger’s knowing grin reflects his agreement.“Nice work,” I tell him, loosening my tie as the video call concludes.“Want a drink?” he offers.I decline. “I’m going to grab some coffee from the kitchen.” As I rise, I add, “You should take the rest of the night off. You’ve been burning the candle at both ends.”He looks puzzled. “Since when is working too many hours a problem?”Given that I’m anticipating a special visitor and would prefer not to be interrupted, I’d rather not have him around. I’m unsure whethe
CaterinaFuck it! I promised myself I wouldn't let this happen again. I vowed to stop feeling sorry for myself, but here I am, sitting at Gianni’s desk with fresh tears streaming down my face. I should have held off on breaking down until I reached Tatiana’s part of the house. When she told me her father had the keys, I planned to grab them quickly and retreat to the bedroom. Instead, the moment I clutched the keys, all my suppressed emotions surged back.Everything I managed to keep under control during the frantic packing and landlord negotiations came flooding out, and once the tears started, they wouldn't stop.The reality of it all feels almost unbearable. All that remains are feelings—despair, anguish, heartbreak. The void in my chest widens with every thought. Yes, my relationship with Luciano was deteriorating, and we were probably heading towards a breakup, but that doesn’t make the pain any less. He was my first love, my first serious relationship.My despair quickly turns t