CHAPTER 5 - ALESSANDRO.... MATTEO

BIANCA'S POV

I sighed as I recalled how everything played out at Matteo's wedding two days ago and what had transpired between him and Alessandro.

My phone rang out suddenly, interrupting my daydream. I was at my workplace, and Alessandro never ceased to amaze me with his persistent calls.

I felt my heart thump faster as I picked up the call.

"Bianca, Bellissima," he spoke with a smooth voice, like velvet gently touching the phone.

"Alessandro," I said.

"I couldn't help but call my spirited little flame. How are you coping following our...meeting?" he asked in a playful tone.

I could feel a flush of color rising on my face. "I'm okay," I fibbed, my voice faltering a bit.

"Really? I can't stop thinking about you."

I blushed, attempting to block out the increasing warmth in my body. "Alessandro, this is not acceptable."

He laughed softly, producing a deep, vibrating noise that gave me chills. "Maybe not, but it's tempting. I can't seem to shake my addiction to you."

I didn't know what to say. I couldn't resist his charm.

"I'd like to meet up with you again," he said, his tone becoming gentle. "Want to have dinner? Tomorrow evening?"

I felt my heart beating rapidly. I wanted to refuse, but my body was screaming yes. "I...I'm not sure," I stuttered.

"Relax, beautiful. I'll pick you up at seven.”

He ended the call before I could reply. Looking at the phone, my thoughts were running wild. What was I getting myself into?

"Bianca, are you there?" Darren's voice broke through my train of thought.

I was at my workplace, and Darren was my assistant. Fortunately, we got to know each other before I even thought of starting up a large enterprise, and he had been a huge support along the way.

I leaped, surprised, with furrowed brows. "Darren, you really frightened me."

His brows shot up. "It appears that you are not paying attention. Is everything all right?"

I made myself smile. "Yes, just contemplating everything."

I noticed him smirk.

"Wait, it's not what you think," I defended, but he chuckled.

"I think it's exactly what I think, sweetheart. And you've deprived yourself of love for quite a long time. It's been five years, piccolo. Allow yourself to breathe."

I sighed. "I just don't know... I mean... I'm a mother now, and I can't just not think about my son..."

He raised his hand to shut me up.

"Being a mother doesn't limit your chances of being loved by someone. That jerk Matteo had no idea what he lost the moment he gave you those divorce papers. Sometimes I wish he wasn't your son's father."

"Darren!" I called out, and he raised his hands in surrender.

"I'm sorry, but I had to say it. You can do so much better than him." He stepped closer to me, squinting his eyes. "And sometimes I wonder, with the look in your eyes, are you ready to move on? Or do you still wish you could get back with him?"

I blinked because... His statement... Why did he always have to see right through me?

"That's not it... Darren, I have a date tonight. And I have to hurry up," I said, changing the topic as I checked my watch.

"Alessandro, isn't it? Hoping to hear how you screamed tonight by tomorrow."

"Darren!"

He let out a loud laugh. "I'm gay, sweetheart. If I were you, I wouldn't let another person have my cake," he said with cocked brows before exiting my office.

_________

The next day came so quickly, as though the universe wanted all of this to take place. I decided not to go to work and just work from home because I couldn't be at peace about the Dinner.

I walked back and forth in my living space, my thoughts moving quickly. Dinner with Alessandro? What was going through my mind? This idea was not a good one. However, the excitement of risk and its forbidden allure was captivating.

Alessandro called me once more. "Are you prepared for our date this evening, Bianca?"

I had some doubts. "Yes," I eventually succeeded in uttering.

"Excellent. I will come get you at seven. Put on something sexy, Bellissima."

His baritone sent shivers down my spine.

I ended the call, feeling my heart race.

I dedicated several hours to choosing an outfit while standing in front of my closet.

I finally decided on a small black dress, which was both simple and stylish. As I prepared myself, my nerves were all intertwined.

At seven, the doorbell chimed, causing my stomach to flutter. Inhaling deeply, I proceeded to open the door. Alessandro stood there, appearing even more attractive than I had recalled. His gaze narrowed as he eyed me, and a sly, predatory grin appeared on his face. He stepped forward and whispered in my ear.

"You look stunning, sweetheart."

A flush of red rose on my face. "Thank you," I stated, my voice barely above a whisper.

We got into his Mercedes Benz, and the tension between us was noticeable.

The car ride to the restaurant was characterized by uncomfortable moments of silence, interrupted only by the mellow jazz music playing from the stereo.

As we entered the restaurant, people glanced our way. Alessandro exuded confidence, making me feel like a fish out of water. We sat at a table in a private spot, and Alessandro requested a pricey bottle of wine.

"Alright, Bianca," he started, leaning in, "you've been quite tense around me. Are you uncomfortable?"

I paused briefly. What could I say to him?

"I... I..." I stuttered.

He lifted one eyebrow before chuckling. "We've known each other for years now, Bellissima. There's no need to be uncomfortable. I just want to know you better... on a 'deeper' level."

I inhaled deeply. "There isn't a lot to say. I am a solo parent, I manage a thriving company, and that's pretty much all there is to it."

"I know. I mean your heart."

I froze. "My heart?"

He had a smirk on his face. "After your divorce..."

I averted my eyes, unable to make eye contact with him. "It's complicated."

He extended his arm across the table and grabbed my hand.

A smirk was plastered on his lips. "You still have your mind on him?"

"What? No."

"Sweetheart, no matter how hard you try to hide the way you feel, you can't hide it from me. You still have feelings for Matteo."

"I do not."

"I hate to say it too, but you're lying to yourself. How about I help you erase that?"

"What do you mean?" I asked as I studied his movement, especially the movement with his fingers on the handle of his fork.

I gulped.

"It's easy. You want to get over him so bad, and I'm here, wanting to fuck him out of your memory. For five years."

"Alessandro, that's inappropriate."

"Really?" He cocked a brow. "Your lips say one thing, but your eyes say another. I know what you want, and I can give that to you. You just have to say the word," he said, his gaze darkening with every word.

I had spent years constructing barriers around my heart, but Alessandro was gradually dismantling them, one brick at a time.

"I... I..." My phone interrupted. "I'm sorry, it's my son. Hello, munchkin?" I glanced at Alessandro, who sat comfortably, looking so majestic as his gaze narrowed at me. "I think I have to go."

"I'll take you back."

"Oh, there's no need..." The look he gave me shut me up. Then he smirked. I couldn't help but wonder.

“Was he pissed because I had to cut our date short?”

______________

Alessandro accompanied me to my door, his hand resting on my arm. "I had a fantastic time, Bianca," he stated, even though his eyes whirled with a desire I couldn't comprehend.

I turned but gasped when he pulled me to himself, his strong hand tightening against my body. My eyes widened even further as I felt 'him,' hard against my thighs.

"Alessandro," I whispered. He leaned down, his lips slightly touching my earlobe, causing me to shudder slightly.

"Goodnight, Bellissima," he said, his voice lower than a stone dipped in water.

I was too stunned to speak while he pulled away, his masculine cologne lingering in the air as I watched him go back to his car. Giving me one last look, his expression unreadable, he zoomed off.

My phone rang for the hundredth time that night. I felt a flutter in my heart seeing Matteo's name on the caller ID.

I felt a sudden rush of terror. I paused briefly before responding.

Matteo's voice was gentle, yet a hint of firmness in it sent chills down my spine as he called out. "Bianca, I have to meet with you."

Tension gripped my stomach. "Matteo, it's getting late..."

"I am not concerned about the time, no matter how late it may be. I have something to discuss with you." He spoke with a strong voice that allowed no space for debate.

A sense of chilling fear began to seep into my chest. This wasn't the Matteo I was familiar with. There was something new, something risky.

I hung up the call, my mind racing. I knew I couldn't avoid this conversation, but I also knew it was going to be a storm.