“Can I have the address of the place we are going to meet Bella?” I asked the next day, having dressed up in the morning to meet him in the spacious living room of the suite.I had thought long and hard about how to approach him after what had happened the other night. Pretending was probably the best course of action.“I'll accompany you,” he said, placing a cup of coffee on the table and standing up. He stared at me, looking like an innocent boy who didn't know how to drive a woman crazy, even when fully dressed. He must have gotten up and dressed early, and the simple clothes he had on were more than enough to turn me on. Everything about this man drove me wild.He wore a white long-sleeved shirt with rolled-up sleeves and baggy white pants to complement it. I couldn't help but gaze at his physique as memories of last night flooded my mind.“There's no need,” I replied, forcing myself to dismiss any immoral thoughts. I needed to focus on controlling this intense attraction I had fo
“Valentino,” I called in surprise. He narrowed his gaze at me and then back to Bella. “Isn’t that Valentino Sabatini?” “Is he in some clash with his step-mother?” “I heard it’s been a long they met each other.” The people around gossiped within themselves as Valentino's gaze lingered on Bella.“Not tired of causing trouble anywhere you go ugh?” Valentino asked with a mocking tone as Bella scoffed. “You haven’t changed much, Valentino. Still the cocky grandson of that old geezer.” She rolled her eyes and flapped her hair to spite Valentino while he just let out a soft chuckle.“Anyways, I have no business with you.” She eyed him and turned to me. “She destroyed my baby. She has to pay up.” Bella said as Valentino gave her a scrutinizing look and shifted his gaze to her bag.“You are worth more than this bag a thousand times, Bella. How can you be so petty and ask for money from others?” Valentino said in a degrading manner as she let out a mocking chuckle.“She did something bad, s
“Is she Vicente’s woman?” I heard Bella ask and stopped on my track as I walked back to the cabin in the plane that was now in the air. After the conversation with Bella, an hour later, we got on the plane back to Italy.“Ask him when you do see him. And don’t you dare bother Rose with questions?” He replied sternly as he looked out of the window, not sparing her a glance while I stayed hidden, eavesdropping.“You like her, ugh?” She continued despite Valentino’s warning but he didn’t answer her.“I guess so much happened during my absence.” She chuckled in mischief.“You talk as if you were ever around.” Valentino returned.“Don’t hold it against me boy, I couldn’t be stuck back in Italy as the wife of some chairman of a group. If he hadn’t died, I would have divorced him and gotten lots of cash from your father.” She grinned as I wondered what sort of person that woman was. Yes, I love money but not at the expense of my family…..not my family ever.“I wonder what he was thinking w
VICENTE As I stood watching Rose in my brother’s arm. I couldn’t contain the anger that coursed through my vein. I thought running away from this bloody house could make me forget her, forget the fact that I always want to see her, touch her.But it only increased the torture as I have placed my mark on her as my mate.I walked past them and walked to the kitchen cabinet and took what I came for fighting the urge to talk to them.“Vicente, I-“She started to explain but I left before she could finish her statement.I made my way to my room and sat on the bed fuming. As I brushed my hands through my hair it was as if reality dawned on me.A knock came through on the door. “Leave. I don’t want to see anyone.” I shouted at whoever was there.“It’s me baby. Open up.” My mum’s voice came through as I signed and walked over to the door. She stood there grinning at me.Although mum was back, I was both scared and happy. Scared about the true reason why she was here and happy that she was he
I smacked my lips together in frustration when Vicente left me in the room. Did they specialize in driving me crazy? Or did they realize I was mated to all of them?I sighed in frustration and stood up, opened the door to find the hallway empty. As I made my way to my room, I took a mental note to make sure I left the moment the chairmen paid me.I retired to my room as I lay on my bed and tried to base myself to sleep when my phone rang.“Rose is dead. Go away!” I shouted not caring who was at the door.“What the hell is-“ Valentino opened the door the next moment, terror evident on his face as he stared at me lying on the bed.“What do you want? Aren’t you guys tired of making me feel miserable?” I asked not sparing him a glance.“What? What happened to you? Did-“ He made to sit on my bed beside me when I sat up quickly.“Go away,” I said with a drawl and got off the bed. He was dressed and I guess he was ready for work.“I can’t leave when you’re looking like this.” He stated as I
“Wha-what? Me?” I asked in shock.“I can’t?” He asked as he watched me intently. I could swear seeing a trace of disappointment on his face that moment.“When you meant that, you mean, my nude?” I asked as he stared at me as if I wasn’t making sense. “Of course, it’s your nude dummy. He only paints nudes.” Arya pointed out as I swallowed still waiting for a response from him.“Yeah.” He replied with a smile.“Ah!” I retorted in surprise and my eyes looked like they would pop out of his socket. Aren’t these brothers filled with surprises?“Don’t want to?” He asked calmly as if scared I would refuse.The problem wasn’t him painting my nude, of course, he was a professional and nothing would happen….“Don’t deceive yourself, Rose,” Arya mentioned as I bit my lower lips and felt my throat suddenly go dry.“No, I mean. Yeah, I would love to. I mean, it’s no big deal. I just need to strip and…..”I paused as if the word ‘strip’ was a forbidden word. And to make it worse, the look he was giv
“Rose.” He called again as I finally gave you and opened up. And all I could read in his eyes that moment was desires. Desires he was fighting hard. The great pull I felt towards him, he felt it too. I wasn’t the only one in torture.“You said you were only going to paint,” I said, not recognizing that voice as mine as it felt as if it was a whisper.“Yeah.” He moved his eyes from my Breast and back to my face.“I am a man of my word, Rose.” He stated with a calm smile. It was a crazy transition for me.He then proceeded to the hooks of my jeans and short skirts. He freed it and I realized I was holding my breath.As he pushed it down, The realization of how wet I was at that moment became clearer than ever.As the clothing fell off my body, he stared down at my undies. “Hesitating?” I asked with a cocky look, trying to look like I was in control even when I was burning inside. He chuckled and I wondered how he could transit mood momentarily.“Not a chance”. He murmured as he pulled
“This is my best work yet.” He murmured as I raised my head to look at him. “How did you do this?” I asked as my hand roamed freely on the Portrait loving every part of it.“The subject in question is one I am more curious about than anyone I have ever drawn.” He said as I looked up slowly to him.“Valerio I-“ I started to say as I feared what was to come next.“You promised,” I said almost in a pleading tone. “We are done with the protract Rose. That’s the end of AJ.” He mentioned as my lips pressed together.“What do mean?” I asked dreading his reply.His hand slipped effortlessly around my waist as he drew me to him with easy reflex.“You can’t say one thing and mean another Rose.” He said as his face moved slowly towards mine. “Yes, finally!” Arya shrieked with joy as his mouth landed on my lips, and he brushed it softly on mine as if teasing me.“What are you doing right now?” I asked, anticipation coursing through my veins.“Kissing you.” He replied huskily.“This is torture.”
ROSE"What’s with the face?” Renata turned to the passenger side to look at me.“Marco said to come in now,” she said as I sighed, nervously tucking my fingernails into my mouth.“How will he react when he sees me?” I turned to look at her; she smiled. “I mean, I just left like that without a real goodbye, like a selfish….” The words hung in my mouth as she placed a hand on mine.“Don’t… this is for your happiness. These past few days have been hell for you. I won’t let you leave here without meeting him at least once,” she said. When I still seemed hesitant, she continued.“I heard he has been combing the whole world trying to find you. Imagine how he is going to feel,” she said with a reassuring smile, and I gave her a tight smile.I would fool myself if I said that served as any comfort. “Well… I guess I have to go now,” I said as Renata nodded.“Yeah… Go on, don’t keep your man waiting,” she teased, and I returned a tight smile.Now in front of Valentino’s office, the door suddenl
VALENTINO“What the hell is this?” I raised up the file the head of strategy department in the New York just brought in, as I stared at the blonde with a pissed expression.“Sir, it’s the….”“Fuck this.” I muttered under my breath as I stood up, the other man’s head slightly bowed in fear.For the past three days here in New York, I have been on the edge. Every single thing got me pissed. And this was bad, it got worse everyday as the project we are working on was being hindered due to lack of progress.“Leave now.” I cupped my face in my palm. “Until you find a better plan.” I raised up my head to look at him, so he could understand the gravity of the situation from my expression.“Alright sir.” His American accent came out calmly. They were used to it. Or maybe they forced themselves to just bear with my cranky attitude.I rested back on the leather chair following the sound of the door closing and closed my eyes, took in a deep breath and her image mirrored in my head.My eyelid fl
VICENTEFew months later….“Calling out of the blue to pick you up , eh? Do I look like your manager or driver?” Marco asked Vicente who occupied the back seat, while he drove, his eyes on the road.“Must you complain about everything, Marco? I just called this once and you can let it slip.” I replied, my eyes out in the window as I take in the afternoon view of Venice, it wasn’t like there was anything fascinating about it, I just wanted to be distracted.“Plus my Manager is on a break….”“A break you let him have. And now you’re being all grumpy towards me. I still think it’s unfair.” He looked at me through the rear mirror but I didn’t spare him a glance.“You don’t look good, Vicente .” He said again after a moment do silence.“It’s feels so empty.” I mumbled to myself as I reminisce on how the recent days felt like hell….all because of the absence of one person.“What?” Marco asked, completely confused.“I wonder if they feel it too.” I said again. “My brothers.” I looked throug
“Vicente.” I called slowly, the smile on my face fading away as I watched me intently. As we both stared at each in silence, he suddenly burst into a smile while I watched in confusion.“What’s with the look?” He asked with a chuckle, while I stared in confusion.“Ugh?” I asked, blinking.“I should be asking you that.” I licked my lips nervously, desperate to understand what was going through that head of his.“I pulled a little joke and you fell for it immediately? How cute.” He played with my cheeks as I let out a sigh and forced a slight chuckle….while throwing my face to the other side.The feeling of guilt overwhelming me again.Like hell I would believe that, it was a mere joke. I caught a sign of it. A sign of pain.I stood up abruptly as he followed me up too and stared at me with careful gaze.“I need to go.” I said, looking at him.“Ugh?” He raised his gaze in confusion, and for a minute I got lost in that curious wide eyes of his. As he watched me, it felt like he was sendi
ROSE“What were you trying to do?” I forced my gaze away from Valentino to Valerio who scoffed in disbelief.He stared at me in the disapproving glare that he as trying to moderate. But his emotions won’t let him.“I heard everything. The conversation between you and Vicente.” I said as he raised his brow in a knowing stare while I pressed my lips.“It doesn’t give any right to act out, Valerio.” I said again, everything coming out of my mouth with so much difficulty because the difficult part was yet to come. The reason I was here.“You can’t keep supporting him in this bloody time!” He seethed angrily as he watched me, his expression a mixture of anger and denial.From the corner of my eyes, I could see Valentino watching us. I bowed my head slightly as I played with my fingers, my whole body tensed.I couldn’t back down. I can’t go back on my word just because of the kind of emotion that was flowing through me at that point.“It doesn’t matter anymore.” I said and raised my head t
“What is it?” I watched him,a little scared of what to expect.I wasn’t sure why. But when it concerns Rose. It was good enough to get me nervous.He sighed heavily and shoved his hand through his hair. “I shouldn’t be telling you this but….”“Go on Vicente.” I chimed in smoothly as he watched me with a nervous expression.“It was a setup.” He said as I raised my brow. “What is?” I asked.“The whole thing.” He said again.“Ugh?” I prompted, now feeling uneasy at the way he was breaking the words, mounting my fears.“When I visited Valentino the other day, I….”He started to shake his head as if trying to remember.“I overheard him and the doctor talking. About his blood pressure.” He said but I still couldn’t understand where he was heading to.“Isn’t it normal for a doctor to discuss the patient’s condition with him?” I asked with a slight chuckle, as I tried to cover my fears with a feigned smile.“Yeah. I think he told him to disclose it to your guys intentionally to….”“To get Ros
VALERIO “Fuck!” I muttered under my breath as I turned to see my brother staring at me and Rose as if he couldn’t comprehend what was right in front of him.Vicente closed the door as quickly as he opened it and walked away.“He looks pissed.” I turned to Rose who had her hand stuck in her head as if thinking of what to do, but was obviously stuck.“I’ll go talk to him.” I said and licked my lips in exasperation and stood up, watched as she crouched up her legs and folded her arms around him, her gaze away from mine.“Hey.” I started to move close to her but she moves slightly away from me as if she was tasked to stay away.“Go to Vicente.” She looked up to me quickly.“He would get things wrong.” She said with a worried expression.I sighed and nodded then moved away from the bed. “Tell him what?” I asked, my voice starting to sound irritated as she raised up her head to look at me in disbelief.“Anything!” She retorted angrily. “What if he goes blabbering to Valentino about this?”
VALERIO I moved closer and deepened the kiss, as if scared that she might change her mind at the last minute. I didn’t need any more confirmation from her as she held my head to her.Closely, as if I might withdraw.As we deepened the kiss as the minute passes, flashes of her rejecting me after all of this ends starts to come to my mind but I blocked out those thoughts as I led her instinctively to the bed.As we kissed, I placed her hastily on the bed, our panting breath, the only thing that filled my head as the urgency of the situation seized me.“Valerio.” She pushed me back as I stared at her flushed face, and maybe a hint of guilt starting to show.“This is the last time.” The words came out of her mouth and I didn’t even know how to react to it.She was looking at my lips like a snack that she has always wanted and has now gotten the chance.“Last time?” I asked, my voice choked with emotion as she causally shifted her gaze to my eyes.“I chose Valentino.” She said as if even
ROSE“Thank you, doctor.” I managed to say despite the huge lump of pain I was feeling in my chest at that point. But Valerio stood up abruptly and walked out of the room without saying a word as I shifted my gaze to gus retreating figure, watched as he banged the door following his exiting.“I’m sorry about that.” I turned to apologize to the doctor who just managed a tight smile. Obviously, that didn’t settle well with him. And Valerio obviously wasn’t feeling what he said. I stood up and walked away, dragging my feet down the hallway.“Follow him or him….”Arya asked through the mind linked in my head.I knew who she was referring to as him or him.I didn’t reply that, just made my way out of the hospital, and if I was mistaken, I saw Valerio’s car pass in front of me, speeding up without a care in the world.I clenched my fist and swallowed, as I tried not to stagger due to how weak I suddenly became.This is extremely tiresome. And what’s worse, I can’t leave everything and leave