"Ilaria." "Where. are, you?" Alessandro's stern voice reaches me through the phone, making my freeze. My eyes widen with surprise, and my muscles tense. Oh my goodness. Oh, no, no, no... no way. Taking a big breath in, I adjust my phone to my ear to avoid dropping it. Matteo's body is leaning against mine, his small arms wrapped around my hips, little sniffes escaping his chest. "A-Alessandro" I whisper out my hands shaking. "I'm going to ask you once more Ilaria. Where. are. you?" He gritted out once more leaving me in silence. "I-I um... I'm i-in the l-library." I stutter, hoping he'll believe my lie. If he finds out that I took Matteo out I'm dead. Literally. "Really? ...so why did I go in earlier and you weren't there? You were also not in your room... nor was Matteo. And one of my guards... informed me that you left earlier today... with my approval." Oh noooo. The guard snitched on us what the hell."So this is your last chance Ilaria. Where. Are. You". He asked one last t
"Can we watch this please papa." Matteo whines pointing at the ginormous plasma TV screen where he's stopped on Iron man. Since Alessandro and I talked earlier, Alessandro has suggested that Matteo watch a movie with him. I suppose it was to allow them to spend time together. Then Matteo invited me to join them, which Alessandro doesn't look happy with. We're all currently lounging on the massive sofa in the middle of the room, with a few odd lights on here and there to keep it from being too dark or too bright. It appeared... homely.I went to Matteo's room after our earlier conversation to find him sitting on his bed, worried. He said he was worried what his dad would do to me, since he looked angry. I assured him that everything was fine. We then had some dinner, which Maia had requested. The fettuccini alfredo was delicious. But Alessandro didn't show up until Matteo knocked on my door and said he wanted to watch a movie with Alessandro and me. And now here we are."We've watch
This morning, I awoke to a warm weight on top of me. I shuffle slightly as a result of the cramp in my leg, which causes the weight to snuggle into my neck and confuse me. I squint as the sun slithers through the gap in the curtain, stinging my eyes. When I turn my head to the left, I see Matteo's head snuggled into my neck, his body under my covers, his arms around my stomach clinging tightly to my shirt.I smile, caressing Matteo's soft black hair, and he smiles back, snuggling even closer to me, his nose tickling my neck. I try not to laugh out loud because I don't want to wake him up. I was shocked by the fact that Alessandro wanted to put Matteo to bed last night, he hasn't done that at all over the past few days I've been here. I guess he wants to try again. At least he's trying. I'd rather someone try and fail than to never try at all. "ILARIA!" I hear a familiar voice scream, followed by loud banging footsteps speeding up the stairs. My heart rate increases as I hear him appr
"I swear Ilaria I will kill a man, if you need me to." Lucas sternly says through the phone, after I told both Lucas and Abbey what Alessandro did. I needed some answer's. I am so confused. I haven't left my room since Alessandro took Matteo from my arms. I don't have the guts to meet his eyes after what he said. "Ilaria. What is it that you always tell me to do when I have rude customers in the bakery?" Abbey asks hrough the phone calmly, making me settle down slightly. "Ignore the people who's always talking behind your back, that's where they belong... behind your back." I whisper out through the phone hearing them hum in agreement. "Say your strong Ilaria." Lucas say's in a serious voice, leaving silence following after when I don't say anything. "But I'm not Lucas..." I whisper, tears appearing in my eyes. "I cry over the smallest things... All those years ago....I let... let him walk all over me... I let him talk to me like I was dirt underneath his shoe.... I didn't do any
"I never liked Allison." Lucas said this while slouching against the bed and munching on a slice of pepperoni pizza. Abbey just nods, her gaze fixed on the TV; I doubt she understands what Lucas just said, but she agrees anyway."Oh no." Lucas says it with sadness this time. Looking to see what he's upset about, I notice him staring at the last slice of pizza in the box, as Abbey does. I watch as they both turn to look at each other before shouting about why they should have the last slice."I saved you from babysitting your sister!" Abbey screams pulling the box towards her. "Yeah... well I ordered the pizza!" Lucas screams back tugging the pizza box towards himself now. As they fight over the pizza box, they begin tugging it between themselves. My stomach rumbles as I gaze at the pizza in the box. They wouldn't know if like you know.... I stole a small slice of pizza? Right? Deciding to go for it since you know it's pizza. I reach forward and take the slice. Abbey and Lucas both ob
Alessandro. His grey eyes meet mine, and let me tell you he is angry. No furious. His jaw is clenched tightly, as if it could snap at any moment. I'm surprised he hasn't broken through skin with his hands clenched at his sides. he doesn't move just stands there staring at me. It's as if he's staring into my soul. My hands shake at my sides, I don't dare move scared that Alessandro will just snap at any moment."Where. Is. Your. Phone?" Alessandro asks, his words coming out gritted teeth and quickening my heart rate. I take my phone from my back pocket and show it to him, watching his eyes move to it before quickly snatching it, forcing me to bite back my words. I observe him as he scrolls through my phone. I really need to put a password on my phone. He aggressively turns my phone towards me, displaying the messages he sent me."And why prey tell. Did you ignore me?" He asks once more, holding my phone in front of my face. I don't say anything too scared when he's like this. A tense
"Ilaira.... I'll ask again. What are these?"Alessandro inquires sternly and softly at the same time. I can't say anything as my body freezes and tears flow once more from my eyes. Little sniffles escaping from my chest. I feel his hand reach for my arm. I flinch at the memory of him dragging me to the car earlier, but he doesn't. He traces over the pink scars on my arms, the lightest touch I've ever felt on my skin. His breath is coming out in quick, uneven bursts compared to my now slower breathing. I feel his hands move to my other arm rolling up the other sleeve revealing the rest of my scars, his breathing coming to a halt.I close my eyes, not wanting to see his disgusted expression. My scars are unsightly and stand out against my pale skin. I try to hold back my sobs as they try to escape my chest. But one seems to escape, my sniffles intrrupting the silence in the room.This time, I feel his hands come up, unbuttoning the chunky cardigan and lightly removing it from my should
"Huh. So you're the babysitter that's changed our Matteo and Alessandro." I turn to my right and see the same amused brown-haired, brown-eyed man staring at me, his large frame sitting on the arm of the chair, his arms crossed. Taking a look behind him, Tio and a few strangers I've never seen before catch my eye. They were all massive, not as built or as tall as Alessandro. Each of them wearing fancy black suits, all of them matching one another. Tio's sitting next to the brown haired stranger on the chair, his leg lounged open. Two strangers standing behind the chair, one with dirty blonde hair, and the other one with black."Yeah no shit Enzo. Who else would that be?" The dirty blonde haired guy said, hitting the back of the brown haired guy who I now know is called Enzo. He winces and rubs the back of my head, making me concerned for him. What is with people in this house hitting one another like its the normal thing to do?"A-are you o-okay?" I ask, wide-eyed, as Enzo looks at me
I snuggle myself into the warmth beneath me, my pillow firm but soft and comfortable. Wait, what? Pillows aren't supposed to be hard. "No they're not Ilaria." A familiar chuckle and laugh says from next to me, making me even more confused. Did I just say that out loud? "Yes you did Ilaria." He laughs once more making me hide my face into the pillow with a groan. Pillow. No wait? I slowly open my eyes, blinking a few times to wake myself up. I notice I'm lying on a chest by turning my head slightly. As I inhale his manly scent, I notice his white buttoned shirt is slightly undone, giving me a view of his sculpted tanned chest and a few tattoos. Looking up slightly, I meet Alessandro's amused grey eyes and a small smile. As he chuckles again, this time louder, I feel my cheeks warm up and move so my face is hidden from his view. "Come on Ilaria, get up. You've been asleep for a few hours now." He said as he starts to nudge me off his chest gently, which just makes me bury myself into
"W-well it s-started a f-few years a-ago." I managed to get out. Alessandro's hands are holding mine as he caresses the soft skin, comforting and grounding me. I take a deep breath before continuing. "I w-was d-driving... I-I was o-on my w-way to m-meet my p-parents and my... b-boyfriend. Now e-ex. W-we were g-going to have a s-small f-family party s-since we h-hadn't seen e-each other i-in forever. M-My ex w-was making his o-own way d-down later in t-the day because h-he had a w-work m-meeting. So I-I left e-early s-so I could spend m-more time w-with my p-parents. Me and m-my ex u-used to live t-together at the t-time, so w-we decided I'd l-leave first then h-him later o-on." I expain waiting a few seconds to catch my breath. "I h-had got t-the w-week off w-work. I u-used to v-volunteer a-at the a-aquarium there... I w-was making m-my way d-down there. I-it was about a t-three h-hour d-drive to my parents f-from where w-we lived. I d-decided to d-drive down s-some shortcuts I k-kn
"You can't catch me!" Matteo yells at me, his little giggles echoing down the corridors as I run after him, shaking my head in amusement. I chase after him, my breath coming out unevenly as I try to figure out where he's gone. I should have asked Alessandro for a map of this place. Walking down the corridor, I try to keep my steps quiet so he doesn't notice if I'm approaching him."Matteo." I sing, when I find that I can't see him anywhere. I notice the curtain moving in front of one of the large windows. I turn the corner and enter what appears to be another sitting room. I quickly open the curtain, expecting to see Matteo, but he isn't there. Looking up, I notice a small window open at the top, causing the curtain to sway slowly. Sighing I turn around to see Matteo standing by the door with a sly grin on his face. "Oh your in for it now." I laugh as I run after him again, his little giggles filling my ears and making my heart skip a beat. How does this little guy run faster than me
"Huh. So you're the babysitter that's changed our Matteo and Alessandro." I turn to my right and see the same amused brown-haired, brown-eyed man staring at me, his large frame sitting on the arm of the chair, his arms crossed. Taking a look behind him, Tio and a few strangers I've never seen before catch my eye. They were all massive, not as built or as tall as Alessandro. Each of them wearing fancy black suits, all of them matching one another. Tio's sitting next to the brown haired stranger on the chair, his leg lounged open. Two strangers standing behind the chair, one with dirty blonde hair, and the other one with black."Yeah no shit Enzo. Who else would that be?" The dirty blonde haired guy said, hitting the back of the brown haired guy who I now know is called Enzo. He winces and rubs the back of my head, making me concerned for him. What is with people in this house hitting one another like its the normal thing to do?"A-are you o-okay?" I ask, wide-eyed, as Enzo looks at me
"Ilaira.... I'll ask again. What are these?"Alessandro inquires sternly and softly at the same time. I can't say anything as my body freezes and tears flow once more from my eyes. Little sniffles escaping from my chest. I feel his hand reach for my arm. I flinch at the memory of him dragging me to the car earlier, but he doesn't. He traces over the pink scars on my arms, the lightest touch I've ever felt on my skin. His breath is coming out in quick, uneven bursts compared to my now slower breathing. I feel his hands move to my other arm rolling up the other sleeve revealing the rest of my scars, his breathing coming to a halt.I close my eyes, not wanting to see his disgusted expression. My scars are unsightly and stand out against my pale skin. I try to hold back my sobs as they try to escape my chest. But one seems to escape, my sniffles intrrupting the silence in the room.This time, I feel his hands come up, unbuttoning the chunky cardigan and lightly removing it from my should
Alessandro. His grey eyes meet mine, and let me tell you he is angry. No furious. His jaw is clenched tightly, as if it could snap at any moment. I'm surprised he hasn't broken through skin with his hands clenched at his sides. he doesn't move just stands there staring at me. It's as if he's staring into my soul. My hands shake at my sides, I don't dare move scared that Alessandro will just snap at any moment."Where. Is. Your. Phone?" Alessandro asks, his words coming out gritted teeth and quickening my heart rate. I take my phone from my back pocket and show it to him, watching his eyes move to it before quickly snatching it, forcing me to bite back my words. I observe him as he scrolls through my phone. I really need to put a password on my phone. He aggressively turns my phone towards me, displaying the messages he sent me."And why prey tell. Did you ignore me?" He asks once more, holding my phone in front of my face. I don't say anything too scared when he's like this. A tense
"I never liked Allison." Lucas said this while slouching against the bed and munching on a slice of pepperoni pizza. Abbey just nods, her gaze fixed on the TV; I doubt she understands what Lucas just said, but she agrees anyway."Oh no." Lucas says it with sadness this time. Looking to see what he's upset about, I notice him staring at the last slice of pizza in the box, as Abbey does. I watch as they both turn to look at each other before shouting about why they should have the last slice."I saved you from babysitting your sister!" Abbey screams pulling the box towards her. "Yeah... well I ordered the pizza!" Lucas screams back tugging the pizza box towards himself now. As they fight over the pizza box, they begin tugging it between themselves. My stomach rumbles as I gaze at the pizza in the box. They wouldn't know if like you know.... I stole a small slice of pizza? Right? Deciding to go for it since you know it's pizza. I reach forward and take the slice. Abbey and Lucas both ob
"I swear Ilaria I will kill a man, if you need me to." Lucas sternly says through the phone, after I told both Lucas and Abbey what Alessandro did. I needed some answer's. I am so confused. I haven't left my room since Alessandro took Matteo from my arms. I don't have the guts to meet his eyes after what he said. "Ilaria. What is it that you always tell me to do when I have rude customers in the bakery?" Abbey asks hrough the phone calmly, making me settle down slightly. "Ignore the people who's always talking behind your back, that's where they belong... behind your back." I whisper out through the phone hearing them hum in agreement. "Say your strong Ilaria." Lucas say's in a serious voice, leaving silence following after when I don't say anything. "But I'm not Lucas..." I whisper, tears appearing in my eyes. "I cry over the smallest things... All those years ago....I let... let him walk all over me... I let him talk to me like I was dirt underneath his shoe.... I didn't do any
This morning, I awoke to a warm weight on top of me. I shuffle slightly as a result of the cramp in my leg, which causes the weight to snuggle into my neck and confuse me. I squint as the sun slithers through the gap in the curtain, stinging my eyes. When I turn my head to the left, I see Matteo's head snuggled into my neck, his body under my covers, his arms around my stomach clinging tightly to my shirt.I smile, caressing Matteo's soft black hair, and he smiles back, snuggling even closer to me, his nose tickling my neck. I try not to laugh out loud because I don't want to wake him up. I was shocked by the fact that Alessandro wanted to put Matteo to bed last night, he hasn't done that at all over the past few days I've been here. I guess he wants to try again. At least he's trying. I'd rather someone try and fail than to never try at all. "ILARIA!" I hear a familiar voice scream, followed by loud banging footsteps speeding up the stairs. My heart rate increases as I hear him appr