ROSALINA'S POVMy shopping cart squeaked as I made my way down the frozen food section of the aisle to toss some frozen vegetables in the cart. I decided It would be better not to order takeout all the time and stick to something homemade.Just then, my phone buzzed and I picked it up while I reached for a bag of frozen broccoli. It was a message from Stacy, asking if I was still planning on going to the nightclub with them later that week. I paused for a moment, contemplating my decision."Mommy, I want gummies, please, please, please!""Shh!""I WANT GUMMIES!"As I read Stacy's message, my attention was diverted to a nearby commotion. I turned my head to see a little girl throwing a tantrum in the middle of the aisle, tears streaming down her face as they loudly demanded gummies from their flustered mother.The child's wails echoed through the aisle, attracting the attention of other shoppers who glanced over. Some of them showed annoyance while some showed some sympathy on their fa
ROSALINA'S POVThe sun had dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the city skyline. I stood in front of the Stellar Heights Apartments, the exterior adorned with a modern aesthetic that exuded a sense of comfort and elegance. A chill danced through the air, hinting at the impending arrival of autumn. According to Chloe's description, the community lounge was on the top floor, just across from the gym. As I entered the building, I pressed the button for the elevator, hoping it would be quicker than my previous encounter.As the elevator doors slid open, I was greeted by none other than Frankie, the friendly liftman who had helped me get to my ballet practice. "Hey there, missy! Good to see ya again!" he greeted with a warm smile and a tip of his cap."Hi, Frankie!" I replied, reciprocating his smile. "Nice to see you too."As the elevator ascended, Frankie leaned in with a conspiratorial wink. "Word on the street is there's a new neighbor moved in right next to ya. Y
ROSALINA'S POVToday, I woke up at 5 in the morning to get ready for ballet practice. I had finally awakened my inner productivity beast and bid farewell to my slacking ways from the first day.Time to finally be a responsible adult, Rosalina. I said to myself, feeling optimistic about myself about starting the day. I even pasted some motivational quotes on my cream-colored walls to keep me inspired and going.'Because no one can motivate you better than yourself.'Ballet practice awaited, and today, it would meet its match. Gone were the days of surrendering to the temptations of the snooze button; I was ready to face pirouettes and pliés head-on.I stood before my cream-colored wall, adorned with a collage of motivational quotes that had become my morning companions. Their words stared back at me, like cheerleaders urging me to conquer the day.I took a deep breath, inhaling the sweet scent of rose-scented sunscreen as I sprayed it onto my face. The fragrance brought a sense of calm
ROSALINA'S POVI stepped through the double doors of the ballet studio, the familiar scent of wood polish and rosin filling my senses. The spacious room was bathed in soft morning light, casting a serene atmosphere that never ceased to calm my racing thoughts. As I made my way to the center of the room, the worn wooden floor creaked beneath my ballet slippers."Rosalina!" Stacy's vibrant voice called out, puncturing the tranquility of the studio. I turned around to find her, dressed in her neon pink leotard and matching leg warmers, bouncing towards with the same friendly smile plastered across her face."Why didn't you reply, girl?" Stacy questioned, and I could trace the annoyance in that question."Well, I was busy so it just went over my head," I told her, my smile turning fake."So you're coming this Friday night, right?" Her voice pitched loud, garnering attention from the other dancers who looked at me expectantly. Nina stood in a corner with her arms crossed over her chest, wa
ROSALINA'S POV"Figlia mia, I'm afraid you will starve yourself without my cooking." Nonna's concerned voice echoed through the phone's speaker as I stood by the stove, a wooden spoon in my hand, gently stirring the rich tomato sauce for the pasta. The aroma filled the kitchen, a fragrant dance of garlic, basil, and home."You have nothing to worry about, Nonna. Of course I'll cook something for myself otherwise, I'll just order takeouts," I continued to stir the sauce, my brow furrowing slightly as I listened to Nonna's concern through the phone. The familiar, comforting scent of simmering tomatoes filled the air, reminding me of Nonna's kitchen. Nonna always had a way of making me feel loved, even from miles away."It's not just about eating to fill your stomach. Take care of yourself, cara. Takeouts and quick fixes can never replace the taste of my cooking." I could almost envision her shaking her head on the other end of the line."And how is your new apartment? Have you adjusted
I walked through the front door, my ballet slippers making a soft shuffling sound on the polished marbled floor. The dimming sunlight streamed in through the window, enveloping the room in a comforting, golden warmth. With a sigh, I let my shoulders relax as I took off my sweat-drenched leotard. Hours of practice at the studio had left marks and bruises on my skin.My body moved on autopilot, the actions of hanging my leotard, carefully folding my tights, and placing my pointe shoes on the shelf, were all familiar and oddly comforting in their routine. My eyes swept through the apartment, a growing ache in my chest echoing the emptiness that surrounded me. It was as if the walls themselves whispered the absence of company, and the silence settled like a heavy fog, wrapping me in a shroud of solitude.I shook my head firmly. I was just alone, not lonely. I should learn to enjoy my own company more than anything. Alright, Rosalina, let's turn that frown upside down and focus on all
ROSALINA'S POVMy heart executed a pirouette inside the confines of my chest. His demand tugged at my senses, causing my eyes to widen involuntarily, much like a startled arabesque frozen in time. I found myself trapped by the fiery intensity that blazed within his eyes – a hue reminiscent of aged whiskey. His fingers, firm yet gentle, held my chin, anchoring my gaze to his as if I were a marionette under his masterful control. I bit my lower lip, and his heated gaze slid down my lips. "Alright," I said, my voice turned into a breathy whisper. "Kiss me." A slow smile stretched his lips, those devilish dimples making an appearance. Something seriously mischievous glinted behind that smile, setting my nerves ablaze.He moved in, slow and deliberate, and my eyelids lowered like theater curtains, waiting for his lips to meet mine. But a second ticked by, two seconds, three seconds. Confusion creased my forehead, and I opened my eyes to find him looking down at me with a smirk like he h
LEONARDO'S POVIf this was some sort of vivid dream, I'm hoping to high heaven that I never have to snap out of it. Rosalina Russo, my fiercest rival in the hotness department, the one who both drove me crazy and intrigued me, was reacting to my touch. She gazed at me with those eyes, the golden sparks swirling in her pupils becoming so gentle, that it was almost hypnotic to watch.Meanwhile, a wave of discomfort surged through me, a stark reminder of my own physical response. My dick was hurting like a motherfucker against my flyers and all I wanted was to take refuge in her wet heat until I was thoroughly spent. "Leo," her voice was almost a soft plea, her fingers tracing delicate patterns on my chest through the thin fabric of my shirt. I brushed a strand of hair away from her face, my fingers lingering against her skin. "You're an inferno beneath me, baby, and I want to stoke that fire until we're both consumed by it. Tell me you want this as much as I do." I demanded, leaving n