Forbidden Desire 18+

Chapter Seven

ISABELLA MATTIA

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In the last week I'm sure Elio has barely said two words to me. Only if absolutely necessary. It's one thing to have a bodyguard but then to share your living space with him. I'm about to lose my damn mind.

Now that freshers week is over and classes have begun, I've never been more excited to get stuck in and start learning more about medicine. I might have a hard shell around me but inside I could be seen as a nerd. I like reading, I like research, I like finding out new information to make my knowledge better.

Just because I'm the daughter of an ex-mafia leader, doesn't mean I've got two brain cells.

I want to do a lot for myself–no one else. I'm doing this because I'm interested in the development of new medicines in the twenty-first century. As much as I don't like people, I'm intrigued in finding a cure for things that haven't been solved yet. To me it's like a mystery but for putting together elements that could save people's lives. It fascinates me in ways that I cannot describe.

Elio is standing in the living area when I emerge from my bedroom to kick start my day. I somehow convinced him to stop dressing like he's in the CIA because it's only going to draw more attention to me. He got the message and started dressing down. I hate that he looks good in everything, even when he's casual.

Today he's wearing a navy jumper over a shirt that clings to his every muscle. The shirts he wore before showed off his body but today, it almost turns my mouth bone dry. It makes his shoulders look even broader and defined. It's obvious how easily he could overpower someone, not just with his height but with his strength.

I shouldn't find him attractive. He's an annoying pain in my ass.

My neck cranks to look at him as I pause in front of his body. "I'm going to class now."

Those dark green eyes meet mine and he merely nods. I grit my teeth at the lack of interacting he does with me. He might as well be a robot that only has commands when I'm needed. It makes me feel even more lonely than I expected.

I release a sigh and don't budge from the spot I'm standing in. "Are you going to even talk to me?"

"When necessary."

His cold response makes my jaw ache. "How kind of you," I say sarcastically. "Nice to know there is not a single human emotion in your body."

"I'm not your friend, Isabella." Elio's words are blunt. "Don't get me mistaken."

My eyes roll at him and I walk off. "I don't want to be your friend," I resort as I open the front door, he's close behind me.

God. Talking to him is like trying to get blood out of a stone. Impossible.

I make my way to my first lecture and filter in through the auditorium. There are people sitting in groups, chatting away. I scan across the seats and pick a row that's fairly empty. Thank goodness Elio strolls past me and picks a seat right at the back on the aisle. I don't know why he can't wait outside but I chose not to question it. It's better to pretend that he's not here at all.

When there is a minute to spare and the professor walks in, a girl rushes through the doors and walks down my aisle before sitting down next to me. She's breathing a little heavy and I can only presume that she ran to make this class.

She twists towards me and flashes a friendly smile. I replicate it.

The professor gets right into the breakdown of this year's module. I listen and take notes to the best of my ability. "Ah, shit," I hear beside me as the girl scribbles her pen on her notepad to find the ink has run out.