Do you like the book?
-
Natalia's P.O.V
I took a seat around the bar with Alessandro as we waited for James to come off his phone so he could take our order.
"Isn't it too early in the morning to be drinking?" He asked me.
"You sound like my mother," I replied just as James approached us.
"Sorry for the wait. What can I get you today, Natalia?
"2 tequilas. Neat." The bartender immediately made the drinks giving Alessandro the chance to speak again.
"Why tequila neat? Why not the on rocks?"
"Because when the ice melts it changes its flavour," I replied which earned an impressed grin from him.
"Correct."
James placed the drinks against the counter before busying himself with cleaning the bar.
I drank the tequila in one go while he took a sip as if to savour the taste as you would wine.
"You're not really a drinker?" He shrugged, "I am, but not in the mornings."
"Then join me for drinks tonight?" This seemed to earn a smile which he tried to hide as he took another sip of his tequila this time finishing it.
"Enjoying my company?" I shook my head, even though I was.
"I don't think your sister is ready for another night with me," I stated, referring to her long lasting hangover.
"So, I'm a replacement?" I only smiled as I reached over the bar taking a bottle that was soon revealed to be whiskey.
"Take it as a compliment, it's not every day I invite people to drink with me," I told him while opening the bottle.
"Your guests say otherwise." He replied looking into my eyes.
I noticed a shift in his mood as if the memory and the mere mention of them made him upset.
"They definitely weren't here for drinks." He continued to hold eye contact as he spoke once again.
"I guess that means they'll be back?" My brows furrowed in both amusement and confusion as I could sense he didn't like the thought at all.
"Even though I don't mind discussing my hookups. I have to ask, why do you care so much?" He looked away from me which told me he didn't want to answer that question or he wasn't ready to.
But before I could speak again, the bar door opened revealing my mother.
"I knew I'd find you both here. I'm guessing this was Natalia's favourite part of the tour?" Alessandro nodded offering her a smile.
"It was, but why were you looking for us?"
"I invited a few friends over for dinner, but I wanted to check if that was ok with you?" I was now curious.
Who was she inviting?
I brushed off that question knowing I actually didn't care.
"It's your home you shouldn't have to worry about my opinion." This seemed to bring a smile to my mother's face as she spoke once again.
"Alright, I'll be taking my leave. Dinner will be ready in the next 4 hours." We nodded allowing her to walk away.
"So are you going to answer the question?" It took him a second to realize what I was talking about before he shook his head with a smile.
"Not yet. I need to go look for Alessia and inform her about dinner." I noticed he was trying to leave in hopes to ignore the question fully.
"Ok, I'll send a maid to bring her to my room 2 hours before so I can give her something to wear and do her makeup." He only nodded, moving off the stool.
"I'll see you later."
He spared me one glance before leaving, I let out a sigh before drinking my whiskey from the bottle.
-
After about 3 hours at the bar talking to James, I decided to go to my room but not before asking a maid to send Alessia to my room in the next 20 minutes.
When I entered my room I was instantly greeted by the sight of a note that sat beside a wine bottle on my desk.
This sparked my curiosity as I walked towards the note, picking it up before I began to read it.
Dear Natalia,
I've been watching you for some time. I'm coming for you, watch your back.
-R
I rolled my brown eyes as I knew the letter was probably a joke from Ryan, my ex-boyfriend.
I put the letter aside as I brought the wine into my hand, opening it.
I drank it slowly to savour its taste. I had to admit this was probably the best wine I've had in days.
I didn't finish it as I knew I would want some later so I placed it into my little fridge that was located beside my wooden desk before taking a shower.
I let out a relaxed sigh when the water fell against my skin. I wished I could stay here forever, but I knew the hot water wouldn't be here for too long.
-
After I took a shower, I brushed my teeth before wrapping a towel around my body as I left my bathroom to make my way towards my closet.
Unfortunately, the second I stepped out of the bathroom I immediately saw Alessia and Alessandro talking by the door.
Their attention went to me as the bathroom door closed.
I would have expected Alessandro to take in my appearance but his eyes stayed on mine, not daring to let them fall further.
I diverted my attention to Alessia, "I'm sorry, I forgot you were coming. Let me get dressed."
I went into my walk-in closet, changing into a knee-length red dress that held onto my body tightly.
I didn't bother to put on any makeup besides red lipstick and I left my hair alone as it curled naturally.
When I was finished, I left the closet with my heels in my hand.
I had expected to see Alessandro, but only Alessia stood at the door this time.
"Where's your brother?" I inquired.
"He went to his room to get dressed." She answered.
"Alright. Do you want me to do your makeup?" She shook her head.
"I don't have the patience for that." I smiled, silently agreeing.
"Let's just get your dress then. I think blue would look good on you." I made a gesture for her to follow me to my closet.
It took a few minutes for us to decide on a dress since we both had very different tastes, but we finally agreed on something.
"Thank you, Natalia. Remind me to buy you a dress when this is done...but that's if it can fit in here." I chuckled softly.
"Let me straighten your hair."
-
After a good 15 minutes, she was finally ready for dinner.
Her light brown hair fell gracefully against her shoulders, kissing the blue long sleeves that were connected to her slightly long sky blue dress that seemed to compliment her blue eyes.
"Ready?" I asked and she nodded allowing us to leave my room.
As we went down the stairs, we caught the sight of Alessandro walking towards the dining room too.
"Alessandro, wait on us," Alessia called out causing him to turn to us, meeting his sister's eyes, but his gaze instantly shifted to me.
I watched and felt his eyes trail down my body, taking in my dress and my curves shamelessly.
I couldn't help as my eyes did the same.
The suit he wore was perfect for his frame, his hair was styled neatly yet it looked messy at the same time.
His eyes met mine once again as we made our way down the stairs.
He held out his hand for me to take, I hesitated for a second before slipping mine into his, allowing him to help me down the last few steps.
He stood in front of me giving me the chance to take in his alluring scent that made me want to lean in just so it would never leave.
I felt completely relaxed as he gently rubbed his thumb against my hand like he wanted to remember this feeling and if I was being entirely honest, I never wanted him to let go.
"I can literally feel the sexual tension rolling off you two," Alessia stated amused, causing us to break apart as I moved out of his hold.
I decided not to reply to her statement as I continued my journey towards the dining room with them quietly talking behind me.
Before I had the chance, Alessandro opened the door for me. I looked up at him pushing down every feeling in my chest as I walked in with Alessia beside me.
"Natalia." A familiar voice said.
I let out an annoyed sigh as I met her eyes.
-
Thanks for reading
What do you think of this chapter?
Do you think the letter is from Ryan?
What is your favourite colour?