Morning Light
704 Words
Emilia stirred awake to the faint hum of the city outside. The scent of expensive cologne clung to the sheets, mingling with the crisp morning air seeping through the open balcony doors. Her mind was foggy, caught somewhere between the remnants of a dream and the stark reality of where she was.
Luca’s bed.
She turned over, expecting to see him beside her, but the space was empty, the sheets cool to the touch. Disappointment settled in her chest, though she quickly brushed it aside. She had no illusions about what last night had been—a beautiful distraction, a reckless dive into the unknown.
Her gaze flickered to the bedside table where a neatly folded note rested beside a steaming cup of coffee. She reached for it, her pulse quickening.
Emilia,
Didn’t want to wake you. Business calls. Drink your coffee. I’ll see you soon.
She exhaled, a wry smile playing at her lips. Luca Romano was a mystery she wasn’t sure she wanted to solve.
Sipping the coffee, she sat up, letting her thoughts settle. Last night had been... unexpected. The way Luca looked at her, the way he spoke as if he could see through her walls—it unnerved her. Thrilled her. Terrified her.
Her phone buzzed on the nightstand, dragging her back to reality.
Claire: Where the hell are you?
Emilia hesitated before responding.
Me: I’ll tell you later.
A beat passed before Claire’s reply came in.
Claire: You better.
Emilia sighed, running a hand through her tousled hair. She needed to leave before she got too comfortable. Before she started thinking that Luca was more than just a fleeting encounter.
She slid out of bed, gathering her clothes as she moved toward the bathroom. But just as she reached the door, a deep voice called from the living room.
“Leaving already?”
She froze.
Luca stood near the balcony, freshly showered, a towel slung around his neck, damp hair tousled in a way that made her stomach tighten. His piercing gaze locked onto her, unreadable as ever.
“I have work,” she said, clearing her throat, though she made no move to leave.
Luca studied her for a long moment before nodding. “I’ll have my driver take you.”
“That’s not necessary.”
“I insist.”
Something in his tone left no room for argument. He crossed the room slowly, stopping just inches from her. His fingers reached out, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear.
“Tell me,” he murmured, “did you wake up regretting last night?”
Emilia swallowed, her heart hammering. “No.”
A ghost of a smile touched his lips. “Good.”
She knew she should step away, should put distance between them before she got pulled further into whatever this was. But she didn’t.
Instead, she let herself enjoy the moment—the quiet intimacy, the way Luca’s presence seemed to command the very air around him.
“Be careful, Emilia,” he murmured, his eyes darkening. “You’re playing in dangerous waters.”
She lifted her chin. “I think I can handle myself.”
His smirk deepened. “We’ll see.”
The tension between them was palpable, thick with unsaid words. But before either of them could break it, Luca’s phone buzzed.
He sighed, glancing at the screen before looking back at her. “I have to take this.”
Emilia nodded, using the moment to step back. “I should go.”
Luca didn’t stop her this time, but as she reached the door, his voice followed her.
“This isn’t over.”
She turned, meeting his gaze one last time. “I never thought it was.”
And with that, she walked out, trying to ignore the feeling that she was leaving behind more than just a night of passion.
She was leaving behind the beginning of something dangerous.
As Emilia slid into the waiting car, her phone buzzed again. Expecting Claire, she glanced at the screen—
But it wasn’t her friend.
Unknown Number: You should stay away from Luca Romano.
Her blood ran cold.
She looked out the window, scanning the street.
Was someone watching her?
- Writer
