after math

CHAPTER 12

I spent most of my day unpacking, arranging my stuff. I hadn't seen Raffaele all day, and I was getting anxious but in a good way. I decided to head downstairs but ran into Aurelio on my way. "Uh, I'm gonna head out to get some groceries cos I'm like.... really starving." I told him, navigating my way down the stairs. "It's okay." He replied. "You can just ask the chef to make you something."

"There's a chef?" I asked, trying to mask my disappointment with surprise. I just really wanted to leave this place for a moment cos I felt kinda, I dunno.... Imprisoned? "Yes. There is. You didn't expect me to cook for you looking all sexy in an apron. Right?" He replied with a low chuckle. "Ha, ha. Very funny. " I replied, curtly heading towards the right side of the house. "Just so you know, the kitchen is on the left." He said, pointing to the opposite direction to where I was headed. "I thought you said you didn't live here." I replied, changing the subject. "I was just about to head out." He said a little too nicely. "Right.... you really should." I gave him a tight-lipped smile and headed for the kitchen.

After dinner, I decided to give myself a little house tour because I basically had nothing to do, and my stomach was so full. That spaghetti was really freaking good. What was I thinking asking an Italian chef to make me spaghetti? Anyway, I was gonna start with all the rooms. First off,the one at the end of the hall. I walked steadily to the first room. Honestly, I didn't know if this was right or not, but I think trespassing is a crime. But, I also live here. "Fair point." I shrugged. I sighed, staring at the plain white door. "Fine, I'm going in." I muttered, turning the door knob. "Woah!" I said, looking around. The bedroom was a sanctuary of understated luxury, was bathed in the soft glow of moonlight filtering through sheer linen drapes hung from high, coffered ceilings. The walls were clad in a textured, pale grey plaster, subtly highlighting the expansive space. The flooring was wide-plank, bleached oak, polished to a satiny sheen.

The bed, the undeniable centrepiece, was a king-size masterpiece crafted from a dark, richly grained walnut. A custom-made headboard, upholstered in a plush, oatmeal-colored linen, extended almost to the ceiling, added a sense of grandeur. The bedding was a symphony of textures – crisp white Egyptian cotton sheets, a weighty cashmere throw in a muted taupe, and several meticulously arranged silk pillows in varying shades of cream and charcoal grey.

A large, antique Persian rug in muted blues and greys anchors the bed, its intricate pattern adding a touch of old-world charm. Beside the bed, a pair of sleek, brushed nickel nightstands hold simple yet elegant table lamps with linen shades, casting a warm, inviting light.

A built-in, walk-in closet, seamlessly integrated into the wall, concealed behind a sliding door crafted from the same walnut as the bed, maintaining the cohesive aesthetic. Opposite the bed, a large window offers stunning views, framed by custom-made, floor-to-ceiling drapes in a heavy linen the same colour as the headboard.

A statement piece, a mid-century modern armchair in a deep charcoal grey leather, sat in a quiet corner, inviting relaxation with a small, handcrafted side table holding a decanter and glasses Subtle, yet sophisticated artwork in muted tones hangs on the walls, further enhancing the room's refined atmosphere.

The overall effect was one of calm, masculine elegance. Every detail, from the meticulously chosen fabrics to the carefully curated accessories, contributes to a space that is both supremely comfortable and undeniably luxurious. The room was bathed in neutral colours. This must be Raffaele's room. My eyes trailed to a table in a quiet corner, and my feet followed in sync. Soon enough, I was standing in front of his desk going through his drawers. The first one had really fancy expensive pens, I couldn't help but pick one, slipping it into my pocket. I opened the second drawer, my eyes widening in surprise as I looked inside. It was filled with condoms. I gasped. "You gonna steal one of those, too?" I heard that familiar Australian accent. f**k. I shouldn't have left the door open. "Um, I kinda got lost." I lied, turning to face him, my face red as a beetroot. "Yeah, get lost." He said, stepping inside the room. I bolted for the door, but he held my wrist as I was about to obtain freedom. I looked into his blue eyes, strangely aware of his figure towering above me. "Give it back." It was a command, and I placed the pen in his palm, ignoring his sardonic grin and running for safety.