Chapter five: Conflict
543 Words
Massimo’s grip on Alessia’s waist was firm as they stepped out of the club. The night air was crisp, carrying the scent of expensive cologne and burning cigars from the VIP entrance. Alessia’s heart pounded, but she kept her expression neutral. Meeting Riccardo at the club had been a test—one she wasn’t sure she had passed.
The moment they entered the car, silence stretched between them. Alessia could feel the weight of Massimo’s gaze as he loosened his tie and leaned back, his fingers tapping against the leather armrest.
“You handled yourself well tonight,” he finally said, his deep voice breaking the tension.
Alessia turned to face him. “Was I supposed to do something wrong?”
A smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. “No, but I expected you to flinch when Riccardo looked at you the way he did.”
She swallowed. “He was just being polite.”
Massimo let out a low chuckle. “Polite? Riccardo doesn’t do ‘polite’ unless he wants something. And tonight, he wanted you.”
Alessia shifted uncomfortably. Riccardo had been charming, but there was something unsettling about the way he studied her, as if he was trying to uncover a secret hidden beneath her skin.
“Don’t let him fool you,” Massimo continued. “He’s always looking for a way to get under my skin. Using a beautiful woman to do that? Classic Riccardo.”
Alessia felt a strange heat creep up her neck at the compliment but quickly pushed it aside. “Do you trust him?”
Massimo’s smirk disappeared. “I don’t trust anyone.”
The car pulled up to his penthouse, and the driver opened the door for them. As they stepped out, Massimo placed his hand on her lower back, guiding her inside. The touch sent a shiver through her, but she masked it well.
Inside, the atmosphere was tense. Alessia was still processing the evening, while Massimo seemed lost in thought. He poured himself a glass of whiskey and took a slow sip before turning his attention back to her.
“What’s on your mind, Alessia?”
She hesitated before speaking. “Why did you take me there tonight?”
Massimo studied her for a long moment. “Because I wanted to see how you’d handle yourself in my world. I wanted to see if you could stand beside me without looking afraid.”
“And?”
A slow smile formed on his lips. “You didn’t disappoint.”
Alessia exhaled softly. The idea of being tested without her knowledge unsettled her, but she needed to play along.
“I should get some rest,” she said, turning toward her room.
Before she could take another step, Massimo’s voice stopped her. “One more thing.”
She turned back, meeting his intense gaze.
“If Riccardo ever approaches you without me, you tell me immediately,” he ordered. “Understood?”
Alessia nodded, her throat suddenly dry. “Understood.”
As she walked away, she could still feel his eyes on her. And for the first time, she realized she wasn’t just playing a role anymore—she was walking on a thin line between duty and something far more dangerous.
- Writer
