Chapter Twelve — Unspoken Truths
796 Words
The night felt warmer than usual, the air scented with roses and something sweeter—something dangerous. Alessia stepped into the balcony of Massimo’s penthouse, her arms wrapped around herself as the breeze whispered through her silk nightdress. The lights of the city flickered like stars fallen from the sky. Her thoughts raced.
Massimo had been quiet all evening, and it wasn't like him. He didn’t bark orders. He didn’t question her about her schedule. Instead, he just... watched. His eyes held something she couldn’t name. It unsettled her.
She turned at the sound of soft footsteps behind her.
“You’re not sleeping,” he said. His voice was low, smooth, like velvet dragging over skin.
She shook her head, looking away. “Neither are you.”
Massimo leaned against the glass doorframe, wearing only his black pajama pants. The moonlight kissed the lines of his body, and for a moment, he didn’t look like the most feared man in Italy. He looked like a man—still powerful, but quiet. Maybe even... lonely.
“Too many thoughts,” she whispered, brushing her hair behind her ear.
“Tell me one.”
“I can’t.”
“Why not?”
She turned to face him. “Because it’s about you.”
Massimo stepped closer. He didn’t touch her. Not yet. But the space between them melted away slowly.
“Say it anyway.”
Her voice trembled. “I don’t know who I am when I’m around you. And that scares me.”
Massimo’s gaze softened. He reached up, brushing her cheek with the back of his hand. “You’re still you. I only bring out what you try so hard to hide.”
Alessia's eyes locked onto his. She hated how he saw through her. And she hated more how much she wanted him to.
“I can’t afford to feel anything for you,” she said, voice barely a whisper.
Massimo leaned in, his breath brushing her lips. “And yet here you are.”
She didn’t pull away. Instead, she stood still, her chest rising and falling rapidly. “You’re dangerous.”
He smiled faintly. “So are you.”
He kissed her. Gently at first. Testing. Waiting. She didn’t resist.
The kiss deepened, and his hands slid around her waist, pulling her closer. Her body responded before her mind could catch up. All her walls—the lies, the secrets, the mission—they blurred under the heat of his touch.
His lips moved down her neck, leaving trails of fire. She leaned her head back, her fingers gripping his shoulders. Every touch was slow, reverent, as though he was memorizing the feel of her skin.
Massimo picked her up effortlessly, carrying her inside. He laid her on the bed like she was something fragile. Alessia stared up at him, breathless.
“Are you sure?” he asked, voice low and full of restraint.
She nodded, her fingers curling around his. “Yes.”
His mouth met hers again, slower this time. He explored her with patience, his hands mapping every inch of her body like he was learning her language. And she let him.
Her nightdress slipped off her shoulders, and she didn’t flinch. For once, she didn’t feel like a spy or a liar. She felt like a woman wanted for who she was in that moment.
His kisses moved lower, and every place he touched left her gasping. He took his time, never rushing, never demanding. His hands were warm, firm, yet gentle. He worshipped her with every stroke, every breath, every whisper.
When he finally joined with her, it wasn’t rushed or rough—it was slow, aching, filled with everything they hadn’t said aloud. Alessia held onto him like he was her anchor and her storm at the same time.
The room was quiet except for their mingled breaths and the soft creaking of the bed. Outside, the city kept moving, unaware of the two souls tangled in each other.
Afterward, they lay together in silence. Massimo ran his fingers down her spine, and she rested her head against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart.
“Why does this feel like goodbye?” she whispered.
“Because you’re scared,” he said, kissing her forehead.
“I can’t fall for you,” she said softly.
“Too late,” he replied, brushing her hair back. “And it’s not just you.”
She wanted to cry, scream, or maybe just disappear. But instead, she closed her eyes, letting his warmth surround her.
They both knew the moment couldn’t last. Reality was waiting right outside the bedroom door.
But for now, she stayed. Wrapped in him. Lost in the truth they couldn’t say out loud
- Writer
