I can't believe this. This guy is unbelievable. I have no idea what made him care about me so much but it was not helping me. I seriously had no idea that the notorious and narcissistic Armando Russo could 'care' for someone and that too his wife whom he hates so much. Nor did I care, but it was hard to resist the way my heart thumped aggressively in response to these acts. I hope he does not have a sheer motive behind these gestures and that they are genuine.
"So, who is this friend of yours?" His voice brought me back to reality and I composed myself before responding without looking his way.
"An old friend from university" The car stopped at the red signal and I gazed at the pinkish sky. The sun was setting and the view looked very mesmerising and warm.
"And why are you meeting him?" Armando enquired again making me roll my eyes.
"Is it bad to meet an old friend? And why are you asking me such questions? He is not a criminal so you can relax" I gave him a sarcastic smile and he stared into my eyes before leaning closer to my face taking me by surprise. His hand went up to the corner of my lips as he spoke.
"Because it would be rude of me not to have precise knowledge about him before having an official meeting as your husband. And" A smirk formed on his lips as he took something in his hand before withdrawing his fingers away from my skin, making me shiver. The sensation of their roughness lingered on my skin as I tried to listen to what he was saying. "I couldn't let him have the privilege of having dinner with my wife, alone" I stared into his eyes with nothing but astonishment.
"This looks like a nut, you haven't eaten any proper meal since morning?" He asked, completely unaware of the chaos that he created inside my heart.
"You are really difficult to understand, I don't know what to believe" I whispered in a soft voice as the atmosphere around us went numb. It seemed like only two of us mattered at the moment and nothing else had any importance. His smirk from earlier was long gone and his eyes turned softer than before. A lump formed in my throat when his eyes went to my lips, and my hold on the strap of my purse tightened when he leaned again, his hot breath on my skin made my senses numb and I closed my eyes, waiting to feel his soft lips. I remember our kiss, as rough and harsh as it was, it was so euphoric.
The car's honk from behind disturbed us and we quickly pulled ourselves away from each other. I looked out the window, feeling embarrassed and Armando didn't speak a word either. The rest of the ride was silent and we finally reached the restaurant where Luca was waiting for me.
Armando went to attend a call and asked me to go inside and I gladly took the opportunity since I was still affected by what happened in the car. We had almost kissed and even I was questioning about my life at this point. What about the plan of ignoring him and focusing on myself?
"Senorita!" Luca's voice made me instantly smile and I rushed towards where he was sitting. Dressed in a white suit with his hair neatly done, he stood up from the chair and welcomed me with his arms wide open. "It's so good to see you after such a long time darling" He spoke in a gentle voice and engulfed me into his warm hug that I gladly accepted.
"Same, I missed you so much my little potato!" I spoke and pulled away. "How come you look this good after work?" I questioned as I observed how neat and fresh he looked despite working so much while I was too exhausted.
Because of someone who made my life chaos in less than two days, all thanks to him.
"You know me Senorita, I am good looking. This is my charm" He spoke in his usual flirtatious tone making me scoff playfully. He didn't change a bit.
"Wait until you get married" I laughed and watched his expression change into an annoyed one.
"Why is everyone so eager for me to get married? First mom and now you, come on love, don't you like me this way? Handsome and single and most importantly, available" He passed me a wink with a small smirk on his face that made me shake my head. I was about to respond but was interrupted by a deep voice from behind that sent shivers down my spine.
"No thanks, she'll pass your useless offer. And her name is Aurora" Armando stood next to me as he passed daggers at Luca who stared at him with astonishment. When did he come here?
"Oh! I didn't know Senorita had the intention of coming with her husband. You should have informed me, we would have gone somewhere nicer" Luca passed Armando a smile only to get a cold shoulder in response. I glared at him and nudged his shoulder, signalling him to be at least nice and express some human decency.
"My apologies, I didn't mean to interrupt your 'friend-to-friend' meeting but we both were at work since morning and didn't get to spend some time together. Aurora told me she had something important to discuss with you but I insisted on tagging along" I scoffed internally at his excuse and the way he changed his personality in a second. He was unbelievable.
Insisted, no you forced yourself to come along with me.
"Anyways, I am Armando, nice to meet you" He introduced himself with a small smile and Luca accepted by shaking hands with him.
"Luca Rossi, Aurora's best friend" The three of us sat down with Armando next to me and Luca in front of both of us. "So how is marriage life treating you Senorita? I am sorry I couldn't attend your wedding, I was stuck on this important project that I got after such hard work" I smiled and shook my head in response while Armando was deadly quiet, just listening to our conversation.
"I understand, we all are busy. I am happy that you finally got that project" I replied before taking a sip of shiraz.
"And the marriage life is treating us well, we enjoy each other's company" I almost choked on the wine upon hearing Armando's words. I looked at him shocked while he didn't budge his eyes away from Luca who chuckled and raised his glass of champagne in the air, giving us a toast.
"To the happy married life"
"To the happy married life" Armando repeated and clicked the glass with Luca's as they drank their drinks. An ache formed in my chest as I stared at Armando. I knew he said such stuff to maintain his reputation, he didn't mean those words. I knew this was what we were supposed to do, to pretend but why it was affecting me? Why was I wishing it to be true? A lump formed in my throat and I again sipped my wine, trying to ignore this ache that was increasing with each passing minute.
"So Aurora, what did you want to talk about?" Luca's voice snapped me out of my deep thoughts as I looked into his eyes with a small smile.
"My company is organising an important event for Mr Greco, you know his son is going to become the next CEO of his company. The Villa Erba stood up to my and Mr Greco's expectations, but you know the process of booking an appointment, so I was wondering if you could help me find a reservation" Luca nodded with a smile as he raised his glass in the air.
"Consider it done. Anything for you, Senorita" My body went stiff when I heard a low growl beside me. I glanced at Armando only to see him subtly glaring at Luca. Was he jealous?
My heart fluttered at this thought. Stop it Aurora! He hates for God's sake!
But his actions are saying otherwise... The voice in my head retorted making me scoff internally. Armando was like a closed book full of twisted secrets. No one can predict his next move, and I was far beyond understanding what was going on in that brain of his.
"Thank you, Luca, I appreciate it. My secretary Stacy will get in touch with you" I informed them and noticed the way his eyes sparkled a bit but soon they were replaced with their usual warm gaze. "Of course, I will be waiting" He replied and the rest of the night went with our conversations with Armando's constant killer gazes on Luca. He didn't react when I mentioned about Mr Greco's party. Maybe he wasn't planning on taking me with him.
A knot formed in my chest at this thought.
"You know, you could've been nice" I spoke the moment we entered the penthouse, following Armando who took out his blazer and loosened his tie, revealing his strong toned body at the same time that my eyes couldn't resist peeking at.
"Trust me Aurora, that was the nicest I've ever been with someone who kept testing my patience" He replied in a cold tone as he turned around, his eyes expressing annoyance as he stared into my eyes. "I don't understand that guy, why on Earth you were friends with him?" He continued and scoffed as he walked towards the kitchen and took out a whiskey glass.
"That does not concern you, and maybe you should reconsider the definition of being nice because I think that word has a different meaning in your dictionary" I rolled my eyes and turned around, ready to walk into my room but my legs froze when I heard his deep voice.
"I am not done speaking with you little dove, come here" My throat went dry when his hoarse voice passed through my ears, making me feel sensations straight to my core.
"I don't want to have any sort of conversation with you. And you can't order me like this Mr Russo" I replied while not turning away and just peeking at him. There was a moment of silence before I heard him letting out a deep chuckle and walking towards me with the glass of whiskey in his hand. I didn't know why my legs refused to move, but at the same time, I was curious to know what he was planning.
"I was not ordering you little dove, I was asking you" My body shivered when I felt the heat of his body burning on my back. "Your subtle acts of running away are making me amused. Does my presence affect you?" He whispered in a deep voice near my ear without touching me, making my legs weak in an instant.
I quickly turned around before the walls that I created around my heart could break.
"What made you think that I was running away from you? And yes, your presence does affect me. It makes me irritated" I glared at him but that didn't change his expressions and his eyes sparkled. He tilted his head as he took a sip of the whiskey while staring into my eyes, the mere act making my heart beat fast. What was happening to me?
"You sure about that? Because the way you got triggered, tells me the reason is something else" He smirked and took a step towards me while I backed away while maintaining eye contact. "You are again running away from me. Are you scared that something might happen that you are afraid of?" He spoke while taking another step earning the same response from me. I didn't realise when I got near the wall and the next thing that happened was him caging me between his strong arms as the glass shattered on the floor.
"You still didn't answer my question, why were you avoiding me, little dove?" His expression changed into a serious one as he asked me a question that I didn't want to answer.
"Why do you care? You hate me, so you should be happy"
"Who told you that I hate you, Aurora Russo?"
[TO BE CONTINUED]
"Who told you that I hate you, Aurora Russo?" His words made me freeze as I looked into his eyes with many emotions. The weight of those words fell heavily on my heart and for a moment it forgot how to beat. My breaths turned short and my stomach flipped when his eyes travelled to my parted lips. He doesn't hate me? "I-Isn't it obvious? Our families-" "Yes, little dove, our families, not us." He finished the sentence with an unknown emotion. The beating of my heart increased and I feared that even he could hear it. "That doesn't make any sense" I spoke and a shiver ran down my spine when he enclosed the distance between us, our noses brushed against each other and his hot breath fanned over my lips. The essence of the whiskey and his wood cologne made my senses numb. It was so addictive. "Does it have to? I know you feel something too, if that weren't the case then you would have pushed me away or to start with, would have thrown hands at me when I had kissed you that night"
I stared at the screen in front of me with hollow eyes. The events of last night kept playing in my head like a tape, with no ending. The way she accepted my reasons and her eyes sparkled with hope regarding this relationship made me feel weird. I was not sure if what I was doing was correct or not, but it was for the best in the end. Aurora was still unaware of the secret agreement I made with her father in the presence of her elder brother- Sebastian- before we got married. "We all know that this is a marriage of convenience, and we still do not trust each other" I spoke in a deep voice as I observed Lucio Vero in his usual white expensive suit. The long grey beard depicted how long he has been in this industry just like my father. His sharp eyes gazed at mine with a hint of amusement. "Something that I expected but still you never fail to make me surprise Russo. Have to admit, you are way better than your father" A nerve in my jaw ticked at his remark. I know what he was trying
I clicked the glass of champagne with Mr Smith as we locked the deal with each other. Having him as a business partner would bring success to the Russo empire. My family is one of the most oldest and powerful ones in Italy, and to keep the legacy and name of my father, I am ready to go beyond any depths. "I hope you stand up to our expectations regarding this deal Mr Russo, I have heard a lot about you and your business ethics, however, I am still sceptical about some things" Mr Smith spoke, his gaze calculative as he stared at me, trying to find out the reaction that he might have anticipated. I gave him a wry smile in response, my eyes staring into his without any ounce of hesitancy. "You have my word, Mr Smith. I assure you, you won't regret doing business with the Russos'" As I was about to take a sip of the champagne, his next words made me halt. "Of course Mr Russo, however, whispers regarding Dominic Mancini and your relationship with Veros, are making me a bit concerned"
"I don't think it's a good idea" I spoke and heard my friend sigh on the other side of the phone. "Aurora, you need to enjoy your life. When did we last go out together for a girl's night out? I know that you are married but we both know that your husband does not care about the things concerning you. So let yourself lose and go easy on yourself, you can't spend your entire life in event planning" A lump formed in my throat as I listened to her words. She was right. There was no point in putting effort into someone who didn't even care. Even though this was a marriage of convenience I gave my best efforts. Stood up to my father's expectations who didn't even care to listen to my opinion and set my marriage with Armando Russo who was the son of his business rival. I know he doesn't like me, not that I have mutual feelings but I decided to give us a chance but all that went in vain. He doesn't even acknowledge my existence. "Okay. I will see you at eight" I spoke and hung up the c
I woke up to the sound of some whispers outside the room. My brows furrowed as I sat up straight on the bed and placed my hand on the side of my head, to ease the stinging pain that was increasing with each passing minute. I took my phone that was on the nightstand, my eyes widening the moment I looked at the time. Oh God! I overslept! Great job Aurora! Memories of last night flashed in front of my eyes making me sick from inside. The encounter with Armando The kiss "I won't drink anymore" I muttered under my breath and squinted my eyes in response to the pain that I was going through and decided to take a hot water shower. I shouldn't have agreed to Alice's idea, it gave me some unwanted memories. I hope I do not encounter Armando, the last thing I ever want is him mocking me for my stupidity last night. I stepped outside and the first person I met was Martha- the head maid. Her silver hair, neatly pulled back into a bun, hinted at the wisdom and experience she brought to her ro
My gaze was dark as I continued to run on the treadmill. The memories of the last night affected me way too much. I didn't know I had such an intense desire for her until I kissed her last night. How she glared at me in that tight green dress and challenged me made me feel some way. My mind went blank when I lost control and felt her soft lips against mine for the first time. The way they moulded perfectly against mine made me insane and I craved them even more. But when she lost consciousness in my arms, it made me freeze, and for the first time in my life, I got scared. Knowing her for the past month, I was damn sure that she wasn't someone with low alcohol tolerance since we've been together at so many parties. There was something else that caused her to pass out. For all I could claim is that she was perhaps drugged. My jaws clenched in pure anger. So Mancini was playing a dirty game to bring me down. But the most important thing to find out was who had the motherfucking guts