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Blindsided
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The Alliance Afraid of love
ROSALINA'S POVLet him go. I said to myself, brainwashing myself into thinking that this was nothing more than a waste of time, a useless fling that would lead to nowhere. However, my heart had a different narrative. The way he stared at me as if I were the most ruthless woman in the world, left me with such an awful feeling.Guilt. I wasn't afraid of getting slapped, but I was scared of falling in love. Of falling for someone so hopelessly, it left you crippled. I didn't have feelings of love for Leonardo, but being around him did make me feel strangely vulnerable, just like before.He was right. I was running away from him for this reason. Yet, the idea of vulnerability never crossed my mind as something potentially enjoyable. Submitting to his skillful touch left me craving for more, even practically pleading for them. My annoyance knew no bounds when he received that stupid call, abruptly shattering the illusion that I shouldn't have given in so quickly. I didn't want to become
The Alliance Not some fanstasy
ROSALINA'S POVLeo hadn't come back to his apartment last night after our argument.For some reason, that idea made me sore to my stomach. After my breakfast of oatmeal and a smoothie, I found myself re-reading the motivational quotes on my walls. They had transformed from beacons of inspiration into mere strings of empty words, taunting my doubts. With a sigh, I left my apartment behind, stepping out into the world outside. I didn't see Leonardo anywhere in sight, even Frankie asked about him and I acted like I wasn't the reason Leonardo had left, maybe to never come back again. Today, the ballet studio beckoned. Its polished floors and grand mirrors seemed to hold promises of escape from my chaotic thoughts. As I entered, the warm smile of Mr. Bennett, the director, greeted me. He had been back after days of his stay in France for a famous performance. "Good to see you again, Alina," His use of the name 'Alina,' a moniker I'd never taken to, washed over me. It was my mother's nam
The Alliance Masochist
LEONARDO'S POV I leaned back in my leather chair, my fingers tapping idly on the mahogany desk as I watched Agent Matthews. His sharp regard met mine, and I couldn't help but suppress a smirk. The hound had come sniffing around, looking for answers."So, Dante, huh?" I said, feigning casual interest. "Last seen at my casino, you say?"Agent Matthews' eyes didn't waver, his demeanor unflinching. "That's right, Mr. Salvadori. Any idea about his whereabouts?"I shrugged, my smile widening. "Well, you know how it is in the casino business. People come and go. We don't exactly keep track of their vacation plans."He arched an eyebrow, his gaze piercing through my facade. "Surely, you must have cameras, records..."I arched forward, my voice laced with amusement. "Of course we do, but you think I have the time to keep tabs on every Tom, Dick, and Dante who walks through those doors?""You seem awfully nonchalant about this. Considering your connections and resources, I find it hard to beli
The Alliance Sleepless night
ROSALINA'S POVThe distant echo of a car passing by outside was the only reminder of the world beyond these walls. I had just returned from a grueling evening at the ballet, my muscles still tingling with the memory of every graceful movement of the white swan. I had avoided Mr. Bennett as much as possible after he kissed me at his office. Being kissed by a man as old as my Papa made my skin crawl, and I had the urge to give my mouth a serious soap-scrubbing session.I stood in the dimly lit hallway, the faint hum of the overhead light casting a warm glow on the worn carpet beneath my feet. The air held a subtle hint of lavender, remnants of the scented candles I had burned earlier. As I fumbled with the strap of my ballet bag, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed down the corridor.Glancing upwards, I caught sight of the apartment door opposite mine creaking open. His presence seemed to fill the narrow hallway, his tall frame dominating the space. The weariness in his eyes was s
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ROSALINA'S POV I reached down for my toes in a long, satisfying stretch, The echo of the ballet studio fills with the gentle rustle of my breaths and the faint scent of worn wooden floors Stacy's voice broke through my reverie, a burst of vibrant energy that seemed to bounce off the walls. "We are gonna pick you up at seven, sounds good?" Oh yeah, I almost forgot about the 'party' Stacy had been gushing for a week. I had nearly given up on the idea, but I figured my days were turning repetitive, so a break from ballet's rigidity wouldn't hurt. Plus, I missed wearing flashy dresses, tall heels, and bold makeup. "Yep, I'll text you the address," I said with a friendly smile that I always seemed to have to fake with these two. Maybe it was just me, but these two felt too artificial, too... Fake. Nina's voice piped up, "Oh, and the color theme is red, so you should wear red to the party." I chuckled at that. "Alright, I'll humor you guys with a red dress." Suddenly, the studio's a
The Alliance Second Chance
ROSALINA'S POVThe sound of my knuckles meeting the door felt like the echoes of uncertainty bouncing back at me, reminding me of the questions dancing in my mind."Come in."The metal handle felt cool against my skin as I opened it and as soon my eyes met Liora's steely blue eyes, something close to panic knotted in my stomach. Mr. Bennett on the other hand, gave me a look of uninterest as if I were merely a pesky interruption of his day. He focused his full attention on Liora, who sat on the chair beside him with her spine straight, face impassive but eyes eager for him. Mr. Bennett got up and cupped Liora's cheek. "I'll see you tonight."For the first time, Liora smiled and gave an obedient nod before getting up to leave. She cast me a glance as she reached the door as if she was... sorry for me. This little...After Liora left, I closed the door and faced Mr. Bennett head-on. "I'd like to speak to you.""About what?"I bit the inside of my cheek, curbing my resentment towards hi
The Alliance Red dress
ROSALINA'S POVThe hunt was on. I began to pull out one dress after another, each one holding memories of past parties and special occasions. There was the black cocktail dress I had worn to Selena's birthday last year, the floral sundress from that unforgettable summer trip in Italy with my family, and the elegant pink satin gown I had worn to my cousin's wedding.But tonight, it was all about the red dress. I sifted through the hangers, my fingers grazing the different fabrics – satin, silk, chiffon. Each one had its own unique appeal, but none felt quite right for tonight's party.God, I missed dolling up myself. It was as if I had lost a part of me ever since I joined the studio as if I had lost the fire I was known for. I was a bit grateful to Stacy and Nina for inviting me to the party, at least I got an excuse to wear my favorite heels again. I could feel the minutes ticking away, the pressure mounting as I continued my search. Finally, buried in the back of the closet, I spot
The Alliance Pink Unicorn
ROSALINA'S POV The cityscape gradually transformed as we neared our destination. The neon signs of clubs and bars painted the night with vibrant hues, and the pulse of the city's nightlife grew stronger with every passing block. Stacy's silver car pulled up to the curb in front of a sleek, dimly lit nightclub that seemed to have sprung out of the heart of the city itself. The thumping bass and muffled laughter spilled out onto the sidewalk, a siren call for revelers. The bouncer at the entrance checked our names off a list, and we stepped into the pulsating heart of the party. The nightclub's interior was a sensory explosion. Strobe lights cut through the darkness, illuminating the dance floor like a futuristic disco. The music was an intoxicating blend of electronic beats and soulful melodies, driving the crowd into a frenzy of movement. Stacy, Nina, and I navigated through the sea of bodies, our heels clicking in rhythm with the music. The air was thick with excitement, and the s
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