Chapter 5
Chapter five
Alina
My eyelids flutter against the morning light as I snuggle deeper beneath the warm blanket, my body sinking into the soft cushions—Wait.
In a panic, my eyes pop open as I sit up and view my surroundings. Oh my God.
I fell asleep on Mauro’s couch.
I smack my forehead and bring my feet to the floor, my hands cradling my head.
Ugh. Please tell me I didn’t snore. That would certainly add to the mountain levels of embarrassment building inside me.
Not like I can ever face him again.
I cringe as I recall the moment of standing on that stage with him towering over me as his dark eyes only took in the sight of one thing and one thing only… Me.
A pathetic girl who’s always quietly loved him from afar.
“Stop!”
My eyes find his…
His knees drop to the grass…
My arms slip around him…
His heart beats as fast as mine…
A rush of emotions swirls around me, but I do my best to shake off the dark memory, breathing deeply.
I’m okay, I remind myself. Everything is okay.
I stretch my arms over my head, my T-shirt riding up my torso—
I momentarily freeze before looking down at myself.
I’m wearing a black T-shirt…
I tug the collar to my nose and sniff.
A T-shirt that smells just like Mauro. Leather and whiskey.
When did I put on his shirt?
I think back to how the night played out.
I remember confessing that I had some financial burdens. Then I remember planting a tiny seed about needing to get married just to see if he’d take the bait. Of course, he didn’t. I mean, what did I expect? For him to suddenly drop to one knee, like some knight in shining armor, rescuing me?
I pinch the bridge of my nose. Maybe I’ve been reading too many romance novels, because apparently, I can’t tell the difference between my life and fiction anymore.
But then I remember exhaustion consuming me.
I could barely keep my damn eyes open, so I closed them, thinking it would only be for a few minutes. I glance at the clock above the fireplace, and upon seeing the time, my eyes widen.
“It’s ten in the morning.” Groaning, I cover my face with my hands. When I drop them, a pile of clothes on the end of the table catches my attention. A small piece of note paper sits on top. Hesitantly, I reach for it, but stop when a vibration on the floor catches my attention.
As the vibrations continue, I glance down and spot my bag. I reach inside and retrieve my phone. Seeing my dad’s name on the screen, I take a deep breath and answer it. “Hey, Dad.”
“Hey, sweetheart,” he replies. “Did I catch you at a bad time?”
“Nope,” I lie, leaning against the cushions. “How are things?”
“Oh, can’t complain. Was just playing a neighbor in chess and beat his ass.”
I laugh. “I would expect nothing less.”
“And what about you?”
“Me?”
“Yes. Reading anything new?”
“When am I not?”
“That’s my Alina,” he says proudly. “You take right after your parents.”
“So I’ve heard. Actually, I should probably make a trip to the library later today to return some books before I’m hit with a nasty fine.”
“I’ll cover the fine for you,” he offers.
I smile, knowing fully well I would never take a dime from him. Not that he has one. “I can always count on you.”
“Of course. Maybe while you’re there, you can pick up a book for your mom. She would probably like something new to read.”
My heart cracks.
“Dad,” I say gently, my throat beginning to burn. “Mom isn’t here anymore.”
“What do you mean, sweetheart?”
My eyes fill with tears that I blink away. “She died. Years ago. Remember?”
It takes him a moment before he finally says, “Of course. Yes, I remember. I don’t know what I was thinking.”
“It’s okay,” I say softly. “Why don’t you take it easy today. Maybe take a nap or see if there’s anything good on TV.”
“A nap sounds like a good idea. I’ll let you go, sweetheart. But Alina?”
“Yeah, Dad?”
“I love you.”
A tear crawls down my cheek, but I make no move to swipe it away. “I love you.”
He ends the call, and I rest my head against the back of the couch, closing my eyes.
Every time I hear from him, it feels like it’s getting worse.
My phone vibrates in my hand and I glance at it to see a new message.
Unknown Number
Tick Tock… Time to choose a groom or I will.
I swallow hard, my fingers immediately shaking. My grip releases as I let my phone drop beside me, my eyes floating around the space, fearful of who might be nearby. But I’m safe. No one can find me here. Not on the Alarie Estate.
I take a steady breath and drag my forearm across my face. I sit up and look back at the pile of clothes with the note on top. I reach for the small piece of paper and scan every word.
These are for you.
If there’s anything else you may need, just let me know.
Come find me at the training center.
We need to talk.
-Mauro
I look through the pile of clothes, finding leggings, socks, a grey workout top, a purple puffer jacket, and…
I lift the pair of black panties and matching black bra between my fingers as heat spreads up my neck.
This is mortifying.
A pair of black sneakers, with the tags still on, is neatly placed on the floor beside the couch.
Internally shaking my head, I gather the items in my hands and search for the bathroom, where I spend the next ten minutes getting ready. Looking in the mirror, I take a deep breath.
“Everything will be fine. Mauro probably already forgot about everything I said during my mental breakdown. He most likely just wants to make sure I’m okay before he sends me on my way.” I sigh as I drop my head. “Let’s get this over with.”
A white puff of smoke forms in front of my lips as I cross the path toward the training center. I rub my hands together before tucking them into my coat pockets.
I can’t wait for summer.
The door opens, and Scarlett walks out, swiping her arm across her damp forehead. Her cheeks are flushed, hinting at the workout she must have just endured. A wide smile blooms across her face when she spots me.
“Alina, I didn’t expect to see you here!” She zips her coat, bundling her arms around herself. Her blonde hair, tied back in a ponytail, sways with each step she takes toward me.
“Yeah.” I look past her, seeing men through the window working out. “Did you have training with Mauro?”
I know Scarlett’s been taking self-defense lessons with Mauro for months now.
Something that has helped her during her healing journey after being kidnapped and, well, other things.
I swallow hard, shaking off the memory of the text I got from Madeleine telling me they found her, but that it wasn’t good.
“Yeah,” she answers. “He gave me a run for my money today.” She adjusts the strap of her bag over her shoulder.
“I bet he did.” I laugh softly, nervously playing with my zipper. “Do you know if, well, do you know if he’s still here?”
“He should be in the ring, waiting for his next victim,” she teases.
“Firefly, you’ll catch a cold if you stand out here too long.” Leo appears beside us, gliding an arm around Scarlett. His lips find her temple as she swats at his chest.
“Stay away. I’m gross.” She chuckles, her bright blue eyes sparkling as she looks up at him.
“Nothing could keep me away from you.” To prove his point, he peppers kisses all over her face, causing Scarlett to break out in a fit of laughter.
I’ve never felt more single than I do right now.
Leo clears his throat, his gaze landing on me. “Is it your turn for a session with Mauro?”
“Umm, not exactly…” The door opens, and a few men walk outside. I take this opportunity to step through the doorway. “Well, I’d better go see if I can find him.” I give a small wave before heading inside.
Immediately, I’m assaulted by the smell of sweat. My eyes scan the space, spotting men lifting weights, punching a strange-shaped bag, boxing, and using cardio machines.
But as I turn my attention toward the ring in the center of the room, that’s where I see him.
Mauro.
His defined chest is on display for all to see as he removes his shirt and wipes it across his forehead.
Scars dance across his skin, only adding to his dangerous appeal.
Sweat drips down every contour and ridge of his abs, his body toned to absolute perfection.
Dark ink designed into flames spirals around his forearms, extending over his large biceps and reaching toward his collarbone.
His damp brown hair falls in loose strands, brushing his shoulders.
He runs a hand through it, then loops a strap around the knot to hold it back.
Holy sweetness. He looks like he belongs on the cover of one of the romance novels lining my shelves.
But the more time I spend admiring him, the more I become lost in a memory. One that has haunted me for over seven years.
I spread the blanket across the grass and plop down with my favorite book in my hands.
I look out over the cliff, admiring the vibrant colors in the sky.
It’s a warm day for September, probably one of the last summer-like days we’ll have for a while, so I want to take advantage of it, soaking up every last ounce of sunlight.
The sun is just beginning to set, so I still have some time left to savor this moment.
Crossing my legs, I lean against a tree and open my book when suddenly—
The sound of a weight dropping to the floor brings me back to the present. And as I blink away the memory, Mauro’s eyes find mine, his stare boring into me, sending a flush across my body.
Swallowing hard, I step forward, watching as he approaches the ropes, his fingers wrapping around the material almost seductively without even meaning to.
Stopping a few feet away, I look up into his dark eyes. A few strands of his hair skim across his eye.
I swallow nervously and smile. “Hi.”
One side of his lips lifts into a slight grin.
And for Mauro, that might as well be a full-blown smile.
I can’t stop my eyes from traveling down his body, his closeness invoking a sense of—