Alessia's POV
I stood frozen, weighing my options. Matteo's offer was unexpected, and I wasn't sure if I could trust him. Everyone seemed like a suspect, including him.
"Pick up what you have to. Ten minutes is counting," he said walking past me.
I hesitated, unsure how to react. Should I reject his offer?
"Should I leave you behind?" he asked, looking back with impatience. "I'm willing to help you out of the country so I can have peace of mind at work."
With that, he walked out of the room, leaving me to decide.
I rolled my eyes and grabbed my bag, heading out. At the counter, I dropped the keys and gave the motel a scathing look. "Swindlers," I said loudly before walking out.
As I stepped outside, I felt insecure. What if one of my dad's men saw me? I bent my head, trying to cover my face.
Suddenly, a drawl voice said from behind. "Outta the way," and a strong arm wrapped around me, gently pulling me away from the entrance. I looked up to see Matteo's stern expression.
"Can we go now?" he asked, putting his suit over from my shoulders. The scent of his cologne lingered, and he handed me a pair of sunglasses. "Put this on."
The glasses helped conceal my face, and I walked towards his car, feeling relieved. Matteo opened the door for me, and I slid in.
As I glanced at him, I wondered what was going on. Why was he being nice, albeit in a cold and distant way? His frown deepened, making me feel like he was tolerating me. I pushed the thoughts aside, I shouldn't think much of it.
Matteo got in, his gaze lingering on me, making me feel uneasy. "Can you drive?" I asked, trying to break the silence.
"Are you ordering me?" he asked, and I kept mute.
He started the car, and I exhaled, wondering what I'd gotten myself into.
The drive was calm, with me gazing out the window at the passing buildings. When the car stopped, I looked around, expecting to see an apartment. Instead, I saw a departmental store.
"Where do you live?" I asked, my suspicion gaining ground.
"Blocks away" Matteo said, unfastening his seatbelt.
"So, what are we doing here?"
He turned to me. "Miss Alessia, there's no way you're coming into my house with those clothes." He said his eyes raking me over.
I was red with embarrassment. Couldn't he have said that in a nicer way? He stepped out of the car and returned with two shopping bags.
"Pick one of these and change," he said, handing me one of the bags. I raised an eyebrow. "What? I should change in your car?"
He smirked. "Do you have a better place in mind?"
I hesitated, feeling awkward.
"Don't worry, I don't have hidden cameras. Do your thing," he said, slamming the door shut.
I felt a flush rise to my cheeks. Hidden cameras? What was wrong with him? I rummaged through the bag and pulled out a flowery gown, which surprisingly fitted me perfectly.
After changing, I waited in the car until Matteo returned. He got in, barely glancing at me, and continued driving until we got to an apartment building.
As we stepped into the elevator, a curious onlooker caught my attention. I bent my head, trying to cover my face, Matteo then wrapped his hands around my shoulders, drawing me to himself. I froze for a moment. His scent filled my nose, and the heat from his body was soothing. I knew he was acting to get the curious neighbor's eyes off us, but it seemed he made things worse, as the person was trying to peer into my face.
When the elevator doors opened, we stepped out, and I exhaled in relief. "Why was she staring that way?" I asked as Matteo opened his door.
"You should have asked her," he replied, dryly.
I murmured under my breath, "Why must you be so annoying?"
He looked back, his expression unreadable. For a moment, I thought he'd tell me to leave.
"Because I don't usually have visitors... I guess." He said. "Take these, the room closer to a book shelf is opened, you can freshen up there."
I walked according to his direction, confused about which room he was talking about, there were two rooms beside each other. "Maybe this is it," I thought, entering one of them.
The room looked plain with few decorations. Is this where I was going to sleep? I thought. It was nothing compared to my room at home, but was way better than that forsaken motel.
I took out the things from the bag, freshened up, and wore the dress again.
The aroma of delicious food wafted through the air, and my stomach growled with hunger. "Matteo must have a chef for a neighbor," I thought, following the scent to the kitchen.
My jaw dropped as I saw Matteo in an apron, expertly tossing the frypan. He looked like a pro.
"You look surprised," he said, still focused on cooking.
"Yeah. Never imagined you cooking," I replied.
"What did you imagine I could do, then?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Er... pick fights with me," I said, and he chuckled. His smile made me bold enough to snatch a chicken wing from the plate.
The flavors exploded in my mouth, and I couldn't help but savor it. Matteo gave me a disapproving look. "I'm not cooking for you, Miss," he said.
"But I'm hungry," I protested.
"Then wait till I'm done," he replied, and I nodded reluctantly. For now, I'd have to obey him, he was the boss here.
As we sat down to eat, I had to admit that the meal was delicious, and exactly what I needed. After finishing my plate, I asked for more.
When I offered to help with the dishes, Matteo took the plate from my hands. "You're a visitor here, don't do any work."
I smiled, but his added comment made my smile disappear: "Though not a fully welcomed one."
"Right, you're only helping me to get me off the company," I said.
"For my peace of mind, actually," he corrected, and I rolled my eyes. Matteo would always be Matteo.
"Speaking of the company, shouldn't you be at work?" I asked.
"Coming from the person who literally pulled me off work, that's a rich question."
"Oh, but I thought you'd go back," I said.
"I took a day off, claiming a headache. Besides, I didn't have much to do today," he explained, and I nodded.
"Thank you," I said, but he brushed it off.
"Don't thank me, really."
With that, I turned around and headed to the room, leaving the conversation behind.
I lay on the bed, but I wasn't comfortable.
With a sigh, I slid off the bed and sat on the floor, cradling my tummy gently.
"Don't worry," I whispered, rubbing small circles over my belly. "You and mommy will be very happy soon enough." A soft smile tugged at my lips.
Suddenly, the door swung open with a loud creak.
My heart jumped. What was Matteo doing here? I thought, my eyes narrowing.
He walked in casually, his fingers moving to his collar as he started unbuttoning his shirt.
"Matteo?" I called, but he didn't respond.
He pulled off the shirt and tossed it aside, already working on the buckle of his trousers.
He was about to pull them down.
"Are you insane?!" I shouted, scrambling to my feet.
He turned around sharply, clearly surprised to see me there.
"I didn't know anyone was in here," he said, completely unbothered. "This is my room."
His room?
My gaze unintentionally dropped from his face to his chest—his well-defined abs, the way his torso rose and fell with each breath.
His belt was undone, trousers hanging loose on his hips.
I quickly turned my face away.
"Please leave," I said firmly.
He didn't budge. "This is my room," he repeated.
"I know everything here is yours," I said, keeping my tone calm, "but I need my privacy."
He smirked slightly. "Your eyes say otherwise."
I blinked. "Excuse you?"
"Never took you for a pervert, miss."
"A what?" I gasped, completely thrown off.
He took a step closer. "This wasn't the room I described for you. Seems like you came in here on purpose."
I looked up, ready to argue—but our eyes met.
He stopped in front of me, his gaze holding mine. There was something unsettling
about how calm he looked.
I noticed, for the first time, that he had really pretty eyes, bright blue and intense. Like he could see straight through me.