LOGINTESSAOh. My. God.Was I dreaming?“Did I like my—?” I blinked rapidly, trying to register his question as I walked back to the windows. I had no idea I was holding my breath till my chest started to feel tight, but even at that, I feared to make even the faintest sound.I couldn't believe my eyes. “Leonardo… what's this?” I asked, my voice still hoarse from sleep as I flattened my palms on the window, my eyes still glued to the massive yacht floating on the ocean. He chuckled, the deep sound resonating through the phone speakers and sending tingles through my body. “It's my queen's birthday. I can't be there with you, but it doesn't mean I can't give you the best day,” he said, his voice smooth, making my knees weak.My heart felt full, excitement and longing crashing together in my chest. My eyes stung a bit at the sides. I'd never had anyone do something this grand for me. But Leonardo was really going out of his way to make so many experiences really special for me.“Leonardo…,”
TESSA My eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the sunlight spilling in through the full length windows that gave an exceptional view of the ocean below. The sounds of the ocean crashing against the shore and the melodic chirping of the birds filled the air, rhyming with the serene contentment I felt within. A wide smile made its way to my lips as memories of last night resurfaced in my mind. I bit on my lower lip to try to contain the excitement that flooded my chest. Everything felt perfect. Him, me, what we had between us— whatever that was, it was intoxicating. Never in a million years would I have allowed myself to be bold and daring in the way that I was last night but with him, things felt easier. He brought out a different version of myself. He made me feel okay with a lot of things, always taking what he wanted, but putting my needs and comfort first and I loved every second of it. I loved how I wasn't scared or ashamed to explore certain aspects of my life. It was ver
TESSA It's barely been a day but it already feels like there's a missing piece in my chest. I shut my eyes, relishing in the sound of his voice and imagining he was right by my side as I lowered myself down on my pillow. “I missed you too,” I muttered, clutching my phone tightly in my hand. “I missed you so much.” “Cazzo…” I heard him groan. “I didn’t realise it would be this difficult being without you,” he exhaled and I could just imagine how lonely he'd be feeling right now. “Leonardo…” I trailed off. I felt the same way but the only difference was that I had my family around but he had no one by his side and that made my heart ache. “How's everything going? How's your family,” he asked, his voice clearer now. “Everything is well and they're all good, Leonardo,” I replied, propping myself up on my elbow. “They extend their gratitude for all you've done,” I informed him. “It was my pleasure. Anything to see you happy,” he said and I found myself smiling at his words.
TESSAI missed this. I missed the unfiltered happiness that came just by being with family.“Thank you,” I said to Matteo and another of Leonardo's men as they helped load my family's luggage into the car.“Bloody hell,” Ella gasped, taking a step towards the car. “Is this a freaking Karlmann king SUV?” Her eyes widened as she traced her fingertips on the door handle.“Language, Ella,” mum scolded.“Sorry,” she mumbled, her eyes still glued to the car. “But seriously, how rich is this guy?” “Ella,” mum called again to put her in order but I laughed, shaking my head at how impressed she was at the car. I had no idea how rich he was. I never paid attention to his wealth or what he does to make them. But the one thing I knew was that he was very rich.Matteo pulled the door open for us and I could see the wheels of questions turning in both my parents' heads. I knew they'd have a million questions for me and as much as I wanted to be able to truthfully answer all their questions, I jus
TESSA “Is everything set?” Leonardo asked Matteo as he carried the last of my luggage into the elevator. “Yes, boss,” Matteo affirmed. “Whenever you're ready, Signora,” Matteo said, waiting by the elevator doors.I nodded then turned to face Leonardo once more, clasping my hands in front of me as a smile made its way to my lips.He raised his phone to check something then dropped it back. “They'll be landing anytime soon. You should get going now,” he said. I nodded but couldn't tear my eyes away from him. I tried to memorise every line on his face, to have it ingrained in my memory like my only saving grace.My chest felt full but at the same time, there was a longing present. It was too complicated to explain. I was beyond ecstatic that I'd be seeing my family once more after months apart but I couldn't deny the fact that I was feeling a bit down about not seeing Leonardo for a while.It was crazy because a few months back I'd never have imagined I'd feel this way. If anything, I
LEONARDOShe pulled back, brushing my hair back as a smile graced her lips.“Was that why you were being distant?” My brows drew together and my chest tightened painfully.“I know it's stupid— ” she said, shaking her head.“It's not stupid,” I watched her as she worried her lower lip. “Tell me.”She let out a small breath, tucking her hair behind her ears. She crouched down before me, staring at her palms that rested on my thighs.“I know I have no right to be jealous, but —” I frowned at her words and cut her off.“You have every right to be. If something bothers you, you say it. You don’t keep it in your head and torture yourself with it.” I reached for her chin, raising her face to meet mine. “I didn't like the way she touched you,” she said in a tiny voice with a little pout.“I know.”“I didn't like the way she looked at you.”I nodded, “I know.”“I didn't like…,” she lowered her eyes once more and her voice dropped even lower. “I didn't like watching another woman have an excus
TESSA Yes, I do. I definitely do. Under different circumstances, our paths would have never crossed. If I had been a little more careful that night, a little more aware of where I was going… maybe none of this would have happened. Maybe I wouldn't be in this situation to begin with. I fell back
TESSA Even over lunch, my thoughts kept drifting back to Leonardo. His face, his body, his voice whenever he was being flirty and teasing me. He looked shut off from the world, like he had built a wall nobody could scale through around himself. One second he'd be looking at me like a desert he c
TESSA I bit on my lower lip, resting my back against the couch as I rubbed my fingers against my folds, amazed by how wet I was. The feeling was both dangerous and electrifying. Touching myself in front of him and to make it more intense was the way his eyes never left mine as if holding a silent
TESSA “Thank you for dessert.” My head spun at his words. Heat crept up to my cheeks. For a second, I felt amazed at how my body responded to his every touch. The way his hands and lips brought me to highs I never knew existed. But it terrified me. This was far from a fairytale. I was no Belle







