They could already hear the italian sensation playing a good distance away from the magnificent villa Fernando D’osellioti owned. Fernando was the handsome, rich senior that hosted the best parties. His parties were popular and a rave. He threw it three times a year, spring, summer and winter. He had everything right, the large house, the unlimited alcohol, the music and what not but funnily enough, Fernando never attended his own parties or any other party; he had girls flocking around him but there had never been any news of him being promiscuous, rumors had sprang up but they were quickly debunked. Fernando was always with his friends or at some school gathering or meeting or any other clean social gathering but he always scored the highest at the end of each semester. Fernando was mysterious.
That was the story his ears were filled with by Marino as they drove to the party venue. The wide double doors to the villa were wide open and one could see the inside from the outside clearly. There was already a crowd, its buzzing could be heard even from outside. He made sure to pass the entrance with his 2010 Ferrari 458 italia, his pride, knowing it would gain him the attention he sought and then he circled around and drove past again until he found a good parking spot.
“Man, you’re good!” Marino hailed when he switched off the engine. He smirked. This was his first show, he had to play it well.
“You ready?” Marino asked, a mischievous smile on his face, “I get to be the friend of the guy who owns a Ferrari, we have to step in together.”
He chuckled, straightening his suit jacket. The code of dressing for Fernando’s parties were always the same, suits for men and dresses for the women. He ran his thumb over his collar, gazing at himself in the rear view mirror. He loved his look and the women loved it. Wavy dark brown almost black hair that fell a little carelessly over his forehead; piercing blue, almond shaped eyes that ladies had testified entranced them; he could only see those details in the mirror but he knew the rest. Long pointed nose, narrow face with small chin that amplified his eyes, full heart shaped lips that the ladies loved… He had the looks. He looked away from the mirror and inspected his long slender fingers, three stoned rings on each hand.
"If you’re done ogling yourself, can we go out now?” Marino eyed him, “You don’t even look half as good as I am.”
He shot him a glare before opening his car door and stepping out, Marino following shortly after.
“Hmmmmn.” Marino chuckled, looking around.
He shut his door and they both walked to the entrance of the villa. They already had the attention of the few ladies, even men that were outside. He chuckled to himself.
They stepped into the villa.
He felt the pause of the crowd, he felt the awe and admiration, he felt the confusion and surprise.
Domenico Pietro de Cerintti was back.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Rosetta Verona Catherine D’armani sat cross-legged on the velvet cushion at a deeper part of the living room.
Her friend, Milena, was sitted beside her, the cushion only fit for two. Aryanna, the third, was somewhere probably hounding the male folk.
“Grazie.” She smiled sweetly at the charming waiter who offered her a glass of champagne from his tray.
She held the wine glass lightly in her slender petite fingers, taking a sip then licking her lips. She had a few guys eyeing her, a few had come up to her boldly and she had turned them all down except for two who had mesmerized her. One dance with each and two rejected proposals, she returned back to her seat.
She had made her fame already. Rosetta D’armani, the hard to get.
She knew what would come next, a long list of men vying for her attention and seeking to win her over and be the first to get her in bed. She was ready for the challenge. After all, what was life without the thrill?
“You’re not going in?” Milena questioned, gesturing to the crowd milling about.
“No, you go. My tonight is just to watch.” She replied after taking another sip.
“Luigi is misbehaving, I need to go get him.” Milena informed her with her usual pretty smile. She looked to the direction Milena had indicated, Luigi was sure there. He had a few women clinging to him and he seemed to be handling them real well. She looked back to Milena who was already on her feet and strutting confidently to him.
She shook her head. Unrequited love. Milena was a strong one, not many women would be able to not break down after having their heart broken repeatedly by the same man. Milena stayed strong, she was determined to make Luigi fall for her.
She hoped Milena got her wish. She deserved it.
She was bored, she realized with a sigh, gulping down the contents of her glass.
She noticed people glancing at the entrance. Since she was sitting and the cushion was a little hidden, she couldn't see what was making the entrance so alluring.
She decided to wait, she would definitely get front row seat. She nodded her head to the loud music pumping out of the speakers. Fernando was good.
She could recognize a good number of faces in the crowd, people from her highschool and neighbouring highschools. A good number of them had picked Colland, it was close to their hometown and it was a less expensive town to live in.
She could see Leonardo. He saw her too and sent her a wink. Almost a year since high school and he was still pinning over her.
She felt the crowd go still and she grew curious. She also noticed the surprised looks on quite a few people’s faces, mostly those from her highschool and all eyes were directed towards the entrance.
She stood up, unable to contain her curiosity and she moved forward, her gown sweeping behind her until she got to a good vantage point where she had an almost good view of the entrance.
There were two men, freshmen she decided, handsomely dressed.
She knew the one on the right, Bernard Marino… She couldn’t remember his surname, he had tried to work his charms on her in the past. The second… She watched him as he walked further into the living room. She didn’t know him but he felt familiar.
He had her attention alright. She could already feel the familiar excitement building in her stomach, the excitement of the thrill.
He captivated her, everything about him captivated her and she came to one conclusion… She wanted him… at all cost.
She watched him pick a glass from a waiter’s tray, the action alone was alluring. Also the casual sweep of his hand through his hair, the quick glance at his wristwatch, the slight upturn of his lips, the quick closing and opening of his eyes as he swallowed down white wine, his confident strides… Oh, she had to get him.
“Domenico.”
She heard someone gasp and she snapped out of her lustful gaze. She didn’t recognize the lady beside her who was staring open mouthed at him but she could recognize the burning feeling of jealousy in her chest. She wanted to rip the lady’s eyes off.
“Domenico de Cerintti.”
The name slipped out of the lady’s mouth in an awed gasp. She froze… Domenico?
She looked back to him, he was sharing a laugh with Marino. She watched him carefully and in a second she felt her heart drop to the pit of her stomach.
It really was him.
Domenico…
Domenico de Cerintti.
"Rosetta...""Alright, alright, I'll let it go," She grumbled and pulled away."You are angry," He turned to her.She switched off the gas before the pancake on it could get burnt."We'll shop later, together, I promise," He said."I am not angry," She said casually, "Can we eat now?"She watched the muscles on his back flex as he took off the pancake from the pan and made coffee for them. He was a good man and he seemed too sincere for her, perhaps that was why she gave in to her want to sleep with him but there was just something... off?*Rosetta laughed at a joke Antonio made as she filled two glasses with cherry juice."That was not funny," She rolled her eyes as she handed him his glass."But you laughed," He teased, pulling her close by the waist."Antonio, we are at work," She giggled, biting her lip."I decide when we work and when we don't," He nuzzled her cheek.The door to his lunch room suddenly flew open and she jumped. He held her down. It was the guard that always stoo
Rosetta did indeed believe that she could fall for Antonio Galdo but watching it happen over the weeks they spent brooding over architectural plans and planning the building structure over lunches and late-night dinners, she felt easy. How could a man, no matter how rich and handsome and well-mannered he was, just admit his attraction to her and she was head over heels for him? It was too easy, too too easy. Everything was going too smoothly, he was too good to be true. She brushed off the thought as she walked out the doors of her firm. The more she thought about him, the more she grew attracted to him. She instead filled her mind with thoughts of the cool bubble bath and the N*****x movies she planned to binge watch all night long. It was the weekend and she really wanted to spoil herself rotten. Preparations for Nico and Luna's wedding were also ongoing and she was one of the bridesmaids. She smiled, unlocking her car. There was nothing that forgiveness could not accomplish.She ha
"Luna?"Her eyes widened as they met with Domenico's blue ones. When did he get into the garden?Alessandro turned around. "Ah," He smiled, "Your date," He glanced at her and winked, "I'll leave you two alone."She waited until Alessandro was out of hearing range before she faced Nico "Can I help you?""I love you," He blurted out and she gasped. He closed the space between them and grabbed her by the waist, "I love you, Luna. We are not mere friends."Her heart leaped high in her chest as he slammed his lips to hers.*Her arms moved of their own accord and entangled themselves around his neck. She was high, high on love, high on happiness.They came up for air and he peppered kisses all over her face, their breathing rough and hot."What took you so long?" She breathed out, "Why did you take so long?""I'm sorry," He kissed her again and again and again until they had to pull apart for more air."I love you too, since Colland maybe."He grinned and pulled her into his arms. There wa
How far gone was he? Too far, too too far, or else he wouldn't be chasing her all over the place. He accused her of not admitting her feelings for him at the hospital but he was the real hypocrite; he was the one holding them back from crossing the friendship stage because he was scared she'd reject him. After all, she was a rich heiress, she could get any man she wanted."Quite far," He admitted, glancing at Pietro."And?"He looked at him now. "And?""And what are your intentions towards her? You didn't come with her all the way here for fun, did you?"*He blew out a breath, "I want her to be my girlfriend... first. We have never tested that terrain, never given into our attraction. Then... then I'll like to marry her if she's willing."Pietro nodded his head and he seemed to be gauging his words."But I want to get stable first," He added, holding his ground, "She is used to a good life, the best life, I don't want to give her less."Pietro smiled, "You better don't."*"What was h
She decided then that he was worth having as an acquaintance."Your food is getting cold," She commented and picked up her fork."When will I see you again?" He asked when they had finished eating and he had paid the bills."You gave me your card, remember?" She rose."And you gave me no assurance of your visit." He rose also."I can't pass on some billionaire's money," She winked, "You'll see me when you see me."She strode out of the diner with her head held high. She, Rosetta Verona D'Armani, attracted the attention of a tycoon. Wasn't she too elegant?*Luna breathed a sigh of relief when she walked out of the station. The night had been hell. She hadn't been able to sleep a wink. All she could think of was if the stalker found Domenico's house and if they were in danger, and she panicked at even the slightest sound. Even worse, she was critically aware of the man that was sleeping in the bedroom.She got into the passenger seat of her car. Since Nico had volunteered to take care o
"Looks like we were destined to meet again," He smiled."It is rude to sit without invitation," She said harshly."Sorry, but I had a feeling you'd say no and I don't take no for an answer, especially when it comes to getting what I want."She raised a brow, "Your pride stinks."He shrugged, "I want to get to know you. What is prideful about that?"She stared at him. He was rich, attractive, classy, and exuded manly confidence. It wouldn't be so bad to indulge him.She relaxed and watched him over the rim of her glass."I am Antonio Galdo," He introduced, stretching his hand.*She eyed it, "I still haven't approved your intrusion."He chuckled and called on a waiter. "Do you want anything to eat or you are just here to drink?""I'll have the peppered chicken barbeque and the pasta to go with it," She answered.His lips twitched. "Same, please," He said to the waiter."Is that a flirting trick? Order the same with the lady so she thinks you are interested in her."He chuckled, "I guess