Share
Chapter 22
Emiliana
It was a week before Christmas and only a few days since I had last spoken to Luciano. I could feel the space that had drifted between us in the last couple of days, I wasn’t sure if it was because of the terrible meeting that took place or Giovanni constantly lingering in my thoughts. Whatever it was, I felt myself sinking in the overwhelming sea of emotions.
I watched as couples waltzed in carefree circles on the dance floor behind a golden backdrop. Swaying to the gentle Christmas music. Everyone was in their own bubbles of Christmas spirit and joy and I felt slightly envious of them. Chatter could be heard from the far reaches of the room and laughter was chasing it closely behind.
Long rows of tables adorned the main section of the room, rose vines entwined the chandeliers hangi
Related chapters
Mr Cruz [BOOK 1] Chapter 23
Emiliana “So do you.” It was the first time he had ever spoken directly to me and I froze. I had no words. I had never anticipated him to reply or respond at all. His syrup smooth voice ignited a fire within me. The butterflies no longer danced but stirred into a disturbed frenzy. It was like auditory caramel, my ears longed to listen to his words over and over again. My mother had interrupted any chances of me finally having a conversation with Giovanni and I felt despondence radiate through me and immediately cast down the flurry of wings. She had hurried me back into the venue to listen to speeches before I had time to protest. After the Christmas ball, the immense silence that enveloped his company was even more prominent. No o
Mr Cruz [BOOK 1] Chapter 24
EmilianaI took a moment to calm myself, as I watched everyone open presents. Tie pins and cufflinks were the main themes for the males of the family, and each received a matching set, purely by coincidence. Twenty four carat gold and platinum adorned with diamonds and engraved with initials and sweet sentimental quotes.Giovanni sat silent, as usual but my gut twisted with guilt that he hadn’t received anything. He didn’t look phased by it, but it didn’t sit well with me. He knew everyone in the room, yet he hadn’t received one gift.My mother placed a wrapped up box in front of me. I tore the paper away like a little child, only to find a wooden box in my hands. I paused for a moment, before I opened the clasp carefully and lifted the lid.
Mr Cruz [BOOK 1] Chapter 25
GiovanniI stood in the arctic darkness, listening to the soft crunch of Emiliana’s feet across the snow as she walked away.The Empire State Building keychain she had gifted me turned in my hand. She had felt bad for me, something I wasn’t used to. I didn’t want her to pity me, and the more I thought about it, I realised it wasn’t pity. She had bought this last week, this was thought out - to a certain extent.It was a cute gesture, one that had me stumped as I lay in bed that night.The Christmas Ball earlier in the week was something I hadn’t anticipated. I had let myself down, unable to contain my resolve when I had spoken to her. But damn she looked exquisite in that red gown and it wasn’t a lie that she had th
Mr Cruz [BOOK 1] Chapter 26
EmilianaGiovanni was on my mind ever since he kissed me on Christmas Day. I still remembered how his soft lips caressed my cheek before his syrupy voice whispered in my ears.I tingled at the thought of his breath fanning across my cheek, the subtle wetness of where his lips had pressed sent a red hot flush of emotions through my body.I wasn’t sure if he had done it out of pity for my solemn state or something more. Whatever his reasons were, we had refused to discuss it and I happily accepted the fact. I wouldn’t have known how to bring it up without causing an awkward silence so we both did what we did best. We didn’t talk at all.My mind was reeling with possibilities as we approached The NoMad Hotel in South Central
Mr Cruz [BOOK 1] Chapter 27
EmilianaI felt the bed dip beside my weak and hungover body. Last night became a blur of alcohol and emotions after the New Year countdown and I couldn’t quite remember how I had got into bed, naked. Only noticing my thin underwear against the silky covers as I lay slumped and motionless in my bed.My hair was swept across my face by a delicate finger. I groaned into my pillow at the invasion of space, feebly swatting my hand in the air.“Em,” a smooth voice called out to me in the abyss of my mind. It was dreamlike and I didn’t want the apparition to stop. “Em,” the voice was more urgent this time.“Ugh.” I responded to my tormentor. Whoever was breaking up my sleep, better have a good explanation.
Mr Cruz [BOOK 1] Chapter 28
EmilianaI stared at my avocado and toast in front of me, my fork playing piggy in the middle with the thick chunks. Nausea had wiped me and saturated all of my energy. I couldn’t think of anything worse than finishing my breakfast.“You don’t have to finish it.” Luciano waved his fork in the air as he wiped his face with the napkin. His blue eyes crinkled at the corners as his smile travelled across the table.I pushed the plate away, unable to look at it anymore. “I’m sorry.” I mumbled softly to him. I felt bad that it was Luciano’s first day back in the city and he had chosen to spend it with me. I was ruining it for us both with my incapacitating hangover.“Don’t be sorry.” He
Mr Cruz [BOOK 1] Chapter 29
Giovanni It killed me seeing Luciano all over Emiliana as they left the apartment. I sat on the kitchen stool, mulling things over in my brain, overthinking the slightest thought. I loved the fact she dared me to kiss her. It was her way of telling me she wanted it just as much as I did. In The way she felt against my lips, how she melted into my arms. Every time I thought about her was another kick to my stomach. She was dating Luciano, a total slimeball, a typical New York bachelor, and it pissed me off that she was so infatuated with him. Yet, I could see the way she looked at me. It wasn’t the same as how she looked at Luciano. I nursed the cup of coffee in my hands, smirking at the thought of Emiliana’s conflictions. She couldn’t deny
Mr Cruz [BOOK 1] Chapter 30
EmilianaConcentration usually came easy to me, but so did distraction. When I was tormented by so many thoughts and feelings, I couldn’t focus. I was caught up in a tornado of conflict.Giovanni’s signature scent wafted past me, my eyes lifted excitedly at his presence. It was a brief and disappointing appearance. After hearing his sultry voice, I wanted nothing more than to hear it again.My eyes drifted back to my iPad, before a large mug of coffee was placed in front of me and I watched as Giovanni carefully lowered himself to the seat opposite me. Lust enveloped us both, I could feel that much. But there was something bothering Giovanni and he refused to tell me.I stared down at the figures in my lap. The numbers I had pr
Latest chapter
