Chapter Six. A Compromise.

Luca and Elena's lips met in a fiery kiss, igniting a passion that had been simmering for days. Luca's hands found their way beneath Elena's top, caressing her breasts, until Elena drew back.

"I can't stay in the same room as you," she said, trying to catch her breath.

Luca chuckled, raising an eyebrow. "Why? Scared you won't be able to get your hands off me?" he teased.

Elena narrowed her eyes at him. "I'll sleep on the couch," she stated, trying to distance herself from the temptation.

"You can't," Luca said seriously.

"What?" Elena asked, confused.

"We can make a compromise that suits both of us," Luca proposed, and Elena eyed him suspiciously.

"And what is that?" she asked, unsure of where this was going.

"We can both stay on the bed, let's just divide it with a pillow. You on one side, and I'll stay far away from you," Luca suggested, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

Elena hesitated, wondering whether she should trust him. "What if you try to...," she trailed off, not sure how to articulate her concern.

"Do what?" Luca asked, his eyes dancing with amusement. "Perform my marital role to you?"

"We're not even married yet!" Elena protested.

"We will be soon," Luca replied, a mischievous smile spreading across his face.

Elena watched him warily, unsure if she should believe him. Luca raised his hands to remove a strand of hair from her face, and Elena couldn't help but feel a flutter in her stomach at his touch.

"You can't deny that you want me as much as I want you," Luca said softly, and Elena felt her resolve weakening.

"You wish," she muttered, trying to resist his charm.

Luca's laughter followed her as she walked away, heading to the bathroom.

*

*

As the days went by, Elena and Luca's arrangement seemed to be working. They had managed to keep their hands off each other for two whole days, an impressive feat considering their undeniable attraction to one another. However, their willpower was put to the test on the third day after a Romano event.

Earlier that day, the Romano family had been celebrating their 70th anniversary. Elena had dressed in a stunning red flowing gown that Luca had bought for her.

These past few days, she had started feeling like a caged bird under the watchful eye of the powerful Italian family. She had become hyper-aware of her every move, always on the lookout to avoid running into Andrea.

To make things easier, Elena had been eating out every day. Luca was busy with work, and Andrea rarely showed up at the company, preferring to spend his time with friends. Elena had been able to avoid him so far, but the tension between them was palpable.

As she made her way to the foyer of the large Romano living room, Elena felt her heart racing.

"You're going to make everyone drop dead at the sight of you at the party," Luca whispered into Elena's ear, sending shivers down her spine. She felt her face flush but refused to give in to his charms.

"We're going to be late," she said, determined to keep their focus on the task at hand. She walked away, heading towards the waiting car, with Luca chuckling as he trailed after her.

The drive to the Romano estate was a quiet one. Elena was lost in her thoughts, trying to steel herself for what was to come. As they pulled up to the grand entrance, she could see the other guests milling about, dressed in their finest attire.

Taking a deep breath, she stepped out of the car and made her way towards the entrance. The Romano family had spared no expense in their celebrations, with decorations and food that were fit for a king.

As they made their way into the party, Elena could feel the eyes of the other guests on her. She knew she looked stunning in the dress Luca had bought her, but she didn't want the attention. All she wanted was to blend in and avoid any unwanted interactions.

Luca and Elena walked arm in arm through the guest hall, adorned with ornate decorations and lavish furnishings. Elena couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the opulence of the event. She was there as Luca's fiancé, and it seemed like everyone in attendance was someone important or powerful.

As they made their way through the crowd, Luca introduced Elena to various guests. One of the men they met was a bald man in his fifties named Mr. Gonzalos, who was accompanied by two other men. Luca introduced Elena to them.

“Meet my fiancé, Elena Rossi,” Luca said.

“She's quite a catch, Luca,” Mr. Gonzalos stated, smiling at Elena.

Luca nodded his thanks, and then said, “Now if you’ll excuse us, we need to welcome other guests.”

As they walked away, Luca asked Elena, “Enjoying the party?”

“You bet,” Elena muttered.

“Same here. I can't concentrate with you looking like that, like a rosette begging me to eat it,” Luca said with a teasing smile, his eyes moving to the exposed part of her bosom. “All I can think about is a naked you on my bed, AMORA.”

Elena rolled her eyes. "Shut up, Luca. You really do get on my nerves without trying."

“You're blushing?” Luca teased.

“I'm not.”

“You are,” Luca said, amusement creasing his brow.

“Just shut up and go greet your guests.”

“But-”

“And here is the Latest Romano Couple,” a voice interrupted their bickering.

Luca and Elena turned to see who had spoken. It was a tall man in a suit, with a wide grin on his face.

“Rio?” Luca called with a supieses look.

“Am I late for the party?” He asked with a raised brow.

“Nah. You’re just in time.” Luca replied smiling.

“Let me introduce you to my fiancé, Elena.”

“Ah, Elena, the lucky woman,” Rio said, extending his hand to shake Elena's.

“It's nice to meet you,” Elena said, smiling politely.

“The pleasure is mine,” Rio said. “Luca, I must say, you have truly outdone yourself with this event. It's magnificent and so is your bride.”

Luca grinned, clearly pleased. “Oh.”

Rio’s gaze shifted to Elena, the way he stared at her made her feel a pang of discomfort.

Rio's gaze shifted to Elena, and she couldn't help but feel a pang of discomfort. The way he stared at her was unsettling.

Just then, the MC on stage interrupted their conversation, calling Luca up to give his speech. "Excuse me, I'll be right back," Luca said, turning to Rio. "Keep her company," he added, gesturing towards Elena.

Elena felt a knot form in her stomach as Luca left them alone with each other. She didn't want to be alone with Rio, but there was nothing she could do about it.

As they watched Luca ascend the stage and begin his speech, Rio turned to Elena. "Isn't he great?" he asked, referring to Luca.

"Erm, yeah," Elena replied, not sure what Rio was getting at.

"He's the only thing I care about in the world," Rio said, his voice low and intense. "He's my obsession."

Elena's confusion showed on her face as she turned to Rio. "What?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.