The Stranger Has a Name

Alessandro's POV

Something bright moves to my face, and for a moment, I thought I was blind, the pain forcing me to squint my eyes almost immediately.

Ugh, why's it so bright here? And why are the curtains different?

I frown with confusion, rubbing my temple with a thumb as the ache there increases with my awareness.

Memories of last night slowly flashes through my mind, each image leaving me breathless and hot with urgency, my legs clasping over each other to stop the sensation.

Wait…

I turn to the side, gasping softly when I see him, tucked besides him, sleeping peacefully like he'd not just had me on my knees like last night.

Taken my virginity as a fact of matter.

But fuck, it felt so amazing!

I've never had anything like this ever before.

It's the first time in years I've ever had a release like last night.

Last night felt more…real. More…fantastic!

I don't even know the words to explain it. But it's like having fireworks explode while stuffing your mouth with cotton candies.

He was gentle, yes, but in a way that showed he was more curious about how it works.

I found it cute, but I couldn't say that when I was the one crying and moaning all night like he was the one that owned me.

That…should be mine.

Fuck.

My blood immediately turns cold when I realize something. I dart my eyes to the clock hanging on the wall above us.

It's almost 10 in the morning.

My dad's going to kill me when he realises I've not been home.

Without hesitation, I throw the covers off my body, trying to be stealthy as much as possible as I toss my clothes back on so as to not wake up Mr stranger.

I shouldn't be doing this considering how good he made me feel.

I should leave him a note or something, but he made it clear last night about having no contacts after now.

I probably shouldn't…

I bite my lips as I take one last look at the incredibly hot man sleeping, feeling my heart sting for leaving him like this, and with a deep breath, I slid the card on the door lock, exiting the hotel without looking back.

~~~~~~~~

“WHAT DO YOU MEAN THE ENGAGEMENT IS TODAY?”

Panic churns deep in my gut as I clench and unclench my fists, visualising the feeling being decompressed.

“Well, I told you to be prepared yesterday, didn't I?” Father said, his forehead creasing into wrinkles at my tone. “And where have you been all night? I couldn't find you.”

Fuck, fuck, fuck. This isn't what he told me! This isn't what was supposed to happen!

It was supposed to be next week, not today!

I was supposed to have just one week to myself! I was—

“Alessandro Moretti, pull yourself together. It's too late to refuse this. The event is happening in less than an hour.”

“But—”

“What are you waiting for? Hurry up!” He scolds the persons in charge of my clothes. “Get him a damn suit!”

“No, I don't get off me!” I snap, struggling to break free from their tight grips, but it doesn't work. And soon, the tears are back again, staining my face as all manner of assaulting clothes are put on me, including makeup to cover up my the tears.

So, now I wasn't even allowed to shed a tear. Great, just great.

“This way, Mr. Alessandro.” The chauffeur announces, opening the door to my doom. For a moment, I think of running away, but when my eyes locked with that of my dad's venomous glare, I shudder and enter without a second thought.

“Dad—”

“Can you stop whining like a little girl and act like a man for once?” He cursed under his breath as he glared at me. “Except you have another woman as profitable as Sandra Dunvall to the business, you don't have a choice here.”

Another woman…

What if it was a man, dad? Would you still call me your son?

I bit hard on my bottom lips and turned to face the window, wishing more than anything but to materialize outside the limousine….far away from this damned house of a cage.

I'm so engrossed in my thoughts that I don't realise that we've arrived until dad tugs at my shoulders with a disappointed sigh.

“I've been calling you for the past five minutes. Sandra wants to say hi to you.”

I scoff, not to his face, of course and dust my shoulders. The very place he'd touched and forced my two feet to step out of the limo, ignoring the chauffeur’s outstretched hand.

My head was still pounding, and my chest still burning with anger and rebellion.

“She's coming, son. Behave or else…”

“Stop talking to me like I'm a fucking five year old, I know how to behave!”

Once again, I don't say that out loud, but anyone could see in my expression that I was screaming curses at the old man who's now smiling and laughing with Mr. Dunvall like he'd not just threatened me few minutes ago.

However, my attention is shifted to my fiancée who's skipping happily towards my direction, a smile spreading across her lips the closer she got.

Oh God, not another one…

I narrowed my eyes when I noticed there was someone else behind her. Someone she kept tugging to the front, but was groaning in reluctance.

Alright, whatever, just get over with this, I guess..

I turned to greet Sandra...and froze, the world around me slowly coming to a stop as I finally noticed the person besides her. Standing beside her, smirking, was the man from last night.

Wait—why….why is he here? How did he find me?

A-and why's he with her? Why's he standing besides her?

So many questions yet no answers.

That's until Sarah notices my confusion and gently taps on their linked arms with a smile.

“Oh, right! Meet my older brother, Micah,” Sandra said brightly.

I stared at him, completely stunned, as if my whole world was falling apart. And then he smiled a slow, almost amused curve of his lips. "Hi," He said, bringing his arm out for a shake. "Nice to meet you, For the first time.”