Chapter-31 Middle Ground (Part 2)

Gianna

“Thank you,” I said. He traced my cheek with his thumb, his eyes studying me before he leaned down and pressed his lips on mine. I closed my eyes, reflexively holding my breath as he kissed me, and this time it was much softer. As if he were apologizing.

When he pulled away, his eyes said something that I don’t think he would ever be able to put in words. Not yet.

“Stay here…” he murmured, his eyes darkening. “Don’t sleep in the guestroom.”

“I really am sore after this morning,” I said, biting my lip. Nico blinked, and a rare smile spread on his lips. It was so rare that I wished I could capture it.

“Then I will keep my hands to myself,” he said, running his fingers through my hair strands. “I will never do anything you don’t want me to. I am sorry about last night. And this bedroom…it’s yours too.”

“Thanks,” I smiled, and before I headed to the bathroom, I reached up a bit and whispered in his ear, “I enjoyed last night. I won’t mind it repeating…” And it made me extremely smug as I shut the bathroom door with the image of his dark eyes filled with surprise and desire imprinted in my mind.

This wasn’t going so bad after all.

Leo had kept his promise. By the next morning, Corrado was already stationed in my rarely-used study, ready for the meeting. I, on the other hand, was still waiting for Teresa to arrive—and a part of me quietly dreaded the moment she’d come face to face with Nico, who was noticeably less brooding today, almost calm.

He hadn’t touched me last night, kept a respectful distance. But that only made things worse. I was already aching for him again. His touch—fierce, consuming—had become something I craved. It was dangerous, the kind of hunger that wraps around your bones. And like an addict, I found myself needing another fix.

The meeting had dragged on longer than I’d expected, with Corrado meticulously dissecting the contract line by line, translating the dense legal jargon that went right over my head. Teresa was scribbling notes with sharp precision—questions we needed answers to, points worth negotiating. But Maximus had been alarmingly thorough. Every clause was airtight, every detail flawlessly laid out.

“And that will be all,” Corrado said, shutting the file. “This seems pretty clear and straightforward. Apart from the points Ms. Rosario wrote down, I don’t think we have anything to worry about. They have been very thorough, and everything seems quite transparent. I do feel we’re good to go.”

“Thank you, Corrado,” I said. “I know how long you have been working with Leo. I couldn’t have found anyone better.”

“Don’t worry, Mrs. Baldocchi,” he smiled. “I have got you covered. Mr. Ammassari told me everything. Apart from this, we would need to cover a few other paperwork as well–registering your brand, trademark for your logo and brand name, taxation and all that. But don’t worry, I will take care of it all, and we will take it one thing at a time.”

“That does sound like a lot,” I murmured, trying not to be overwhelmed. “But…one step at a time.”

“Absolutely,” he smiled, standing up. Teresa and I followed. “If you feel like needing my presence during your next meeting to negotiate the terms, let me know. Meanwhile, I will get on the legal matters that need to be dealt with from your side.”

“Thanks. Let me know what you need from my end,” I said.

“I will,” he nodded, holding out his hand. “Until next time.”

“Well, that went well,” Teresa smiled once Corrado left. “He seemed like a nice guy.”

“He has been working with Leo for a long time. He is very trustworthy,” I answered. “That’s why I wanted him.”

“Let him do his part, and we shall prepare for the meeting day after tomorrow. I’m sure Maximus will hear out my points,” Teresa said. “By the way, your office looks great.”

“Nico gifted this to me…as a wedding gift,” I smiled, running my hand over the smooth mahogany desk.

“What happened to jewelry and stuff?” she raised a brow.

“He wanted to give me something tangible…it’s just Nico,” I shrugged.

“So…how’s it going with him? Did you try out the plan we discussed?”

“I did,”

“And?” she asked expectantly.

“You were right. I had to meet him where he was, and I think it's slowly working…” I didn’t dive into all the details and was grateful when Teresa didn’t press.

“See? I told you. This will work. Just take it one step at a time,” she smiled. “So did you guys?”

“Twice,” I blushed.

“Details, Gi…give me some details,” Teresa squealed.

“It was incredible,” I bit my lip, pressing my lips together. “That’s all I can say.”

“I am happy for you,” she smiled. “Just give it some time. Everything will be alright. Now, I'd better get going. I have some errands to run.”

“What about you and Caelian?” I inquired, raising a brow. “Did you two?”

“Haven’t heard from him since that day,” she scowled, making a face.

“Oh…I guess he was preoccupied. Nico told me these last three days…they have been a bit crazy,” I offered. “Maybe he will call later.”

“Whatever,” she shrugged. “I don’t care. The bastard can go to hell. It’s sad, though. He would have been a good fuck. But whatever…” I could see she was a tad disappointed and trying to hide it with nonchalance.

“Yeah, it’s totally his loss,” I agreed. “He missed a chance at enjoying true fire.”

“Aw, thanks, girlie,” she gave me a one-armed hug. “And anyway, I don’t chase, I attract…always been my motto. See you later,” she gave me a wink before trotting out. I shook my head and then started gathering the papers and files lying on the table.

“Did the meeting go well?” I almost jumped and then turned around to find Nico standing by the door, dressed in casual clothes with a mug of what seemed like coffee in his hand. What was he doing here?

“You’re still here,” I frowned. “Don’t you have to go to work?”

“I took a break today,” he shrugged. “Here…Mirella made coffee. Thought you would like some.”

“Oh…thanks,” I smiled, grabbing the mug and relishing in the delicious smell of whatever coffee Mirella uses.

“So, are you done for the day?” he inquired.

“Yes,” I nodded. “I guess I am.”

“Good. Get ready, we’re going out.” That was that. He turned on his heels and started to head out.

“Wait…” I called. “Out? Out where?” Nico turned around slightly and gave me an almost smirk.

“You achieved something so amazing,” he said. “It’s time we celebrated that…”