LOGIN~LUCAS~I take Camilla's notes from her and open them.The first thing I realize is that I'm going to have to prepare more than I originally planned.I know psychology.Not as deeply as someone studying it, obviously, but I've taken enough related courses and studied enough material over the years to understand the fundamentals.The problem is that Camilla isn't a law student.She's studying psychology, and that means I can't walk into these sessions relying entirely on what I already know.If I'm going to teach her properly, I need to understand what she's being taught, how her department approaches each subject and, more importantly, exactly what her lecturers expect her to know.I glance through her Biological Psychology notes and handouts, and I see topics like Brain structures, The nervous system, Neurotransmitters.I scan the pages again, mentally organizing where I should begin.I make a decision that from now on, I'll read ahead.I'll research her course
~CAMILLA~For the first time in a long time, I wake up before my alarm.That alone should tell me how excited I am.For a few seconds, I lie beneath my covers, staring at the ceiling while the events of yesterday replay in my mind.My first private tutoring session with Mr. Lucas is today by three o'clock.A smile slowly spreads across my face.I reach for my phone and check the time. I still have more than enough time to get ready, but instead of going back to sleep like I would normally do before, I throw the covers off and sit up.I feel ridiculously happy.I can't remember the last time I was this excited about going to school.Actually, I'm not sure I've ever been this excited about school.Usually, getting ready for lectures involves me dragging myself out of bed, staring at my wardrobe for ten minutes, complaining about how tired I am, and wondering whether I can survive another lecture without falling asleep.Today?I practically bounce out of bed.I head
~CAMILLA~The moment the call ends, I lower my phone and stare at the screen with a smile I can't seem to control.Across from me, Esmeralda is already staring at me with her arms folded over her chest.I slowly lift my eyes to hers. "Are you satisfied now?"She raises an eyebrow. "Extremely."I roll my eyes.This girl!!!She followed me all the way back to my apartment purely because she wanted the gist.Apparently, my word wasn't enough when I told her Mr. Lucas had agreed to tutor me.She had spent the entire walk questioning me.‘Are you sure he agreed?’‘Did he actually say he would tutor you?’‘Maybe you misunderstood him.’At one point, I had nearly threatened to leave her on the street.But Esmeralda had refused to let it go.So, just to prove her wrong, I had called Mr. Lucas in front of her and put the call on loudspeaker.And now she had heard him agree with her own ears."He actually agreed," she says again, her eyes widening as if she's still process
~LUCAS~The moment the classroom door closes behind Camilla, I let out a long breath.I stand there for a few seconds, staring at the door as if I can somehow see through it.Then I shake my head."What have you done, Lucas?" The question slips out under my breath.I already know the answer.I've just agreed to tutor Camilla Riccardo.And somehow, I have the distinct feeling that I've made a very dangerous mistake.I adjust my bag, trying to convince myself that I'm overthinking things.It's tutoring….. that's all.She's struggling with her studies, and I happen to be in a position where I can help her.There is nothing wrong with that. It's just being academic, professional, and simple.I repeat those words in my head as I start to walk away from the classroom.By the time I am out of this particular building, I'm almost convinced.Then I remember the way Camilla practically threw herself at me when I agreed to tutor her.A smile threatens the corner of my mo
~CAMILLA~My heart stops when I hear Lucas say those words.For one horrifying second, all I can hear is the faint hum of the air conditioner above me and the sound of my own heartbeat pounding violently against my ribs.‘I want to see you, Camilla.’Those words shouldn't make me this happy.They shouldn't, not after what happened.Not after I had just stood in front of an entire classroom and made myself look like the dumbest student in the history of the University of Milan.But somehow, the moment Lucas says he wants to see me, every other thought disappears.Even the embarrassment, and the laughter.Even the way my face burned when I couldn't answer the simplest question.Everything disappears immediately because Lucas wants to see me.Lucas really wants to see me.I sit up straighter."Me?"The stupid question slips out before I can stop it.Lucas gives me a look. "Yes, Camilla. You."I swallow. "Oh."Oh? Oh? That's all I can say?I want to slap myself.A few students who haven't
~LUCAS~I don't think I have ever prayed this way like the way I'm praying right now not to meet Camilla Riccardo in my class.If I can really avoid Camilla Riccardo, then I'm going to enjoy Italy.The apartment I was given is so nice, classy and very comfortable. And the car I was given is so sleek and beautiful.But Camilla Riccardo is my biggest problem, and when I walk into class and see her sitting right there….I simply stare at her.Of course she's here.Because apparently, the universe has decided that avoiding this woman is going to be my personal punishment.I close my eyes for half a second and take a slow breath.Fine…..I accept it.I'm defeated.There is no escaping Camilla Riccardo.I could probably travel to another continent, lock myself in a basement and somehow, if I opened my eyes, I'd find her sitting across from me with that ridiculous smile.So this is it.She's in my class….and I'm her new lecturer.I straighten my shoulders and force e
~ELENA~I don't even know when we get home. I just feel someone pulling me out of the car and leading me to my room.I feel numb. My body, my senses, my mind….they all feel numb.The door to my room opens and I am led inside.“Take your bath and rest. We'll come to chec
~NICO~The moment my fist connects with Alessandro’s jaw, the sound is louder than I expect. A sharp crack that silences even the shrieks around us.He stumbles, spits blood, and collapses onto the floor.The crowd roars….half in shock, half in awe. Phones are out, cap
Alessandro stands in the middle of his father’s office, tall and impassive, hands in his pockets, face unreadable. His black shirt clings to his frame, sleeves rolled to the elbows, veins prominent, tattoos peeking at his wrists. The room is thick with tension.Behind the heavy mahogany desk sits
~ELENA~Nico's lips graze my cheeks…almost a kiss.Almost.And then the gym door swings open.“Damn!” We both exclaim.Riccardo walks in, towel over his shoulders. He pauses, eyes flicking between our too-close bodies.“Everything okay here??” He asks, voice neutral, but b







