Cullum drops us off in front of a small, intimate Indian restaurant uptown. The sweet aromas of mixed earthy spices drift in the air, hitting your nostrils instantly the moment the elevator doors open. If I had to use one word to describe the restaurant as we step into the foyer from the elevator, it would be exotic. Dim lights cast shadows off the dark, rich coloured walls, and beautiful candles flutter with light. Music quietly plays in the background as a lady sings about heartbreak. We're seated next to a glass window looking over the city. I happen to look up and admire the black night skies shimmering with stars. They look like little crystals scattered through a black ocean. It holds me hostage for all its beauty on display. I can’t make sense of how the simplicity of the two can be so mesmerising. “It's enchanting, isn't it?” Luca says, breaking my train of thought. “Yes, it truly is.” I smile. He looks out the window, gazing towards the sky. “It’s the little th

“What do you mean no?” My voice begins to tremble out of fear and uncertainty of what this man is capable of.“I’m going to fuck you against this wall! I intended to make love to you in my bed. A respectful place for a woman to make love to, si? But you put your hands on me violently, tesoro, and now I will use your body against you.” His words are harsh, and they feel like a slap on the face.“I’m not some fucking whore you can just… screw against your wall, Luca.” I sneer, struggling against him.“No, you’re not. But you enjoy playing rough, don’t you? And baby, trust me, I. Can. Give. You. Rough.” He smirks at me, enjoying the little 'damsel in distress' show before him.Luca moves his hands, skillfully locking both my wrists into one hand. His hand glides smoothly down my neck, his gaze fixed on his every motion. He confidently adjusts my blazer, his palm roughly kneads my breast, delivering an uncomfortable sensation that has me gritting my teeth. The pads of his fingers delicat

I leave the house in a rush with my bag dangling off my forearm as I quickly put my studded earrings on. Cullum opens the door, smiling. After I get into the car. He slips into the driver’s seat, pulls on his seat belt, starts the engine, and pulls out into the early mornings' free-flowing traffic. Minutes later, he pulls up in front of the Academy and opens the back door for me. I take his offering hand and slide out of the car, fixing my shirt. “Thanks, Cullum, you’re the best.” I smile at him. “You have yourself a good day,” I say as I step back, and take my bag from his grasp. “You're welcome Miss. Maddison, I’ll be here waiting with Mr. Venturi for your lunch date around midday.” He closes the rear passenger door, looks back at me, and a scowl washes over his pleasant face as a hand lands on my shoulder. [Hi] “Malo Nessa.” I look over my shoulder to see who Cullum is frowning at. “Sanz, hi.” I greet him, sounding a tad bit more annoyed than I should. There is no indicatio

For the remainder of the morning, my Care Bears presented their Show and Tell projects. They were all in fits of laughter through most of their peer's shows. I seriously didn't realise we had so many comedians among us in the classroom. I can only imagine how entertaining they'll be at the end of year talent quest. When the fits of laughter finally die down, and the classroom becomes respectfully quiet again. The sudden rush of worry and guilt returns, piercing my heart like a silver bullet. It makes me think of Sanz and hoping he's kept his word by calling the police and not going over to the house and confronting Thomas in person. The moment the interval bell rings and the last of my Care Bears leave to go play outside, I make a quick beeline to Sanz office. I knocked on the door… “Come in.” He replies gruffly. I enter his office and sit down on one of the chairs in front of his desk. “Have you notified the police?” Sanz looks up from his computer. “I did.” “And?” I ask

I arrive back at the academy just as the first warning bell for lunch is over.My lunch with Luca had taken a turn for the worse. To find out that he flies back and forth between countries was not the issue. The problem was stumbling across the piece of information through several questions.I have no intention of canceling my lunch date with Sanz simply because he has reservations about me spending time alone with another man.“We are not in a relationship,” he had said.And that's perfectly acceptable to me, and it's exactly what I desired. However, the longer I spend with him, the more these inappropriate emotions begin to emerge. It's possible that he may have a girlfriend or a family back in Italy, for all I know. I have no intention of being a 'Home wrecker'. I am seated at my desk, retrieving my phone from my purse to make a slight adjustment to mine and Chrissy' plans for tonight.Vanessa: How about we go out to Dynasty for a few quick drinks after work instead of staying in?H