Emiliana   It was a week before Christmas and only a few days since I had last spoken to Luciano. I could feel the space that had drifted between us in the last couple of days, I wasn’t sure if it was because of the terrible meeting that took place or Giovanni constantly lingering in my thoughts. Whatever it was, I felt myself sinking in the overwhelming sea of emotions. I watched as couples waltzed in carefree circles on the dance floor behind a golden backdrop. Swaying to the gentle Christmas music. Everyone was in their own bubbles of Christmas spirit and joy and I felt slightly envious of them. Chatter could be heard from the far reaches of the room and laughter was chasing it closely behind.  Long rows of tables adorned the main section of the room, rose vines entwined the chandeliers hangi

Emiliana I took a moment to calm myself, as I watched everyone open presents. Tie pins and cufflinks were the main themes for the males of the family, and each received a matching set, purely by coincidence. Twenty four carat gold and platinum adorned with diamonds and engraved with initials and sweet sentimental quotes. Giovanni sat silent, as usual but my gut twisted with guilt that he hadn’t received anything. He didn’t look phased by it, but it didn’t sit well with me. He knew everyone in the room, yet he hadn’t received one gift.My mother placed a wrapped up box in front of me. I tore the paper away like a little child, only to find a wooden box in my hands. I paused for a moment, before I opened the clasp carefully and lifted the lid. 

Emiliana  Giovanni was on my mind ever since he kissed me on Christmas Day. I still remembered how his soft lips caressed my cheek before his syrupy voice whispered in my ears. I tingled at the thought of his breath fanning across my cheek, the subtle wetness of where his lips had pressed sent a red hot flush of emotions through my body. I wasn’t sure if he had done it out of pity for my solemn state or something more. Whatever his reasons were, we had refused to discuss it and I happily accepted the fact. I wouldn’t have known how to bring it up without causing an awkward silence so we both did what we did best. We didn’t talk at all.My mind was reeling with possibilities as we approached The NoMad Hotel in South Central

Emiliana I stared at my avocado and toast in front of me, my fork playing piggy in the middle with the thick chunks. Nausea had wiped me and saturated all of my energy. I couldn’t think of anything worse than finishing my breakfast. “You don’t have to finish it.” Luciano waved his fork in the air as he wiped his face with the napkin. His blue eyes crinkled at the corners as his smile travelled across the table. I pushed the plate away, unable to look at it anymore. “I’m sorry.” I mumbled softly to him. I felt bad that it was Luciano’s first day back in the city and he had chosen to spend it with me. I was ruining it for us both with my incapacitating hangover.“Don’t be sorry.” He

Emiliana Concentration usually came easy to me, but so did distraction. When I was tormented by so many thoughts and feelings, I couldn’t focus. I was caught up in a tornado of conflict. Giovanni’s signature scent wafted past me, my eyes lifted excitedly at his presence. It was a brief and disappointing appearance. After hearing his sultry voice, I wanted nothing more than to hear it again. My eyes drifted back to my iPad, before a large mug of coffee was placed in front of me and I watched as Giovanni carefully lowered himself to the seat opposite me. Lust enveloped us both, I could feel that much. But there was something bothering Giovanni and he refused to tell me. I stared down at the figures in my lap. The numbers I had pr