if i vanish, blame the wind

The sky above Santorini melted into a deep orange hue, spilling across the sea like paint on canvas. Our table sat right at the edge of the terrace, facing the ocean. The summer breeze brushed gently against my skin, carrying the salty scent of the sea mixed with a faint hint of rosemary from the restaurant kitchen. Soft jazz music played in the background, barely audible.Matteo hadn’t touched his wine.“Someone died this morning,” he said, staring into his empty glass. “Two men from Palermo. Shot in the street, broad daylight. Old-school. Brutal.”The steak knife in my hand paused over the still-bloody meat. I looked at him, waiting. He was always like that… opening conversations like dropping a grenade on the table.“They were probably trying to make a statement,” he went on. “Or send a message. We know who did it. But not enough to strike back without starting a full-blown war.”I leaned back into the linen-covered rattan chair and took a deep breath. The candlelight on the table

Last Updated : 2025-06-19

gold lights, red hands

The pendant lights hung low between the olive trees, casting a golden glow over the crystal glasses and small linen-covered tables. Music drifted softly through the air, a blend of modern jazz and old Latin instrumentals, wrapping the night like a thin, expensive mist.The party was semi-formal. Guests arrived in long dresses and bow ties, but also in relaxed shoes and linen jackets. The scent from the antipasti table mixed with sea salt and too much perfume.I stood beside Matteo, my arm looped through his. His fingers locked around my wrist like an invisible cuff. A possessive grip he probably didn’t realize...or maybe he did.Bretta laughed loudly across the garden, her hand resting on Mauro’s arm as he stood there, patient as always. They spoke quickly, their body language like a small dance. Push and pull, tug and glance, like the world belonged only to them.“Let’s hope you’re not like her when you’re pregnant,” Matteo suddenly whispered in my ear.I didn’t turn to him. Just too

Last Updated : 2025-06-19

Zach Romano, With a Smile

The first breath that filled my lungs tasted like metal. Cold and sharp.My eyes opened slowly, blinking a few times before focusing on the unfamiliar interior. Leather so smooth it felt unnatural, soft lights hidden in the seams of the car ceiling, the engine barely making a sound.This wasn’t something I rode in just to get around. And I was sitting… on a leather couch facing another couch.Facing him.The man from the garden. The one who didn’t touch me. Didn’t say my name. But made me feel like I was already stripped bare under his stare.He sat casually, one arm resting on the back, legs crossed. Still wearing the same black shirt from last night, fitting far too comfortably on his body.His eyes lifted when I moved, then dropped to my feet. “You’re awake,”I instinctively leaned back, my spine hitting the side of the car door. “Who are you?” I asked, my voice hoarse.He didn’t answer right away. Instead, he reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a handkerchief. He offered

Last Updated : 2025-06-19

All Chapters of TO HATE, TO TOUCH, TO RUIN: Chapter 1 - Chapter 3

if i vanish, blame the wind

gold lights, red hands

Zach Romano, With a Smile