6- He's charming
GIULLIA SANTORI’S POV
At the appointed time, the car arrived, and I, already anxious, waited on the small porch of my house. I approached the car, observing the man who got out and opened the car door for me. After about forty minutes, we arrived at the race location. One of his subordinates directed me to a VIP box and asked if I wanted something to drink.
"Just water, please," I answer calmly.
"Right away, miss!" he leaves.
I look around, trying to find Vittorio. The cars are lined up for the start, and I feel excitement and anxiety. But it doesn't take long for me to spot Vittorio walking towards a sports car; he's also looking for me, and at that moment, our gazes meet. I can't take my eyes off him, and he smirks at me, making me sigh. His expressions captivate me. How can he be so charming? The way he looks and talks... everything about him is incredibly attention-grabbing.
He gets into the car, and the race begins. The engines roar, and the tires screech as the cars accelerate. I've never been to a race before, but this experience is excellent. This new world he's introducing me to is fantastic. It's pulling me out of my routine.
Several laps are completed, and as the cars pass in front of the reserved area where I am, I feel the wind on my face. I applaud, excited. Shortly after, I notice his car losing control. My heart races, and I grip the box railing, leaning forward to get a better view. I'm worried about him; the car seems to be experiencing some issues.
"What's happening?" I ask one of his subordinates, who is concerned.
"Mechanical problems, the boss will handle it!" he explains.
"Is he okay? Does he need help?" I continue to feel nervous.
"He's used to this," he dismisses my concern.
Suddenly, he regains his position on the track; the instability seems to have vanished, and he accelerates even more. I place my hand on my chest, feeling my heart racing—damn it!
I couldn't understand my reaction; I feared for him, felt scared, and felt a bad sensation that I never imagined I would feel. I heard everyone shouting around me, and I turned my gaze toward the track. Vittorio had regained his momentum, becoming the champion of the race despite all the setbacks. People were cheering for him, too, and I heard applause, shouts, and whistles.
Vittorio hurriedly gets out of the car, and to my surprise, he comes straight over to me, embracing me tightly, lifting me off the ground. I also hug him, feeling his scent even closer for the first time—a woody and masculine fragrance. When my feet touch the ground again, we exchange looks with huge smiles on our lips.
"You won, it was amazing..." I exclaim ecstatically.
"Yes, I won, and I dedicate this victory to you," he's pleased.
"I feel honored, Vittorio!"
"You were my inspiration."
Our gaze is locked on each other. Hands on his shoulders, he touches my waist. For an instant, it's as if we're alone. I glance at his lips, which invite me to touch them. Vittorio caresses my face, and I realize that we're involuntarily getting closer. Just as we're about to kiss, one of his subordinates grabs our attention.
"Boss, they sent this to be delivered," he notifies.
We step back again, and I feel my face burning, embarrassed, and blushing. Vittorio takes a step back, looks at the money the man is holding, and orders it to be stored away.
"Do you want something to drink?" he asks, looking at my hand. "Besides water?"
"I'm good," I smile, still feeling shy.
"Wow, you were amazing today," a man appears, patting Vittorio on the back.
"Indeed, today was quite inspiring," Vittorio confirms.
He looks at me with a charming smile. I return a broad smile as well. With each passing moment, I'm becoming more enchanted by him—my favorite danger.
...
I was at the college then, but my mind was distant. I remember Vittorio's embrace right after winning the car race, our almost kiss. That victory he dedicated to me, for the first time in my life, I felt important and influential.
I hear my name being called, but I need to pay attention. Suddenly, the professor said my name, almost shouting, and I was startled, sitting in my chair properly.
"What's happening with you, Giulia? You used to be my best student, but now you're always absent-minded," he justifies.
"I... I, a family member of mine, am very sick, and I'm not focused," I blatantly lie.
"Have you been missing a lot of classes? Your piano lesson... why didn't you attend?" he asks, leaning in closer to me.
"There was a... complication!"
"I advise you not to let this happen so frequently."
The only time I lied to someone was when I was a child. But based on what I'm experiencing, I realized that lying was essential to avoid revealing everything that was happening. I must admit that being with Vittorio is much better than being at college.
There was one last class, but I didn't want to stay there. Since I always gave my best, missing a few classes to enjoy a little would be fine. I've always been so focused on college that thinking about myself now wouldn't be selfish. I'm eager to see him again and have more moments by his side. I grab my phone and dial Vittorio's number.
"Hello..." I greet as soon as I hear his voice.
"Hi, Giulia. Are you still at college?"
He asks casually.
"Yes, anxious to leave. I'm waiting for you to go home," I reveal.
"I'll be there in a few minutes."
I say goodbye to him, biting my lower lip. I take a deep breath, containing my excitement.
As soon as I have the opportunity, I leave the campus and head to the parking lot, as I know he drives at high speeds and will be there in a few minutes. That's precisely what happens. Vittorio is in his dark car, waiting for me, wearing sunglasses and that masculine expression that hasn't left my mind for a second. He gets out and points to open the car door for me to get in, and I do.
Once he's in his seat, he looks at me, and that gaze leaves me disoriented. He smiles slightly and asks, "What do you want to do? Anything in mind?"
The only thing I want is to be with him once again, regardless of what we do. Being with him matters to me.
"You decide; I trust your choices," I smile, feeling my face blush.
"Don't put too much pressure on me, Miss Santori," he chuckles.
Vittorio smiles, seeming satisfied with my words, and starts the car. That afternoon, we just walked around in the park near my house.
"I want to take you somewhere tonight!" he informs.
"I get excited when you say that. You always make me experience something new in my life," I smile.
"Oddly enough, I feel the same."
I desire not to let go; I've never felt so complete.
"You won't give me any hints about what you plan for later?" I ask eagerly.
"I just want you to look as beautiful as you are."
His gaze meets mine, and for a few seconds, we stay like that, locked in each other's eyes. Even though he's involved in something dangerous and bloody, his personality when he's with me is that of a helpful and courteous person. The environment he brought us to was calm and full of greenery, where people exercised and had picnics on the grass. A bit of fresh air is always good, and I got to enjoy his company so it couldn't be better.
"How are your classes?" he asks, always concerned.
"Everything is going well as usual; I've always given my all. I love music," I look ahead thoughtfully.
"And the piano!" he adds.
"Yes! And the piano, of course," I smile at him. "You seem to know me very well."
"As if it were from a long time ago," he looks ahead, lost in thought while walking.
"Exactly!" I affirm.
It's so rewarding to have someone helpful by your side, someone who considers your personal preferences and notices everything that pleases you, proving that they care about you. After enjoying the afternoon, he takes me back home, and I occasionally look at him and see that he's lost in thought. Without a doubt, he must be thinking about the surprise he mentioned for later tonight. When we arrived at my place, he opened the car door for me as usual, and I stepped out, thanking him with a big smile.
"At seven then?" he suggests.
"Works for me; I'll be waiting... see you later, Vittorio."
"See you later," he smiles beautifully.
This was the first time I said his name with intimacy and ease. Our moments made me feel even closer to him, even if it was just a quiet walk and conversation in the park. The best part of my day is when I'm in his presence. I forget about everything around me.