7- Inevitable passion
GIULLIA SANTORI’S POV
Arriving home, I immediately went to the wardrobe to figure out what to wear. I didn't want it to happen like the piano performance, where he took me to a fantastic place, and I was not up to par. Besides, what I wanted was to surprise him. I searched like crazy, creating a mess in the room while looking for the perfect outfit, but I found nothing.
I sit on the floor, sighing and looking at the surrounding mess. I remember a red dress I received on my nineteenth birthday and never dared to wear because it was a bit bolder than usual. It may work this time, and I sincerely hope it still fits me two years later; it's likely since I haven't changed much since then.
I try on the dress, which clings to my body, accentuating my curves. Even though I know I'm alone, I feel embarrassed, blushing even more as I imagine Vittorio's gaze. Automatically, I'm curious about what he'll think when he sees me like that.
I shower long, relax, and then wear my chosen outfit. I look in the mirror and feel self-conscious about what I see, but I don't have any other option, and I want to catch his attention. My hair is loose, and I've applied light makeup to enhance my lips and clear eyes. I opt for a high-heeled sandal, one of the few I have in that style.
I like what I see in the mirror. I spend minutes looking at myself to ensure everything is as expected when I hear a car horn outside my house... It's him!
I close the door and head toward the car. I see Vittorio standing, leaning against the car. The image of a highly charming man excites me even more for tonight. I noticed his eyes hadn't left my body since I walked out the door, assessing me from head to toe, and at that moment, I realized he must have liked what he saw.
"You look... beautiful!" he states as I approach.
I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear in a gesture of shyness, my face blushing as usual because it's inevitable. I also notice him there, wearing black pants and a shirt; the buttons of the sweater are closed only up to his chest, making him incredibly sexy. His polished shoes are shining.
"You look handsome!" I affirm the sentiment is mutual. "Can I know where we're going?"
"To a pleasant place," he smiles, opening the car door for me.
"Your invitations are always enjoyable," I say as I sit in the car seat.
Vittorio is already by my side, looking at me from the corner of his eye as he prepares to start the car.
"Even a bloody fight?" he holds back a laugh.
"As long as you don't get hurt, even a fight," I reply.
He starts the car, and by now, I'm getting used to his radical driving style. Vittorio offers his hand, I look at it and sigh, touching it without a second thought. I shiver all over with the simple touch; I want so much more.
In half an hour, we arrive at a typical Italian restaurant. At the entrance, the hostess mentions our names, confirming that he arranged this moment. I'm thrilled he thought of me as much as I thought of him throughout the day.
We proceed to a table, guided by the hostess, who politely indicates our seats. I sit across from Vittorio, who maintains an incredibly elegant posture. The lighting is low, creating a romantic atmosphere.
"Wine?" he suggests.
"I..." I pause for a few seconds, "Sure, wine!"
I've never been one to consume anything with alcohol, but I decided to break some paradigms and also choose to accompany him so as not to come across as the naive girl I've always been.
Shortly after, a stylish man approaches with the wine chosen by Vittorio, serving it in a specific and refined manner. I love this new world of luxurious details I've never experienced before; his arrival in my life has brought me new sensations.
"This place is incredible," I compliment.
"It's one of my favorite restaurants. I'm glad you liked it," he smiles beautifully.
"I could never have imagined that the man I saved that night would be in front of me now... at a dinner," I think out loud.
"You were brave and put your life on the line."
"I acted from the heart, Vittorio."
He falls silent, looking deeply into my eyes as he sips his drink. I watch his lips savor the dark liquid, and this sight hypnotizes me. Nervously, I bring the glass to my lips and taste the drink. Caught off guard by the unfamiliar flavor, a somewhat bitter taste makes me involuntarily grimace. The wine is not terrible, but it's genuinely a new taste for me.
"Have you never had wine, Giulia?" he laughs back.
"I'll be honest... no!" I chuckle involuntarily.
"Choose something to your liking," he's kind.
"No, Vittorio, I liked it... it's just something new for me."
"I appreciate your lack of experience in some situations," he states, always seductive.
In the restaurant, the music fills my ears. I recognize Chopin's romantic melody, played by a pianist at the establishment. Vittorio noticed that my eyes were fixed on the piano. He stands up and walks over to the musician, leaving me puzzled. He says something in the musician's ear, and the man nods. Vittorio returns, standing by my side and extending his hand, making my heart race. I understand that he's inviting me to play.
"No, Vittorio, please... I can't!" I immediately decline.
I never thought of playing like this, in public, and even though there are only a few people around, I wouldn't be able to accept it. I feel my heart racing even more, looking at Vittorio, who still has his hand extended toward me.
"You can do it," he asserts confidently.
His words are enough to make me feel secure. I take a deep breath, standing up, still feeling a bit shy, but before doing anything, I take another sip of my drink. Holding his hand, we walk together to the piano. The musician stands up, giving me space, and I sit on the bench before the instrument. I take a deep breath before playing, following the musician's melody. My attention is solely on the piano; it's as if I'm alone in this place, wholly surrendered to the music.
I enter my world, moving my fingers in tune with the played notes. When I finish, I hear some applause and open my eyes, snapping out of my trance. Vittorio applauds vigorously, and I look in his direction with a massive smile.
I stand up, thanking everyone with a gentle wave. I approach Vittorio, amazed by what just happened. Involuntarily, I throw myself into his arms, feeling his hands around my waist.
"You were amazing!" he asserts.
"Wow, that was... wonderful."
I'm ecstatic, gazing at him intently. Those clear eyes, the well-groomed beard, the perfectly aligned hair—I touch his face, and I'm sure I'm in love at that moment.
I'm in love with the mafia boss—a danger I want to face.