𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐓 𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 | 𝟏𝟖+

Chapter 1

MILA

"She's a killer. Looking at ya."

***

The hot rays of the sun grazed my body while I laid in my sage two-piece bikini by the pool. Summer was coming to an end, and reality was about to set in. The thought of more homework and seminars made me gag.

I spent most of my summer partying with my best friend, Odessa, and traveling with my family.

I've visited two countries and a few states over the course of two months.

My brother, Mateo, walked outside with his new girlfriend. He can't ever keep just one lover at a time, so I quit learning names after the fourth this summer.

As the older twin, I like to think of myself as the wiser one. Mateo was in school for business, set to follow in our fathers footsteps. I never really asked if being a CEO was his hearts desire, but I had my hands full with classes to become a psychologist.

My mother and father both supported me, but I knew they wanted me to be more involved in the family business. I would rather wake up every morning happy, instead of dreading the path my parents set out for me.

As I walked inside the house, I smelled my mom's famous empanadas. "Mama!" I yelled from the door eagerly.

"Mi amor, have you done anything else besides tan all day?" She chuckled as she placed the pan inside the oven.

"No, Lily. Our daughter is accustomed to being a princess, and I support her fully." My dad laughed as he walked into the kitchen and placed a kiss on my mother's lips.

I gagged at the act of love and grabbed a water out of the fridge. "So papa, how's work been? Any new deals?"

"Actually yes, M. I have a business deal to close with Theo Romano tonight at seven. And I would like all of you to join me." My father said excitedly.

"Even Mateo? He's a child inside a mans body. He'd only embarrass you," I said playing with the top to my water bottle.

"Yes," my father replied. "Even Mateo. He needs to learn more about the business before I can let him do his own thing, principessa."

I glanced outside to see Mateo having the time of his life with his new girlfriend. I sighed, and walked upstairs to my bedroom.

I bedroom is just a few doors down from Matty's. The decor is modern, but still has a touch of elegance to it.

I have a huge window that curtains cover, and a king sized bed with a silky comforter. My closet is filled with things I most likely won't ever wear, and my room stays clean.

After a shower and a three hour nap, I finally opted that If I didn't get ready now, I would be extremely late.

I went into my closet to pick out an outfit, but I came up empty, so I decided to call Odessa for her opinion.

She and I met in high school, and have been glued by the hip since then. She and her boyfriend, Jasper, like to party a lot, and I sometimes join them.

Two rings later, she picked up.

"Hey, M. What's up?"

"Need help finding an outfit. Help me?"

"What's the occasion?"

"Dinner with my dad," I sighed, "he's closing a business deal."

"Okay, go for something elegant but hot. Where's the black dress you bought a few weeks ago when we were in Florida?"

"Returned it. Had a fucking hole in it."

"Shit. Show me your closet."

I grabbed the phone and showed her every piece of clothing I owned.

"Wait, the royal blue one right there."

I grabbed it by the hanger and put it to my body.

"Yes. I love it. Wear that one."

"Thanks for your help, babe. Love you."

"Love you more." Was all she said before hanging up.

I finished my makeup and hour later. I went with a more natural look because makeup is not my strong suit. I went back into my bedroom and slipped on the dress with a pair of heels.

I looked into my full body mirror and smiled. The silk, royal blue dress looked beautiful on me.

I was late, as usual, due to my remarkable ability to get dressed three hours earlier than everyone else and still be late. My parents and I always traveled in separate vehicles because of Mateo and I's "new age" music taste, as my father put it.

Mateo stepped out of my car and walked over to my side. He opened the door for me and grabbed my hand as I gave my keys to the man working valet. I smiled at him and walked inside of the restaurant.

Mateo and I are very close, and he could be a gentleman when he wants to be.

I looked around for my parents, and once I saw them, I gave a tight lipped smile and pointed toward the restroom. My brother walked towards my father's table as I made my way to freshen up. I checked my messages for a brief moment and saw my best friend, Odessa's message.

Odessa: What if this Theo Romano guy is hot? His name even sounds sexy.

Me: Doubt it. All of my father's friends are old or dull.

Odessa: You never know, M ;)

I chuckled and put my phone back into my purse and walked out of the restroom.

"There she is," my father said as he smiled proudly, "sit, sit."

When I looked at Theo, I could've sworn the world stopped for a second. My heart fluttered and my stomach felt uneasy. His eyes were a beautiful brown, and his hair was messy on purpose. Stubble surrounded the lower part of his face and traced along his jawline.

I quickly snapped out of my trance and shook his hand with a smile. "How are you, Mr. Romano?"

"Please, tesoro, call me Theo." He replied with a smirk and a kiss on my hand.

My heart started to race as I took my seat across from him. Why was I feeling this way over a man I had just met? Much less the guy my father was about to make yet another business deal with.

_

Okay besties, what do you guys think? Please vote and comment :) I also know this chapter was a bit short, but the action hasn't even begun yet!

Editing: This chapter is so bad to the point of no return tbh.

Xoxo, Lola. <3