Serendipity

Chapter 26

Elodie

My body feels too small to contain everything bubbling up within me. I've avoided him for days, thinking I was getting myself back under control but seeing him now just brings everything back. The hairs on my neck stood on end as soon as he entered the room and I swear I felt his presence like a shift in the air.

The worst part is that my blood heated up with anticipation. As if him being here is exciting or something good. It's not. It's bad. I hate him.

So I tell him, continuing to scream while he gives me nothing back. He just takes it as he did after our trip to my place. "I hate you!" I poke a finger into his sculpted chest, getting more frustrated when that single touch sends a shockwave of tingles down my spine.

He seems to feel it too and his eyes close for a second like he wants to savor it. When he looks back at me, his eyes soften. My heart gives a yearning lurch and I swallow heavily, trying to push everything down.

I shove at his chest with more force but he doesn't even stumble. His lack of protest to my behavior angers me more and with each passing second he holds my gaze steady I can feel my exhaustion growing bigger and bigger. Fuck, I'm tired of feeling this. It's too much.

And taking it out on him makes me hate myself more. So with one last push, I turn my back to him and scream at the ground. My chest is heaving, my hands running through my hair as I try to collect myself but it's not working. None of it is.

"Elodie," he finally says softly. My eyes prick and my throat tightens painfully. Still, I push a harsh, "Don't!" past my gritted teeth. I let my hands drop, digging my nails into my palms as I try not to fall apart. What the hell is wrong with me? Why does it feel like there's this suffocating weight on my chest? Like there's something inside of me that desperately tries to claw its way out.

Raffaele moves and before I can question it, he's standing in front of me, engulfing me in a giant hug. My entire body freezes and I hold my breath, the thing inside me climbing higher and higher in my throat until I recognize it as a sob. Mortification washes over me and I push at the body before me, shaking my head desperately.

"Let go of me!" I half scream, half sob. Fuck, fuck, fuck! What is happening? I can't cry! Why am I crying?

Why is he holding me?

I twist in his grip and try to get him away but it only causes him to tighten his hold around me. And I hate the way he feels because he's so warm and gentle and smells so good, I'm forgetting I'm supposed to hate him.

The fight leaves my body, my heart just begging to soak up the fucking hug and my mind becoming too tired to keep fighting the rest of me. "Please," I mutter in a final attempt, painfully aware he must feel my tears wetting his shirt. God, I'm embarrassed.

I can feel him shake his head against the top of mine, holding me steady as I fall apart. And as the embarrassment, self-loathing and all the reasons I shouldn't be here fade away, I let myself enjoy this. The first bit of comfort I've received from another human being- not counting the night with Matteo- in way too long.

-

The following morning, I give Raffaele a proper report of the exchange in his office which is surprisingly not as awkward as expected after last night. After he held me in silence until I was completely calm, we eventually just let go and our ways parted. Neither of us said anything last night nor have we mentioned it this morning.

The only indication that it wasn't a dream is the clear change in the atmosphere between us. I'm not quite sure how to describe it but I guess it's kind of nice. Something secret and intimate but innocent at the same time.

"Sounds like you had everything under control," Raffaele says finally. "Would you mind telling me where you were before six pm? I was looking for you to have a last-minute talk." There's a fathom of guilt tugging at my stomach but I brush it aside, remembering I'm entitled to my freedom.

"I had a drink at The Blue," I reply honestly. My admission lights a bit of interest in his eyes and he looks almost intrigued as he questions me further. As if he was getting a new piece to a confusing puzzle

"They didn't ask for your ID?"

"I know the owner," I reply curtly. Then, seeing his disappointment and remembering what he did for me last night, I add, "My father used to take me there from a young age. It was kind of our spot. The bartender lets it slide." I study his reaction to my words closely, trying to figure out if sharing this with him is too much.

I'm not sure where last night puts us so I'll have to figure it out as I go.

Raffaele nods to himself then smiles slightly. I raise an eyebrow at that, wondering what he finds funny, and when he catches on to my silent question, he just shakes his head and smiles wider. "Sorry, I just pictured a mini-you in a bar. Then my mind drifted to Matteo and I remembered what he said last night," he explains, a fond expression crossing his face at the mention of his little boy.

He hesitates for a second, then decides to keep sharing like I did. With a teasing smirk, he asks, "Elle, huh?"

I can feel my cheeks blush but level him with a half-hearted glare. "The twins used to have trouble pronouncing my name so I figured it was a safe choice," I defend myself.

He raises his hands in mock surrender. "I'm not saying anything. It's kind of cute," he teases me.

And that's when I really fix him with a stare. I hate being called cute. People think because I'm short I won't still beat your ass and it triggers me. They're wrong.

Raffaele, the idiot, laughs at my dark expression. Of course, he does. I nearly forgot how insufferable he was. The reminder is welcome, even as the softest of smiles tugs at my own lips.

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New era unlocked💁🏼‍♀️ lmao jkjk

Anyways, here u go, hope u liked the chapter:))

Have a good day<3