Made of Steel

3. Dreaming awake

Cassandra Reid

I stare at him for a very long time. The raven hair, the prominent chin and... the blue eyes; The same ones that I saw in the depths of the sea... It's him, the charming prince of my dreams. But... how is it possible? I'm sure I've never seen this man in my life. If I had, I would surely remember him.

Oh my gosh, he is really hot!

And the statement that he has made... The same words that I heard this morning. It's like reliving my dream, but in a much better way. He is here! I can't believe it. Am I going crazy?

"What have you said?", I'm so stunned that I have suddenly forgotten the language and speak English.

"How is my son, doctor?". He ignores my question, which brings me back to my five senses.

So I push my silly thoughts away and take a deep breath before answering, this time in Italian. “The operation was easy. The patient presented an uncomplicated acute appendicitis. It's quite common in children of his age...", I continue explaining the procedure and current state of Federico Di Lauro. I know there are more family members in the room listening to my words, however, I can only pay attention to the Italian in front of me. I've fallen into a kind of hypnosis. "We will have him at least forty-eight hours in observation",  I conclude. "Then we will reassess him to send him home."

"Can we see my grandson?" A very pretty lady intervenes. Her resemblance to the Italian is evident.

"In a few minutes, Nurse Falco will take you to the patient's room", I answer. "You can be calm".

I return to focus my eyes on the prince of my dreams and as I look at him, a whole movie plays in my head.

I remember his appearance when I thought I would drown in the sea, his strong arms supporting my tiny body, our synchronized breaths, the warmth of his skin, the husky manly voice that shakes me inside and finally, his kisses... I can still feel the warmth of his lips on mine.

I remember my excitement, desire, expectation...

'I want more'

I look from his blue spheres to his palatable lips and I must fight with all my strength to avoid blushing.

It's weird and impossible, but I feel like I've known him before, long before.

I close my eyes and breathe to continue:

"As I have told the little girl, the recovery is fast and he will be able to return to his normal activities in a few weeks.

"Thank you very much for everything, doctor" says the same woman from before.

"There's not need of that", I reply in a friendly and professional tone. "I'm just doing my job".

"Anyway, my mother is right", my father's patient intercedes. His voice is so fiery that he manages to stoke the heat in my cheeks. God! To speak that way should be a crime. "You have our undying gratitude, Doctor..."

"Reid", I complete.

"Nice to meet you, Dr. Reid". He takes my hand without warning and then wraps it with his in what looks like a cordial greeting. " My name is Adriano Di Lauro.

"Nice to meet you too", I answer automatically, captivated by his lopsided smile. This man could conquer the world with a simple gesture or a simple look.

"Tell me, Dr. Reid", he uses a lower tone to the point that I can barely hear him, "do you believe in fate?"

"I beg your pardon?". I feel more and more mesmerized and mesmerized. "I'm afraid I don't understand, sir".