Vittori ✔️

FOURTEEN

DANIEL HARPER

I stood under the shower, letting the water hit my hair and clean me. Gone was a busy day.

The warm water turned cold quickly. I jolted at the sudden pain from the cold and turned off the water. I got my towel from the towel rack, dried myself, and tied it around my waist. I opened the curtain and stepped into the clearing where other communal showers were. 

Sitting on the sink was Angie. She had her foot on the edge and was painting her nails.

“Angie? Why are you in the men’s bathroom?” I asked her. 

“The girl’s bathroom is full. It’s much calmer in here.” She said. She closed the bottle of nail polish and blew air on her toe nail.

“Can I change?” I asked her. Angie took a look up and down my body.

“Oh, Danny. You've got the bod, show it off." I raised an eyebrow. "Fine." She turned away for a bit.

I dressed quickly and joined her at the sink.

"I thought you had a date with that Alpha Chi guy."

“Nah, I’ve decided frat bros aren't my taste. Anyways, how’d it go with Lucien?” She asked.

“It was… okay.” I finished. 

“What do you mean, 'okay'? Did something happen?” She asked. 

I wasn’t sure if I should tell her the whole story. Mafia meetings and hot chocolate just sounds strange to say out loud.

“Well, uh, he kissed me.” I shyly said.

“Is this a good or bad thing?” She asked. I could see she was waiting if I liked it or not.

“To be honest, I’m not sure. He kinda did it out of nowhere. It caught me off guard.” I said.

“Did you enjoy the kiss?” She asked.

I thought about the kiss. It truly did feel like a spur of the moment incident. Sure, lust might've motivated him. But his actions before and after didn't show that Lucien was kissing me for the sole reason of getting in my pants.

“I guess I did.” I replied.

“Aw! Wait? Is that your first kiss?” She asked. I nodded. “That’s kinda sweet.” She cooed.

“The date was nice. He hired a chef to cook for us. And he showed me around his childhood home. It was a fun day.” I said, remembering the amazing food and perfect home.

“It might be too early to say, but Lucien definitely has a keen interest in you.” Angie said. 

“Oh, yeah, for sure…” 

“Anyways, why are you taking a shower? It’s almost midnight.” She said.

“I was sweating.” The so-called sweat from being in the presence of a bunch of mafia guys.

“Well, I gotta bounce. Don’t want my RA to find me here and write me up. I’ll see you tomorrow. We’re going to Rosie’s in Bowery, right?” She asked.

“As long as you’re paying.” I replied. 

“Of course, Danny. Bye!” She hugged me and patted my back before running out of the bathroom.

I went to the small bench, gathered my clothes, and went to my room.

Since I couldn’t sleep. Today was... fun. When will a college student ever had that type of privilege. I decided to type up the proposal for Sylvester. I finished the document in under 30 minutes.

Now I was bored. I tossed and turned in my sleep and kept turning my pillow over. 

Then my phone started ringing. I checked the caller ID and saw it was a random number. Normally, late night phone calls means someone is in trouble or dead.

“Hello?” I said.

“Danny Boy?” That deep voice asked. 

“Lucien? How did you get my number?” I asked.

“From your file. Our past interactions have been orchestrated by my father. I figured it’d be easier if I just had your phone number in my contacts.” He said.

“That makes sense.” I said.

“How are you after earlier? I’m just checking up on you.” He said.

“I’m fine. I just took a shower.” I said.

“I bet you smell amazing” He spoke in a romantic voice. Smell?

“I don't know. Maybe." I chuckled. This was hit attempt to talk to me, I guess.

"Uh, Danny. Are you free tomorrow?"

"Yeah. I have a thing with a friend."

"Aw. I was hoping you could come over to my place."

"I guess I can squeeze you in. I'll be wrapped up by..." I checked my calendar app. "Uh, how's three pm?"

"Sure, that's good." He ended his talk.

He didn't say anything afterwards. I just heard him softly breathing.

"Go to sleep, Lucien."

"Right. Sleep."

"Good night."

"Night, Danny." He let out a light chuckle and hung up.

I'd be visiting Lucien's home. The Hamptons was already nice, but I could tell it wasn't his primary residence. It felt more like a place he'd visit to get away from the city.

I'm sure I'm not the first person he's invited over to his house. But I will be the first person to walk out without having slept with him.

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<3