UNDECIDED (Wisemen Series #1)

5 | Mind in The Gutter

ISABELLE
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The room was buzzing with chatter, the ambient noise a blend of laughter and the clinking of glasses. I was lost in thought, replaying the earlier conversation with Riccardo, when Alessandro approached me with an easy smile.

I welcomed the distraction, grateful for a conversation that didn't revolve around hidden feelings or crossed lines.

"Isa, how have you been? I feel like it's been ages since we've had a chance to catch up," Alessandro said, his tone friendly and inviting.

"I'm well, thanks. Just busy with family and work as usual," I replied, forcing a smile, my mind still partly tangled in thoughts of Riccardo.

Alessandro nodded enthusiastically, "I can imagine. Hey, can I get you a drink? Something to ease off the work stress a bit?"

"Sure, that would be nice. A gin and tonic, please," I said, grateful for the offer.

As Alessandro headed to the bar, another acquaintance, Marco, leaned in closer to me, his voice low. "You know Alessandro seems quite taken with you, right? He's been asking about you for some time now."

I blinked, surprised. "Oh, really? I thought he was just being friendly."

Marco chuckled softly, shaking his head. "No, that's definitely not just friendly interest. He's flirting, Isabelle. And quite obviously so."

I was still processing this revelation when I noticed Riccardo from the corner of my eye. He stood not too far away, seemingly engrossed in a conversation, but his attention was clearly on us-or more precisely, on me.

His expression was unreadable at first, but as he caught more of our exchange, his jaw tensed, and his hands clenched into fists at his sides. It was a subtle change, but one that spoke volumes of the storm brewing within him.

The realization that Riccardo was visibly affected by the notion of another man showing interest in me sent a confusing jolt through me.

Why would he care? We had just agreed to keep our distance, to avoid any personal entanglements. Yet, there he was, barely concealing his irritation, his blue eyes dark with an emotion I couldn't quite name.

When Alessandro returned, handing me the drink with a hopeful smile, I tried to refocus on our conversation. However, my attention was split, hyper-aware of Riccardo's gaze burning into us from across the room.

"So, Isabelle, any plans for another vacation soon? You always have the best travel stories," Alessandro asked, trying to recapture my attention.

"I haven't really thought about it lately, been too caught up with work," I replied, my response automatic as I continued to watch Riccardo's every move.

The evening wore on, and though I chatted and mingled, part of me was perpetually tuned to Riccardo's presence.

His mood seemed to darken with each laugh I shared with Alessandro, each moment that suggested a closeness that wasn't really there. It was confusing, this reaction from him, especially after our clear-cut decision earlier.

Finally, as the party began to wind down, I found myself standing near Riccardo, our earlier distance seemingly evaporated in the chaos of departing guests.

"Riccardo," I started, unsure of what I was doing but compelled to acknowledge the tension. "Are you alright?"

He looked at me, his features hard, yet I saw a flicker of something else in his eyes before he masked it with indifference. "I'm fine. Why do you ask?"