The Shadow of her Heart

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐧𝐞

Anima

Today was supposed to be just another boring day in the Office, which was until my Boss sent me to protect someone. Romano Rossi, the first ever survivor of the blood carver. It was deemed impossible to escape, bodies were found only days after death, left mutilated on the streets. But Romano was found lying on the floor in the city, crawling, bloody. From his file he was littered with wounds, traumatized. But as I sit here, watching him calmly typing away on his laptop I cannot help but be suspicious. I check all the locks once again, as if I have not done it a million times before. Romano seems to love ordering me around because every few seconds he calls out to me.

"Officer, are you sure all the locks are closed? What if he comes for me?"

Internally I roll my eyes, he is being dramatic, and he knows it, but I have to remain professional. With a sigh I go check the locks once again after making sure they are in fact closed, I speak up.

"Yes, Mr. Rossi, all the locks are secured and locked. Now how about something to calm your nerves?" I ask, even if I would prefer leaving him here for the murderer to get. Something about Romano does not seem right to me and I crave to find out what it is.

Using the time he takes to answer, I study his body. My gaze runs along the bandages, scars and I cannot help but notice the muscles pressing against his tight shirt. Romano's eyes are uniquely colored drawing me in. His iris has a beautiful green color with a brown ring around it, it almost feels as if I am looking right into a forest. Shaking myself from my thoughts I listen to his cocky reply. Arrogant bastard.

. . . . . ╰──╮. . . . . ╰──╮🗡╭──╯ . . . . .╭──╯ . . . . .

Every moment I spend with Romano I feel both the need to torture and the need to get to know him. It is a dangerous mix that only draws me in further. My racing thoughts get taken to a halt when Mr. Rossi asks me a question.

"Excuse me, could you repeat that?" I ask, hoping my voice does not sound as breathless as I hear it. I need to collect myself before I lose my composure completely. Romano makes me lose control with his mere presence and it scares me. I hear him chuckle as he repeats his question, I definitely sounded dumb, great.

"I asked how a pretty lady like you could possibly be single?"

My breath stops for a moment, my need to punch him growing with every word that leaves his arrogant mouth. Oh, how I would love to wipe that smirk off his devastatingly handsome face. Okay, collect yourself Officer Giordanio, stop with the simping.

"That is because my Type is quite unique, I have yet to see someone that fits my preferences." I answer, trying to keep my tone as blunt as possible. I hope that finally put him in his place but as soon as I hear Romano speak again, I know it has not.

"Oh, is that so? What exactly is your type then, Officer Giordanio?"

This makes me pause for a moment, could I really tell him about my type? No one will find out, right? If anyone does, I might even lose my job. But the thrill almost makes me want to admit it this very second. I gather my thoughts, trying to answer in a calm and secure way.

"Why do you want to know my type, Mr. Rossi?" I ask, emphasizing his last name as I look into those sinful eyes of his. I can sense the darkness beneath; Romano Rossi is not as innocent as he claims to be.

Seeing the smirk spreading across his face, I expect a cocky answer already, but he just takes a deep breath.

"You know, you intrigue me, Anima. I have watched your work for some time now, so why not get to know each other better?"

Wait, he knows me? That does not really make as much sense considering I am not one of the higher ups. But this does make me wonder how much he knows. With a sigh I decide to play into Romano's little game.