As we race away in the car, a storm of anger and fear swells inside me. How could she be so reckless? How could she risk everything like that?
When the empty road stretches before us, I slam on the brakes, my heart pounding in my chest. I throw the...
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As Gabriel's office door clicked shut behind me, I let out a long sigh, relieved to be free from the intensity of his gaze. His blue eyes had followed my every movement during our discussion, making it hard to concentrate. The electricity between us was undeniable; every time he spoke in that smooth Italian, it sent tingles down my spine. I hated how he could affect me so easily, how I felt drawn to him despite knowing what he represented.
We had just agreed on a photoshoot at 5 pm, a chance for me to gather more material for the article I was supposed to write to dispel the rumors surrounding Romano Secure Tech. But my real mission was far more complicated. I needed to uncover the truth about his company, to expose whatever shady dealings were hidden behind its polished facade.
How am I going to finish this article? I wondered, whisper-yelling in frustration to myself. The conflicting feelings swirling inside me made it hard to focus. I needed to find a way to balance the persona of the lifestyle journalist he expected with the investigative journalist I aspired to be.
For now, I had to prepare for the photoshoot, to keep playing the part, even as my mind worked tirelessly to find cracks in Gabriel's carefully constructed image. One way or another, I was going to uncover the truth, no matter how tangled my emotions—or his eyes—made things.
As I exited the building, the crisp afternoon air felt refreshing against my skin. I pulled out my phone and dialed Peter McKay, a photographer I trusted.
"Hey, Peter," I said when he picked up. "I need a favor. Can you help me with a photoshoot this evening?"
"Sure, Chiara," he replied without hesitation. "What’s the shoot about?"
"It's for an article on Gabriel Romano," I explained. "I need the photos to highlight his softer features, especially his eyes. They need to convey a sense of openness and trustworthiness."
There was a brief pause before Peter chuckled. "Sounds like someone has a crush. The way you’re describing him..."
I scoffed, rolling my eyes even though he couldn't see it. "I hate that man," I retorted, though my mind betrayed me with a flash of those infuriatingly captivating blue eyes. "This is purely professional. I need these photos to sell the narrative."
Peter laughed. "Alright, alright. I’ll meet you at the location. Where and when?"
"We're set for 5 pm at Romano Secure Tech’s main office. I'll send you the details," I said, relieved to have his support.
"Got it. See you then, Chiara."
As I hung up, I couldn't shake Peter's teasing comment. I hated Gabriel Romano for everything he stood for, but the undeniable pull I felt toward him was complicating things. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the task ahead. This photoshoot was just another step toward uncovering the truth, and I wouldn't let my personal feelings get in the way.
†††††††
I dialed Gabriel's number, tapping my foot impatiently as it rang.
"Pronto," he answered smoothly, his voice sending an uninvited shiver down my spine.
"Gabriel, it's Chiara. Are you ready for the photoshoot?" I asked, trying to keep my tone business-like. "My photographer is all set. Where exactly is the shoot arranged?"
"Yes, I'm ready," he replied, a hint of amusement in his voice. "We've set up in the atrium on the main floor. It has the best natural light."
"Perfect. We'll be there shortly," I said, trying to ignore the way his voice made my stomach flutter.
"I look forward to it," he added before hanging up.
I took a deep breath, feeling a mix of anticipation and irritation. This was just a step in my plan. I reminded myself of that as I headed toward the atrium, ready to face Gabriel and his infuriatingly captivating eyes once again.
I stood outside the building, checking my watch. Peter was supposed to meet me here any minute for the photoshoot. I was lost in thought when a familiar voice broke through.
“Chiara!” Fiona called out, striding up with Peter in tow.
“Fiona! What are you doing here?” I asked, surprised but happy to see her.
“I wanted to see how you’re doing your job and, you know, pick you up after you’re done,” she said with a grin.
Before I could respond, the atrium doors opened, and Gabriel walked in with his entourage. His assistant Evangeline followed closely, along with his bodyguard Antonio and another tall, handsome man I didn’t recognize.
Gabriel’s eyes met mine, a flicker of that same intensity from earlier. “Chiara, this is Matteo, my right-hand man,” he said, motioning to the stranger.
“Nice to meet you, Matteo,” I said, then turned to my friends. “This is Peter, our photographer, and my best friend, Fiona.”
Peter gave a friendly nod, but Fiona’s attention was already on Matteo, her eyes locking with his. He seemed just as intrigued, his gaze lingering on her a moment longer than necessary.
“Well,” I said, breaking the tension, “shall we get started?”
As Peter began setting up his equipment, I couldn’t help but notice the silent exchange between Fiona and Matteo. Despite the chaos and confusion swirling in my own head about Gabriel, it was nice to see Fiona captivated by someone. I just hoped she wouldn't get caught up in the same tangled web I was trying to navigate.
As I helped Peter set up his equipment, I could feel Gabriel’s eyes on me again, tracking my every move. It was as if he couldn’t help himself, and it was starting to get under my skin. The intensity of his gaze made it hard to focus, but I pushed through, determined to stay professional.
“Chiara,” Fiona whispered, sidling up next to me as I adjusted the lighting. “What’s going on between you and Gabriel? I can feel the tension from across the room.”
I glanced at her, trying to keep my expression neutral. “Nothing’s going on, Fiona,” I dismissed, my voice low. “You know I hate him.”
She raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced. “Sure doesn’t look that way from where I’m standing.”
I sighed, turning my attention back to the setup. “Just drop it, okay? This is purely professional.”
Peter shot us both a curious look but didn’t say anything, focusing on his camera instead. I was grateful for his discretion. The last thing I needed was more complications.
As Gabriel and his entourage waited, I stole a glance in his direction. His expression was unreadable, but his eyes...those eyes seemed to see right through me. I hated the way he made me feel—so conflicted and off-balance. But I had a job to do, and I wasn’t going to let my personal feelings get in the way.
“Alright, Peter, I think we’re ready,” I said, stepping back to give him room to work. I forced a smile, trying to project confidence I didn’t quite feel. This was just another step in my plan, another piece of the puzzle I needed to put together.
“Let’s get this done,” I whispered to myself, steeling my resolve. The truth was out there, and I was determined to find it, no matter how tangled my emotions—or Gabriel’s gaze—might make things.
