Aria

Chapter 14

-Aria-

Once I headed downstairs Matteo motioned for me to head to the garage. I walk over and open the door, stepping out and seeing the garage lights automatically turn on. There is a loud beep and a car is unlocked.

Matteo heads on over to the Range Rover and waits for me by the passenger door. When I'm a foot away he opens it and helps me in, closing it once I put on my seatbelt. 

Once he got himself settled, he put on his seatbelt and drove off.

The ride went pretty nicely, it did feel a bit awkward at first but after a couple of minutes, I was so engrossed by the view that the thought didn't even cross me.

It took 32 minutes in total to get to Matteo's training center. In front of me loomed a large glass building, the inside however was hard to see. The glass seemed to be reflective and one-sided. In big letters, it stated, "Berardi Training Grounds"

Intriguing title.

Matteo unlocks the car and gets out. I hurriedly do the same, but notice his phone in the center counsel. I watch him head to the front doors and decide to grab the phone. Although he might not like me touching his stuff, he'll have to walk back to get it. 

I head over to the doors and hold it out to him. 

He looks at me with an unrecognizable expression and nods before unlocking the door and entering.

Woah.

My jaw is most definitely on the ground. If the house gym was good then a word for this can't even exist. It's better than better.

I see a variety of areas and sections throughout the entrance. Some are for sports while others seem more serious like a boxing ring.

There was a sign on my left side that read, "Shooting range downstairs, must have a waiver signed before entrance." Right beside it, I saw some certificates hanging.

I see Matteo at the end, going into a hallway. I try to catch up with him since it was still dark and the lights weren't on.

He enters a room and turns around, looking for where I was. Noticing I'm only a few steps behind he turns back and walks in.

When I enter I notice a big desk with a laptop and some papers on it. On the left, there is a mini fridge and in the middle of the room a projector and couch.

"There's a bit of work I have to do, get comfortable."

With that Matteo leaves the room and I place my book on the little coffee table beside the couch.

I go to the window and look out.

Hmm, I guess I can go back to reading.

I get comfortable on the couch and pick up the book from where I last read it.

30 minutes later, I start hearing some voices coming from outside the door. I close my book and walk towards it, putting my ear against it to hear if some trainees were there.

Before I could decipher what was being said the door pushed open, causing me to stumble back.

Matteo comes in with a tall dark-skinned man behind him.

"Luke stand outside," Matteo says but the man, Luke, stayed staring wide-eyed.

Matteo glares at him and he snaps out of his thoughts, nodding and walking backwards out the door.

"You didn't get hurt did ya?"

Scared that he will be mad at me I shake my head, denying it.

"I- was just wondering if the Center opened."

He nods and looks at the current closed door.

"Luke is an... assistant, there's a meeting we have to do but I can move it to another room."

"Oh don't worry, I can step outside if you'd like. Y-you don't have to move because of me." I say as I back away to walk out the door.

Before I can step too far he holds onto my arm and gently pulls me inside.

"Don't go out of my sight and this room," Matteo stated strictly and moves me to the couch.

He takes a deep breath before looking between me and the door. After sighing he goes outside for a couple of minutes and walks in with Luke.

Luke waves at me and takes a seat by the desk. Matteo also sits and starts speaking with him in Italian.

Although I couldn't understand, it would be rude to stare and pry into their conversation. I lean back into the couch and close my eyes.

I just need a little break before going back to reading. The voices around me start to soften and I can hear light footsteps. I feel a hand on me which jolts me awake.

It was Luke and he backs up, "I don't mean to scare you, I'm Luke."

I look around and see Matteo wasn't in the room anymore.

"You're his assistant right?" I ask curiously.

"His WHA-" Luke was interrupted when Matteo walks in with a jacket in his hands.

"You woke her." Matteo stated in a dark tone. 

"Man, I didn't mean to, she's just a soft sleeper."

Matteo looks at him sharply and goes back to his desk.

"Sorry about that," Luke whispers and joins Matteo.

I'm wide awake after that interaction so I decide to walk to the window and look outside. The sun was seeping through the clouds and the view was brighting up. A couple wearing all black were walking toward the entrance, aww they looked so cute!

I smile and turn back to see the boys, they seem deep in conversation.

I look back one final time before the need to go to the bathroom popped up.

Ugh the worse timing.

It would be so awkward to ask with Luke here too.

I try to distract myself, hoping Luke leaves quickly so I can get the directions to the place. The two of them continue speaking and after 20 minutes I knew I had to go.

"May I leave this room please?"

Matteo whips his head towards me and looks intensely.

"You are not leaving."

My eyes widen at his deep voice and I take a step back, closer to the door, "I-I really need to be excused, p-please."

Matteo seems to have understood why because he gets up from his chair and opens the door, he motions for me to follow him.

I step out and follow Matteo down the hallway, he stops and points to my right. I enter the room and see it's the bathroom. It was huge, containing a shower and bathtub.

After doing my business I unlock the door and see Matteo leaning against the opposite wall.

He waited for me.

I smile and say a soft thank you, we head back to the room.