FORBIDDEN ALLIANCE

04|Elevated Tension

EMILIA'S POV:

"So,what's your name?"I ask trying to strike up a conversation.

He looks at me and my breath hitches momentarily as I take in his features which I somehow hadn't noticed earlier.He stands tall, about 6'3 with a muscular frame,his dark brown hair framing a strong jawline adorned with a neatly trimmed beard.His dark Hazel eyes held a captivating intensity.A small silver stud adorned his right ear,adding a touch of edginess to his ruggedly handsome features.

He was hot.

A faint amusement flickered in his eyes as he observed me.He paused for a moment,his lips quirking into a subtle smile before he composed himself back to a calm,neutral expression.

"Dante"he responded smoothly,his tone carrying a hint of pride and confidence."Dante Romano,and you are?"he questioned.

"Emilia Marino"I replied with a smile.He gave me a curt nod before taking a quick glance at his wristwatch.I'm guessing he comes from a wealthy background given that his wristwatch is a limited edition Valentino Ottavo-only eight of those were ever produced.

As the minutes dragged on,I began to feel restless.The elevator's silence was oppressive,punctuated only by the occasional creak and groan of the stuck machinery.

Dante paced back and forth his designer shoes making soft scuffling sounds on the floor.

I let out a frustrated sigh earning a glance from Dante.

"It's not that bad,at least we have each other."He speaks up after quietly observing me for a while.

"And that's supposed to be some type of consolation?"I ask quirking an eyebrow up,"I barely even know you."

"Well,we can get to know each other."He suggests crossing his arms over his chest,as he leans against the wall.

"I don't think so."I snort fishing my phone out to look at the time.We've been here for about an hour now.

"And why is that?"he questions his voice filled with intrigue.

"I don't know....I guess I'm just not interested in getting to know you,especially considering the circumstance."I reply.

"Okay,if you say so."He says raising his hand up in mock surrender before chuckling lowly to himself.

"You know,"He began after a few minutes of silence, "I never thought I'd be stuck in an elevator with someone like you."He added his voice thoughtful.

My eyes narrowed. "Someone like me?"

His gaze roamed over me."You're not exactly the kind of woman I usually meet."

"What kind of woman do you usually meet?"I ask my voice taking a defensive tone.I don't know why but the way he said it made me feel a little bit insecure about myself which rarely happens.

His gaze intensifies,his voice taking a low,husky tone. "The kind who are impressed by my looks and status.Who fawn all over me,trying to get my attention."

I hear the sound of footsteps and muffled voices outside the elevator but I ignore them as I get lost in his Hazel eyes,burning with intensity.

"But you....you're different."

"I'm not impressed by your looks or status."I say,my voice barely above a whisper.

"That's what makes you so fascinating."He says as the corners of his mouth quirked up into a tiny smile,his eyes never leaving mine.

The doors creaked open,and a team of maintenance workers rushed in."Everyone okay in here?"one of them asks,his voice breaking the spell.

We broke eye contact,looking away from each other as the workers moved to inspect the elevator.

"Yeah,we're fine."I say as I get up from the floor and use my hand to smoothen out the invisible wrinkles on my dress.Dante nods in response,pushing himself off the wall.

I step out of the elevator to see a worried looking Owen,waiting for me.
"Emilia,are you okay?"he asks,his voice calm and professional.

I nod and hand him the shopping bags,as his eyes flicked to Dante who was emerging from the elevator behind me.He gave him a curt nod.

"Shall we?"Owen asks.I nod and start heading towards the exit,but not before taking one last glance at Dante who was already staring at me,his eyes burning with an unspoken desire.

"What was that all about?"Owen asks as soon as we reach the car,in the parking lot.I give him a confused look encouraging him to enlighten me more on what he's referring to.

"That guy that was in the elevator with you.Have you guys met before or something?"he asks.

"No,why'd you ask?"I respond a little bit confused as to why he thought Dante and I had met before.

"I don't know,there was just some tension between you two."I give him the same puzzled look,I gave earlier as I watch an annoyed expression take over his face.

He lets out an exasperated sigh and brings his fingers up to massage his temples. "When the door was opened you guys were having some kind of intense staring battle."He explains.

"Oh,that."I say as I realise what he's referring to."That was nothing.Let's go."I say opening the door to the passenger seat of the white Tesla.He puts the shopping bags in the back seat and hops in,driving out of the mall's parking lot.

I decided to wait until tomorrow to go visit Ricardo;the whole elevator incident drained out all of my energy.The ride home was really fun,I got to know a little more about Owen and he's actually really nice and interesting to talk to.

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"I'm home!"I call out as I push open the massive oak doors and step into the cool,quiet foyer.I made my way past the living room and into the kitchen.The soft scent of something delicious drifted toward me as I entered.Isabella was at the stove,chopping something that smelled incredible.She glanced up as I dropped my bags onto the counter with a tired sigh.

"Ciao,Emilia"She greeted with a kind smile,her knife still working in rhythm.

"Ciao"I reply,heading straight for the fridge."Are mom and dad home?"I question as i grab a bottle of water,twisting off the cap and taking a long refreshing sip.

"No.They went out for some time together,didn't say when they would be back."She replies in a gentle tone.I nod in response and head upstairs to my room.

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Hey everyone!!!
Sorry for the late update;was having a bit of writer's block.I actually have so many ideas for this story so please don't give up on it yet.
Make sure to comment and vote.
Bye:)