CRIMSON KISSES

CHAPTER 24

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It was past 9 PM and I was starving as I sat down for dinner with Rafel and Vincent. I decided to order a pizza, craving something substantial. Rafel, on the other hand, dug into his boiled veggies, and I almost judged him for his choice. Vincent and I were getting along well, bonding over his endless stories about their childhood. He’s a really funny guy and wouldn’t stop babbling, making the evening lively and entertaining.

I lost count of how many times Rafel rolled his eyes at Vincent's dad jokes. While I laughed my ass off, he sat there with his arms crossed, face emotionless. My stomach hurt from laughing and eating at the same time.

People around us gave us looks, but Vincent and I couldn't have cared less. We were still at the club, which had a food court too.

I slapped my hands on Vincent's once again as we burst into another fit of laughter. I looked at Rafel—did he look jealous? No way, I must be seeing things.

The night came to an end, and we bid our goodbyes, heading back to the car and driving home. We reached back by 11, and he opened the door for me.

"Thank you for the night, Rafel. I really enjoyed it."

"Which part of the night exactly?"

I tensed in his arms, and a blush crept up my cheeks as the visions came flooding back. He smirked, pulling me flush against his chest. I craned my neck up to look into his eyes.

Those grey eyes are so damn beautiful.

"Every second of it"

I whispered.

He leaned down gently placing his lips on mine and I didn't waste a single second and kissed him back. I wrapped my hand around his neck and pulling him down while getting on my tip toes.
Our lips moulded as if craved into perfection.

"Goodness. You're divine baby"

Every word that comes out of his mouth like a fevering prayer than a compliment. There are butterflies fluttering in my stomach and a strange pull in my heart..Is this really happening..Am..Am I starting to like him?

He pulled back and looked deeply in my eyes trying to see right through me..But what he doesn't know is that the wall around around me are so high even if he tries to he wouldn't be able to break past them..not so soon. Not until I let him him inside.

"One day."

"Huh?"

"One day I will surely break past those barrier that you've built around you. The tough demeanor that you carry, One day I'll see you vulnerable and true self."

"Trust me..You don't want to see the ugly me"

"There is no ugly version of you my Goddess. And I'm here to endure all of you"

I gave him a small nod and stepped out of his arms. Suddenly it felt cold and I wish I could jump right back into his embrace but I stopped myself and grabbed the bouquet,ready to leave.

"Once again Mr.Rafel thank you very much for the night"

"Pleasure it all mine sweetheart"

I smiled and Walked away. He drove off once the main gates closed behind me I was utterly exhausted and ready to doze off at any second. After a hot shower, I plopped onto the bed, slipping into darkness right away.

NEXT MORNING :

Today, I awoke earlier than usual, the dawn light casting a soft glow through my window. After a revitalizing workout and a hearty breakfast, I indulged in a long, hot shower, letting the steam envelop me. With a sense of purpose, I settled down at my working table, laptop and notes spread out before me.

The moment of decision had finally arrived—I chose the online course that resonated with my ambitions. As the lectures began, I reveled in the comfort of my own space, free from the usual disturbances. The beauty of this setup was undeniable: I could learn at my own pace, within my sanctuary, and it was remarkably more affordable than attending a traditional university.

The afternoon had slipped into the late hours by the time I finally wrapped up. Stretching my tired limbs, I closed the laptop and began gathering my belongings.

Just then, my phone rang. It was Lyla. I answered, and my heart nearly stopped at the sound of her voice—she wasn’t just crying, she was sobbing, the kind that wrenched the soul.

"Val-Val..."

"Lyla? What happened? Why are you crying? Did someone hurt you?" My voice came out sharper than I intended, panic rising.

"No... Matteo..." Her voice cracked, another sob shaking through the line.

"Matteo? What about Matteo?" My mind raced, dread curling in my stomach.

"He... Someone attacked him... Tried to kill him... He's in the hospital..."

The phone almost slipped from my grasp as I sank back into my chair, my world narrowing to the pounding of my heart and the echo of her words.
"We are going to Varese right away. I'll text you the address of the hospital."

I hung up the phone and ran to the closet, grabbing the first things I saw: a hoodie and sweatpants. I snatched my phone, wallet, and house keys. My phone rang again, this time it was Rafel.

"Hello, sweetheart."

"Hey..."

I placed the phone between my left shoulder and ear while locking the doors. I swiped the card and the doors locked with a click.

"What's wrong?"

"I'm going to Varese."

"Give me 10 minutes. I'll send you a car. Later, you'll explain what happened."

"Okay."

The lift opened on the ground floor. Ten minutes later, a Rolls-Royce pulled up in front of the gate. I got inside without wasting another second, and we drove off. It was an hour-long drive before we finally pulled up in front of the hospital.

I rushed inside, heading straight to the ICU ward. Lyla and Rose were already there, looking disheveled and teary-eyed. As they hugged me tightly, tears streamed down my face, and the three of us almost collapsed to our knees, sobbing.

Claire, Matteo's wife, gave us a sad look before turning back to the door, peeking through the small window into the ICU ward.

"How the hell did this happen? And who did this?"

Matteo wasn't just any man that someone could simply come up and attack. He always had his guards around him. So how did this happen...

"We have no idea..He was found injured by the locals. Someone shot him. Attempt was to murder him but luckily they missed the shot."

Lyla said and I couldn't control my tears. I clamped my mouth shut as we three sobbed. I can't imagine someone hurting him..Even he 2as not my biological father he always have treated me like his own child.

I can't stand the thought of him getting hurt or even worse..killed.

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BWAHAHAHA. I AM CRAVING TO WRITE MORE AND MORE BUT MY BRAIN DOESN'T SEEM TO COMPEREHEND THIS.

I HAVE A WRITER'S BLOCK AFTER EVERY CHAPTER AND A SUDDEN BOOST OF ENERGY LATE NIGHT :)

OKAY I LOVE YOU ALWAYS BYEEEE.