Ties of Blood (Book One)

Chapter 11 ~ Gianna

Gianna Rostova

What had I done?

I mean, I knew what I did, I had accepted a date with Matteo, but I was still reeling.

I wasn't sure why I did it, or why he asked in the first place but I planned to bring up the Candace situation then.

But for now, I was volunteering at Bridgeforge. This was where I planned to get my work experience so I could eventually work in another hospital, I wasn't sure where because I planned to keep my options open.

I entered and the familiar scent of hand sanitizer rushes into my nose, eventually I got used to it but the first time I was sneezing uncontrollably. Of course I washed my hands right after.

I had one shift on Saturdays, so I went room to room giving everyone their medications. From pills, to liquids and injections.

One patients in particular, Amelia, who was nine, hated taking her pills so I was usually turn it to a dust and sneak it into her lunch.

She thinks I gave up with her and she didn't need to take them anymore and was getting better by herself and honestly, I let her think that.

By the time my hour shift was over I was already partially drained but now I had a dinner with Matteo where I would finally ask his the burning question.

Questions.

Matteo had texted me the time and place.

😡 Grumpy😡: 7PM, Cielo di Lusso

Cielo di Lusso was one of the most elite- no, scratch that, was the most elite expensive and elegant restaurants in the country, I'd heard the waiting list was months long.

So how did he get reservations?

I went home quickly, changed into a short red dress with my make up done and hair put up in an elegant bun Camilla had taught me.

Luckily, Matteo wasnt in his study so I didn't run into him and was extra careful sneaking past, I couldn't face him right now.

By the time I was done, it was 6:50PM. When I walked outside, Alonso saw me and said, "Good evening, Mrs. Moretti."

Mrs Moretti

I had been married to Matteo for a few days now but no one had called me that yet. I'd given up on trying to be on first name terms with the staff so I had grown used to Alonso calling me 'Miss Rostova'

"Good evening, Alonso," I greet back politely, just because I was mad at Matteo didn't mean I was mad at everyone else.

"Mr Moretti is waiting for you inside," He gestured to the inside of the car where I saw silhouette of a figure, broad shoulders, messy hair, probably from running his hand through it a hundred times and defined jawline.

My breath hitched in my throat.

Alonso reached for the door handle and opened the car for me, I thanked him and got in, I noticed Matteos eyes lingering on me as I sat down.

I couldn't bring myself to sit beside him, I might accidentally brush myself against him.

The car started moving, the tension was so thick I could cut it with a knife.

"You look nice," Matteo complimented stiffly.

"Thank you, I like your cuff links," They were black and looked really heavy but he seemed to carry them with ease.

Silence dawned on us the whole ride. Although I caught Matteo looking at me on more than one occasions. I could feel his eyes burning into me so I just stared out the window.