tainted love (Niccolò Govender Rossi)

Falling back

After school, my mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. The news about Virginia had hit me hard, and the rumors spreading through school only intensified my distress. Feeling overwhelmed, I texted Ludovica, asking her to meet me outside and skip the rest of the day with me.

Ludovica, ever the supportive friend, agreed immediately. When I saw her waiting by the car, leaning casually against it, I felt a wave of relief. Her familiar presence was a small anchor in my storm of emotions.

"Hey," I greeted, my voice a mix of exhaustion and hope.

Ludovica looked at me with concern. "Hey, what's up? I heard about Virginia."

"I just need to get away from everything," I said, my voice trembling slightly. "Can we skip school today? I need to clear my head."

"Of course," Ludovica replied, her tone reassuring. "Let's go."

We drove to a secluded rooftop that Ludovica had introduced me to before. The place was an oasis of calm, a sharp contrast to the chaos of our daily lives. As we settled in, the setting sun cast a warm glow over the city below. I began to speak, my voice reflecting my inner turmoil.

"I don't know what to do, Ludo," I said, taking a deep breath. "The news about Virginia... it's just too much. I thought I had a chance with Niccolò, but now..."

Ludovica listened intently, her eyes filled with sympathy. "Sometimes, life throws us curveballs we're not prepared for. It's okay to feel lost and confused. We'll figure this out."

As we talked, I found solace in Ludovica's words. We covered everything—the pain of unrequited love, the complexity of relationships, and the hope for clarity. The weight of the day began to lift as we shared our thoughts and feelings.

As night fell, we decided to head to a club to distract ourselves further. The club's vibrant atmosphere was a sharp contrast to the emotional heaviness we had been carrying. Ludovica and I danced, laughed, and enjoyed the night, letting the rhythm and alcohol blur the edges of our worries.

In the midst of the crowd, my attention was caught by a familiar yet unexpected figure. The rich man from my past, well? Job. He approached me with an air of confidence. His presence was commanding, and I felt a mix of curiosity and apprehension.

"Fancy running into you here," he said smoothly as he leaned in and pressed a kiss on my jaw. His touch was familiar and unnerving, stirring up a whirlwind of emotions within me.

I turned to face him, trying to keep my composure. "Hey" I said, my voice firm but tinged with hesitation. "I'm not interested in that world anymore."

Matteo's eyes sparkled with amusement. "You know, I've been meaning to tell you my real name. It's Matteo."

My heart raced, my emotions a tangled mess. "I don't want to be involved in that life. I'm trying to move on."

Matteo's smile didn't waver. "Come on, Honey. Let me make you feel good. I can buy you anything you want."

The combination of alcohol and emotional turmoil made my resolve waver. Matteo's words and touch began to blur the line between what I wanted and what I felt compelled to do. The allure of his offer and the chaos of my emotions created a potent mix.

——————

After he took me out of the club, Matteo guided me to his sleek, luxurious car. The inside was as opulent as I had imagined—plush leather seats and a high-tech dashboard. As he drove, his hand occasionally brushed against my inner thigh, going higher every moment. Till his finger brushed against my underwear. Teasing me. his touch both thrilling and disorienting. I tried to focus on the passing city lights, but my thoughts were scattered, caught between curiosity and pleasure.