Put Me in Jail and He Came Begging

Chapter 6: The Desperate Plea

The air was heavy with anticipation as I stood outside the lavish penthouse where Leonardo resided. The opulence of the building contrasted starkly with the turmoil inside me. My heart pounded in my chest, each beat a reminder of the pain and longing that had brought me here. Tonight, I would lay bare my soul and make one final plea to the man who had captured my heart.

As I rode the elevator to the top floor, memories of our brief interactions flooded my mind. Leonardo's piercing gaze, his commanding presence, and the way his voice could send shivers down my spine. I had admired him from a distance, my love for him growing with each passing day. But I was always just an observer in his world, never a participant.

The elevator doors opened, revealing a hallway lined with expensive artwork and pristine décor. I took a deep breath and approached the double doors at the end. My hand trembled as I reached for the doorbell, but I forced myself to press it. The chime echoed through the hall, and I waited, my heart in my throat.

Moments later, the door opened, and there he stood. Leonardo Romano, in all his glory. His dark hair was perfectly styled, and his tailored suit hugged his muscular frame. He looked at me with mild surprise, his brow furrowing slightly.

"Alina?" His voice was smooth, yet there was a hint of curiosity. "What are you doing here?"

I swallowed hard, trying to steady my nerves. "I need to talk to you, Leonardo. It's important."

He hesitated for a moment before stepping aside. "Come in."

I entered the penthouse, my eyes briefly scanning the luxurious surroundings. The room was spacious, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view of the city skyline. The furniture was modern and elegant, and the atmosphere exuded wealth and power. But I was not here to admire his riches.

Leonardo led me to the living area and motioned for me to sit. He remained standing, his arms crossed over his chest as he regarded me with a mix of curiosity and impatience.

"What is it, Alina? What do you need to talk about?" he asked, his tone more demanding now.

I took a deep breath, summoning every ounce of courage I had left. "Leonardo, I... I love you."

The words hung in the air, heavy and raw. Leonardo's expression remained impassive, giving nothing away. I continued, my voice trembling with emotion.

"I know you don't feel the same way about me. I know you've never seen me as anything more than a passing acquaintance. But I can't keep these feelings bottled up anymore. I needed to tell you, to let you know how I feel."

Leonardo's gaze softened slightly, but his eyes still held a guarded look. "Alina, you know my life is complicated. I can't give you what you're looking for."

"I don't care about the complications," I replied, my voice growing more desperate. "I don't care about the danger or the chaos. I just want you, Leonardo. I want to be by your side, to support you, to love you."

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You're making this difficult, Alina. My world is not one you can simply step into. It's dangerous, and I can't protect you from it."

"I don't need protection," I said, standing up to face him. "I need you. I've lived in a world of indifference and neglect. I've been hurt by those who were supposed to care for me. But you... you make me feel alive. You give me hope."

Leonardo shook his head, a hint of frustration in his eyes. "Hope is a dangerous thing, Alina. It can lead to disappointment and pain. I don't want to be the cause of that for you."

"You already are," I whispered, tears welling up in my eyes. "Every day I see you with someone else, every time you look right through me... it hurts. But I can't help how I feel. I love you, Leonardo. And I can't keep pretending that I don't."