𝒫𝑒𝓇𝑒𝓃𝓃𝑒

Chapter 26

The morning sun filtered through the tall windows of the grand estate, casting long shadows across the polished marble floors. The house was unusually quiet, the usual hustle and bustle subdued, as if the very walls were holding their breath, waiting for the next inevitable upheaval.

Alessio sat in his office, the door slightly ajar as a faint breeze rustled the papers on his desk. He'd been up for hours, his mind restless, but his body too exhausted to keep up. He couldn't stop thinking about Eleanor. The thought of her consumed him in ways he hadn't expected, hadn't prepared for. It was like a drug—every time they were together, he wanted more, but he knew it was dangerous to indulge.

A sharp knock on the door broke his train of thought, and Alessio straightened, quickly masking his inner turmoil. "Come in," he called, his voice more gruff than usual.

The door creaked open, and Marco stepped inside, his expression serious but tinged with a hint of curiosity. "Boss," Marco greeted, nodding as he stepped forward, closing the door behind him.

Alessio met Marco's gaze, his eyes narrowing slightly. He knew why Marco was here—there were matters to discuss, issues to resolve—but the air between them had shifted since that night in the office. Alessio was well aware that Marco had witnessed more than he should have, and the knowledge made him uneasy.

"We've received word from our contact in Palermo," Marco began, handing Alessio a sealed envelope. "It's about the shipment. They've confirmed everything's in place for next week."

Alessio took the envelope, but his mind was only half on the business at hand. He nodded, flipping it open and skimming the contents, but his thoughts were still on Eleanor. Marco's presence only reminded him of the slip he'd made, letting his guard down in front of his most trusted man.

After a moment of silence, Alessio set the letter down and leaned back in his chair, studying Marco intently. "You haven't said anything to anyone, have you?" His tone was calm, but there was an unmistakable edge beneath it—a warning.

Marco shook his head, a small, almost amused smile playing at the corners of his lips. "No, boss. I wouldn't dare. But..." he hesitated, glancing down at his shoes before looking back up at Alessio. "You know, it's kind of funny, seeing you like this. I've never seen you this... distracted."

Alessio's expression darkened, but there was no malice in it. "Funny, huh?" he muttered, though there was a trace of a smirk on his lips.

Marco chuckled softly, leaning against the edge of the desk. "Yeah, boss. You're like a different man when she's around. Not that it's a bad thing," he quickly added, noting the dangerous glint in Alessio's eyes. "Just... different."

Alessio exhaled sharply, rubbing a hand over his face. "Different," he echoed, the word tasting foreign on his tongue. He wasn't sure how he felt about that. He'd spent his entire life being in control—of his emotions, his actions, his empire. But Eleanor... she had a way of unraveling him, of making him feel things he hadn't felt in years, maybe ever. It was exhilarating and terrifying all at once.

Marco observed Alessio quietly, the amusement fading into something more serious. "Boss, whatever this is between you and Eleanor... just be careful, yeah? The last thing we need is a weakness."

Alessio's eyes flickered with something unreadable, and he nodded curtly. "I know, Marco. But this... it's different."

Marco nodded in understanding. "Just remember, boss—if you need me to take care of anything, I'm here. And if anyone in the house asks questions, I'll handle it."

Alessio gave him a tight smile, grateful for the loyalty, though he wouldn't admit it out loud. "Good. Just keep your mouth shut, and don't push it, Marco."