𝒫𝑒𝓇𝑒𝓃𝓃𝑒

Chapter 27

The sun was setting, casting a warm golden hue over the sprawling estate as Eleanor wandered through the garden, lost in her thoughts. It had been a few days since she'd confided in Isabella, and though she felt a bit more grounded, her thoughts still often drifted back to Alessio.

Their stolen moments, the secret kisses, and the way he made her heart race were unlike anything she had ever experienced. And yet, the uncertainty of it all gnawed at her, making her question whether she was making the right decisions.

As Eleanor meandered through the blooming roses, the sound of footsteps on the gravel path pulled her from her reverie. She turned to see Alessio approaching, his usual stoic expression softened just slightly. He was dressed casually, a rare sight for a man who was almost always in a suit. The black shirt he wore fit him perfectly, accentuating his strong build, and his dark jeans gave him a more relaxed look. Even in this less formal attire, there was an undeniable air of power around him.

"Eleanor," he greeted her, his voice smooth but carrying an undercurrent of something she couldn't quite place. "I was looking for you."

She raised an eyebrow, surprised that he was out here and not holed up in his office as usual. "You were?"

He nodded, stepping closer until they were only a few feet apart. "I've been thinking... We've spent a lot of time together recently, but it's always been here, within these walls. I thought maybe we could go out tonight. Just you and me."

Eleanor blinked, caught off guard by his suggestion. "You mean, like... a date?"

A small smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. "Yes, like a date. I want to take you somewhere special. Somewhere we can just be ourselves, away from all of this." He gestured vaguely, indicating the house, the business, the world they were entrenched in.

Eleanor's heart skipped a beat. The idea of going out with Alessio, in public, where they could be seen as a normal couple, thrilled her. It was unexpected, especially coming from someone as guarded as him. But the prospect also made her nervous. "Are you sure? I mean, what if someone sees us? Isn't that dangerous?"

Alessio's gaze softened, and he reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "I'll make sure we're safe. I've already made the arrangements. But if you're not comfortable, we don't have to go. I just thought it might be nice... for both of us."

Eleanor searched his eyes, seeing a vulnerability there that she wasn't used to. He was trying, stepping out of his comfort zone for her, and that meant more to her than she could express. She offered him a small smile, her decision made. "I'd love to go, Alessio."

He seemed almost relieved at her answer, nodding once. "Good. Be ready in an hour. I'll come get you."

As he turned to leave, Eleanor called out to him. "Alessio?"

He paused, glancing back at her. "Yes?"

"Thank you," she said softly, her heart swelling with gratitude. "For this."

He didn't reply, but the slight uptick of his lips before he walked away was all the response she needed.

An hour later, Eleanor found herself standing in front of her full-length mirror, her nerves beginning to flutter in her stomach. She had chosen a dress that was elegant yet understated—a deep burgundy number that hugged her curves in all the right places, with a modest neckline and a hem that fell just above her knees. She had kept her makeup simple, opting for a natural look that highlighted her features, and she had left her hair down, letting it cascade in soft waves over her shoulders.

As she surveyed herself in the mirror, Eleanor couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and anxiety. This was uncharted territory for her and Alessio, and she had no idea what to expect.