Ties of Blood (Book One)

Chapter 47 ~ Gianna

Gianna Rostova

Matteo and I slow danced all night, there had been moments when things almost got out of control and we may have kissed, but I chickened out the last second and pulled away.

Matteo didn't even get mad about it, he didn't force himself of me, he didn't shout, he didn't show any signs of attitude which was a relief considering how many times it happened.

At the end of the date, Matteo personally drove me back to my apartment. The drive was oddly entertaining, Matteo laughed at my jokes and didn't look so tense as usual.

He pulled up to my apartment building, and I got out of the car. But to my surprise, he followed me out, "Where are you going?" I ask, curious but feeling quite giddy because of the incredible night we just had. Although, I hadn't told him that yet.

On the way here, the traffic was kind of bad, I didn't mind since that meant we could talk for longer but I didn't want to imagine how bad it would be on the way back.

"What kind of gentleman would I be if i didn't walk you home?" He had an effortlessly charming smile on his lips as he closed his door and walked over to where I was standing.

I felt my heart flutter as Matteo joined me on the sidewalk. His easy smile and casual demeanor somehow put me at ease, even though the butterflies in my stomach hadn't settled from the moment we stepped out of the car.

"You don't have to," I murmured, but deep down, I didn't mind at all. There was something comforting about him—his presence, his calmness.

"I want to," he replied softly, gesturing for me to lead the way.

We walked in silence for a moment, the cool night air brushing against our skin. The city was alive around us, but it felt like we were in our own little bubble, separate from the world.

Matteo walked me inside, and as usual the receptionist didn't seem too pleased to see me and rolled his eyes at me looking back at his newspaper. Matteo's eyes darken.

"Does he bother you often?" Matteo asked be as we enter the elevator and press the number to the third floor.

"Not really, I just get the feeling he's not my biggest fan, or maybe he was just having a bad day, every day?" I smile a little.

Matteo looked like he wanted to argue further but the elevator reached its floor, and 3C was right in front of us.

I step out and turn to him once I reached the door. "Thank you for tonight," I said, my voice almost a whisper. "It was... really nice."

He took a step closer, his eyes meeting mine, and for a brief second, I wondered if this was going to be another moment like earlier. But this time, I didn't feel like pulling away.

"It was," he agreed, his voice low and sincere. "I'm glad we did this."

There was a pause, the kind of pause that holds so much meaning and possibility. He didn't rush, didn't pressure. He just stood there, waiting for me to make the next move, whatever that might be.

I could feel my pulse quicken, but i chickened out like earlier, I smiled. "Goodnight, Matteo."

His smile widened, and with a slight nod, he stepped back. "Goodnight, Gianna"

As I opened the door to my building, I glanced back one last time. He was still there, watching me with that same warm smile, and for the first time in a long time, I felt like maybe—just maybe—things were starting to change.

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Hi! Thank you guys so much for 4k reads. I can't believe we're at this point. I have a surprise for you guys at the end of the book, and I really hope you like it! I love you guys so much! 🥰