Bound to Us (Bound Duology Book#1)

Jealous

Emma had gotten used to Ilario's constant teasing and taunts, so much so that she could almost ignore him—almost. But things took an unexpected turn when she started making new friends, particularly one friend in particular: Matteo. He was funny, easygoing, and actually helpful in history class, unlike someone else she knew.

It was on a bright Thursday afternoon that she and Matteo were sitting on the school steps, laughing over some story he was telling her about his summer job, when she felt that now-familiar sensation of being watched. She glanced up and saw Ilario across the courtyard, his eyes fixed on them with a scowl.

As soon as he caught her looking, he turned away, muttering something to his friends. But Emma couldn't shake the feeling that he'd been glaring at her—and Matteo. She brushed it off at first, but soon noticed that every time Matteo came over to talk, Ilario would appear nearby, glancing over with that unreadable expression, his jaw set tightly.

In gym class, it only got worse. Luca, who usually kept his teasing to playful jabs, had become unusually intense whenever Matteo was involved. During a game of soccer, Matteo passed the ball to her, and as she sprinted down the field, Ilario blocked her with surprising force, his face stony as he smirked.

"Try to keep up, straniera," he said, his tone colder than usual.

She rolled her eyes, determined not to let him get to her, but the sting of his words lingered. When the game ended, Ilario sauntered over to where she and Matteo were laughing about a missed goal.

"You two seem to be getting pretty close," he said, his voice almost casual, but Emma could see the tightness in his jaw.

Emma raised an eyebrow. "Is that a problem?"

Ilario shrugged, crossing his arms. "Just seems like you're lowering your standards, that's all."

Matteo looked between them, clearly confused. "What's with you, Ilario?"

Ilario scoffed, waving it off. "Nothing, I just thought Emma preferred people who could actually keep up with her," he said, giving her a pointed look.

Emma's cheeks flushed, her irritation flaring. "Matteo's been nothing but nice to me. Not everyone feels the need to act superior all the time, you know?"

Ilario opened his mouth to respond but then closed it, clearly taken aback. With a cold glance at Matteo, he turned and walked away without another word.

Over the next few days, Ilario's strange behavior only intensified. Every time she talked to Matteo, or any other boy, really, she'd catch Ilario's gaze, a mix of frustration and something she couldn't quite place darkening his eyes. He'd brush it off, cracking sarcastic remarks whenever she was nearby, but she could feel the shift.

One afternoon, after she and Matteo had been studying together in the library, she walked out to find Ilario leaning against the wall, waiting for her. His expression was unreadable, his arms crossed tightly.

"Are you two, like...a thing?" he asked, his voice sounding forced.

Emma blinked, taken aback. "What? No. Not that it's any of your business, Ilario."

He looked away, jaw clenched. "I just thought you'd have better taste, that's all," he muttered.

She scoffed, crossing her arms. "Oh, and who exactly would you approve of, then?"

For a moment, he was silent, staring at the ground before finally looking up, something raw and unfamiliar in his eyes. "Just... someone who actually sees you."

Emma's heart skipped a beat. She had no idea what he meant by that, but before she could say anything, he shook his head, that usual smirk back in place, as if he'd revealed more than he wanted to.

"Forget it," he said, rolling his eyes. "It's not like it matters anyway."

He walked off, leaving Emma feeling both frustrated and strangely flustered. She couldn't deny the odd tension that had been growing between them, and Ilario's sudden jealousy had stirred something in her—a mix of confusion and intrigue. But if he thought she was just going to fall for his hot-and-cold act, he had another thing coming.

As she watched him disappear down the hallway, Emma made a decision. Ilario Ferraro might think he had her all figured out, but she wasn't going to make it that easy for him.

ik guys this is short i was in rush but next chapter is gonna be long , guys im thinking about about giving Matteo his own book.

english is not my first languages so sorry if there is some mistakes

don't forget ideas in the comments

Bisou,