Bound to Us (Bound Duology Book#1)

The Invitation

It was a late Friday afternoon, and the soft, golden sunlight filtered through the classroom windows as everyone buzzed with excitement about the upcoming school trip. It was an annual tradition, an overnight excursion to a remote villa in Tuscany where students would have the chance to explore the countryside, bond, and "experience Italian culture," as their teachers put it.

Emma had been considering it but hadn't fully committed. Part of her wanted to go—after all, she'd come all the way to Italy to embrace new experiences. But a whole weekend surrounded by classmates who barely tolerated her presence because of Ilario? That was a different story.

As she packed her things, Ilario appeared at her desk, hands in his pockets, trying his best to look casual.

"So, are you going on the trip?" he asked, his voice smooth but his eyes watching her intently.

Emma shrugged, trying to seem nonchalant. "I don't know yet. I mean, it sounds nice, but..." She trailed off, not wanting to mention the real reason she was hesitant.

He raised an eyebrow, catching her hesitation. "But?"

She glanced around, then lowered her voice. "Let's just say I'm not the most popular person around here lately. A whole weekend surrounded by people who think I'm stealing you? Doesn't sound that fun."

Ilario smirked, but his eyes softened. "First of all, I don't belong to anyone. Second, they're just jealous. They'll get over it."

"Easy for you to say," she muttered, tapping her pen against her notebook. "You're not the one getting glares in the hallways."

"True, but I am the one dating you, and they can deal with it," he said, his tone more serious than usual. "Besides, if you don't go, I'll be stuck there with no one worth talking to."

Emma couldn't help but laugh. "Right, because you have no friends."

He leaned in, a mischievous grin on his face. "Not ones who keep me on my toes like you do."

She rolled her eyes, though her cheeks warmed. "Fine, I'll think about it."

Ilario's expression brightened. "Good. Just imagine it—you, me, Italian sunsets, sneaking out after curfew..."

"Don't get your hopes up," she teased. "I'm not breaking any rules for you, Ferraro."

"Not yet, anyway," he shot back with a wink.

Despite her better judgment, Emma found herself smiling, her worries about the other students momentarily fading. Ilario had a way of making her feel like they were the only two people in the room—or, in this case, in the whole school.

"Fine," she said, finally giving in. "I'll go. But if anything goes wrong, I'm blaming you."

"Deal," he said, giving her a playful salute. "Pack your bags, straniera. This weekend is going to be unforgettable."

As he walked away, Emma felt a spark of excitement, and a hint of nerves. She didn't know what the weekend would hold, but with Ilario by her side, she had a feeling it would be worth the risk.

the shortest chapter in this book hope ur liking it so far,

Bisou,