Bound to Us (Bound Duology Book#1)

An Almost Confession

The tension between Emma and Ilario hung in the air the next day, unspoken but palpable. They'd barely exchanged a word since their argument, and every accidental glance felt loaded with everything they weren't saying. The rest of the group had noticed the shift, but nobody dared to bring it up.

That evening, after a quiet dinner, the students wandered off in pairs and groups, some gathering by the campfire, others retreating to their rooms. Emma, feeling restless, decided to take a walk around the villa grounds. The night air was cool, and she hoped it would help clear her mind.

She hadn't expected Ilario to be there, standing under the glow of the moon near the edge of the vineyard, his hands shoved in his pockets as he gazed at the distant hills. For a moment, she considered turning back, but something in his posture—the tension in his shoulders, the way he seemed lost in thought—kept her rooted in place.

Taking a deep breath, she walked over to him. "Ilario," she said softly.

He turned, surprised, his face softened in the moonlight. For a moment, neither of them spoke, both hesitating as if waiting for the other to make the first move.

After a beat, Ilario sighed. "I didn't think you'd want to talk to me after last night."

Emma crossed her arms, looking down at the ground. "I didn't want to fight. But you... you made me feel like I couldn't even be friends with someone without you doubting me."

He nodded, guilt flickering across his face. "I know. I messed up, okay? I got... I got jealous. I thought I was fine, but seeing you with Matteo made me feel like—" He paused, running a hand through his hair. "Made me feel like I could lose you."

Emma's heart softened as she watched him, surprised by his honesty. "But why? Ilario, you have nothing to worry about. Matteo's just... a friend."

Ilario looked away, his jaw clenched as he struggled with his words. "It's just... hard, Emma. I'm not used to feeling like this. Like someone else could matter more than... than me."

Her breath caught, and she took a small step closer. "Ilario, I came here to be with you. You're the one I... I care about."

He looked back at her, his gaze intense, as if trying to read between her words. His hand lifted slightly, like he wanted to reach out but was holding himself back.

"Emma," he said softly, his voice almost a whisper. "There's so much I want to tell you, but I don't know if you'd... if you'd even feel the same."

She searched his eyes, her heart pounding. "Why don't you try me?"

They stood there, the air thick with unspoken words, each waiting for the other to make a move. Ilario took a slow, shaky breath, stepping closer until there was barely any space between them. His gaze dropped to her lips, then back up to her eyes, his voice barely audible.

"I think I... I think I might be falling for you," he murmured, his hand finally reaching out, brushing against hers in the gentlest touch. "I just... I can't seem to stop thinking about you. It drives me insane."

Emma's heart skipped a beat, her pulse racing as his words sank in. She wanted to say something, to tell him she felt the same, but the shock of the moment held her speechless. She could feel the warmth of his hand on hers, his thumb brushing lightly against her skin.

Ilario let out a small, shaky laugh, breaking the tension. "See? Now I've scared you off," he whispered, his smile tinged with both hope and doubt.

But Emma shook her head, a soft smile breaking through. "No, Ilario. You haven't scared me off."

He looked at her, his face lighting up with relief, and for a second, it felt like he was about to pull her into his arms. But then, the distant sound of voices drifting from the villa reminded them they weren't alone, breaking the spell between them.

He took a step back, his hand slipping away from hers. "I guess we should head back," he said reluctantly, his eyes lingering on her.

Emma nodded, feeling both exhilarated and slightly disappointed. "Yeah... we should."

As they walked back in silence, Emma couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning, that his confession—half-spoken, almost accidental—was only the start of something that would change everything between them. And as she glanced at Ilario, his gaze meeting hers with a new warmth, she knew he felt it too.

Hope ur liking it,

Bisou,