4. Michela

Chapter 4

The soft hum of conversation around us fades into the background as Ryan's words sink in. "I'm in love with you, Michela." His confession hangs in the air, heavy and electrifying. The candle between us flickers gently, casting shifting shadows over his earnest face.

I stare at him, my mind racing, trying to process what he's just said. "You're… you're in love with me?" I repeat, my voice barely more than a whisper. It's both a question and a statement as if saying it out loud might help me believe it. All my dreams are coming true, but my mind is too blown to believe what I'm hearing.

Ryan leans slightly closer, his eyes never leaving mine. "Yes."

I blink, shaking my head as though to clear the fog of disbelief. "But… why? When did you realize this?"

He smiles softly, his expression a mixture of affection and patience. "I've been in love with you for longer than I can remember, but it really hit me when you came back into my life. Seeing you again made me realize just how much I've missed you, how incomplete my life has felt without you in it."

I search his eyes, looking for any hint of hesitation or uncertainty, but all I see is sincerity. "Ryan, this… it's a lot to take in. I just… I never thought you saw me that way." My voice trembles as I speak, my heart caught in a whirlwind of emotions. This is what I've always dreamed of, but I'm terrified at the thought of getting my heart shattered.

Ryan reaches across the table, taking my hand in his. His touch is warm, grounding me in this moment. "Michela, you've always been special to me. Even when we were just friends, there was something about you that made everything better. When I moved away… there was always this void, this sense that something crucial was missing."

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes as his words wash over me. "But you never said anything. You never came home to see me."

"I didn't realize it myself," he admits, his voice tinged with regret. "I went through the motions, thinking I was doing fine. But when I saw you again, everything clicked. The way my heart raced, the way my pulse quickened at just the sight of you, the way you turn my cock to stone and my heart to mush… I knew then that I couldn't deny my feelings any longer."

I take a shaky breath, my mind spinning, afraid to believe what's happening. "I want to be with you, but I'm scared you'll change your mind and crush my heart."

He nods, his gaze steady and unwavering. "I'm fucking positive. I've never been more certain of anything in my life. You complete me in a way I can't fully explain. I love you, and I want us to be together."

His words send a thrill through me, a mixture of fear and excitement. "I… I need to know this isn't just a fleeting feeling."

"I know," he says softly, squeezing my hand gently. "But what I feel for you isn't fleeting. It's deep and real, and I'm willing to face any complications that come our way. Your happiness means everything to me."

The earnestness in his voice and the depth of emotion in his eyes leave me breathless. I want to believe him since I've loved him forever. "I want to believe you," I whisper. My heart already belongs to him.

"Then believe me," he insists, leaning closer. "Let's take this one step at a time, together. I promise you, Michela, I'm not going anywhere."

His words are a lifeline, pulling me toward him, toward a future where love and hope intertwine. I squeeze his hand, a tear slipping down my cheek. "Okay," I say, my voice trembling but full of newfound resolve. "Together."

And in that moment, with the candlelight flickering between us and the world a hushed murmur beyond our table, I let myself believe in the possibility of a love that can weather any storm.

As I step into my apartment, the familiar scent of lavender fills the air, calming my racing heart. I close the door behind me and lean against it for a moment, letting the events of the evening wash over me. Ryan loves me. The words replay in my mind, each repetition bringing a mixture of excitement and anxiety.

I can't freaking believe I agreed to go with him to The Sterling Rope tomorrow night.

I slip off my shoes and head to the kitchen, needing a big glass of wine to steady myself. The night has been perfect. My phone buzzes in my bag, jolting me back to reality, and I realize my thoughts were premature as my perfect night takes a nosedive.

I know who it's going to be even before I look at the screen. With a sigh, I answer the call, trying to keep my voice neutral. "Hello."

"Ciao, sorellina," he greets me, his tone deceptively casual. "How was your evening?"

I roll my eyes, knowing full well what he's getting at. "It was fine, Lorenzo. Dinner was nice."

"Uh-huh," he says, and I can almost hear the arrogant smirk in his voice. "Anything interesting happen?"

I stifle a groan, feeling a flicker of annoyance. "You know, it's funny you ask. It's almost like you already know the answer," I say, letting a hint of sass seep into my tone.

There's a brief pause on the other end, and I imagine Lorenzo raising an eyebrow at my attitude. "Why would I know that?"

I take a deep breath, trying to keep my irritation in check. "Don't play dumb with me, Lorenzo. You always know where I am and who I'm with. So, let's skip the pretense."

He chuckles softly, a sound that used to comfort me but now just gets on my nerves. "I'm just looking out for you. I hate that you moved across the fucking country, and I can't watch out for you myself."

Frustration that he never listens no matter what I say. "I'm not a freaking child. I can take care of myself. And Ryan… he's been nothing but wonderful."

"Is that so?" Lorenzo's voice softens slightly, but there's an edge to it. "Because I heard you two looked awful goddamn cozy at dinner tonight."

"Really?" I hiss. "Your spy followed us to the restaurant?" I had no doubt he would have someone keeping an eye on me, but I didn't think they were following me every freaking moment of the day. I can't believe I didn't even notice his spy since they usually stand out like a sore thumb.

He sighs, and for a moment, I hear the big brother who used to protect me from playground bullies and nightmares. "I just worry about you. I don't want you getting hurt."

"I can take care of myself," I repeat, but I'd probably have better results beating my head against the wall.

He's silent for a moment, and I hold my breath, waiting for his reaction. "I know you can," he finally says, though the reluctance is clear in his voice. "But that doesn't mean I'll ever stop worrying about you."

There's no use wasting my words on my Neanderthal brother. I'll just have to hope Lorenzo comes to accept our relationship when he sees how happy we are. "I have to go."

"Have a good night. I'll check in on you soon."

"I have no doubt," I mutter and hang up. I set my phone down, feeling a strange sense of liberation.

I head to my bedroom, the events of the evening merging into a hopeful, albeit complicated, future. As I sit on my bed, I text Ryan a simple message.

Me

Thank you for tonight. I'm excited and nervous for tomorrow night.

I hold my breath, watching as the three little dots blink on the screen.

Ryan

Don't worry, kitten. I'll take care of you.

Me

I know you will.

Ryan

See you tomorrow. I can't wait to kiss every goddamn inch of your luscious body.

Me

Just great. You tell me something like that, and now I have to try to get some sleep while I'm all hot and bothered. I'm going to take a nice cold shower.

Ryan

Touch yourself and think of me.

Me

I'm going to take that shower now.

Ryan

Goodnight, kitten.

Me

Goodnight, caveman.

Smiling, I place my phone on the nightstand and lie back, finally allowing myself to believe in the possibility of happiness with Ryan.