10. Elio

10

Iknock on Camila's door, my heart racing with anticipation. When she opens it, I'm struck by her beauty.

"You weren't joking about the dress," I say, my eyes roaming over her body wrapped in elegant black fabric that hugs her curves in all the right places. "You look incredible." All my blood runs south as my pants tighten uncomfortably.

My pretty princess blushes, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Thank you, Elio. You clean up nicely yourself." The desire in her eyes drives me near the brink as all I want to do is push her inside her room and fuck her senseless all night long.

Patience, Elio. I coach myself, knowing she's close to trusting me and taking that step.

I grin, offering her my arm. "Shall we?"

As we walk toward the Italian restaurant, I can't keep my eyes off her. The way her firm breasts bounce with each step, the subtle sway of her hips—it's driving me crazy. I've never had to hold off for so long with a woman before, but Camila is different. She's a virgin, and I respect that. We're taking things slowly, getting to know each other. The last thing I want to do is fuck up the entire plan by being too forward.

We walk in comfortable silence before I broach the subject I've been avoiding since we met. I glance at Camila from the corner of my eye, trying to gauge her reaction.

"So, tell me about your family. Are you close with them?"

She tenses slightly, her smile faltering. "My family is complicated."

I raise an eyebrow, intrigued. "Oh? How so?"

Camila sighs, her shoulders slumping. "My father is a busy man. He's always working, always traveling. I rarely see him."

I nod in understanding. My own father is the same way. "And your mother?"

A genuine smile graces her lips. "My mother is my rock. She's always been there for me, supporting me through everything."

I can't help but feel a twinge of jealousy. I wish I had that kind of relationship with my own mother. "That's great that you've got her. Family is important."

Camila nods, her eyes distant. "Yeah, it is. But sometimes I wish I could escape it all, you know? Start fresh somewhere new."

I frown. "What do you mean?"

She shakes her head, plastering a smile on her face. "Nothing, just rambling. Oh look, we're here!"

I follow her gaze to the Italian restaurant, its warm glow inviting us in. I know she's deflecting, but I don't push it. I've got plenty of time to unravel her secrets.

As we enter the restaurant, I place my hand on her back, guiding her inside. The contact sends a jolt right to my cock, and I have to remind myself to focus on the task at hand.

Get close to her and gain her trust. My father's words echo in my mind. We need that information.

But as I look at Camila, her brown eyes sparkling in the candlelight, I can't help but wonder if I'm getting in too deep. If I'm starting to care for her more than I should.

No, I scold myself. Camila is just a means to an end—a pawn in a much larger game.

But even as I think it, I know it's a lie. Camila is so much more than that to me, and I'm starting to realize just how dangerous this game is. The last thing I need is to feel anything for this girl, as the end game is to break her.

I pull out Camila's chair for her before taking my own seat across from her. The waiter brings us menus, and I order a bottle of red wine, hoping to loosen her up a bit.

"Tell me about your family, Elio," Camila says, her eyes curious. "I've met Renzo, but what about the rest of the Barone family?"

I take a sip of wine, considering my words carefully. "Well, my mother has been absent for most of our lives. She left when Renzo and I were just kids."

Camila's eyes soften with sympathy. "I'm so sorry. That must have been really tough."

I shrug, trying to play it off. "It was a long time ago. We've learned to cope."

"And your father?" she prods.

I let out a humorless chuckle. "Dear old Dad? He's a lot like yours, from what you've told me. Always working, always busy. Renzo and I practically raised ourselves."

Camila nods, understanding in her eyes. "It's not easy, is it? Having a father who's never around?"

"No, it's not," I agree, my voice low, "but Renzo and I have each other. He's my closest family, even if he is a bit unhinged at times."

Her eyebrows raise. "Unhinged? What do you mean?"

I hesitate, not wanting to scare her but knowing I need to be honest to gain her trust. "Renzo's always been a bit wild and unpredictable. He has a temper, and sometimes he does things without thinking."

Camila leans forward, her elbows on the table. "Like what?"

I take a deep breath, knowing I'm treading on dangerous ground. But if I want Camila to trust me, I must be honest.

"Renzo has always had a penchant for violence," I admit, my voice low. "Ever since we were kids, he's been quick to anger, lashing out at anyone who crosses him."

Camila's eyes widen, a flicker of fear passing through them. "Has he ever hurt anyone?"

I nod, my jaw clenching. "More times than I can count. He doesn't think before he acts, just lets his rage consume him."

She leans back in her chair, processing my words. "And you? Are you like that too?"

"No," I say firmly, holding her gaze. "I'm not like Renzo. I have my own demons, but I know how to control them."

Camila nods, relief evident on her face. "That's good to know."

I reach across the table, taking her hand. "Camila, I want you to know that you can trust me. I would never hurt you." I don't know why I tell her that, as if she knew why I was getting close to her, it would hurt her emotionally.

She squeezes my hand. "I know, Elio. I trust you."

My heart swells at her words, even as guilt gnaws at my insides. If only she knew the ulterior motive behind my actions.

But I push those thoughts aside, focusing on the present moment. "Thank you. That means a lot to me."

We finish our dinner, and our conversation flows easily. As we walk back to campus and toward the Theta Kappa Nu frat house, I can't help but feel a sense of dread settling in my gut.

I'm getting too hooked on this girl. And I know that when the truth comes out, and she learns of my betrayal, it will destroy her.

But I have no choice. Family comes first, always. And if that means breaking Camila's heart in the process, then so be it.

I just hope that when the dust settles, she can forgive me. Because the thought of losing her, of never seeing her smile again, is more painful than any bullet or blade could ever be.

Camila looks nervous as we approach the frat house, which is blaring with music. "Are you sure you want to go to this party?"

I chuckle. "It'll be fun. We can dance and drink." I move my lips to her ear. "And make out."

She shudders at the suggestion, glancing into my eyes. "Can't we do that somewhere quieter?"

"Come on. We'll give it a try, and if you hate it, we'll leave. I promise."

I lead Camila into the crowded frat house, the pulsing beat of the music vibrating through my body. She stays close to my side, her hand gripping mine tightly as we navigate through the throng of drunk, sweaty college students.

"Camila! Elio!" a familiar voice calls out, and I spot Lucia waving us over, Maeve and Emily by her side.

Camila's face lights up as she sees her friends, and she tugs me along as she approaches them. I follow willingly, happy to see her in her element.

"Hey, guys!" Camila greets them, pulling each girl into a hug. "I'm so glad you're here!"

"Of course we are," Emily laughs. "We wouldn't miss a Theta Kappa Nu party for the world!"

Maeve eyes me appreciatively, a smirk on her lips. "Looking good, Elio. I see you've managed to snag the hottest girl on campus."

I grin, wrapping an arm around Camila's waist. "What can I say? I'm a lucky guy."

Camila blushes, leaning into my touch. "Stop it, you two. You're embarrassing me."

Lucia rolls her eyes, grabbing Camila's hand. "Come on, let's dance! The night is young, and we need to catch up!"

Camila glances at me. "Do you mind if I dance with them for a bit?"

I shake my head, pressing a kiss to her cheek. "Not at all. I'll go grab us some drinks and meet you out there."

She smiles, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Sounds perfect. Don't be too long!"

I watch as she disappears into the crowd with her friends, their laughter echoing over the music. I make my way over to the drinks table, grabbing two plastic cups of punch. I take a sip, wincing at the strong taste of alcohol. Someone definitely spiked this shit.

As I turn to head back to Camila, I freeze, my blood running cold. In the middle of the dance floor is Renzo, his body pressed against Camila's back, his hand resting low on her hip.

Rage boils, and I clench my fists, the plastic cups crumpling under the force. What the fuck does he think he's doing? I told him to stay away from her.

I stalk over to them, pushing my way through the crowd. When I reach them, I grab Renzo's shoulder and yank him away from Camila.

"What the hell, Ren?" I snarl, my eyes flashing with anger.

Renzo smirks, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "Relax, brother. We were just dancing."

I glance at Camila, who looks uncomfortable, her eyes darting between us. "Is that true, Camila? Did he do anything to make you uncomfortable?"

She hesitates, biting her lip. "No, it's fine. We were just dancing."

I can tell she's lying, trying to keep the peace. I can't attack Ren here, as it's too risky. He might say something we'll both regret.

"Fine, now leave me to dance with my date," I snap.

Renzo smirks and then walks away, not before winking at Camila who blushes fiercely. I hate the way she's affected by him.

I pull Camila close, my hands gripping her hips possessively. "Did Renzo do anything inappropriate? Tell me the truth."

She looks up at me, her eyes wide and innocent. "No, Elio, I swear. We were just dancing."

I search her face for any sign of deception but find none. I sigh, letting the tension drain from my body. "Okay, I don't like seeing Ren touching you like that." It's not entirely true, but Renzo knows her virginity is mine. The truth is that seeing my brother touch her makes me think such dirty thoughts. Camila on her hands and knees with me beneath her and him above her, each taking one of her tight holes.

Fuck. I need to stop thinking like that.

Camila wraps her arms around my neck, pressing her body against mine. "You don't have to worry about Renzo. I'm here with you."

I nod, pulling her closer as we sway to the music. The beat pulses through me, the alcohol buzzing in my veins. Camila grinds against me, her ass rubbing deliciously against my hardening cock. I groan, my hands tightening on her hips.

"Fuck, baby, you feel so good," I growl in her ear, nipping at the sensitive skin.

She gasps, her body shuddering against mine. "Elio..."

I smirk, trailing my lips down her neck. "You like that? You like feeling how hard you make me?"

Camila whimpers, nodding. "Yes, God, yes."

I chuckle darkly, my hand sliding down to cup her ass. "I bet your tight little pussy is dripping wet for me, isn't it? I bet you want me to fuck you right here on this dance floor."

She moans, her hips rocking against mine. "Elio, please..."

I pull back slightly, looking down at her flushed face. "Please, what, baby? Tell me what you want."

Camila bites her lip, her eyes dark with desire. "I want you, Elio. I want you so badly."

I groan, crashing my lips against hers in a bruising kiss. She opens for me instantly, her tongue tangling with mine as we devour each other. I pour all my pent-up frustration and desire into the kiss, claiming her as mine.

When we finally break apart, we're both panting, our bodies still pressed tightly together. I rest my forehead against hers, trying to catch my breath.

"Fuck, Camila," I rasp, my voice rough with need. "You drive me crazy."

She smiles at me, her eyes shining with innocence and desire. "That's Good. Because you drive me crazy, too."

I lean down, my lips brushing against Camila's ear as she rises up on her tiptoes. Her warm breath tickles my skin as she speaks, her voice soft and hesitant.

"Elio, I was thinking... can we wait until next Saturday night? I'm ready to take the next step with you, but I want it to be special."

My heart races at her words, a mix of excitement and anticipation coursing through my veins. I pull back, looking down at her flushed face.

"Of course, baby. We can wait as long as you need."

Camila smiles, and relief is evident in her eyes. "Thank you for understanding. It's just... it's my first time, and I want it to be perfect."

I nod, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "I get it, Camila. And I want it to be perfect for you, too."

An idea strikes me, and I grin, my eyes sparkling with mischief. "How about I book us a nice hotel room in the city? We can make a whole night of it."

Camila's eyes widen, excitement shining in their depths. "Really? You'd do that for me?"

"I'd do anything for you," I murmur.

She beams at me, rising up to press a soft kiss to my lips. "Thank you. That sounds amazing."

As we sway to the music, our bodies pressed tightly together, I can't help but feel a sense of triumph. Camila trusts me. She's ready to give herself to me completely.

And once I cross that line and make her mine, there's no going back. She'll be tied to me forever, her loyalty unbreakable.

It's a heady feeling to know that I'm so close to achieving my goal. But as I hold Camila in my arms, feeling her warmth and softness against me, I can't help but wonder if I'm getting in too deep.

The more time I spend with her, the harder it becomes to separate my feelings from the mission. And that's a dangerous game, one that could cost me everything.