9. Camila

9

Sitting opposite Elio in the cafeteria, I can't help but feel happy.

He smiles at me, that warm, handsome smile I adore. It's been three weeks since our first date. Three weeks of him being patient and considerate and slowly breaking down my walls.

"What are you doing next Saturday night?" he asks, tilting his head.

"Nothing, really," I say, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "Just the usual—studying, hanging out with the girls."

Elio smiles, leaning in. "Well, how would you like to do something a little different? I thought I could take you to the city for a night out. It's the opening night at the opera, and we can get all dressed up. Then maybe have dinner at a nice restaurant after."

My heart flutters with excitement. "Really? That sounds amazing!" I say. "I've always wanted to go to the opera."

Elio grins. "It's a date then."

As we discuss our plans for next weekend, I fall for Elio a little more. He's so considerate, wanting to share new experiences with me. I want to take our relationship to the next level soon. To give myself to him fully. Next Saturday, after our romantic date, might be the perfect time to lose my virginity.

"What about tonight?" Elio asks, interrupting my daydream. "It's Friday, and some guys invited me to a party at one of the frat houses. Do you want to come with me?"

I hesitate, fidgeting with my hands in my lap. College parties aren't really my thing. Back home in Mexico, my family's parties were more refined. But Elio looks at me expectantly, his gray eyes twinkling with excitement.

"I don't know..." I say slowly. "Those kinds of parties seem pretty wild. I've never been to one before."

Elio reaches across the table, taking my hand in his. "Come on, it'll be fun," he says gently. "I'll be right by your side the whole time. We don't have to stay long if you don't want to."

"Maeve and Lucia mentioned a party at Theta Kappa Nu tonight," I say slowly. "Is that the one you're talking about?"

Elio nods, his eyes lighting up. "Yeah, that's the one. I heard it's going to be pretty big."

I bite my lip, considering. Knowing my friends will be there, too, makes me feel a little better about it. At least I won't be wandering into a wild frat party all alone.

"Okay, I'll go," I decide. Elio looks pleased, giving my hand a gentle squeeze. "But you have to promise to stay by my side," I add quickly.

"Of course, princess," Elio says reassuringly. "I won't leave you alone for a second. We can leave whenever you want."

I nod, comforted by his words. Maybe this party won't be so bad. I know I'll be alright as long as Elio is with me.

"Do you want to get dinner first?" Elio asks. "There's that little Italian place just off campus we could go to."

My stomach rumbles at the thought of their delicious pasta. "Sure, I'd love that," I reply with a smile.

We finish up our lunch and head out into the warm spring sunshine, hand in hand. As we approach my economics class, I chat excitedly about what I will wear tonight.

"I've got the most gorgeous black dress for tonight," I tell him, squeezing his hand. "It's really sexy but still elegant too. You haven't seen me in it yet."

His eyes darken, and he growls, yanking me against him. "Are you teasing me, princess?"

I shake my head. "No, I'm just saying?—"

Elio's lips crash against mine, kissing me hungrily in the middle of the quad. I'm startled at first, my eyes wide open as he presses my back against a tree, his hard body pinning me in place. But as his tongue slips into my mouth, exploring forcefully, I find myself melting into the kiss.

My eyes flutter closed, and I moan softly against his lips, my hands coming up to grip his muscular arms. He kisses me like he wants to devour me. It's heated and passionate, our tongues tangling together.

Elio's hands grip my hips, pulling me tighter against him until I can feel his arousal. A throbbing heat pools between my legs, and I rub against him instinctively. I know people might see us, but I'm too caught up in the moment to care.

When he finally breaks the kiss, we're both breathing hard. My lips feel swollen, my body trembling. I look around quickly, my cheeks reddening when I see a few people staring.

"Elio," I whisper, mortified. "People will see us."

He just smirks, clearly enjoying my flustered reaction.

"Let them look, princess," he rasps in my ear. "I want everyone to know you're mine."

His possessiveness sends a shiver through me. I should be ashamed of how much his aggressive display turns me on. But I can't deny the wetness between my legs or the way my heart races every time he calls me his.

Elio takes my hand, leading me away from the curious eyes of our classmates. "Come on, you're going to be late for economics."

My lips still tingle from his kiss as we hurry toward my class. I can't stop thinking about that kiss. A part of me knows I should be more concerned about how aggressive he was, not caring that people saw us. But no one has ever made me feel the way Elio does. I've never wanted someone so much before, never experienced the depths of desire he's now awakened inside me. It's exhilarating but also a little terrifying.

When I arrive at my lecture hall, Elio leans forward to kiss me when a guy in my class barges into him.

I watch in dismay as the confrontation unfolds in front of me. Elio's body tenses, his eyes narrowing as the stranger shoves past him.

"Hey, what the fuck, man?" Elio growls, his voice low and menacing.

The other guy, whom I recognize from my economics class, holds up his hands placatingly. "Sorry, but this is a fucking doorway, not a kissing booth."

Elio takes a step forward, his fists clenched. "You got a problem with me kissing my girl?"

The guy, who I now remember is named Diego, scoffs. "No, I have a problem with you two blocking the entrance."

I glance around nervously, hoping no one else will get involved. The last thing I want is for Elio to get into a fight on my account.

"Elio, please, let it go," I say quietly, tugging his sleeve.

But Elio ignores me, his attention laser-focused on Diego. "You better watch your fucking mouth, Cruz," he growls. "This is my territory, and you're interrupting my time with my girl."

Diego narrows his eyes, unintimidated. "Your territory? Last I checked, this is a public university, not your personal playground."

Elio's nostrils flare, and I can see the rage building in his expression. "You've got a big mouth for a little prick," he spits. "Maybe I need to teach you some manners."

Before I can react, Elio shoves Diego hard, sending him stumbling backward. Diego quickly regains his footing, his own hands balling into fists.

"Fuck you, Barone!" Diego snarls, lunging forward.

I gasp, my heart pounding as the two men collide in a flurry of punches and shoves. Students around us start to gather, murmuring and pointing excitedly.

"Stop! Please, stop!" I cry, but the commotion drowns out my voice.

Elio lands a solid blow to Diego's jaw, causing him to stagger. But Diego recovers quickly, landing a punch to Elio's gut that makes him double over.

I stand there, helpless, watching the fight unfold. I know I should try to intervene, but I'm frozen in fear. These men are dangerous, and I don't want to get caught in the crossfire.

Finally, a professor emerges from the lecture hall across from mine, yelling at them to break it up. Reluctantly, Elio and Diego disengage, glaring at each other with pure hatred.

"This isn't over, Barone," Diego spits, wiping the blood from his lip.

Elio smirks, straightening his shirt. "Bring it on, Cruz. I'll be waiting." Turning to me, his eyes burning with intensity, he says, "I'll see you tonight at seven, princess. Wear that sexy black dress for me." His eyes darken. "I can't wait to see you in it."

Without another word, he strides away, leaving me shaken and confused.

I hurry into my economics class, my mind racing. What just happened? Elio has never acted that way before—so aggressive. I know the Barone family is involved in organized crime, just like mine, but I've never seen that side of Elio.

As I take my seat, Lucia leans over, her brow furrowed with concern. "Camila, are you okay? I saw what happened outside. That looked intense."

I nod. "I'm fine, really. Elio just got into a bit of a disagreement with another guy."

Lucia's eyes widen. "A disagreement? That looked more like a brawl to me. What's going on with you two?"

I sigh, not really sure how to explain it. "I'm not sure." I shake my head. "Elio was saying goodbye, and then this other guy—Diego, I think—bumped into us. Elio got really angry, and they started fighting."

Lucia shakes her head, her expression troubled. "Camila, you need to be careful with Elio. The Barones are dangerous."

I know she's right, but a part of me can't help being drawn to Elio. His intensity and darkness terrify and captivate me.

"Isn't every family here dangerous?"

Lucia shrugs. "True. I just mean, watch yourself with him."

I nod. "Don't worry. I know what I'm doing."

Lucia still looks concerned but doesn't push the issue further as the professor begins the lecture. I try to focus on the lesson, but my mind keeps reverting to Elio and his outburst.

Heat filters through my body, warming my cheeks. It's so wrong that seeing him fight made me hot under the collar.

After class ends, I say goodbye to Lucia and walk back to my dorm, intending to get ready for my date in one and a half hours. Rushing into my room, I shut the door and pressed my back against it.

I take a few deep breaths, trying to calm my swirling emotions. On one hand, I'm disturbed by Elio's violent outburst. The intensity of his rage, the way he so easily resorted to physical aggression is unsettling. I know the Barone family is involved in organized crime, just like my own, but seeing that side of Elio firsthand is revealing.

Yet, I can't deny the way it made me feel. The way he fought to defend me sent a thrill through my body. I've never experienced anything like that before—the raw, primal possessiveness.

I sink down onto my bed, burying my face in my hands. I'm so confused. I know I should be repulsed by Elio's behavior, but instead, I find myself craving more. The way he kissed me, so hungry and desperate, it left me aching for his touch.

I can still feel the imprint of his lips on mine, the warmth of his body pressed against me. The memory sends a shiver of desire through me. I've never wanted anyone the way I want Elio. It's all-consuming; this desire to be claimed by him.

But I'm terrified, too. What if this is just the beginning? What if his possessiveness and aggression only escalate from here? I don't want to be caught in the crossfire of a feud.

Yet, I can't bring myself to walk away. Elio has worked so hard to earn my trust and make me feel special. He's been nothing but kind and attentive. I've never had someone treat me the way he does.

I groan in frustration, flopping back onto the bed. Why does this have to be so complicated? Why can't I have a normal college experience without all the family drama and criminal ties?

When I'm with Elio, none of that matters. When we're together, it feels like we're the only two people in the world. My heart races every time I see him. When we kiss, it's like electricity coursing through my veins.

I know it's crazy. I know I should put a stop to this before it goes any further, but I can't seem to stay away. Elio is magnetic—his charm and good looks draw me in every time. He's confident and passionate, but he's also surprisingly sweet with me—gentle, caring, and protective.

With him, I feel safe. It's probably naive to feel that way, and being naive is never a good idea, but for once in my life, I feel hope.