ARIA’s POV
It’s been two weeks since our lives were turned upside down. Two weeks since Matteo saved me from Anthonio’s clutches, but at what cost? I witnessed unimaginable horrors that day – Carter and Alonzo’s brutal deaths, Anthonio’s savage murder at Matteo’s hands. The memories still haunt me, refusing to let me sleep at night.
I’ve been avoiding Matteo ever since, unable to face him, unable to reconcile the man who saved me with the one who committed such atrocities. I know he understands my fear, my silence. He’s given me space and allowed me to process my emotions, but I can sense his patience wearing thin.
As I wander through the empty halls, I feel like a ghost, trapped in a nightmare from which I can’t awaken. The silence is oppressive, a constant reminder of the bloodshed I witnessed. I can’t help but wonder what other secrets this place holds, what other horrors lie in wait.
I’m torn between gratitude and terror, my mind a jumble of conflicting emotions. Matteo saved my life, but at what cost? Can I ever truly trust him again? The fear in my heart whispers no, but a small part of me, a part I’m trying to ignore, says yes.
I know I can’t avoid him forever. Eventually, I’ll have to face my fears and confront the demons that haunt me. But for now, I’m stuck in this limbo, unable to move forward, unable to escape the darkness that surrounds me.
Since she moved in with us, Gabriela has been quiet and withdrawn, her eyes haunted by secrets she refuses to share. Matteo’s tried to draw her out, to get her to open up, but she’s resisted, building walls around herself that seemed impenetrable.
But in the past few days, I’ve seen a subtle shift. She’s started to talk more to share small pieces of herself. At first, it was just a word or two, a brief smile, but gradually, she began to open up, like a flower blooming in the sun.
Matteo’s been patient, gentle, and encouraging her to share more, but never pushing too hard. He’s given her space, allowed her to come to him, and slowly but surely, she’s starting to trust him, to trust us.
It’s beautiful to see this slow, unfolding of her heart. She’s still guarded, still wary, but there’s a sense of hope in her eyes now, a sense of possibility. Matteo’s been helpful in that, his kindness and understanding helping to break down her defenses.
I’m grateful to see Gabriela blossoming to see her finding her place in our little family. And I’m grateful to Matteo for his love and support for his unwavering belief in us all.
As we sat down to dinner, Gabriela and I exchanged quiet conversation, the door swung open, and Matteo strode in, his presence commanding attention. He took his seat at the head of the table, his eyes fixed on his plate as he began to eat with a haste that belied his usual calm demeanor.
I watched him with curiosity, wondering what could be driving him to rush through his meal like this. The only sound heard was the clinking of silverware against plates. I left my plate unfinished and walked out. I couldn’t stay in the same room as him for more than five minutes. I was constantly reminded of what he did.
As I made a turn to the hallway leading to my room, I saw him right behind me. He grabbed my arm and pulled me to him. I stumbled into his chest, and he held my waist and forced me to look into his eyes.
“Why do you run from me?”. I kept silent and looked at him. He was hurting.
“Aria, don’t run from me. I can’t handle that”. He said before crashing lips onto mine. He was impatient, and I was as well. It felt like years since we’ve been like this. I kissed him back with as much fervor, but we were interrupted, but Gabriela. Matteo noticed someone watching us, and we saw her there. I saw him gulp. They said it felt like daya was watching us, and Daya reincarnated as her daughter, Gabriela, who anthonio had tortured all her life. She walked away from us, and Matteo wanted to go with her, but I held him back.
“Let her go”.
“I want her to be safe”.
“She’s safe. You’re already doing so much for her”.
“Alonzo asked me to keep her safe”.
“She’s safe, Matteo”. I said, then I remembered what he did that night and who he really was. I pulled my hand away, and he grabbed it.
“Aria…”.
“Matteo, let go”. He reluctantly let me go, and I walked into my room. In my head, I see his piercing eyes, his chiseled features, his sharp jawline. I feel his presence, his power, and his masculinity. My heart raced, my pulse quickened, and my skin tingled. I ran to my door and pulled it open, and there he stood, looking at me. He was perfect.
As I stood on my tip toe with my heart pounding in my chest, I pressed my lips to Matteo’s and he held me there and kissed me.
Then, he pulled me even closer to his body. Pulled me off my floor as he deepened the kiss. The next thing I knew, I was on my bed, and he was next to me the next minute, smiling from ear to ear. His eyes had bags underneath them, and he looked tired and worn out, but he was still the same Greek god Matteo Marino I knew. He still looked perfect. He looked so unreal, and I loved him for what he was and who he was. I didn’t care, but something in me was still scared of me.
“I know you’re afraid of me now, but I promise you, I would never hurt you, Aria”
“Why?”. I asked, and he looked at me.
“Because I love you”. He said that like it was the most random thing ever.