85

85
Rosa’s POV
The sunlight filtering through the blinds was the first thing I noticed as I opened my eyes. My body ached pleasantly, the aftereffects of last night’s sex making themselves known. I stretched, glancing at the man lying beside me, his features relaxed in sleep. Allesio. I didn’t let my gaze linger; that wasn’t my style. What happened between us was intense, but I knew better than to read into it, as much I wanted to.
It would be stupid to do it. Men like him…they didn’t make commitments. It wasn’t hard to tell. Call it judging a book by its cover but I never failed to listen to my instincts. It was always right.
I slid out of bed quietly, careful not to disturb him, and gathered my scattered clothes from the floor. My dress was wrinkled, and my heels had been kicked into opposite corners of the room. I found my bag on the small armchair and checked my phone-two missed calls and a few messages, none urgent.
After dressing quickly, I paused at the door, looking back at him one last time. His dark hair was tousled, and even in sleep, he carried that air of effortless charm that had drawn me to him in the first place. Shaking my head, I slipped out of the apartment and into the quiet hallway, closing the door behind me.
The air outside was cool and the sky was very bright. Right now all I wanted was to go back to bed.
I was probably being coward by running out of the room before he wakes up. That was definitely what I’d call a man who did the same. But then it seemed like the right choice. I flagged down a cab and gave the driver the name of my hotel. The ride was short, and I spent it gazing out the window, letting my mind wander. The city was alive, even this early in the morning, with people rushing to work and vendors setting up for the day.
The cab came to a half In front of my hotel and I got down, paying him. I went straight to my room and I showered quickly, washing away the any reminders of last night. The water was scalding, just the way I liked it, and as I stood under the spray, I found myself wondering about Allesio. There was something about him-something magnetic. But I shook the thought away. There was no point in entertaining fantasies. I had other things to focus on.
Once I was dressed, I pulled my hair into a sleek ponytail and applied a light layer of makeup. The reflection staring back at me in the mirror was calm, composed. Just the way I needed to be. I grabbed my purse, slipped on my heels, and headed out the door.
I didn’t have a set destination in mind, just a vague desire to explore the city and maybe clear my head. I walked straight to the parking lot, getting into my car and driving out.
The streets were bustling as I drove, my car weaving through traffic with ease. The radio played softly in the background.
I approached a red light and my car came to a stop. My phone buzzed and I frowned, reaching for it. My frown disappeared as I noticed the familiar number flashing on the screen. My father. I pulled over to the side of the road before answering.
“Hello?”
“Rosa,” his deep, gravelly voice greeted me. “You’re awake early. Did you sleep well?”
I smiled, leaning back against the seat. “I did, Papa. How are you?”
“Worried,” he admitted, his tone softening. “It’s your first time in that city, and I know how reckless people can be there. Are you being careful?”
“Yes, Papa,” I said, unable to stop the warmth that crept into my voice. My father might be a feared mafia don, but to me, he was just the man who had always been my anchor. Protective to a fault, but his heart was always in the right place.
“Good,” he said, his voice carrying that familiar mix of sternness and affection. “Remember, Rosa, you’re not just anyone. You’re my daughter. That name carries weight, and people will look for any chance to use you against me.”
“I know,” I said softly. “I’ll be careful.”
“I trust you,” he said, and I could hear the smile in his voice. “But if anything feels wrong, you call me. Immediately. Understand?”
“I will,” I promised.
There was a brief pause, the silence filled with unspoken emotions.
“You remind me so much of your mother,” he said finally, his voice tinged with sadness. “Strong, independent. She would be so proud of you.”
The mention of my mother made my chest tighten. She’d been gone for years, but the pain of loosing her has never faded. Not even a bit.
“Thank you, Papa,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
“I’ll let you go,” he said after a moment. “But call me later. And remember, stay safe.”
“I will,” I said again. “I love you.”
“I love you too, Rosa.”
The line went dead, and I sat there for a moment, staring at my phone. Taking a deep breath, I slipped my phone back into my purse and merged back into traffic.
I found myself wondering, as I drove, about Alaric and if he was awake now. How he’d feel when he realized that I had left before he even woke up, without a note or anything.
I was sure he’d be awake by now. He didn’t seem like the kind of guy who sleeps in. I ran my hands through my hair. I shouldn’t be wondering about him. If he was concerned about why I left without waking him up or even leaving a note then he’d have called. After all he had my number.
I ran my hands through my hair once again, swerving into the parking lot of a restaurant and parking. Maybe food would help take my mind off him.