95

95
Rosa’s POV
The kitchen was quiet except for the soft hum of the refrigerator and the occasional clatter of Irene’s utensils. I leaned against the counter, cradling my coffee, still trying to shake the haze of sleep. Seeing Allesio standing there, pouring himself a glass of orange juice like he had all the time in the world, was not part of my plan for a peaceful morning.
He looked too at ease, too perfect for this early hour. The way his hair fell slightly tousled, paired with his usual cocky smirk, made him look like he’d just stepped out of a dream-and not necessarily the good kind. I wasn’t ready for him.
I tried to ignore him, focusing instead on the comforting warmth of my mug. If I didn’t engage, maybe he’d just go away. No such luck.
“Good morning to you, too,” he said, his voice low but carrying just enough amusement to make me clench my jaw.
I refused to look at him, taking a long sip of my coffee instead. Silence stretched between us, but I felt his gaze, sharp and probing, like he was daring me to respond. He wasn’t going to let this go, was he?
“You’re really going to give me the silent treatment?” he pressed, leaning casually against the counter across from me.
I don’t see the point,” I said coolly, my voice laced with irritation.
Irene glanced between us but wisely kept her focus on her cooking, a faint smirk tugging at her lips.
“Alright,” he said, setting his glass down. “Let me guess. You’re mad because I was an ass last night.”
I raised an eyebrow, finally looking at him. “Ass is putting it mildly.”
“Fair enough.” He crossed his arms, his tone light. “But, for the record, I wasn’t trying to be. I was just…surprised to see you here.”
“That much was obvious,” I shot back, my eyes narrowing. “You looked like you’d seen a ghost.”
“Can you blame me?” he asked, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “The last time I saw you, you disappeared before I woke up.”
My cheeks flushed slightly, but I didn’t respond, taking another sip of my coffee instead.
He took a step closer, lowering my voice. “Look, Rosa. I know I didn’t make the best impression yesterday. But this-” he gestured between us-“doesn’t have to be hostile. We’re both stuck here for now. Might as well make it bearable.”
I stared at me for a moment, trying to figure out what he was getting to. I narrowed my eyes, studying him for a moment. Was this some kind of game? Did he think a half-hearted apology and a charming smile were enough to smooth things over? And yet, there was something in his tone that felt genuine, like he actually cared if I accepted it. Against my better judgment, I softened-just a little. Then I set my cup down on the counter and crossed my arms. “You think an apology and a little charm are going to fix everything?”
“Not everything,” he admitted. “But it’s a start.”
My eyes narrowed and I studied him, trying to decide whether it was worth it to just forgive him and try to be civil with him. I sighed at last, letting my shoulders relax a bit.
“Fine,” I answered flatly, eyeing him. I still didn’t trust him. “But don’t think I’m going to forget how you acted last night.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it,” he said, raising his glass in a mock toast.
I rolled my eyes, but my lips curved into a small smile. He seemed very satisfied with himself at that.
Irene cleared her throat, breaking the tension. “Breakfast is ready. You two want some?”
“Sure,” I said, moving to take a seat at the kitchen island. I waited for Irene to serve us but instead Allesio grabbed a plate, handing jt to me before taking one for himself. Breakfast was scrambled eggs, roasted tomatoes and a side of crispy bacon. And smelled good.
If she wasn’t already working for Alaric, I might have stolen her for myself and taken her to the house so she could cook delicious food like this for Dad and I all the time.
We ate in silence, although it wasn’t as tense as it was when I first came into the kitchen.
“So,” he said after a while, breaking the quiet. “What’s the plan for today?”
I glanced up at him, surprised by the question. “Why do you care?”
“Just making conversation,” he said, shrugging. “You’re a guest here. Thought I’d be polite.”
I shot him a skeptical look but didn’t push the matter. “I’m spending the day with Emilia. Catching up.”
“Sounds nice,” he said, his tone neutral.
“And you?” I asked, watching as his brows lifted in surprise before he masked it
“Work,” he said simply. “There’s always something to do around here.”
I nodded, and we fell back into silence.
He didn’t say anything for a moment, his eyes lingering on me in a way that made my skin tingle. It wasn’t uncomfortable, but it was… intense, like he was trying to peel back the layers and see the parts of me I didn’t show to the world.
“I guess I’ll see you around,” he said at last as he got up from the stool and walked to the sink to wash his hands.
“Yeah probably,” I answered with a shrug, waving him off as I whipped out my phone and scrolled aimlessly through my phone while sipping my juice as casually as I could. My shoulders were stills tiff and no matter how much I tried to make them look less stiff, it didn’t work. It was probably because of his presence. That could be the only reason as to why my heart was pounding like crazy.
“You should probably take breakfast to Francesca today,” he said to Irene, and I felt his eyes on me one more time before he walked out of the kitchen.
My heart was still pounding, and I hated that he’d gotten under my skin. But as much as I wanted to deny it, I couldn’t stop the small, treacherous smile that crept across my face as I watched him leave.