98

98
Allesio’s POV
I walked into the living room, heading to the bar to take a drink but paused at the person I found in the living room, standing by the grand piano, her fingers trailing along the polished wood. She didn’t notice me at first, her expression distant, like her thoughts were worlds away. The soft glow from the chandelier sjone om her face and made her skin seem a little bit golden, and for a moment, I just watched her.
“You know, most people actually play the piano instead of just admiring it,” I said, leaning casually against the doorframe.
Rosa turned, her eyes narrowing as she registered my presence. “Most people aren’t me,” she shot back, her tone sharp but not unfriendly.
“True,” I admitted, stepping into the room. “You’re definitely not like most people.”
She rolled her eyes, but I caught the faintest hint of a smile tugging at her lips. Progress.
“What do you want, Allesio?” she asked, crossing her arms.
“Can’t I just enjoy some light conversation?” I replied, my tone easy. “Or is that against some unwritten Smith rule?”
Her gaze sharpened at the mention of her family name, but she didn’t rise to the bait. Smart. Instead, she tilted her head slightly, studying me like she was trying to decide whether I was worth her time.
“Fine,” she said finally. “Light conversation. Impress me.”
I chuckled, taking a seat on the edge of the couch. “Impress you, huh? That’s a tall order. I didn’t bring my juggling act.”
Her lips quirked upward. “Shame. I hear you’re good with your hands.”
I raised an eyebrow, caught off guard by her quick wit. “Touche.”
For a moment, neither of us spoke, the silence stretching but not uncomfortable. Rosa moved to sit across from me, her posture relaxed but her eyes still guarded. She was testing me, probably as much as I was testing her.
“So,” I began, leaning back, “how long do you plan on gracing us with your presence?”
Her smile was tight, practiced. “Why? Am I overstaying my welcome?”
“Not at all,” I said smoothly. “Just curious. It’s not every day we get royalty in the house.”
She scoffed, but I could see the faintest flush of pink dusting her cheeks. “Royalty? Please. If anything, this place is the real castle. All you need is a throne for Alaric.”
“And you, of course, would be the visiting queen,” I said, my tone playful.
Her laugh was soft, almost involuntary. “You’re relentless, you know that?”
“I’ve been told.” I leaned forward slightly, resting my elbows on my knees. “But I’m serious. It’s nice having you around. Things are… more interesting with you here.”
Rosa’s expression softened for just a second before she caught herself, her guard snapping back into place. “Flattery won’t get you anywhere, Allesio.”
“Who says I’m trying to get anywhere?” I countered, my voice dropping just enough to make the air between us feel heavier.
Her gaze held mine for a moment before she looked away, fiddling with the edge of her sleeve. She was letting me in, piece by piece, even if she didn’t realize it yet.
“Why are you like this?” she asked suddenly, her tone more curious than accusatory.
“Like what?”
“Charming. Annoyingly so,” she said, narrowing her eyes at me.
“Ah,” I said with a mock-serious nod. “It’s a curse, really. Born this way.”
She rolled her eyes again, but this time the smile stayed. “You’re impossible.”
“Maybe,” I said, my voice softer now. “But I mean it, Rosa. You’re different. And I’m not just saying that to be charming.”
Her expression shifted, the teasing edge fading. “Different how?”
“Different good,” I said simply. “You don’t try to fit into anyone’s mold. You just… are.”
For a moment, she didn’t respond. Her guard dropped slightly, enough for me to catch a glimpse of the woman beneath the sharp edges. Vulnerable. Human.
“Sometimes,” she said quietly, “that’s more of a liability than an asset.”
I frowned, her words striking a chord. “Not here,” I said firmly. “Not with me.”
She looked at me then, really looked, and I felt the weight of her gaze like a physical thing. For once, I wasn’t sure what she was thinking, and that unsettled me.
“Well,” she said finally, standing. “This has been… enlightening.”
“Enlightening, huh?” I stood too, a smirk tugging at my lips. “I’ll take it.”
She shook her head, but there was a softness to her expression now, a crack in the armor she wore so well. “Goodnight, Allesio.”
“Goodnight, Rosa,” I said, watching as she walked away. When I was sure she was gone, probably already in her room or in Emilia’s, I sat in front of the piano, striking a chord. It had been a long time since I last played something on the piano.
I began to play one of Celine Dion’s classic. It was something Alaric and I used to do as teenagers before we got burdened with the responsibilities of the syndicate.
Wed try to charm mafia princesses by playing music like this for them. And it worked most of the time.
“So you know how to play.”
I flinched, opening my eyes and feeling surprised to see Rosa standing here, arms crossed as she leaned against the wall.
“I thought you were going to bed,” I answered, raising a brow at her but she just shrugged.
“Heard you playing and decided to come back out,” she gave me an impressed smile. “Congrats. You finally managed to impress me. Although Celine Dion is not what I expect you to play.”
I shrugged. “Has a way of impressing ladies,” I answered, smirking as she came closer to me and sat next to me.
“You play like a fine lady,” she noted with an amused look and I frowned.
“That’s not a complement,” I murmured, narrowing my eyes at her but she just giggled, patting my things before she got up.
“I’d have loved to play with you, but I have a long day ahead of me tomorrow. Good night for real, Allesio.” She smiled at me before walking up the stairs without glance back at me.
And I found myself smiling right back even after I went to bed.