125
Allesio’s POV
It was quiet out here, just the sound of crickets and the faint rustling of leaves in the breeze. Rosa stood a few feet away, her posture relaxed but regal, a glass of wine cradled in her hand. She looked so at ease, so untouchable, that it almost hurt to watch her.
I leaned against the railing of the terrace, swirling the amber liquid in my glass but not drinking it. My mind was too restless. This wasn’t the first time I’d thought about saying something-anything-to make her reconsider her place in this world. But every time, the words got caught in my throat.
“How do you do it?” I asked finally, breaking the silence.
She turned to me, one eyebrow arched. “Do what?”
“Walk through life like nothing can touch you.”
She laughed softly, the sound low and melodic. “That’s because nothing can.”
I shook my head, letting out a dry chuckle. “That’s not true, and you know it.”
Her expression shifted, the lightness in her face dimming just slightly. “Is this your way of telling me you’re worried about me again?”
“Maybe,” I admitted, setting my glass down on the railing. “Someone has to be.”
She took a sip of her wine, her eyes narrowing slightly as she studied me. “I’ve been doing this my whole life, Allesio. I know the risks, and I know how to handle them.”
“You know how to handle them because you’ve never been given another choice,” I said, my voice firmer than I intended.
Her brow furrowed, the slightest hint of defensiveness creeping into her posture. “What’s your point?”
I sighed, raking a hand through my hair. “My point is that you’re human, Rosa. You might not like to admit it, but you are. And humans have limits. No amount of power or preparation changes that.”
She stepped closer, her chin tilting up defiantly. “Are you implying I don’t know my own limits?”
“That’s not what I’m saying.” I softened my tone, hoping she’d hear the sincerity in it. “I’m saying that you push yourself too hard. You take too many risks. You put too much faith in people who don’t deserve it.”
Her eyes narrowed, and I knew I’d hit a nerve. “If you’re trying to lecture me about trust, you’re not exactly in a position to do that.”
I flinched internally but kept my face calm. She wasn’t wrong. “This isn’t about me. It’s about you. And I just… I don’t want to see you get hurt.”
Her laugh this time was sharp, almost bitter. “Hurt? Allesio, I grew up watching my father make decisions that could destroy us in an instant. I’ve seen betrayals that would make your head spin. Getting hurt isn’t a possibility in this world-it’s a guarantee. The only question is how you handle it when it happens.”
I looked at her, really looked at her, and saw the cracks beneath her armor. She was strong, yes. But that strength came at a cost.
“And what if you didn’t have to handle it alone?” I asked quietly.
Her expression softened for a split second before she masked it again. “You think I’m alone?”
“I think you’re lonelier than you’ll admit,” I said, taking a step closer. “And I think you’ve built walls so high that even the people who care about you can’t reach you.”
Her jaw tightened, and she turned away, looking out over the garden. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Don’t I?” I pressed, my voice low. “You’re one of the most guarded people I’ve ever met, Rosa. Even now, with me, you’re careful. Always holding something back.”
She didn’t respond, but I saw the way her shoulders tensed.
“Your world is dangerous,” I continued, stepping closer. “Not just because of the enemies outside but because of the ones you can’t see coming. The ones who are already inside.”
She turned back to me sharply, her eyes flashing. “What are you saying, Allesio? That I should live in fear? That I should run away?”
“I’m saying you should think about what you’re fighting for,” I said, holding her gaze. “And whether it’s worth the cost.”
Her lips parted like she was about to say something, but then she closed them again, shaking her head. “You don’t understand.”
“Then help me understand,” I said, my voice almost pleading.
She looked at me for a long moment, her expression unreadable. Then she let out a breath and walked past me, setting her glass down on the table.
“I appreciate your concern,” she said finally, her tone softer. “But I don’t need saving, Allesio. I’ve been navigating this world long before you showed up, and I’ll keep navigating it long after.”
Her words stung more than they should have, but I forced a smile. “You’re right. You don’t need saving. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t let someone stand by your side.”
She turned back to me, her eyes searching mine. For a moment, I thought I’d gotten through to her. But then she shook her head again, a faint smile tugging at her lips.
“You’re a good man, Allesio,” she said, her voice tinged with something I couldn’t quite place. “But you don’t know what you’re asking.”
And just like that, the walls were back up, as impenetrable as ever.
She walked away, leaving me alone on the terrace. I watched her go, the ache in my chest growing heavier with every step she took.
I wanted to protect her, to shield her from the dangers she couldn’t see. But how could I do that when I was one of them? I shook my head lightly, running my hands through my hair. I was a fucking bastard, lecturing her against the dangers of her world when I was one of them too.
I shook my head once again, wondering how she’d react when she ever found out that I was part of the people she was supposed to be staying away from.