Bianca

"You're right. You just took me by surprise." He says, but then his eyes snap to mine, hardening, still very unimpressed and frustrated. "But it's not okay to barge into my room like that. It's extremely inappropriate. Do you not know how to practise boundaries?"

I swallow thickly at his stern tone, not used to being scolded, but manage a small nod followed by an apology before turning around and scurrying down for a quick breakfast.

. . .

The drive to school is quiet. Filled with Alessio's impatient tapping, telling me that he wanted to be anywhere else, and it only further humiliated me.

Alessio didn't make a move to talk or converse with me, only speaking when it was necessary. The worst part was that he didn't even seem to care about how upset I was getting with him. Nor did he even seem to pay any mind to me.

I couldn't even tell if he was upset with me; he was acting like he didn't even care at all.

I grew frustrated. I was only growing comfortable around him - something that I barely did with anyone else, and yet here he was, not even appreciating it.

Why was he acting like this? We were supposed to be close, mamá told me I was special, especially to him.

We stop outside the school gate, and Alessio goes to speak, but having had enough of his closed-off attitude, I beat him to it. "Just have someone pick me up at 2:30," I say, hastily getting out of the car.

"Will do." He nods, his voice lacking any softness and emotion.

I give him one last glance to see him not even looking at me. Rolling my eyes discreetly, I slam the car door and turn to walk into the school, all my enthusiasm gone.

I fucking hated this place.

. . .

I spent my lunch hour walking the halls towards the literature department.

It was rare to have any of the professors on campus be so young, seeing as our academy prided itself on having the most educated faculty.

However, our literature professor, William Westfield, was a recent masters student from Yale who was doing an internship with the board of directors when our old literature professor had a heart attack mid year and William was forced to take over.

He was attractive, yes, in the nerdy, cute type of way. But most of my desire to get close to him had to do with the fact that everyone wanted him, while he seemed to only want me. Now, however, he was a companion of sorts.

I had yet to go anywhere other than kissing. Save for that one time I had ventured down south and tried to give him a hand job at our annual assembly under the table. We were sitting side by side in the dark, and it was only because I was bored and for educational purposes.

That was a flop.

I still had yet to even see a penis, but I wasn't looking forward to doing anything more than kissing William. And he never seemed to mind; he was very patient and understanding.

All I wanted from him were the passing grades he would help me achieve and the occasional moments where I wanted someone to hold me, and he was there.

I walk into his office, making sure to close the door behind me, before I turn to see him sitting behind his desk eating his lunch.

His blonde hair was combed back, and his dress shirt was a little lose on his form. Nothing like how Alessio filled it out.

Upon my entrance, he looked up, his sharp blue eyes behind the thick rimmed glasses widening at me but I didn't pay any mind. I was far too upset, needing someone to hold me and tell me how amazing I was.

I knew it wouldn't be the same as hearing it from my new favourite Italian man, but it would do for now.

I click the lock shut, which only means one thing and William leans back in his chair giving me room to take a seat on his lap.

I do, but instead of straddling him, I sit facing his desk, my back pressed to his front, and I hear no complaint form him.

"Bianca, I heard about your mother. I'm so sorry, sweetheart." He says, and I can hear the frown in his voice as I close my eyes enjoying the feeling of him wrapping his arms around me from behind.

I wiggle, trying to get comfortable. The erection is now digging into my ass getting annoying and he spreads his legs adjusting himself so it's not in the way.

Did I also mention William got hard at the mere sight of me? Yeah, it was annoying.

"I missed you here dearly." He mumbles, leaving kisses along my skin as he moves my hair over my shoulder to one side and latches his lips to my neck.

I wanted the affection, and sometimes he got carried away with too much touching, but right now, I didn't mind, for I liked the warmth he provided by being in his arms.

William liked me a little too much. Or who he thought I was. The sweet, innocent, naive good girl. One that only he could taint. And I let him believe whatever sick fantasy he had.

"Well, I would be lying if I said I missed you," I say, reaching forward to grab his bowl of pasta and place it on my lap.

He pauses before throwing his head back, a rich laugh escaping his lips. "You're delightful, you know that?" He says genuinely, and I smile secretly before going to take a bite of the poor excuse for pasta.

"This should be a crime," I mumble, my frown intensifying at the linguine covered in what seems to be store bought red sauce.

William agrees, distractedly wrapping his arms tighter around my waist, hugging me to him from behind. He sighs in content as one of his hands trails to my bare thigh. "Why did I know you were gonna say something about that? You Italian minx." He comments, trailing his nose against my hair, inhaling my scent.

I don't laugh, I simply stay put, continuing to eat the poor excuse for pasta as I feel William pause.

"What's wrong? You seem down."

I roll my eyes. No shit, Sherlock, took you long enough.

I debate on telling him about the real reason I was here. Because I was upset with my disappointing morning with Alessio. But instead, I just shrug,

"Just lonely."

"Just lonely..." He repeats, as his fingers lightly dance on my thigh, dangerously close to the hem of my skirt. "Can I help?" He mumbles as his hand slides under my skirt onto my bare upper thigh.

My eyes narrow. He had yet to touch me there, nor was he ever going to and so I do what I usually do - play dumb and ignore his attempts.

I sigh, leaning back into him. "Just hold me and tell me how amazing I am." My tone is bored, and yet I find myself closing my eyes in bliss as he does just that.

He kisses the sides of my face and moves down to my neck mumbling compliments. Meanwhile, his fingers start moving up dangerously close to the hem of my panties and dangerously close to my sex.

My dry sex.

A place that I have yet to let him or any man touch. William is sweet and cute, but he will not be the man to get the privilege of touching me there.

I take my hand and set it on top of his, stopping him.

He sighs, "Please?" He pleads in a small voice, the desperation clear as day. "I can make you feel good." He says, and I sigh knowing touching me there will only be making him feel good.

I had tried thinking of him whilst giving myself pleasure, and the thought of him was not enough to bring me to a climax.

In fact, I still had yet to give myself an actual orgasm. All I got while playing with myself was close. I was definitely doing something wrong.

So with a huff, I move his hand to my chest, letting him touch my left breast over my clothes, to keep him occupied.

He wastes no time in starting to knead and squeeze the breast. Meanwhile, I focus on the comfort I was receiving from his warmth and the things he was whispering in my ear about me.

I knew they were all true; I just liked hearing them from someone else.

I stayed like that wrapped in his arms and occasionally taking bites of his pasta as he eventually ventured to my other breast, his soft sweet compliments turning dirty. But I was no longer interested in hearing how aroused the thought of me made him feel.

And so, when I felt his erection once again venture to my ass, I decided it's time to get off him.

I stand, dusting myself off, before turning to hear him sigh in defeat. "My hand gets sore, you know? It's a miracle I'm still a functioning male with all the times you leave me like this." He mumbles grumpily.

I giggle and lean down so that I'm level with the bulge in his pants, my mind can't help comparing it to the one I saw this morning, only Alessio wasn't even aroused, much less even aware of just how large he was. "Does this little guy think about me too much?" I pout, tapping his crotch where I see him noticeably flinch.

William stares at me from his spot on the chair, unamused and sexually frustrated, as I smile and laugh at my joke.

But then the thought of Alessio creeps back into my mind, and I distract myself by deciding to give the poor guy some incentive.

I get on his lap, straddling him, before placing a chaste kiss against his lips. His hands fly to my waist, and I shut my eyes. His tongue sneaks into mine shyly, and I let him, for he had just spent the past hour whispering sweet things in my ear.

But my mind drifts to Alessio, and I can't help but imagine how he would kiss me. He would most likely dominate my mouth and take control.

The next thing I know, I'm kissing him harder.

I even get so carried away and start to lightly grind myself into him, thinking of how Alessio's strong arms would wrap around me, guiding me against his strong body.

I only realize what I'm doing once I'm met with the feeling of an erection digging into my thigh, one that I know is not Alessio's, for his would be much more... prevalent.

I go to get up, as William groans and attempts to guide me back into his erection, but I'm not having it.

He whines in protest but I just blow him an air kiss before turning around and strolling out of his office. Making sure to close the door, knowing that he's gonna need his privacy with his hand for the next little bit.

. . .

My frustration returns later when I walk out of the school to see a driver waiting for me, someone who's not Alessio.

A small part of me was hoping for him to pick me up and apologize for being mean this morning, but my mood only plummets when I arrive home to see that both Liam and Alessio weren't even home.

I was sitting in my room hanging upside down from my bed with my phone to my ear as I told Jacob about what had happened. He had sensed something was wrong earlier in school, but I wasn't ready to tell him.

"Of course he's gonna be freaked out Bianca. He's taking care of you, and this may be hard for you to hear, but not every man that lays eyes on you wants to fuck you. He doesn't look at you like that." He reasons.

"But I want him to look at me like that. I don't want him to see me as a little girl." I huff, "He didn't even look at my body when I was lying on his bed." I say.

It may have sounded ridiculously narcissistic, but not even Jacob would pass up a chance to ogle my body like that, and he wasn't even necessarily attracted to me.

"Damn, really? Not even a peek?" He says, somewhat curiously.

"Not even a peek."

"Maybe you're coming off too strong and desperate. Maybe you need to make him believe that you're not trying anything. Make him believe it's all him." Jacob offers weakly, and I sit up immediately.

He was right. I was being too obvious and direct. If I wanted to pull this off, I needed him not to think anything of it; I needed to innocently seduce him.

And I knew just how to use my naturally affectionate personality to do so.

Bianca

By the time six pm rolls around, I'm in my room composing some music for an orchestra night, my talk with Jacob still fresh in my mind.

I needed to tone it down.

And according to Jacob, I was far too overdramatic to know how to do that.

But I was going to prove him wrong.

"Miss Bianca?" Comes a voice from my open bedroom door.

"Bianca." I correct, turning towards Divya, one of the house maids who stands at my door. "Just call me Bianca."

She nods, and I watch the tension pour off of her as her posture relaxes. "Dinner's ready."

Divya was relatively young, about my age. Which was probably why I felt so comfortable around her. "Where is Alessio... and Liam?" I add after realizing that it'd be weird for me to be so curious about just Alessio's whereabouts.

"They will be joining. Mr. Galanti only ever misses a family dinner when he's away on business."

"Perfect. Thanks!" I beam up at her, my mood instantly lifting as I jump up and follow after her.

"Does my hair look okay?" I suddenly ask, realizing that in my fit of excitement, I didn't think to look in a mirror.

Divya tilts her head at me. "I don't think there's a single hair out of place."

I don't know how to interpret that, but I still send her a thankful smile before she turns towards the kitchen with a satisfied nod while I continue down the hall towards the dining room.

I straighten a hand down my outfit that consists of a vintage corset-type top and a pair of light-washed jeans.

Nothing special, and I worry that it's not cute enough as I make my way towards my seat next to Liam and adjacent to the head of the table.

The head of the table where Alessio sat.

I had thought myself lucky to have a seat so close to Alessio, but a quick look at the empty chair on the other side of Alessio tells me that no one liked to sit next to the boss.

I wonder why.

I greet Liam with a peck on his cheek, pushing down the little voice in my head that wants to greet Alessio the same, and instead, ignore his broad figure in a perfectly fitted white dress shirt, sitting in his chair, his attention focused on his phone.

It isn't until I take my seat that the man finally turns his head, acknowledging my presence. And when he does, he merely sends me a nod, his face blank, and I can tell even that action is forced.

I don't bother with a response, preoccupying myself with scooping food into my plate. I glance around the rest of the long table.

The table was far too large to be intimate, which explained why everyone was lost in conversation with the people near them.

I tune out Liam's conversation and begin eating my rigatoni, my corner of the table completely silent, and it has everything to do with the Italian Adonis next to me.

That is, until I decide to break it.

"Hey." I turn towards Alessio, swallowing the bite of my food, and send him a small, reserved smile. "I'm sorry about this morning." His attention moves up to me from his phone, and he raises a brow, urging me to continue, and I do.

"It's just that -" I set my utensils down and angle my body towards him. "In case you haven't noticed, I don't really have a good sense of boundaries. And I think I just got so excited because I finally felt comfortable around someone other than Liam for the first time since..." I look down at my lap, my voice cracking.

"Anyways, I didn't realize I came off too strong." I finish, clearing my throat and willing all the emotions away. He's silent, but I can feel his eyes on me. I look up, meeting his intense gaze, and my heart picks up under his scrutiny."I-I wasn't trying to snoop or anything. I just got too excited."

His eyes flicker across my face, and I hold my breath, suddenly knowing why no one wanted to sit next to him.

He could be so intimidating.

It seems like a lifetime passes before he nods in approval, his attention moving to his plate. "Thank you, Bianca. It took me by surprise, too, but it was extremely inappropriate." His tone is so stern that my heart drops at the lack of softness in his tone.

I want that soft voice and smile back.

I purse my lips and nod. "I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable. I realize I can be a little too much, and people often don't like it. I'll try to change." I say, genuinely upset with the whole situation.

I just had to go and ruin it.

He sighs and sets his fork down, turning his head back towards me. "You shouldn't have to change yourself for anyone else - let alone me. It'll take some adjusting, but be mindful of my privacy." His tone is still hard, but his words bring me some relief.

I smile up at him. "Will do, I promise." He doesn't return my smile, but he does give me a nod once again.

I resume eating, my lips tipping at the corners because I seem to be moving in the right direction.

Now, all I needed was to spend more time with him so that he could see how amazing I am.

Only a minute after he finishes his food, Alessio gets up and excuses himself, taking a phone call.

I stare after him, my smile dropping as disappointment settles in my chest. "I take it you like Alessio?" Liam asks from next to me.

I turn and send him a lopsided smile. "Yeah. I like him a lot."

He smiles, totally oblivious to the fact that how I liked Alessio was far from innocent. "I'm glad. He isn't the friendliest person, but he has been trying for your sake, my sake, and your mamá's." I momentarily feel guilty as I look at Liam, knowing he wouldn't approve of my plans.

"But I don't think he likes me all that much." I frown, pushing the guilt aside and focusing on what was important.

Getting him to like me.

"Nonsense. He just needs to get used to you. There's no way he wouldn't like you, Gaina, you're awesome." Liam smiles, nudging my elbow with his, yet my face is still apprehensive.

Liam then leans back in his chair and sighs, "Maybe you just need to spend some more time with him?"

I absentmindedly nod along, my mind wandering to my bruised ego.

"He's got meetings for the rest of the day, and he's got the gym booked for the rest of the night for his workout downstairs. So maybe you could find him tomorrow?" Liam offers, and my eyes light up.

"Yeah." I breathe, not hungry anymore, as I get up and excuse myself.

I make my way back up to my room and finish my homework, all the while making a mental note to work out later.

. . .

I wait until it's well past ten pm to change into a cute workout set before making my way towards the basement.

There are two doors at the end of the west hall that stand across from each other, on opposing walls. But they both lead into the basement.

One led down to the recreational area, like the gym, theatre, and game room.

And the other I have yet to explore.

I ignore the urge to explore and head down towards the gym. Walking through the wide hallway where blurred out glass sits alone on one wall, the gym door is located at the end of the hall.

The lights are on, and I spot a blurry figure through the window, telling me that Alessio's in there, and my nerves spike up in the best way possible.

Was this a little risky? Yes.

Did I give a shit? No.

Besides, I've thought this through. I was dressed in classic workout attire - fairly modest for what I was used to. A pair of baby blue leggings and a matching sports bra top with extra support that I needed for my larger chest.

I get to the door and peek through the section that isn't blurred out to make out Alessio's figure.

He's shirtless with his back to me as a pair of basketball shorts hangs low on his hips. A thin layer of sweat glistens on his beautiful skin, and his muscles contract as he lifts some sort of weight.

I had half a mind to just sit here and watch, but I snap myself out of it and push the door open.

The heavy glass barely gives way, and I have to put my entire weight into my push for it to crack open enough for me to get through, slamming shut with a thud just as I slip in.

But the corner of the door catches my heel, scraping it in the process. "Ouch. Stupid fucking door." I hiss under my breath, gritting my teeth and glancing back at it.

Regaining my composure, I turn only to come face-first with Alessio, who's now turned and eyeing me, a brow raised.

My body immediately tenses as embarrassment floods through. I just made a fool out of myself in front of him.

My embarrassment only further intensified the second he moved to grab a shirt and threw it on, covering his toned chest.

"Sorry," I say, diverting my eyes to study the rest of the large gym to act as though I'm scoping out the area. "I didn't know anyone else was in here." I lie.

Only when I look back towards him, his expression dries, and he simply stares at me, as if sensing my bullshit.

My heart rate spikes.

This was stupid. He was a mob boss. He could see right through my bullshit.

What was I thinking coming here?

"I'll come back another time," I mumble, turning around and reaching for the door.

I was bitching out, but I didn't care.

I grab the handle and yank it open, but the stupid door doesn't budge, and I'm left trying to yank open the door while I feel his less-than-impressed gaze on my back.

Until finally, he speaks. "Bianca?"

The way he says my name has me freezing. His voice is low, so deep, and his Italian accent peeks through as he pronounces my name.

"Yeah?" I breathe, turning around to stare at him.

He nods towards the other side of the room, his tongue poking his cheek and his eyes on my face, but he gives nothing away. "Exit door is over there."

I deflate, releasing a heavy breath. Not knowing if I should be disappointed or relieved at his response. I go with the latter. "Right."

I make my way towards the exit door and shake my head. Who the fuck needed two separate doors? One for entering and one for exiting?

Apparently, he did.

But just as I pass him, he releases the softest of sighs under his breath. "It's fine, you can stay. I'm almost done here, anyway."

I stop and send him a tight smile. I didn't actually want to work out. But I play it off. "It's okay. I don't want to impose. I'll wait-"

But he cuts me off with a look. It's hard and intimidating, while his voice is authoritative and final. "Go do your workout, Bianca."

I simply blink at him, hating the way he oozes so much dominance, but also hating the way I was compelled to listen to him.

To be honest, I hate working out. Aside from at-home exercises to keep my figure toned, I didn't work out. I only wanted to come in here and possibly work my way into working out with him.

But I fear he's far too perceptive to buy my act, and he'll see right through me. If he already doesn't.

I force a smile and move towards the closest machine I was somewhat familiar with - a treadmill. "Okay."

For the next little bit, I decide to play it safe and look busy just until he leaves, so I can slip out after him and wallow in a pool of self-pity at my plan backfiring.

I set the machine on an incline and keep a steady walking pace, busying myself with my phone while Alessio continues his workout. But I can't help the way my eyes drift towards him.

He's toned, muscular, and every time he pulls himself over the bar, his shoulder muscles contract beneath his shirt. He doesn't make weird faces or heavy breathing noises while doing his workout.

He's quiet, and aside from the slight flush of his cheeks and the dampening of his dark hair, he looks completely perfect.

But his hands gripping the metal bar are where my attention goes. Large, veiny with calloused fingers and a few gold rings.

His hands were perfect.

"You want to have a go?" His deep, rough voice shakes me out of my thoughts, and I snap my eyes up to him.

"What? No." I breathe, flushing slightly that he'd caught me staring at his hands. "Why would I want that?"