AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Our heavy breathing gradually slows, and I can feel the warmth of Jasmine's body pressed against mine as we lay entangled on the couch. Her fingers lazily trace patterns on my chest, and a small contented sigh escapes her lips. It's in moments like these that I find myself falling even deeper for her – the simple acts of intimacy, partnership.
"Jasmine," I whisper, brushing her hair back from her face and marveling at the way her eyes seem to sparkle even in the dim light of the room.
"Hmm?" She hums softly, turning her head to look up at me.
"Thank you." My voice is barely more than a breath, but I need her to know how much this means to me. "For everything."
Her smile is tender, full of affection. "You don't need to thank me, Dario. Especially when I don't know what you're thanking me for." She leans up to press a gentle kiss against my lips, and I savor the taste of her, the feel of her soft skin against mine.
That's the kind of woman she is, I think to myself, the kind who doesn't even know how much she does for me.
We continue to hold each other close, our limbs tangled together in a mess of warmth and comfort. As sleep begins to claim me, I find solace in the steady rhythm of Jasmine's heartbeat and the softness of her breath on my neck. Just when I think I'm about to drift off, there's a sudden knock.
"Shit," I mutter under my breath, tightening my grip on Jasmine. The last thing I want to do right now is deal with any interruptions. But the knocking persists, and I know I have no choice but to answer. "I'll be right back, amore mio."
Chapter 25
A Delicate Balance
Jasmine
We weren't expecting anyone, and the urgency of the knocks sends an uneasy feeling down my spine.
The door creaks open, and I hear a familiar voice that makes my blood run cold. "Hello, is Jasmine here or have I got the wrong address?" The female voice follows up with a small giggle.
I would recognize that voice from miles away. Shit, I think to myself. It's Elena. What is she doing here? The fear of being exposed floods my mind, but I force myself to stay calm. My cover depends on it.
Not only that, my relationship with Dario depends on it and right now, I'm afraid that the relationship feels more important than everything I've ever worked towards.
"Jasmine, qualcuno chiede di te," – Jasmine, someone is asking for you – Dario calls out from the door, his tone confused but guarded. He glances back at me, his eyes searching for answers I'm not ready to give.
"Ah, certo," I reply, feigning nonchalance as I approach the door. My heart hammers in my chest, but I maintain my composure. "Elena! What a surprise!"
"I am truly so sorry to bother you, but I simply had to meet Jasmine tonight!" Elena turns to Dario and gives him a charming smile.
Dario's eyebrows raise in surprise as he glances between Elena and me. I can see the gears turning in his head, but he doesn't let it show for more than a moment. With a gracious smile, he says, "Of course, Jasmine, your friends are always welcome here."
"Thank you, Dario," I reply, shooting him a grateful look. My heart is pounding in my chest, but I try to appear calm and collected. "Elena, this is Dario Marchetti. Dario, meet Elena Collins, an old friend of mine from university. She's well-known in charity circles for her work with children's hospitals."
"Ah, a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Collins," Dario says, extending his hand for her to shake.
"Likewise, Mr. Marchetti," she replies, taking his hand and holding onto it for a second longer than necessary. "Your home is simply stunning."
"Please, make yourself comfortable," Dario gestures towards the living room, his eyes never leaving Elena's face. He's trying to read her, and I know I need to keep up the ruse if I want to protect us both.
"Jasmine, I need your help with something," she says, her voice dripping with insincerity. I notice her look us over, at our disheveled appearance. Her eyes wander to Dario's shirt, buttoned up all wrong in a hurry.
I can tell what she's thinking. She knows we fucked. God, she must be pissed. I would be, if I was my handler. But, for now, thankfully, she's playing a role, and it's paramount that I play along.
"Of course, Elena," I reply, forcing a grin. "What do you need? You said you wanted to meet up?"
"Let's discuss this over a glass of wine, shall we?" Elena suggests, her tone light and airy, as if we're old friends catching up on lost time.
"Sounds perfect," I agree, my pulse pounding in my ears as I lead her towards the couch Dario just motioned at, acutely aware of Dario's scrutinizing gaze following our every move. The stakes have never been higher, and I know that one wrong step could cost me everything.
My heart pounds like a caged animal in my chest. I know that if Elena blows my cover, everything I've worked for will be lost. With trembling hands, I pour us all some wine. I notice Dario observe how I spill some, the furrow between his eyes getting even more pronounced.
I hand Elena her glass and give Dario and her a smile. I take a seat on the couch, subtly positioning myself between her and Dario. He sits down across from us, his fingers tapping rhythmically against his leg – a telltale sign that he's feeling uneasy.
