Chapter 7

He stood in the doorway , his broad frame imposing. With all those looks and muscles one could mistake him for a Calvin Klein model. It was surprising to see him awake at this time of the night . When l walked out of the house to the terrace, the house was deadly silent that l thought everyone was already asleep.

I last saw him after the funeral. He did not come down for dinner, maybe he was not fully accustomed to us all. His lips curved into a small smile. In one powerful stride he was standing besides me.

Ferracco removed his leather jacket and placed it gently on me. I shivered when his fingertips slightly grazed my bare shoulders. I stared at him in confusion.

Why is he doing this?

He smirked at me knowingly.

"I noticed you were feeling cold," he explained.

I recalled that l was rubbing myself when he came in. I felt a blush go across my cheeks.

"What are you doing out here at this hour?," l asked him instead , trying to get rid of the weird and uncomfortable feeling that was creeping inside my chest.

"I should be asking you the same question cara. Why aren't you asleep?"

My jaw dropped open as l stared at him.

"Don't tell me you are Italian?," l asked with a baffled look on my face.

He chuckled at my words.

"Half Italian. I heard my mother was Italian and l bet the bastard who sired me was half Brazilian," he said with a careless shrug.

I noticed the bitterness underlying his words.

"You don't know your father?," l asked carefully.

A muscle throbbed in his jaw as he looked into space. I could feel anger rolling off him in waves.

"It's best l never know him because if l ever come across that bastard , l would be send to prison for murder," he said seething.

A gasp escaped me. He turned to look at me.

"I am sorry for my choice of words," he apologised.

I was now seeing him in a new light.

He was one wounded and bitter man!

I drew closer to him and laid my hand gently on his arm.

"Only light can drive out darkness , Ferracco. Don't let your bitterness ruin you inside. Don't let that sorry excuse of a father ruin your image of the world. There are people out there who are much more nicer."

He flashed me a huge smile.

"Are you studying psychology?," he asked with a grin.

"Nop. I have just finished my business management degree at Harvard."

He gave a low whistle.

"I am honoured to be standing close to such a knowledgeable woman," he said giving me a low bow.

I laughed as l slapped his arm playfully. I then realised that it was my first genuine laugh since my parent's death.

"Thank you," l suddenly said.

"For what?," he asked with a blank look on his face.

"For making me laugh," l answered honestly feeling my face flushing in embarrassment.

The smile on his face widened.

"It's my pleasure."

That voice!

There was something about his voice that gave me a feeling of peace and security. I face palmed myself.

What am l thinking ?

I quickly dismissed the thought.

After all he was leaving tomorrow!

Ferracco stood besides me and leaned on the railing. He was staring intently into the darkness beyond as if expecting something to creep out from those shadows. I took the opportunity to assess his facial features without him knowing.

I watched the wind playing in his dark hair blowing it sideway and onto his face. There was a soft glow of moonlight on his profile. His features were expertly trimmed and measured.

Really Jane!

What a shame!

It felt as if l was under some spell.

Look away!

That was the single word echoing in my brain but l found myself stuck on staring at his face. He shoved his hand impatiently through his hair to remove some of his hair that was playing on his face.

We stood there in silence for a while. As if sensing that l was staring at him, he swiftly turned and stared at me with those blue oceans. His eyes were glittering in the moonlight . His intense gaze looked me up and down. I suddenly felt naked in my shorts and crop top.

"How are you copying?"

I blinked my eye in confusion then l realised what he was talking about.

"I am fine now."

Ferracco looked at me with a questioning expression.

"I know it's strange to ask you all these but l made a promise to your mother before she passed away."

"I am aware of that Ferracco."

"So l feel responsible of you. I want to make sure you are okay before l leave tomorrow. That way l won't feel guilty."

I felt a feeling of gratitude tagging at my heart.

"I assure you l am fine. You need not worry".

We stared at each other for a moment. The atmosphere around us was so thick with tension you could cut it with a knife. He advanced towards me and l stood there frozen like a gazelle.

I felt myself stagger backwards only to feel my back hit the cold railing. My heart was racing so madly that l thought it was going to leap out of my ribcage anytime soon.

Ferracco lifted his hand and removed a strand of hair playing in my face. His palm cupped my cheek for a moment as his intense gaze held mine. I found myself shivering but not with the cold.

"You are one strong woman , Jane. Losing your parents in one day and you are still strong and standing. I really adore you," he said in a soft and silky whilst his thumb gently stroked my cheek.

I continued staring at him. I couldn't even thank him for his compliment. It felt as if my tongue was stuck on the roof of my mouth.

My heart continued hammering inside my chest.

Calm down you brat!

My inner voice screamed at me but l couldn't. He was dark, beautiful and mysterious.

An "off -limit" area!

I didn't need a fortune teller to tell me he had a trail of broken hearts behind him. Never believe any of it Jane, that little voice in my head warned.

Before l knew it, his mouth claimed mine. I gasped in shock and he seized that opportunity to invade my mouth. I clutched his shirt and kissed him back.

A groan escaped him before his palm cupped my cheek and he deepened the kiss. Our tongues fought for control , for dominance. The sensations that were rioting through me were more intense than l have ever recalled experiencing before.

l could feel his lips tasting and teasing me.

It felt good!

It felt so correct until ...l saw my father's sad face swimming before my eyes.

My eyelids fluttered open and l pushed him away breathing loudly. Ferracco stared at me with disappointment etched on his face.

"Jane!"

My nerves jumped at the sound of my name. Both of us whirled around to the source of the voice. Claudius stood in the doorway , a deep scowl on his face.

His steel grey eyes were blazing with fury. I have never seen him so angry.

How long was he standing there?

Did he saw us kissing?

I suddenly felt ashamed of myself.

"Can l talk to you in the study room." His voice was cold and icy.

Claudius walked out but not before glaring at Ferracco. I began walking out of the terracce when l heard Ferracco call my name.

" Jane!"

He called me in that same deep voice l had grown accustomed to these past few days.

Don't stop!

That same tiny voice echoed in my head and l kept walking. My heart ached to ignore him as l walk away. It felt as if l was stretching thousands of miles between us forever.

But it was for the best. We were two completely different people. He had a life to go back to in Brasilia. Maybe a girlfriend too.

My heart ached at the thought. I never considered that possibility.

After what happened to me, l couldn't afford a relationship , at least not right now, worst case scenario with a stranger at that.

A/N:

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