CHAPTER 5 | VINCENZO

After a while, I finished my bath and started boiling water for the instant noodles in the kitchen. Just then, Eva entered, droplets of water cascading down her long, silky hair, her body glistening as if touched by the soft glow of candlelight. She wore a delicate silk night suit that hugged her curves perfectly, showcasing her smooth, long legs. The mere sight of her set my heart pounding.

As she took graceful steps toward me, drying her hair, I couldn't help but bite my bottom lip. I let water flow into the noodle cup, but my gaze stayed fixed on her, so mesmerized that the hot water splashed onto my hand. Eva hurried to my side, her fingers tightening around mine as she softly blew over my burning skin. Her lips moved, forming words I couldn't grasp—my mind was adrift, lost in the spellbinding beauty before me.

She snapped her fingers in front of my face, bringing me back to reality. The softness of her touch nearly made me lose control, but I managed to hold back. She turned the tap on, letting cool water run over my hand. As I focused on rinsing my skin, Eva stood on her toes to reach the cupboard for the first aid kit. The movement shifted her top slightly, giving me an unintended glimpse of her exposed belly, and I struggled to maintain my composure.

"Sit here," she instructed gently, guiding me to the sofa. She applied ointment to my hand, her fingers delicate yet firm. "I'm perfectly alright, don't worry," I assured her, my voice steady but my heart racing wildly.

She cupped my cheek, her touch a whisper of warmth. A gentle tap, a lingering gaze, and then, in a voice like silk, "Okay, then just stay here. I'll be right back with the noodles and some drinks," she replied, moving toward the kitchen. I was spellbound, my gaze locked onto her—every movement mesmerizing, stealing my breath, owning my attention.

She was in the kitchen, lost in her little world, humming softly as the melody floated gently from her lips. Her voice, sweet like honey and light as air, filled every quiet corner of the room. She twirled playfully, her loose hair dancing with her. She moved like a breeze—soft, natural, breathtaking.

God... she doesn't even know what she is doing to me.

I stood by the doorway, unable to move, unable to blink. My eyes drank in the sight of her—my woman—looking so innocent yet dangerously captivating. Every movement, every sway of her hips as she reached for the fridge, was a temptation stitched in silk and fire. I leaned against the doorframe and let out a low, amused chuckle.

"If this is how you usually cook, I might get addicted to home meals."

She turned around, a sudden flush painting her cheeks, caught mid-spin like a dancer on stage.

"You've been watching me this whole time?" she asked with a coy smile, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Can you blame me?" I replied, slowly walking toward her. "You sing like a dream, move like sin. That's hardly something a man can ignore."

She tried to hide her blush, biting her lip to suppress the grin teasing her lips. I stepped closer, wrapping my arms around her from behind, my chin resting on her shoulder. Her body fit against mine like a melody to its rhythm.

"You're distracting me," she whispered, her voice laced with a smile.

"That's the plan," I murmured into her neck, inhaling the scent of her skin. "You're the most beautiful kind of distraction."

Without a word, I came behind her, my hands sliding gently around her waist, fingers brushing the soft fabric of her dress. She gasped slightly—surprised—but didn't resist when I lifted her gently and placed her onto the kitchen platform, her legs dangling over the edge as if she belonged there all along.

Then, slowly, I dropped to one knee.

Her eyes widened, lips parted just slightly, that familiar blush blooming on her cheeks like rose petals unfurling at dusk. I looked up at her and smiled, gently cleaning the dust from her soft feet with my hand.

"Vincenzo..." she breathed voice barely a whisper.

And gently slipped the slippers onto her feet, my fingers lingering for a moment longer than necessary. "You forgot to wear them," I said softly, my voice laced with a tenderness I couldn't hide. She chuckled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "I always do."

I rose to my feet again, slow and deliberate, leaning in close until my lips brushed the delicate shell of her ear. I could feel her heartbeat flutter through her skin. "Not anymore," I whispered. "From now on, every little thing about you—I'll hold it close and take care of it all."

She looked up at me—her eyes brimming with something tender, fragile, and quietly desperate to be understood. When our eyes met, they locked with a quiet, unspoken intensity—a gravity that reached into something deep within us, stronger than any force I had ever known. Time itself seemed to falter, holding its breath, suspending us in a silence thick with everything we couldn't say.

And just then—hissss—the kettle broke the spell.

We both blinked, turning our heads toward the sound, laughter bubbling between us like champagne fizz.

Moments later, we returned with our meal, and we both took our first bites of noodles. Just as I began to Savor the taste, she playfully snatched my cup and took a few mouthfuls from it. "Oh, I like this flavour better. Is it okay if I eat from your cup?" she said, her sweet, tempting voice making it impossible for me to deny her.

Her sweet, tempting voice had a magical effect on me, compelling me to do whatever she desired as we exchanged cups. The house was filled with laughter and light-hearted banter, our evening punctuated by sips of drinks and moments spent watching TV together. As the night deepened, I watched as she slowly drifted off, her breaths growing soft and steady, her breaths growing soft and steady, her head softly resting in my lap. A delightful warmth coursed through my body, and my fingers instinctively threaded through her silky hair, mesmerized by how adorable she looked—sleeping so peacefully, like an angelic child.

I watched her closely, my heart aching at the sight. A single tear had slipped down her cheek, glistening in the dim light like a delicate drop of sadness. I reached out, my thumb brushing it away before it could fall, my fingers lingering on her soft skin.

"Sorry... I won't do it anymore... Forgive me... It wasn't my fault."

Her voice was barely a whisper, words spoken in the haze of sleep, a sorrow laced within the simple plea. I could feel the weight of her words sinking deep within me, knotting up my chest. She was holding something—some kind of pain—carefully concealed behind that radiant smile, the one she wore effortlessly every day. It was the kind of smile that had stolen my heart the very first time I saw it, masking the hurt she carried, hidden beneath layers I couldn't yet understand.

I gently brushed a lock of her hair from her face, the warmth of her skin seeping into me like a quiet fire. She didn't deserve this—whatever it was that had caused that tear. And I swore, with every fibre of my being, that as long as she was with me, she would never know that kind of pain again. Not while I was here, not while I could protect her. I leaned down, my lips hovering near her ear, my breath warm against her skin as I whispered, "I'll be the one to carry your burdens now. You'll never have to carry them alone again.".

Her chest rose and fell in a slow, steady rhythm, the only sign that she had heard me. She seemed to relax as if my words were a comfort, a promise she hadn't realized she was waiting for.

I gently attempted to wake her, urging her to move to her room, but her deep slumber held her firmly in its embrace— Perhaps it was the effect of a long day and the drinks we had shared. With care, I gathered her gently into my arms, holding her close as I carried her to her bedroom. As I laid her down on her bed, a thread from my clothing snagged on her delicate ring. Leaning in closer to free myself, I found our faces inches apart.

In that delicate moment, she shifted, drawing me even nearer, her hand finding its way around my neck. Our lips brushed against each other, sparking an undeniable temptation that hung in the air. Realizing what had just occurred, I carefully freed myself from her ring and, with a gentle kiss on her forehead, I tucked the blanket snugly around her before quietly slipping out of the room, longing for sleep as well.

The next morning arrived with a soft, cozy light streaming through the window. I woke early and decided to go for a jog, the area buzzing with life. When I returned home, I found her as she began to wake, her eyes fluttering open, a vision of adorableness bathed in sunlight. The sight filled me with warmth and new energy.

"Good morning," I greeted her, my voice layered with affection. She smiled sleepily in response, and I headed to the kitchen to prepare myself a cup of coffee. I turned to her and asked, "What would you like to have?"

"Oh, don't worry about me. I'll make one for myself," she replied sweetly. But as I stepped closer, she playfully backed away until her back met the wall. I placed one hand against the wall, leaning in slightly and resting the other hand on her shoulder. Our eyes locked, and I said, "If a husband doesn't worry about his wife's needs, then who will? A husband must take care of his wife."

She looked at me with those seductive eyes, a playful smile dancing on her lips. "Okay, if that's the case, take good care of your wife, Mr. Husband, then make a nice cold coffee for her."

"As you wish, sweetheart," I replied with a playful formality, my voice laced with teasing. "Your devoted servant, ready to fulfil your every desire." Then she moved closer, playfully tapping my nose, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Alright then, hurry up! I'm waiting for you," she said, stepping towards the balcony.

I cradled the cold coffee, its rich aroma curling through the air like a silent invitation. With careful steps, I carried our cups to the balcony. Eva stood there, the morning sun casting a warm glow around her, her presence almost ethereal against the vibrant backdrop of the awakening world. I approached her from behind, slowly moving the cup in front of her, and her face lit up with that irresistible smile that never failed to melt my heart.

We sipped our coffee together, the cool beverage contrasting beautifully with the warm morning. Just then, a bright voice shattered the morning's calm, "Hello, neighbour! Good morning!" I turned slightly to see the familiar face of the guy we had met at the store last night, standing on his balcony.

"Hii!" Eva waved; her excitement palpable. A sudden wave of protectiveness surged through me, and I instinctively stepped in front of her, wanting to shield her from the gaze of another man. It was a primal urge, fuelled by the desire to keep her all to myself.

"By the way, I forgot to ask your names last night," he called out, his casual demeanour unnerving me a little.

"Oh, yeah! We both forgot too," Eva replied, her voice light and inviting. She turned toward me, a sparkle in her eyes. "Let me introduce us first. I'm Eva Moretti, and this is my husband, Vincenzo Moretti."

"Nice to meet you!" he replied, his smile genuine.

I felt a swell of pride as I heard her introduce me, even if a flicker of possessiveness flicked through my mind. "And you?" she asked.

"I am James," he says.

"By the way, what do you all do for a living?" he asked us.

"My husband is a doctor, and I'm a software engineer," she replied.

"And you?" I asked.

"I'm a director," he said, his words smooth and confident.

"Cool! That suits you," I said, trying to steer the conversation into safe waters.

James smiled and then turned his attention back to Eva. "You know, Eva, you are so beautiful. You should consider working in dramas and movies. I'm pretty sure you would be a hit star!" Her laughter tinkled like music, and my heart raced, though I didn't like how effortlessly she melted into his flattery. "Oh no, that's not for me! I'm happy with what I'm doing," she replied, yet that playful tone made my stomach churn with jealousy.

I remained seated, observing their exchange while a tangled unrest coiled within me, tightening with every burst of her laughter that fed his delight. The dynamic felt unfair as if he was intruding on our moment. "I should get a seat," she said, stepping inside, but before she could reach for a chair, I swiftly grasped her hand, pulling her down to sit on my lap.

"Why bother with a chair when you have your husband, darling?" I said, my tone teasing but my heart racing with a possessive urgency.

Her eyes widened in surprise as she cast a brief, uncertain gaze at James, hesitation flickering in her stare. Yet, I could feel the unsteady rhythm of her heart, its flutter betraying her, as I held her close—protective, yet achingly tender. As her warmth settled onto me, I instinctively placed my hands on her legs, my grip firm yet gentle, feeling that electric connection between us.

"See, you're perfectly comfortable here," I whispered, my voice low and soothing, though a tempest brewed within me at the thought of any other man admiring her beauty or sharing her laughter. She belonged to me, and the mere thought of another's touch ignited a firestorm of possessive fury within me. James observed us, a slight shift in his expression.

After some time, we found ourselves back inside, the air thick with unspoken words. I broke the silence, by saying-"I think I should go." People need to believe I'm a doctor—it's time to make that a reality. I'll head to the headquarters and start working on our mission." Eva nodded thoughtfully; her gaze unwavering. "Yes, you're right. I'll work from home and come by if anything comes up." There was a sense of resolve in her tone, but the underlying tenderness between us lingered. I moved to my room to get ready while she prepared a light breakfast, toasting bread as the warm aroma filled the air.

Standing together at the doorstep, a bittersweet feeling washed over me. Eva was observing me leave, her eyes a mix of pride and concern. Just then, James passed by on his way to work, throwing a casual wave. "Bye, Eva! See you later!" he called out, his tone light, but it ignited a flicker of possessiveness within me.

A sudden surge of anger filled my veins as my muscles tensed. I reached out, stretching my fist subtly to assert my presence between them. I drew closer to Eva, enfolding her in my arms, daring to take a decisive step. With a gentle yet firm embrace, I pressed a soft kiss onto her cheek, my lips lingering a moment longer than necessary. "I'll come back early, baby. Take care of yourself," I whispered, my voice low and intentional, making sure James understood exactly how much she meant to me.

As I pulled away, I caught James watching us closely, his expression a curious blend of confusion and caution. I couldn't quite understand why I felt this surge of jealousy, but seeing another man's eyes on her ignited an instinctive protectiveness that I couldn't suppress. With that turbulent surge of emotions churning through me, I headed to the headquarters. The team was already assembled, poised to tackle the task ahead.