Strong jaw with just the hint of stubble, full lips that quirk up slightly when he’s amused, and a nose that’s perfectly straight except for the tiniest bump that suggests it’s been broken at least once.
There’s a thin scar along his jawline that I’ve always wondered about but never asked.
Everything about him looks expensive and kind of dangerous, and it’s annoying how hot I find that.
“How was class?” he asks as I approach, his voice carrying that slight rasp that makes me think inappropriate thoughts.
“Educational,” I reply, trying to keep my tone casual.
Educational, Bianca?That’swhat you say to the man? Jesus Christ, you’re pathetic.“Lucas Wellington the Third learned some hard truths about stakeholder responsibility.”
Alessandro’s lips curve into a genuine smile, and I feel stupidly proud that I amused him. “Poor Lucas. I take it he didn’t appreciate your insights?”
“He called me princess.” I roll my eyes as Alessandro opens the passenger door for me. “Like that’s supposed to be an insult.”
“Technically accurate,” he says, and there’s something in his voice that makes me look at him more carefully as I slide into the car.
The BMW smells like leather and Alessandro’s cologne.
I’ve never been alone with him like this.
Usually when I see him, it’s at the house with Dad and other family around.
This feels…different.
Alessandro slides behind the wheel, and I study his profile as he starts the engine.
There’s tension in his shoulders that wasn’t there when I first spotted him, and his jaw is tighter than usual.
“Everything okay?” I ask.
He glances at me, those hazel eyes unreadable. “Why wouldn’t it be?”
It’s a non-answer, which means something is definitely wrong. I’ve known Alessandro long enough to recognize when he’s deflecting.
“Because you’re picking me up from school,” I point out. “And you’re doing that thing where you clench your jaw when you’re thinking about something you don’t want to talk about.”
For a second, I think he might actually tell me what’s going on.
His mouth opens as if he’s about to speak.
But then his phone starts ringing through the car’s speakers, and I see Dad’s name on the dashboard display.
“Answer it,” I say before Alessandro can hesitate.
He accepts the call. “Matteo.”
“Where are you?” My dad’s voice fills the car, and there’s an edge to it that makes my stomach seize.
“Just picked up Bianca. We’re heading to the compound now.”
“Good. How quickly can you get here?”
Alessandro’s knuckles whiten on the steering wheel. “Twenty minutes if traffic cooperates.”
There’s a pause that feels loaded with significance. “Good. We’ll see you soon.”
The call ends, leaving us in silence.
