Exclusively Yours - Episode 13
Subtitle; {Please, Love Me}
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Riccardo's POV
I sat in my swivel chair, completely absorbed in the work spread out before me. A thoughtful hum escaped my lips as I absentmindedly brushed my fingers through my long hair that reached my neck.
Briefly diverting my gaze from the laptop, I surveyed my office with a nostalgic smile playing at the corners of my mouth. The shelf lined with my achievements served as a reminder of the arduous journey I had undertaken to reach this point. It hadn't been an easy road; I had strived to achieve success without relying on my father's wealth or my last name as a ticket.
Seven years ago, I made the decision to inform my dad that I had no desire to take over the family business. Since childhood, I had nurtured a love for drawing houses, and I wanted to pursue architecture as my educational and professional path. Initially, my father was reluctant to allow me to study this field, but after my mom intervened, he eventually relented, granting me the opportunity I craved. I dedicated countless hours to my studies, working tirelessly to forge a path where my name and accomplishments would be recognized on a global scale.
Now, with the fame, recognition, and wealth I have attained, I am confident that I can acquire anything or anyone I desire. However, there is one person who has brought immeasurable happiness into my life with a single glance, and I am determined to never let her go.
Olivia Donovan belongs to me. She is mine, and I am hers. I refuse to allow anything or anyone to come between us, now or ever. I will show her every one of my demóns, flàws, and scàrs; I will not hide who I truly am. I don't need to be her prince charming or knight in shining armor; I just need to be Riccardo, and she will love me for me.
Nothing and no one will ruiñ this for me, especially not Morris. I will not allow him to interfere, not in the slightest.
"Earth to Riccardo," a soft, familiar, angelic voice broke through my thoughts. "Riccardo, hey!"
Finally snapping out of my trance, I turned to face the source of the sound. My eyes met Olivia's petite figure, her hands folded as she stood beside me. Without saying a word, I allowed myself to enjoy the sight in front of me, a smile tugging at my lips.
"What were you thinking about?" Olivia asked, her caramel-brown eyes shimmering with their natural brightness. "Were you considering calling off this whole thing between us?"
"Not even for a moment," I replied, a gentle shrug of my shoulders.
Curiously, she crouched down to get a glimpse of what I was working on my laptop. "What is it?"
It had been a week since she signed the contract, and gradually, she was starting to feel more at ease around me, although she would never admit it.
"It's my next project," I breathed in the intoxicating scent of her hair mixed with her perfume. "Are you ready for tomorrow?"
Nervously, she swallowed and shook her head. "I'm so nervous. What if they see right through my act? What if I mess up? What if..."
"What if you calm down, relax, and breathe?" I interrupted, standing up from my chair and circling my hand around her waist. She froze, looking up at me with wide eyes.
"What are you..." Her voice trailed off as I lifted her off the ground and placed her on my desk, positioning myself between her legs.
"You'll be fine."
"You really think so?" she asked, her doubts coloring her voice.
She shouldn't doubt herself for a second. Whatever task Olivia took on, she excelled at it, even if it involved deceivíng our friends and families.
"No, I don't just think so," I responded, my index finger brushing aside loose strands of hair caressing her ear. "I know so."
Olivia darted her tongue out, moistening her lips. "I don't like this position. Back up."
"But I rather enjoy it," I teased, reluctant to comply with her request.
"Riccardo, I said, back up," she ordered, her voice firm. I released my hold on her waist. "I've been meaning to ask you something."
"Yeah?" I prompted, curious to hear her question.
She nodded.
"What is it?"
"Why don't your guards stop me from entering? I've seen them stop other people."
"Why would they stop you when you're my fiancée?" I replied, tucking my hands into my pockets to restrain myself from touching her, as I knew it would irritate her. "You seem to make good use of that privilege."
Olivia's perfectly arched brows furrowed, displaying her confusion. "What do you mean?"
"You didn't even knock before coming in..."
"Oh, I know. I'm trying to annoy you enough to make you call off our engagement," she blurted out, instantly regretting her words. "I shouldn't have said that out loud. Please forget I mentioned it."
"Don't, Olivia," I warned, my previous happiness fading from my expression. "There's nothing you could do to make me call off our engagement. It would only make me angry, so please, don't."
"Whatever," she scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Why did you call me here?"
"I wanted to discuss something," I explained.
"About what?"
"Our future home. I need you to choose the interior and exterior designs today."
"You're really going to let me choose?" Olivia sounded genuinely surprised, her eyes failing to hide her shock. "Really?"
"Yes," I confirmed with a smile.
Smirking, she tilted her head, causing her hair to follow suit. "Then paint the walls pink."
"Alright."
"You don't mind? You'll actually do it?"
"Yes."
"Can't you say no?"
"Of course, I could, but not when it comes to you. You are my everything."
She threw her head back and groaned. "Come on, Riccardo. I need you to snap out of this."
"And I need you to love me just as I am right now. But I suppose we can't always get what we want."
"Do you have something sweet in there?" Her finger pointed toward a spot behind me.
Walking over to the mini-fridge, I retrieved a bowl of strawberries and handed it to her. She gave me a small smile before taking one and placing it in her mouth.
My gaze dropped to her lips as she chewed the fruit, causing a lump to form in my throat. I watched intently as the juice from the strawberry dripped onto her bottom lip, and she slowly extended her tongue to lick it away. I exhaled, fighting to maintain my composure, even though she unknowingly made it incredibly difficult for me.
Olivia reached for another strawberry and held it between her teeth. But before she could take a bite, I leaned in and captured her lips, simultaneously taking the fruit into my mouth. As I pulled away to chew the strawberry, my eyes remained locked on hers, while she sat completely frozen.
First date, check.
First kiss, check.
TBC 📖✍️
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