As Alessia stood closer to him, she couldn't help but notice the sharp lines of his face. His features were chiseled, with high cheekbones, a strong jawline, and piercing sky blue eyes that seemed to see right through her. His dark hair was messy, as if he'd just rolled out of bed, and his lips were full and inviting. Alessia felt a flutter in her chest as she realized that he was, quite possibly, the most handsome man she'd ever laid eyes on. She quickly looked away, trying to shake off the unexpected attraction.
As Alessia stood closer to him, she couldn't help but notice the sharp lines of his face. His features were chiseled, with high cheekbones, a strong jawline, and piercing sky blue eyes that seemed to see right through her. His dark hair was messy, as if he'd just rolled out of bed, and his lips were full and inviting. Alessia felt a flutter in her chest as she realized that he was, quite possibly, the most handsome man she'd ever laid eyes on. She quickly looked away, trying to shake off the unexpected attraction.
"I just want to say thank you for saving me yesterday," Alessia said, her voice sincere.
Marco nodded for her to continue, his expression unreadable.
"I think it's time for me to return to Chicago," Alessia added, her eyes locking onto his, searching for any sign of objection.
Marco's gaze held hers for a moment before he nodded again, this time with a hint of a smile. "I'll arrange for a car to take you to the airport," he said, his voice low and smooth.
"Okay," Alessia replied, trying to sound casual despite her surprise. She had expected resistance, or at least some hesitation, but Marco seemed entirely willing to let her go. She wondered if there was a catch, if he had some ulterior motive for being so accommodating. But for now, she was just relieved to be going home.
"Okay, thank you," Alessia said, turning to head back upstairs to get ready. She was halted by Marco's voice.
"I've ordered a dress for you to wear," he said, his eyes glinting with a hint of amusement. "It should fit you perfectly."
Alessia's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "You didn't have to do that," she said, feeling a twinge of unease.
Marco shrugged. "I wanted to. You can't travel in those clothes." He nodded towards her plain dressed she is wearing.
Marco watched Alessia disappear upstairs, a mix of emotions swirling inside him. He didn't want to let her go, didn't want to lose the fragile connection they'd formed. But he knew he had to. He couldn't keep her against her will, no matter how much he desired her.
Last night's events had shaken him to his core. He'd realized, with startling clarity, that he needed Alessia in ways he couldn't yet understand. Her presence had awakened something within him, something he'd thought long buried. He felt alive, felt a sense of purpose he'd been lacking for years.
But he knew he couldn't force her to stay. He had to let her go, had to give her the freedom to choose. The question was, would she choose to come back to him?