Page 53 of Ruthless Royalty

The choices he laid out so clearly, like it was the most natural thing in the world for him to say, like I should just accept it.

And the worst part? I can’t stop thinking about how much I want to.

I turn onto my side, curling up, trying to make sense of this twisted mess in my head. I should be angry, and part of me is. But it’s not the kind of anger that pushes someone away. It’s the kindthat pulls them in, that makes you want to dive deeper, even though you know it’s dangerous. Even though you know it’s wrong.

Leo’s been texting me all morning, wondering where I was. He’s worried, probably thinks I’m sick or something. Sweet Leo. Kind, gentle Leo. The kind of guy I always thought I should be with.

But as much as I care about him, as much as I appreciate how safe he makes me feel, there’s something missing with guys like him. Something Giovanni has that Leo never could.

Danger.

All I can think about is the danger, the thrill, the fire that Giovanni offers. The way his touch burns like a brand, the way his words cut through the bullshit, laying everything bare.

It’s fucking terrifying how much I want him. How much I want the chaos he brings.

I shove the covers off and sit up, running a hand through my hair in frustration. I can’t keep lying here, drowning in this confusion. I need to do something. Anything to clear my head.

I grab my phone off the nightstand and open Leo’s texts.

Leo: Hey, you okay? Haven’t seen you all morning.

Leo: Do you want me to bring you anything? Soup? Coffee?

Leo: I’m starting to get worried. Please text me back.

I stare at the screen, guilt gnawing at me. Leo doesn’t deserve this. He doesn’t deserve to be caught up in whatever the hell this is between me and Giovanni. But the thought of seeing him right now, of pretending like everything’s fine, makes me feel sick.

I type out a quick response.

Chiara: I’m okay. Just need some time. I’ll see you later.

It’s a lie, but it’s the best I can do right now. I toss my phone aside and head to the bathroom, splashing cold water on my face, trying to shake off the haze that’s settled over me since that night.

But no matter how hard I try, I can’t stop thinking about Giovanni. About what he said. About what he offered.

Be my Queen.

I stare at my reflection in the mirror, trying to see myself the way he does. Could I really be that girl? The one who stands beside him, who embraces the darkness he thrives in? It’s insane, but the more I think about it, the more I realize that I’ve never felt more alive than when I’m with him. When he pushes me.

“Fuck,” I mutter under my breath, pressing the heels of my hands against my eyes. I can’t think straight. Every thought, every emotion is tangled up in a knot that I can’t unravel.

Giovanni makes me feel alive in a way that nothing else does. He’s a fucking storm, and I’m caught right in the middle of it, unable to get out, even if I wanted to. The danger he brings, the way he pushes me to my limits, it’s like a drug, and I’m fucking addicted.

I don’t want safe. I want the thrill of knowing I’m playing with fire, even if it means getting burned.

I want Giovanni fucking Basile.

A knock at the door pulls me out of my spiral, and my heart skips a beat. I know who it is before I even answer. There’s only one person who would show up unannounced like this, who would push his way into my life even when I’m not ready.

“Chiara,” Giovanni’s voice comes through the door, low and commanding. “Open up.”

I hesitate, my hand frozen on the doorknob. Part of me wants to ignore him, to pretend like I’m not here, but I know that’s useless. He’ll just keep knocking, keep pushing until I give in.

With a sigh, I unlock the door and pull it open. He’s standing there, leaning against the frame with that cocky smirk on his face. He looks me up and down, his eyes darkening as they take in my disheveled appearance.

“Not going to class today, I see,” he says, his tone teasing, but there’s something else there too. Something I can’t quite place.

“What do you want, Giovanni?” I ask, trying to sound annoyed, but it comes out weaker than I intended.

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