Chapter 4 - Aurelio

I took a deep breath as I stood outside Aemilia's door, anxiously waiting for her to open it. I had been looking forward to this dinner for weeks, and I couldn't wait to see her again. When she finally opened the door, her beauty struck me. She was wearing a stunning dress that hugged her curves in all the right places, and her hair was styled in loose waves that cascaded down her back.

I couldn't help but feel a little nervous as I looked at her. I had never been good at expressing my emotions, but Aemilia had a way of making me feel comfortable and at ease. As she greeted me with a smile, I couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and happiness wash over me.

"Hi," she whispered softly.

"Wow, you look beautiful," I finally managed to say with a hint of awe in my voice.

"Thank you," she replied, blushing slightly. "Are you ready to go?"

I nodded and offered her my arm. "Shall we?"

She took my arm, and we walked toward the car. I opened the door for her and then walked around to the driver's side. As I drove us to the restaurant, I couldn't help but steal glances at her. She looked even more beautiful in the dimly lit car.

"What?" she asked with a smile.

"Nothing," I said, shaking my head. "You look beautiful tonight."

Aemilia blushed and looked away. "Thank you. You look handsome too."

I grinned. "Thank you, but I think I pale in comparison to you."

"Wow, thanks Aurelio. You're so sweet," Aemilia replied, blushing a little in response to my compliment. "But you don't have to say nice things just to make me feel good, you know? I appreciate it when people are genuine with me, even if it means not always telling me what I want to hear."

"Trust me, Aemilia. I wouldn't say something unless I truly meant it."

As we drove along the quiet road, the car was filled with silence. It felt as though the weight of our recent conversation still hung in the air between us. Finally, with a heavy and relentless sigh, I turned to Aemilia and confessed.

"You know, Aemilia," I answered softly, "your beauty is like a work of art, a masterpiece that leaves me in awe every time I see it. It's as if every line and curve were crafted with such care and attention, just like a sculptor chisels away at a precious stone until it shines with its own unique radiance. That's what your beauty is to me - a rare and precious gem. So trust me when I say you look breathtakingly beautiful."

As she sat there looking at me, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of uncertainty. Did she like what I said, or was she simply too polite to respond negatively? I could see the faintest hint of a smile on her lips, but it was difficult to tell whether it was genuine or forced.

For the remainder of the drive, we sat in an uneasy silence, with the only sounds being the soft hum of the car engine and the occasional rustle of our clothing. I couldn't shake the feeling that I had made a fool of myself with my clumsy attempt to give a compliment.

As we arrived at the restaurant, I opened the car door and stepped out. I offered my hand to help Aemilia out of the car. She took it graciously, but still didn't say a word.

I led Aemilia to the cozy Italian restaurant, grateful that my contacts in Miami had tipped me off about this hidden gem. As we walked in, the soft lighting and the aroma of garlic and basil put me at ease. I was happy to be spending the evening with Aemilia.

"Wow, this place is amazing," Aemilia said, looking around with a smile.

"I thought you would like it," I said, feeling relieved that she appeared to be having a good time.

As we sat down, I couldn't help but steal glances at her. I had to remind myself to focus on the conversation, not just her beauty.

"So, what brings you to Miami?" Aemilia asked, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

"I'm here on business," I said, being cautious not to disclose my position as a consigliere of the Russo mafia.

"Oh, what kind of business?" She pressed.

"Just some meetings," I replied vaguely, not wanting to lie but also not wanting to put her in danger by revealing too much information.

Throughout the meal, we laughed and chatted about everything, from our favorite foods to our hopes and dreams. I couldn't help but feel drawn to her, and I knew I wanted to see her again. But I also knew that my connections to the mafia could complicate things.

As the meal came to an end, I decided to take a chance. "Aemilia, I know we've only known each other for a short time, but I feel a connection between us. I'd like to take you out again, if you'll let me."

Her eyes met mine, and I felt my heart racing. "I'd like that," she said, smiling.

As we walked out of the restaurant, I made a mental note to keep Aemilia safe from my perilous world. But for now, I am happy to enjoy this lighthearted and fun evening with her. I was determined to win her heart, no matter what.

As I drove Aemilia back to her place, I couldn't help but feel content. The night had gone better than I could have hoped for, and I found myself eagerly anticipating the chance to see her again. She was sitting beside me, scrolling through her phone, but every now and then she would glance over at me and smile. God, that smile!

I parked the car in front of her apartment building and got out to open the door for her. As she stepped out, I offered her my hand to assist her. She took it, and I felt a jolt of electricity shoot through my body.

"Thank you for a wonderful evening," I said, trying to keep my emotions under control.

"Thank you for taking me out," she replied, her eyes sparkling.

I walked her to her door, feeling a mixture of nervousness and excitement. As we chatted, I found myself wanting to stay longer, to prolong the night and spend more time with her. But I knew that I couldn't. Not yet, at least.

"Well, I should get going," she said, looking up at me with her stunning green eyes.

"Yeah, of course," I said, feeling my heart sink a little.

We stood there for a moment, neither of us making a move to leave. Finally, I took a deep breath and leaned in to kiss her on the cheek.

"Goodnight, Aemilia," I said softly.

"Goodnight, Aurelio," she replied softly.

I turned and walked back to my car, feeling a mix of emotions. Excitement, nervousness, and something else that I couldn't quite put my finger on. I climbed into the car and started the engine, watching as she disappeared from my view.

As I drove home, I couldn't help but smile to myself.