The distress

Chapter 13: The distress

Matteo couldn't believe his eyes when he turned around. When Vincenzo had ordered him to pursue and seduce a German princess and best friend of Maria's called Ursula, he had imagined some plain Jane that had nothing exciting going on in her life, so decided to follow her best friend to another country.

When he had entered the boutique and sighted her from afar, his thoughts changed a little as he watched her change from one dress to the other. But seeing her up close and personal now, she took his breath away. She was stunning.

"I did not ask you to pay for my dress," Ursula said, finally finding her speech again.

In an alternate universe where nothing was a threat to Maria's life, and everything was all good and friendly, she would have ditched the sweet Zia and taken the chance of a one-night stand with this stranger.

Yes, he was that sexy. She felt like all Italian men were made on the Lord's favorite day. However, she lived in a real world where a stranger stalking and paying for her shopping was a significant cause for alarm.

"I would think with that face of yours, and you'll be used to getting nice things from strangers. I mean, only a fool would look at you and not be tempted to swipe his account," Matteo replied, bringing on his best flirt game.

He watched Ursula trying so hard not to blush, but it was impossible. Her skin was so pale that a slight change could be noticed.

"So you go around looking for beautiful women to pay their bills? Are you that jobless?" She spat back, vowing not to give him the satisfaction of seeing how much he troubled her. He walked closer to her and didn't have enough time to backtrack.

"Only if they look at me like they're torn between hitting me or warming my bed," he whispered, leaning closer to her. Ursula tensed, her feet rooted firmly on the ground.

She couldn't move. Every sense in her screamed danger, but there was something so attractive about this man and his confidence. She looked toward Zia for help and was glad to see the woman coming forward.

"What do you want with her signor?" Zia interrupted.

"I want to know your name," Matteo said to Ursula, ignoring Zia. She was still so shocked and trying to gather her words. She knew anything she said would likely get her in trouble, so she allowed Zia to do the talking.

"You are being inappropriate, sir. You cannot just pay for someone's things especially when you were not asked," Zia scolded. Matteo pretended not to hear her as he stared into Ursula's face.

The truth is that he knew Zia. The woman who had fought hard to keep Maria's parent's estate functional. Everyone who knew her called her kind and thoughtful. He also knew that even in her kindness, she would not hesitate to crush anyone that hurt the people she loved. He admired her for that.

"If you're that uncomfortable, tell the beautiful woman to give me her number, and I'll leave," he said, still staring at Ursula. Zia looked at the strange man.

Usually, she would feel uncertain about a stranger being this way. However, she didn't feel anything terrible about Matteo. He may have had strange intentions, but she didn't feel like he was the wrong person.

"What is your name?" Ursula asked, finally finding her voice.

"I asked first," he replied. She glared at him, wondering where he got the audacity to be that cocky even in a situation like this. She had lost her head for a moment and was ashamed. Maybe this was why her parents considered her weak and unfit, she thought.

It was so easy to sweep her off her feet. But not today. "You know what, suit yourself. If you're not going to say your name or take back the money you paid for my shopping, it's not my business. Who am I to stand in the way of a man feeling generous" she said, walking away.

Matteo was shocked. He didn't expect the sudden switch up. He thought he had charmed her enough to get her number at least. He wasn't expecting this. However, he liked it. It meant she had the common sense to be wary of a stranger.

"You remind me of someone," Zia said as she followed Ursula out. Matteo wondered what the woman was all about. He wanted to stop her and ask, but he was too late. He watched from the glass as they stormed into their car and drove away.

"Who the hell does he think he is?" Ursula, seething, asked. She was still mad at herself for briefly relishing in the stranger's attention, but she also thought that maybe his intentions were pure. Verdammt! She cussed in her German language.

"You should calm down, princess. No need to get worked up over him" Zia said, trying to calm her down.

"No, you don't understand, Zia. I wanted this day to be for us. Look at how he ruined everything."

"I don't know about you, my love, but he didn't ruin it for me. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment. You made me remember what it feels like to have fun truly, and I'll forever be grateful for that. You have the kindest heart I know. Don't you ever think it is not an asset" Ursula laid on Zia's lap as the older woman stroked her hair.

"I have to tell Maria, right?" Ursula asked, seeking her advice.

"Not if you don't want to. You don't know if this situation has anything to do with her," Zia reasoned.

"But what if it does? It would be foolish not to let her know. I only pray she doesn't get too mad."

"Oh, my child, why would Maria be mad at you? She loves you like she would her sister," Zia said, trying to understand Ursula's angle.

"You don't understand, Zia. For a brief moment there, I enjoyed the stranger's attention. I almost gave in to telling him my name and number. What does that say of me?" Ursula asked, tears filling her eyes.

"Don't, princess. It says you're human. We're all humans," Zia whispered, rocking her. Ursula closed her eyes and prepared her mind for Maria's reaction.

They got to the house late and met Maria outside, waiting for them. Ursula's heartbeat doubled in its intensity. What if Maria had sent the stranger to test how strong and trustful she was? She could have easily failed her best friend.

"I was worried sick about the both of you. What kept you out so late?" Maria asked. Zia watched how frightened Ursula was. She still could not understand why the princess thought she had done something so wrong or that Maria would be mad at her. It didn't matter, though, she needed to handle the situation.

"Let's go first , my child" Zia replied. Maria assessed the gloomy mood, wondering what may have gone wrong.

The note they left screamed joy and fun. She wondered what may have made Ursula look so scared that she refused to look at her. They eventually got into the house, and Maria couldn't hide her impatience anymore.

"What happened, Ursula?" she asked her friend.

"I'm so so sorry, Maria" she replied, breaking down in tears. Maria rushed to her and held her close.

"What is it? You can tell me" Maria managed to calm Ursula down enough until she told her everything about her encounter with the stranger.

"Is that all?" Maria asked, confused.

"Yes. I told him I didn't care if he wanted to waste his money and walked away," Ursula replied, sipping the tea Zia had gotten her.

"Is that what you were so afraid to tell me? Common Ursula. Have I been such a bad friend to you?" Maria asked, hurt.

This wasn't something she should have been that scared to tell her. Ursula stared at Zia nervously. She nodded in encouragement.

"The issue is that I wanted to give him my number. I didn't know the man from anywhere. I didn't even know if he was an enemy of yours; still I wanted to get to know him," she fesses up.

"Oh, Ursula. You didn't come here with me to be some prisoner. What is so wrong with finding someone attractive? You shouldn't feel sorry for that. And so what if he was on some mission? It wouldn't be the first time we've gotten into trouble, but we always find a way to pull through," Maria said earnestly.

"I know I'm not a prisoner. Just the thought that I could have easily gotten you into some trouble when I should be protecting you upsets me" Ursula said, walking to Maria.

"Well, you upset me for thinking I'm that heartless to deny you human desires," Maria replied, and they hugged tightly. Zia smiled, contented. She was glad she allowed the girls to sort out this issue. They understood each other better now.

"Don't forget me," Zia said, joining in the hug, and together, they laughed.