47| right through me

DIANE

I awoke to the feeling of sunlight streaming through the window, a soft breeze blowing through the curtains. I stretched, savoring the feeling of my muscles waking up after a restful night's sleep.

As I exhaled, I realized that I hadn't felt this refreshed in a long time. A sense of peace washed over me, and I smiled to myself. Today was going to be a good day.

As I was stretching, I reached out with my arm and it landed on something that was definitely not a pillow. I turned my head to look at what I had touched, and my eyes widened in shock. There was someone lying next to me.

I gasped out loud, because the figure stirred and let out a groan. I quickly grabbed the nearest pillow and smacked the person with it, not sure what else to do.

They sat up and I could see it was a man, his hair a mess and his eyes bleary with sleep. "What the hell?" he said, looking at me in confusion.

"Isaak?"

His eyes were still half-closed, but he seemed to be recognizing me. I couldn't help but feel a little relieved.  "What were you doing?"

"I could ask you the same thing!" I replied, my heart still pounding from the shock of finding him in my bed. "What the hell are you doing here?"

I couldn't help but notice how, even in his disheveled state, he looked so damn good.

There was something about the way the morning light hit his features that made my heart flutter.

Despite the confusion and anxiety coursing through me, I couldn't help but feel my heart skip a beat at the sight of him.

His voice was still low and gravelly from sleep, and his half-closed eyes gave him a boyish innocence that was hard to resist. I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts.

As he got out of bed, I caught a glimpse of his toned body beneath the unbuttoned black shirt he was wearing. I quickly looked away, trying to ignore the sudden heat in my cheeks. It was hard to focus on anything other than the sight of him, but I forced myself to stay on task. I had to find out what was going on.

"You don't remember anything from last night?" He asked and I thought back, every memory as clear as day.

From when I told him to stay with me to the part where I nearly poured my whole heart, and I would've if I wasn't so tired. "No," I lie.

He studied my face, searching for any hint of deception which I'm sure he found. "Are you sure?" he pressed, his voice gentle but firm. "It's a bit of a blur," I repeated, avoiding his gaze. I didn't want to lie to him, but I couldn't bring myself to admit the truth. There was too much at stake. "Are you sure you're not just trying to forget?" he asked, his voice softening.

His question hit me like a brick because it was exactly what I was trying to do.  "No, that's not it," I said, my voice wavering slightly. "I just need some time to process everything."

"So why you were drinking last night?" He asked, taking me by shock. "I didn't have anything to drink Isaak,"

"But I saw you with a drink in your hand," he protested, clearly confused. "You were swaying and slurring your words, and you didn't seem like yourself." I took a deep breath, trying to keep my cool.

"I promise you, I wasn't drinking anything. I just felt tired and out of it," I explained, hoping he would believe me. He stared at me for a moment, his expression unreadable.

"Okay," he finally said, sounding unconvinced. I bit my lip, I hated that he could see right through me.

"Fine, i was drinking. But I can promise it wasn't alcoholic, it was a Yerba mate.

I got out of my bed and I watched him dress, his movements slow and methodical.

I couldn't help but replay the events of the previous night in my mind, from the moment he took the glass from my hand to the moment he stayed with me when I needed him most.

I knew I was playing with fire, but I couldn't help myself. "Why are you here?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. He looked up at me, his eyes piercing into mine.

"For business," he said, and I felt a sinking feeling in my stomach. Of course, I should have known it was all about business, what else would it be Diane.

"And what about Yulia?" I asked, my voice barely audible. "We're no longer in each other's lives," he said, his tone blunt and to the point. "What are you here in Italy?" he asked, his eyes boring into mine. I wasn't sure how to answer that question.

I wanted to tell him that I had come here to escape everything. All the lies and secrets, the drama with Luka and Yulia, the heartbreak Viktor had caused me.

Everything and everyone, including him. I loved him with all my heart, but I knew it was for the best if I stayed away from him. But even as I thought about it, I couldn't bring myself to do it.

I wanted him by my side, no matter what. I wanted to tell him the truth, to let it all out, but the words wouldn't come. I was stuck, paralyzed by my own emotions.

I quickly ran to the bathroom, eager to put some distance between us. But Isaak followed me, picking up a fresh toothbrush and heading to the sink. I watched him in the mirror, a thousand thoughts racing through my head. Everything was so confusing.

We both began to brush our teeth and never broke eye contact in the mirror. It was like who was going to break first.

Isaak gently shoved me to the side which obviously made me lose.

We both spat out the toothpaste and rinsed our mouths, the silence broken only by the sound of the running water. I couldn't help but smile as I looked at him. "Cheater," I said, shoving him playfully. "That's what lovers say," he shot back, shoving me right back. I tried not to laugh, but it was impossible.

Secretly, I began filling my cup up with cold water and once it was full enough, I threw it all over his face.

His eyes were closed shut and I proceeded to run out of the bathroom, my laughter echoing.

He was fast as he chased after me, determined to get my his revenge. As he caught up to me, he grabbed me around the waist and pulled me close.

"Damn I love it when you laugh," he said, his voice soft and genuine. The words hung in the air, and I suddenly felt frozen in place.

My mind whirled, trying to process what he had said. Before I could respond, he reached out and took my hand in his. I looked up at him, my heart racing. In that moment, all I could think was that I never wanted this moment to end. I felt like I could stay like this forever.

"but I can see right through you," He said.  "Tell me what's going on, Diane. Let me in,"

Altgough I couldn't. I simply couldn't bring myself to bother him with all of my problems as much as I wanted to.

The doorbell rang, and I all but sprinted to the door, anxious to see who was on the other side. I pulled it open, and standing there was a woman holding a large bouquet of flowers. "Good morning, Ms. Mavrell," she said cheerfully. "Your boyfriend sent you these." I was taken aback.

Boyfriend?

I opened my mouth to speak, but no words came out. "Are you sure?" I finally managed to croak out. "Of course!" the woman said.

"I can't take those," I say.

"But ma'am-"

"I can't,"

"At least take the card ma'am, I'm not authorized to take the belongings of our clients," I sighed, grabbing the card. Thanking her before closing the door.

"It all makes sense now," I heard Isaak say. He had his blazer in his hand and he clearly saw the bouquet of flowers and came up with his own conclusion and my silence didn't seem to help.

His words hit me like a punch to the gut. "Just one piece of advice for next time," he said, his tone cold and distant. "If you want to be with someone, don't hide it. Be with them, by their side."

"Even if it was the same one that..."

I felt a sense of dread wash over me as I read the card. He knew I was here, and he knew what room I was in. How was that even possible? I hadn't told anyone where I was going, and I had only checked in a few hours ago. I felt my heart start to race as the reality of the situation hit me.

My eyes ran over the card before I read it.

You can run but you hide, my love.

Kisses, Luka.

p.s I can't wait for our dinner.