IT'S NOT WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE

ILARIA

I woke up in the middle of the night, unable to sleep. I sighed and decided to go to the kitchen to find something to eat. As I got out of bed, I realized I was only wearing a tank top and panties. I shrugged, thinking it was just me. The coolness of the marble floor sent shivers up my spine as I made my way to the kitchen.

As I rummaged through the refrigerator, searching for a late-night snack, a sudden movement caught the corner of my eye. Startled, I turned around, only to find myself face to face with Niccolo. His presence sent a jolt through me, and I quickly pulled the tank top down, attempting to cover myself.

"What the hell, Ria? Are you trying to give me a heart attack?" Niccolo's voice was laced with annoyance, but I could see a glimmer of something else in his eyes.

I narrowed my gaze at him, my own frustration mixing with the undeniable attraction that pulsed between us. "You should learn to knock, Niccolo. This is my temporary place to stay, remember?"

He scoffed, crossing his arms over his broad chest. "You're the one roaming around in your underwear. It's not my fault you lack any sense of modesty."

I fought the blush that threatened to creep up my cheeks, refusing to give him the satisfaction. "I was just looking for something to eat. And what are you doing here, anyway? I thought you rarely stayed in this penthouse."

Nick's expression softened slightly, "Well, plans change. Sometimes, you find yourself needing to stay in a place you least expect."

I couldn't help but feel a surge of curiosity at his words, but I quickly masked it with defiance. "Whatever. Just stay out of my way, and I'll stay out of yours."

He chuckled, a low and husky sound that sent shivers down my spine. "Oh, trust me, I have no intention of getting in your way.''

I glared at him, feeling the heat rise to my cheeks. "Good. Stay out of my way, and we'll get along just fine."

My heart raced as I made my way back to my room. The memory of his piercing green eyes, his well-toned physique, and his intense gaze lingered in my mind, making it difficult for me to focus on anything else. I tried to brush off these thoughts and get some sleep.

________

As the sun began to peek through the curtains, I groggily opened my eyes and tried to gather my thoughts. As I stepped out of the room and made my way to the kitchen, I froze in my tracks and my heart skipped a beat.

For a brief moment, I forgot that Niccolo had spent the night in the penthouse, and I was taken aback when I entered the kitchen to find him there, preparing a cup of black coffee.

My eyes widened as I took in the sight before me—Niccolo stood there, wearing only boxers. Beads of sweat glistened on his skin, giving him a rugged and alluring appeal.

My eyes traveled down his sculpted chest and traced the contours of his well-defined abs. It was hard to tear my gaze away, and I found myself admiring the sight before me. Niccolo's green eyes met mine, and I blushed furiously.

"Enjoying the view?" he smirked, with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Still wearing your tank top and panties, I see? Trying to seduce me?"

My cheeks burned even brighter, and I stumbled over my words in embarrassment. "N-no! I wasn't... I mean, I was just... um..."

Niccolo chuckled in amusement. "Relax. I was only teasing. I appreciate the flattery."

I averted my gaze, feeling a mixture of relief and a strange flutter in my stomach. "I'm going to change into something more comfortable," I stammered. "I'll join you for breakfast."

I retreated to my room, grateful for the chance to escape the intensity in the kitchen. I quickly showered and changed into a comfortable outfit, trying to calm my racing heart and gather my thoughts.

I sat on the edge of the bed, taking a deep breath and mentally preparing myself. ''Ilaria, you can't let yourself be drawn into this attraction. It's just a temporary situation, and you need to focus on other things."

Feeling a newfound determination, I decided to join Niccolo for breakfast, wanting to shift the focus of our conversation. As I entered the kitchen again, I mustered up a confident smile and greeted him. "Good morning. Did you find anything useful regarding the accident that happened to Lucy?"

Niccolo's expression grew serious, and he motioned for me to sit down at the table. ''I asked my PI to look into it and he confirmed everything Lucy said. He also suspected that everything was a setup. I asked him to form a team and investigate everyone involved in the accident. We will find something soon.''

I nodded my head. ''Thanks, what about the person that killed my sister?''

His eyes met mine and he didn't say anything for a second. ''You could help me with that. You said your sister wanted to send you some pictures, right?''

''Yes, but before she could send them, she went missing. What about that?'' I'm confused, where is this going?

''Maybe your sister saved those pictures and before she could send them to you, she went missing? Have you ever thought about that?'' He asked, raising his eyebrow mockingly, daring me to deny it.

I rolled my eyes. There you go, his little judgment. But the more I speak to him, the more I get convinced that I'm not so good at this.

''No, I haven't. Happy? Just tell me what should I do?'' I huffed and crossed my arms.

''Try opening her drive if you know the password. Or else give me her email.'' He said, smiling sarcastically.

As I was about to snap at him, the doorbell rang, startling me. Niccolo rose from his seat to answer the door. He opened the door and stepped aside for someone to enter. I guess breakfast arrived. I took a deep breath trying to guess the breakfast and almost choked when I saw who was bringing it.

It was the same bellboy from whom I had attempted to steal the black elevator card the other day. I desperately looked around for a hiding place, my mind racing with ideas on how to avoid being discovered.

Before I could make a move, there stood the bellboy with a tray of breakfast delicacies balanced expertly in his hands.

My eyes widened as our gazes met, and a flicker of recognition passed between us.

Niccolo accepted the tray with a nod of thanks, but his gaze lingered on the bellboy, curiosity etched on his face. I could sense that he knew something was not right.

Meanwhile, I was moving around the room, attempting to blend in with the furniture. I ducked behind a tall potted plant, my body twisting into odd angles as I tried to make myself as unnoticeable as possible.

Unfortunately, my efforts only drew more attention to myself. Niccolo turned his attention back to me with a bemused expression on his face. "Ria, what on earth are you doing?"

"I, uh...I thought I saw a spider," I stammered, emerging from behind the potted plant, my face flushed with embarrassment.

Niccolo raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching in amusement. "A spider? That must have been one hell of an intimidating spider to make you behave like that."

I tried to keep a straight face, but his teasing tone made it difficult. "Well, you know how I am with spiders," I replied with an exaggerated shudder.

The bellboy remained silent, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. It was as if he was enjoying the scene before him. I shot him a pleading look, silently begging him not to expose me.

He didn't say anything, instead he served the breakfast. He discreetly averted his gaze, allowing me to take my seat without saying a word. Niccolo, on the other hand, struggled to hide a smirk.

The tension in the air began to vanish as the three of us settled into an awkward silence. I focused on my plate, pretending to be engrossed in the breakfast that had been laid out before us. I took small bites, occasionally stealing glances at the bellboy, who skillfully avoided my gaze.

Niccolo, always one step ahead, decided to break the silence. "So, how long have you been working in NewView?" he asked, his voice laced with feigned curiosity.

The bellboy shifted uncomfortably, his eyes darting briefly to mine before he responded, "Oh, it's been about a year now, sir. I enjoy my work here, it's a wonderful place to be."

Niccolo nodded, seemingly satisfied with the answer. He leaned back in his chair, sipping his coffee while keeping a watchful eye on me.

It felt forever as we finished our breakfast in silence. I wish I had been alone like the last few days. The bellboy cleared the table and it was a relief to see him leave.

I smiled as he left and turned only to face Niccolo's intense gaze. My smile dropped as I looked into his narrowed eyes. ''What?''

''You really thought you could hide it from me? I own this hotel, Ceilo, you can't do anything without me knowing.'' He said as he leaned back.

''I don't know what you are talking about.'' I deadpanned, without any shame. But I could feel heat raising to my cheeks.

Niccolo raised his eyebrow and smirked. He took out his phone and typed something before turning it towards me. I frowned and squinted forward to get a better look at it, without knowing it was my fate that he held in the palm of his hand.

I almost trembled when I saw the video of me trying to steal the elevator card. For a CCTV footage, the video is too clear. I smiled sheepishly and looked at Niccolo and used the famous line. ''It's not what it looks like.''

He tried to suppress his smile and my heart weirdly skipped a beat. He looks too handsome when he smiles, which he does very rarely, by the way.

''Didn't I tell you to stop spying? What were you even thinking? What if he called the security? Why are you so reckless and stupid?''

I stood up with a huff. ''Well, I'm not going to sit around and do nothing! I know what I did was a bit extreme but...'' I started to waver as he got up and stood in front of me. ''but.. uh.. I guess.. I was just curious.'' I whispered, trying to calm my speeding heart.

Why should he have to be this tall? I never had any problem speaking with men without straining my neck, but Niccolo is just too tall.

He placed his arms on his waist and sighed. For teenie tini tiny second, I wondered how his hands would feel on my waist. I blinked and shook my head to clear my thoughts. I blame it on him for standing so close to me.

Niccolo finally spoke, his voice gentle yet teasing. "You know, Ceilo, you never cease to surprise me. Just when I think I have you all figured out, you pull off something like this."

I raised an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at my lips. "Oh, so you thought you had me all figured out, huh? I'm full of surprises, Niccolo. You should know that by now."

He nodded, trying to suppress his smile. "Only you, Ceilo. Only you."

I wanted to tell him to not call me that. I really want to. But I don't why nothing comes out of my mouth when I try to.

''I.. I have some work to do.'' I said and tried to turn, but I felt his hand on my arm stopping me in my tracks.

I felt goosebumps erupting on my hand. By the look on his face, I can tell he felt them too. ''What?'' I snapped, trying to calm my nerves.

''I have a fund-raiser event to attend in two weeks and I want you to come with me as my plus one.''

I frowned. ''Why me? Why would you think I'd go with you in the first place?''

He looked at me blankly. ''Because you are going to act like my girlfriend.''

Unable to contain my surprise, I burst into laughter. It was a high-pitched, uncontrollable giggle that echoed through the penthouse.

Niccolo looked at me as if I had lost my mind. "What's so funny?"

I wiped away the imaginary tears of laughter streaming down my cheeks and managed to compose myself. "A fake girlfriend? Isn't that a bit melodramatic? I mean, I'm flattered that you think I'm capable of pulling off such a grand deception, but come on!"

This time, it was his turn to laugh. But unlike mine, his laughter is deep, cruel.

''You already did, remember? Apparently, I'm too clingy and begged you for a date.''

I looked at him in disbelief. ''How do you even know all that?''

''As I said before, you can't do anything in NewView without my knowledge.'' He said with a smirk.

I crossed my arms and lifted my chin. ''Whatever, I'm never going to act like your girlfriend. Find someone else.''

He shook his head like he couldn't believe how stupid I was and pulled his out, dangling it in front of my face. ''Either that or I'll call the cops. I have enough evidence of you stalking and spying on me.''

I shrunk, glaring at him. ''You are not serious.''

He unlocked his phone and typed the emergency number, inching his finger close to the call button and looked at me. ''Try me.''

I gulped, weighing my options. ''Fine! Do as you please.'' I said, gritting my teeth.

With a satisfied look, he stepped back. ''I'll send you the details soon.'' he said, and left me frustrated.