Chapter 145

The morning sun streamed through the windows, bathing the room in golden light. I blinked awake, disoriented for a few seconds until the unfamiliar room jogged my memory, and the events of last night tumbled back. I looked to my side at a sleeping stranger—the man I had lost my virginity to.

Red stained my cheeks as I recalled the image: the man sleeping next to me, one hand under his head, feet crossed, his chest rising and falling in peaceful slumber. Intricately designed tattoos graced his bare chest and continued onto his right hand, which rested on his stomach. I gulped. They were so… beautifully done.

However, I didn't have time to admire them. I needed to leave before Luca woke up. I had zero experience with hookups. What did people do?

It was still early, just past dawn, but I doubted he'd wake up and offer me breakfast. I slipped into my dress as quietly as possible, the half-ripped lace lingerie from last night feeling uncomfortable against my skin. I half-expected to wake Luca, but he didn't stir.

With one last look at my stranger, I slipped out of his room, taking a deep breath before my walk of shame through the hotel lobby. Ignoring the curious glances at my party attire from the night before, regret washed over me in the cab on the way to my apartment. I didn't regret losing my virginity; I regretted doing it on a Sunday night.

Today was Monday morning—the day I started my new job. And I hadn't even left him a note. Wasn't that the polite thing to do? I hoped so, because I hadn't.

Pushing thoughts of my gorgeous stranger from my mind, I showered in warm water, but it did little to soothe the soreness between my legs. I cooked breakfast, watched some Netflix, and got ready in a sharp suit. Just as the clock struck eight, my phone rang—my father.

My father, Gabriel Whitlock, was a punctual man, and I was his pride and joy.

Chapter 144

…was before I could even start,

“Mr. Romano is expecting you,” he said, politely smiling, though it wasn't a welcoming smile. “Thirtieth floor, first door on the right.”

I nodded. “Thanks!”

I took a deep breath to calm the nerves I usually didn't feel. Growing up with my parents, I was always confident. This anxiety was unusual.

I pressed the button for his floor, but before the elevator doors closed, a blonde-haired man entered, dressed in a blue button-down shirt and gray pants. He studied me, even though I kept my eyes on the closing doors, and I squirmed.

“Nervous?” he asked.

I wasn't usually one to make friends, but I nodded. “First day.” I attempted a smile, but it didn't quite come off. “That obvious?”

“You’re good,” he shook his head. “Mr. Romano is a good man. A little uptight, but fair.”

“I hope so, since I’m going to be his assistant for the next few months.”

“All the best,” he offered a smile as the elevator stopped at his floor. “I’m Edward.” He stepped out, and the doors closed.

It took me a moment to realize I hadn't introduced myself. Ugh.

The elevator stopped at the thirtieth floor. One door was on the right, bearing the letters R-O-M-A-N-O in bold capitals.

I took a breath and knocked. Nine o'clock. Right on time.

“Come in,” the words beckoned me, and I entered with a smile that disappeared along with my confidence.

“Welcome, Aurora,” my sexy, tattooed Italian stranger from last night smiled, a glint in his eyes. “Or should I call you Stella?”

The revised text corrects grammatical errors, improves sentence structure, and enhances clarity and flow. It also removes some unnecessary words and phrases. The nonsensical text at the end of Chapter 145 has been removed.