Chapter 3 Cold Water

The assistant, Loren, arranged everything in the room that Mateo had purchased for the girl. She thought it was somewhat sad that the girl couldn't see all the beautiful clothes.

"Miss, Mr. Licciardi has asked me to be at your service. On the nightstand, you'll find all the books he brought. In front of your bed is the television. A voice-activated system has been set up so you can turn it on and watch your favorite programs or videos. Mr. Licciardi recorded his cellphone number in the phone he brought for you, so you can call him whenever you need something."

"Thank you. Could you help me choose a dress for dinner, please?"

"Of course. There's a red dress that's beautiful. I think it's perfect for tonight. I don't know if it's too forward of me, but if you'd like, I can help you with your makeup and hair for the occasion."

"That would be great. My nanny usually helps me get ready for special occasions. For my everyday look, I just need you to show me where the casual clothes are. It's a bit difficult right now because I don't know the place well, and I need to recognize where everything is to adapt."

"On the left side of the dressing room, we placed the formal clothing. On the right side, you'll find the casual clothing, as well as shoes and accessories."

"Thank you very much. I'm sorry to be a bother."

"It's not a bother. I'm happy to help," Loren smiled. That girl seemed so defenseless, it stirred up her tenderness.

Ava realized that everyone was making an effort to make her feel comfortable. She was used to being independent, but her problem was that she didn't know the place, which made it difficult for her to find things.

Loren helped her get ready. She thought the girl looked beautiful in that dress. It was a high-necked, red dress that was fitted until the waist, sleeveless with a semi-circular skirt that reached just above the knees. It had an elegant touch. She wore low-heeled shoes of the same color. It was a pity she couldn't see how she looked.

Loren lightly applied makeup and then styled her hair. Her long hair cascaded over her back in soft waves. The assistant smiled sweetly at her; she appeared like a beautiful doll.

Later, Ava descended to the dining room with Loren guiding her, holding her hand to prevent her from falling on the stairs. Mateo, his grandfather, and his mother were already there, and they were amazed when they saw her because she looked very beautiful.

Mateo made an effort to hide what Ava stirred in him. If his family discovered his feelings, he would be extremely embarrassed. He immediately approached her to guide her to where his family was. Aurora warmly greeted her with a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

Guido greeted her with courtesy, and then Mateo led her to the chair next to him. Ava realized she was nervous for no reason; Mateo's grandfather and mother were very pleasant.

Ava briefly felt strange. This was the warmth of a home that she desperately needed. The words of those people made her feel protected, although in Guido's tone of voice, she could sense something else.

Throughout dinner, Guido was tempted to interrogate the girl. He felt great curiosity. Upon seeing her, she gave off an impression of innocence, without malice. However, he couldn't trust blindly; he would make sure this wasn't a plan concocted by Ava. He stopped himself, recognizing that it wasn't the right time. He didn't want to scare or discomfort her. He had noticed Mateo's change-how he looked at her with clear affection. That young girl had changed something in him, and Guido found himself pleased by it.

Although Mateo was grown and could look after himself, he was his only grandson, and Guido felt the urgent need to protect him.

Mateo was a man who knew how to watch his back. In business, he displayed a strong and relentless temperament. Wherever he went, his presence was felt. His adversaries feared him; they knew perfectly well that he was capable of destroying them. He didn't hold back if someone tried to harm him.

After finishing dinner, Ava said her goodbyes and headed upstairs to rest. Mateo would have liked to spend more time with her, but he understood that she wanted to retire. After all, they were still complete strangers to her. Loren took Ava by the arm to guide her to her room. Ava climbed the stairs slowly to avoid tripping, thinking that in a few more days, she wouldn't need assistance anymore as she was getting accustomed to the house's layout.

Later, as he passed by the girl's room, Mateo heard a strange noise. He knocked on the door, but when he received no response, he decided to enter. Ava didn't lock the door, just in case Loren needed to come in.

Upon entering, Mateo was greatly surprised. Before him stood the girl who had collided with a piece of furniture while walking towards the bathroom. Some books had fallen, causing a loud noise. Everything would have been fine if it weren't for the fact that she was in her underwear, desperately trying to cover herself with her hands.

"I'm sorry, it wasn't my intention. I was passing by and heard a loud noise. I knocked on the door, but when I didn't get a response, I decided to come in. I thought you might have hurt yourself," he said, his gaze running up and down her body. He made a great effort to look away, but it was impossible. The girl's body seemed to be like a magnet pulling him in.

"I'm fine. I just tripped, and some books fell," she said timidly, feeling mortified by the situation.

Mateo didn't respond. He practically rushed out of the room and minutes later found himself under the cold water in the bathroom.

"Damn it! She's beautiful. I need to control myself. This girl is seriously throwing me off balance."

Ava felt terribly embarrassed, and the situation warranted it. She wasn't used to locking her door; she thought it was easier that way in case someone needed to enter.

In the following days, Mateo avoided her at all costs. He felt ashamed; his attempt to help her had only made her uncomfortable.

The day of the investor party had arrived, and Guido was very upset. He believed that his grandson shouldn't risk himself to save the girl's nanny. They could have hired other people to do it.

Mateo was about to leave for the place where he would meet with the other investors. Even though his grandfather had expressed his thoughts, he didn't pay attention. He knew very well how to watch his own back. On that day, he dressed in a custom-made black suit. He decided to go up and say goodbye to Ava.

He had avoided seeing her since the day he had seen her practically naked. When he stood in front of her room, he knocked on the door. This time, he knocked loudly to ensure that she heard him. Moments later, the girl stood before him. As always, whenever he saw her, Mateo became captivated by her beautiful face.

"I'm on my way to the meeting where your uncle will be. My friend and his wife are willing to help me distract him while I head to the Miller mansion. Fortunately, it's very close to the event venue, so I'll walk there instead of using my car. It's better not to let them know that I'm leaving the meeting for a moment. Some of my men will be waiting for me nearby."

"I'm very sorry. Since I arrived, I've only caused one inconvenience after another. I feel bad that you're putting yourself at risk to help me, Mr. Licciardi."

"It's not an inconvenience. I'm doing it willingly. And please, call me Mateo. If you call me 'Mr.,' it makes me feel old." Ava smiled at his words.

"Alright, Mateo. Thank you for helping me. But I can't help feeling embarrassed."

Mateo approached her. Unable to resist, he gently held her chin, looking into her eyes. They were a beautiful shade of sea blue. In that moment, he felt strange. What was happening with this girl? His heart began to race.

"Listen carefully. I don't know why, but something inside me wants to help you. I want you to feel safe by my side. What your uncle has done to you is simply an abuse in all forms. He has no right to force you into marriage, and the inheritance your parents left you belongs only to you. I won't let him have his way. I hope your nanny is safe, and I'll bring her to you today."

Ava froze at his closeness. She had never felt what she was feeling now. She struggled to find her voice, but just as she was about to speak, Mateo quickly kissed her on the forehead and turned around to leave in a hurry. He didn't want Ava to realize what she stirred within him. Having her so close had left his breathing uneven.