Chapter 8 Him Alone

Danica

After class on Friday, I arrived home earlier than Kylie because she had a project that would take long. I was sitting on a stood by the kitchen counter reading my textbook, when Kylie burst into the house, waving a colorful flyer in her hand.

"Danica, you have to see this!" She slammed the door shut and walked up to me, hint of excitement in her eyes.

I looked up and put my textbook aside, raising an eyebrow. "What's that?"

"Freshman party tonight at Club Luna!" Kylie exclaimed. "Rumors has it that the club is one of the best in Sicily and the best place to get attached. We have to go!" She nodded her head joyfully.

I hesitated, memories of Ignazio still lingering on my mind. Will i end up mistaking another guy for him or would I find another guy. "I don't know, Kylie. Parties aren't really my scene."

Kylie plopped onto the stood beside me. "Come on, Danny! It'll be fun! We'll meet new people, dance, and let loose. You need a break from studying an stop pinning on this stranger."

My eyes widen at Kylie's words. "What stranger are you talking about. I'm not pinning on anyone." I lied, trying to avoid her sharp gaze and knowing smile. My resolve weakened under her persuasive grin. "Okay, fine. But if it gets too crazy, I'm leaving." I have to convince her and myself that Ignazio had no hold on me.

Kylie squealed, pulling me into a hug. "Yessss! I'll pick out your outfit. We're going to rock this party!" She went into my room, humming a tune.

"Here we go again." I whispered.

The last time she picked my outfit, I still haven't gotten back my dignity. Now it seems it's going to be lost forever.

That evening, I found myself transformed by Kylie's styling magic. My red hair cascaded down my back, and a sleek short red dress highlighted my curves. The length stopped below my knees and it was decent from the front view but looking at it from behind, it left nothing to imagination as the back was completely bare to the waistline. It wa still better than what I had expected. I slipped into my heels and we head out to hail a cab.

As we arrived at Club Luna, pulsating music and laughter enveloped us. My nerves began to dissipate, replaced by excitement. It wasn't a bad idea to come after all. The club packed with both students and citizens. Inside, the club was a whirlwind of colors and movement. There lots of familiar face from my dormitory and lot more of unfamiliar faces were scattered across the room.

We ordered a drink at the bar, sipping it as we looked around for a while. "Let's have fun." Kylie dragged me onto the dance floor.

We joined the group of people on the dance floor as we lost ourselves to the rhythm. The excitement was setting in, I was already going with the flow.

Just as i was letting go, a familiar figure caught my eye across the room. Chiseled features, piercing dark gaze, and that unmistakable charm. The man's eyes locked onto mine, and a hint of recognition sparked. Ignazio.

It can't be. My heart skipped a beat, I nearly collided with other dancers if not for Kylie's quick reaction.

"What's wrong?" Kylie shouted over the music, her eyes frowned in worry.

My eyes remained locked on Ignazio, I forgot about everything else and was only staring at him. "Him." I muttered.

Kylie followed my gaze, eyes widening. "Who is that?"

Of all the places I could have imagined to meet Ignazio, here wasn't one of them. Not under this circumstance. Kylie's curiosity was piqued.

"Who is that?" she repeated, tugging my arm and moving me to one side on the dance floor. I took a deep breath, hesitating, unsure of how much to reveal.

"Just someone I met in Rome," I replied, trying to downplay the connection. Kylie's eyes sparkled in recognition.

"Ooh, mystery man! Go talk to him." She nudged me toward him.

I shook her head, my heart racing. "No way. I'm avoiding him."

"Why would you do that, how would you find out his reasons for not contacting you." Kylie frowned.

I ignored her and continued dancing. But fate had other plans. As we danced, I felt Ignazio's gaze on me, like a magnet drawing me in. I tried so much to focus on Kylie and the music, but my awareness of him grew with a step I take. I could feel his eyes burning hole on my back.

Suddenly, Ignazio appeared beside me, his presence commanding attention.

"Danica," he said, his deep voice sending shivers down my spine.

My pulse quickened at the sound of his voice. "Ignazio." I whispered, my voice barely audible.

Kylie's eyes darted between us, sensing the tension. Ignazio's smile was disarming.

"Mind if I join you?" My instincts screamed caution, but Kylie intervened before I could decline. "The more, the merrier!" Kylie exclaimed, moving to make room.

I shot her a warning glance, but Ignazio had already taken my hand, drawing me close. His hand went around me and rested my n my bare back. The contact made me stiffen up, as I try not show how much he affected me.

His fingers flexed on my back like they belong there. Our bodies swayed to the music, electricity crackling between them. The connection between us was undeniable.

"What brings you here?" I asked, trying to sound casual. Ignazio's eyes locked onto hers.

"I could ask you the same." He looked more handsome than the last time l saw him.

If only time could stop, I want to absorb this moment for a while. Our conversation flowed like a dance, each step revealing hidden truths. As the night wore on, I found myself lost in Ignazio's eyes, the world around them fading. My feelings for him never stop, they've only seemed to have gotten stronger.