~FLASHBACK CONTINUES~

As I sat frozen on the floor of that dorm room, Alessandro rose to his feet without hesitation.

He walked to me slowly, each step deliberate. My stomach twisted with nerves and curiosity as he reached out a hand to help me up.

Everyone was watching us….smirking, whispering, giggling. I barely noticed.

My palm slid into his, and warmth exploded across my skin.

He pulled me gently to my feet, then led me to the far corner of the room, where we had a bit of privacy.

The moment we stopped, he looked down at me.

“Are you sure?” he asked, voice lower now, more serious.

I nodded,...