An Italian's Virgin Escort Series novel Chapter 59

Flashback Continues...

Phoebe Point of View

I looked into the eyes of the man whom I considered my best friend. Though our friendship is of only few years, he had become a very important person in my life.

The person with whom I can play, rant about, get angry on and tease; but Love?

Love was never the feeling I had for him. Heck, I did not even know what happens in love. I had no experience in it.

Love is like a forbidden apple in my life; if I eat it then I die in pain, if I don't then I live with pain. There is no concrete future for love in my life and it is not right for a person like Niccolo to love me as well.

I was lucky to have him as my best friend but I cannot bring him down to my low standards leading him into an absurd relationship with me which cannot have any future whatsoever.

"She sure is a lucky girl to have your love." I smiled awkwardly at him and avoided looking into his eyes.

I know he was talking about me but his friendship was the only thing I can afford. Anything more than it can be bad for him. He is a Russo, a successor to the Russo Empire and a billionaire with a name in the world and the society nor his family can never accept a nameless prostitute like me.

Niccolo himself cannot take any relationship with me further in future when he gets tied down with family vows and duties. So it is only better to not love nor expect from people.

"She is and so am I." He said softly but I did not dare look at him. I don't want to break his heart but breaking his heart now will preserve him and me from future pain.

"She is?

"I- I am famished Niccolo. Let's go and eat." I cut him off and got out of the car in a hurry.

It is better for both of us to not confess such feelings to each other at all.

Niccolo walked to me and wrapped his arm around my waist, leading me into a fine restaurant that rich come to flaunt their wealth.

He looked normal but by the tightening of his hold on my waist can tell that I had ticked something inside him. I don't regret what I did but I don't want to lose this precious person just because I couldn't love him back.

Oh Phoebe, what can you do now?

The host led us to a private dining room where two men in suit are sitting. They must be waiting for us because as soon as they saw us, both of them stood up and hugged Niccolo.

Who are they?

I know one of them is Valdimir, Niccolo's friend but who is the other man and why he looking at me like I am some kind of dirt?

Niccolo pulled away from the hug and sat me in a chair next to him. He smiled at me normally like nothing happened and took my hand kissing it before the men.

"Bella, you know Valdimir from before and this other fierce looking man is my other best friend, Leonardo. Leo, this is my Bella." He introduced smiling sweetly at me.

"You are Bella? You mean your keep woman?" Leo snickered giving me a stinking eye to me. "Why did you bring the trash with you inside, you should have left her outside." He said looking at me from top to bottom like I am a contagious disease.

I did not dare raise my head and look at any of them because his words cut my heart deeply. So this is what people look me as in future. Like a disease.

"Mind it, Leo" Niccolo growled at his friend and held my hand tightly under the table. His fingers rubbed by palm soothingly and though it was a good assurance, I cannot forget what his friends think of me.

But then, he is right too. I am a woman at beck and call so it is only right they call me that.

He will never hurt me physically, I know it but right now I am utterly terrified to even look at him.

"I'm not hungry anymore. Let's go, Bella." He mumbled gravely and took my hand to drag me out with him but I resisted his pull. He was working hard from morning and did not eat much. I cannot just let him leave unfed just because I faced some harsh welcome.

"No, let's eat please you are hungry."

"Not now, Bella." He pulled out his hand from mine but I caught it again not caring about the result. "I'm sorry I let him hurt you." Niccolo whispered to me and held both my hands in his. He still looked furious but a little wetness in his eyes is the answer I need to know.

He is feeling my pain.

He is feeling guilty for me.

I wonder with what God had made this man!

"It's okay. I would be more hurt if you call me those names. And I don't think what your friend said about me is any wrong. I am taking advantage of you in many ways." I said choking back my tears.

How can I be so selfish?

Niccolo has every right on me and I did not even think about his needs. He has been doing so much for me and I did nothing back.

I should at least fulfill my duty for which I am being paid for. He deserves it.

I'm so sorry for being so selfish, Niccolo; you don't have to wait for me anymore.