DESIRÉE || SHY AND NAKED.

Alessio’s so-called luxury apartment—what I'd call a condo—was something you could only find in an Architectural Digest and only wonder if it was real or not and then decide it wasn’t.

From the ceramic floors to the stylish dual floor lamps flanking almost every cushioned armchair adorned with fluffy throw pillows, everything was nothing short of sophisticated.

The room I had slept in had a walk-in closet larger than my entire apartment, and with its empty shelves, all I could do was dream and imagine top brand outfits just there and all for me.

As I adjusted the loose strap of my camisole top which almost exposed my breasts, and secured the drawstring of my shorts, I made my way down the spiral staircase, flanked by sleek glass railings, to the living room below, which strikingly resembled an art gallery.

The modern kitchen was visible from the living room, with most appliances that looked like they hadn’t been touched since their first purchase, and a fridge that actually looked built-in. Then, a marble surface counter with four bar stools.

In the ridiculously spacious living room, easily the size of two units back at my apartment complex, glass coffee tables were strategically placed near more plush armchairs with the same fluffy throw pillows. The marble walls featured peculiar paintings, with glass sculptures positioned in front of them for an added touch of elegance.

How could an unemployed college student like Alessio afford all this plus a club of his own?

It was clear that Alessio, who was nowhere to be seen at the moment, hailed from a filthy, stinking rich family.

Scanning the living room, my eyes caught sight of a partially open sliding door at the far end. As I approached and pulled it open, a pool area was revealed, resembling the familiar lap pool from my high school swimming classes, complete with crystal-clear water minus the lane markers.

At this juncture, it wouldn't be surprising if Alessio had his very own pet lion.

The water was so clear, perfect, and inviting, begging to be swum in.
I couldn't help it as I made my way to the pool steps, scanning the area for Alessio. As I sat down, my feet touched the cold water. The water wasn't so deep that I could tell. As I prepared to enter the pool, I heard his deep voice greeting me as I turned around.

He wore only tight swim briefs that highlighted his muscular lower body, including a crotch bulge hiding underneath the fabric. His torso was toned, perfectly balanced for his physique. I found myself staring at him a bit too obviously.

When he approached, I gulped as he cleared his throat. “I think you’ve taken ‘take a good look’ a bit too literally.”

I quickly turned away, focusing awkwardly on the large pool ahead, rolling my eyes and suppressing a small smile. “Don’t flatter yourself.”

He chuckled softly. “How was your night?” he asked.

Recalling the cozy comforters and the four pillows I’d enjoyed, along with the luxury of hugging two more and sprawling out without worry, I grinned. “Are you kidding? Last night’s sleep was exactly what I didn’t know I needed.”

He laughed softly as he donned his swim goggles and plunged into the water with such grace.

He swam swiftly to the far end, then rested at the edge, wiping his wet face and running his fingers through his damp hair, which was tousled all over. Our eyes locked, and I felt my heart race a little, fluttering in response. I reassured myself that it was perfectly normal; after all, it wasn’t my fault he was so incredibly handsome, and it had been almost three years since I had been with anyone.

But I hadn’t felt this way about any guy in such a long time.

Then again, I hadn’t allowed any other guy the opportunity to talk to me about anything beyond class projects, let alone stay over at their place.

I couldn’t help but wonder why Alessio would invite me to stay at his for a week.

What really was the catch?

“Are you coming in or what?” His voice called out from across the pool.

“What?”

“You were about to get in when I came. Come on, don't be shy.”

“N-no, I'm fine.” I adjusted the strap of my top, holding it close to my body. “I'd love to, but then I remembered ... m-my hair... it'll get all tangled. It would take forever to fix.” It was only partly true; I did want to swim. The reality was that I would have felt uncomfortable swimming in front of him and his perfect body.

“Oh look, the Queen of Wildland is afraid of a little water,” he teased, diving back under the surface and performing a few freestyles before resurfacing next to me, catching his breath. He looked even more stunning up close.

“I’m not scared of the water.”

“You can swim, right?”

“Of course! I was one of the top swimmers in high school.”

“Ah, right. Pardon my doubt, my Queen.” His playful smile seemed to challenge me.

“Fine, don’t believe me. When I’m ready, I’ll race you to the end and back, and then we’ll see.” I knew deep down that I wouldn’t stand a chance; his strokes were incredible.

“I’m looking forward to it.” He climbed out of the pool and headed to a lounge chair at the back for a towel, ruffling his wet hair with it before draping it around his neck and sitting down next to me.

“Isn’t it a bit early for a swim?”

“For me, it’s just part of my morning exercise routine. It’s fun, and it definitely beats sweating from a run.”

I laughed. “So it’s the sweat you’re trying to avoid? I’m guessing you skip the gym, and all those muscles come from swimming?”

He grinned, tongue-in-cheek. “I just don’t see the point in tiring myself out before facing a busy day. I do work out, but not first thing in the morning. But hey, thanks for noticing these,” he flexed his muscular arms. “Want to feel them?”

I rolled my eyes as I got up from the steps. “Your swimming technique is really impressive, though.”

He stood up and stepped closer, just an inch away. “Just trying to impress you, that’s all.”

“Oh really? I thought we agreed on no surprises, Edwards.”

He smiled back, our eyes locked as I adjusted my top strap once more. His gaze dropped to my chest for a brief moment before returning to my eyes. “I can’t make any promises if you keep admiring my muscles like that, can I?”

“Typical cocky frat boy.”

“Typical fan.”

I rolled my eyes. “Keep dreaming.”

“Is that your way of saying thank you?”

“I-”

Another voice interrupted us, causing both of us to turn our heads toward the sound.

“There you are, Aless—” The brunette in her short nightie and bear paw slides halted when she spotted me, quickly sizing me up from head to toe. A smirk appeared on her lips as she shifted her focus back to Alessio and walked closer. Her southern accent was noticeable as she spoke. “Not a bad choice today. This one might actually be prettier than me. Might.”

“Emma, how did you get in here?” Alessio seemed to tense up.

“Well, good morning to you,” she said, playfully touching his chest. “Introduce me.”

“What do you want?”

“Hi, I’m Emma.” She extended her hand for a handshake, but I didn’t take it. “Nice to meet you too. I live in the unit just across from Alessio’s. I’m his main hook-up, in case you were wondering.”

Alessio grabbed her by the arm and pulled her away, and I heard what sounded like the front door shutting behind them.

With Alessio gone, I realised I needed a long, hot shower.

I climbed back up to my room, unpacking my large tote bag filled with a few essentials, including my brush and towel.

Entering the spacious bathroom, I worked on my thick hair, securing it in a shower cap before brushing off my clothes and eagerly stepping into the modern glass shower.

Letting out a sigh, I considered how I could get used to this kind of carefree, luxurious lifestyle. I turned on the water, only to be met with an icy blast.

“Shit.” I quickly stepped back, grabbing my towel and wrapping it around myself. The water was freezing, and there was no way to adjust the temperature.

Peeking out from my room, still wrapped in the towel, I called out Alessio’s name, but there was no answer. I tried again, then a third time, but still nothing.

I quietly stepped out of my room and made my way to the next one. I slowly opened the door to find Alessio's room, which was even more spacious than mine, with gray marble walls instead of white and a few of his clothes strewn across the bed. The room was filled with the scent of his expensive men’s perfume.

“Alessio?” I ventured into his large bathroom and walked over to his shower. I discovered a digital thermostat next to the shower faucet, unlike mine. I turned on the water and was pleased to find it warm, just as I wanted. I needed to shower since I hadn’t bathed after collapsing into bed the night before. I couldn’t wait for him; I’d just be quick and head back to my room, especially since he was likely occupied with his 'fuck bitch' or whatever.

Finding a spare sponge in the hidden cabinet behind the mirror, I stepped into the shower and used his shower gel, which had a refreshing scent of lemon and grapefruit. It felt wonderful, the warm water enveloping me and making me feel good.

After finishing my shower, the cubicle was all foggy when I stepped out, only to find Alessio barging in just as I was tiptoeing toward my towel, completely and utterly naked.

He froze for a moment, then quickly turned away, muttering, “Fuck. I swear I had no idea.”

Panicking, I fumbled for my towel, wrapping it around myself without bothering to dry off first, and dashed past him, bolting out of the room.

. . .

UP NEXT: CHAPTER 8 TO 20.
STAY TUNED✨️