The Slave of Pleasure
Chapter 80

Rachel

Leaving the beach, the day continued with a lightness and fun that I had never even remembered was possible. Vincenzo and I walked hand in hand to a fair that was happening nearby. Right from the start, my eyes lit up when I saw the colorful stalls, the dance performances, the music and the aroma of typical dishes from different cultures. For me, who had never been to a fair like that, it was an incredible experience. Every corner of that place seemed to have something new and different, a universe of things to explore.

Vincenzo, on the other hand, was clearly having fun, but with an air of familiarity. He didn't seem as impressed as I was, almost as if he had been to fairs like that before. Maybe he had, but seeing how comfortable he was there next to me made me even happier. This was new to me, but he was making everything so much more special by sharing these moments.

We ventured into a shooting range with toy guns. Apparently, he was extremely good at it, hitting almost all of the targets while I missed miserably-which resulted in much laughter and some friendly competition. After several attempts, with him giving me some tips, I managed to hit a target, and he smiled in a way that made me feel a mixture of pride and pure joy.

We continued through the market, trying exotic sweets and savory treats from other countries. Vincenzo, despite not being very expressive of his reactions, let out a smile when he tried a different sweet treat and seemed to like it. We kept walking and, at one point, watched a cultural presentation about the history of Italy. Vincenzo seemed so focused that for a moment I was silent, watching him. It was beautiful to see him immersed in something that was clearly part of who he

was.

But the highlight, for me, came a little later, when I moved away from him for a moment to look at a craft stall. When I returned, I found Vincenzo standing with his eyes half-closed and fixed on a group of teenagers and young adults who were engaged in a heated video game battle. He seemed mesmerized, his eyes unblinking, as if he were analyzing every move of the players on the screen.

I stood next to him, curious, and followed his gaze to the screen. They were playing a fast-paced fighting game, full of effects and fast attacks. I glanced back at Vincenzo, surprised to realize how...interested he seemed. This was a side of him I had never seen. For some reason, imagining Vincenzo enjoying video games seemed so out of character for me, but at the same time revealing.

One of the boys ended up losing the round, and at that moment, Vincenzo stepped forward, saying in a firm and decisive tone: "Now it's my turn!"

Everyone around him- including me - looked at him with surprise and a hint of excitement. Some of the teenagers looked suspicious, while others giggled, probably thinking he didn't know how to play.

But Vincenzo just took a deep breath, picked up the controller, and started the game. I was amazed, cheering silently, my heart beating fast. He played impressively, his movements precise, as if he calculated every action in the game. The kids around me became more and more intrigued as he advanced, defeating one opponent after another.

With each victory, he glanced at me sideways, and I applauded, with a smile I couldn't hide. Seeing Vincenzo in this state, enjoying the moment, being competitive but also lighthearted, was something I never imagined I would witness. When the game ended and he was the winner, I hugged him, exclaiming: "Vincenzo, you rocked!" He laughed, a genuine laugh, and blurted out: "It's been a long time since I've had this much fun."

On the way back, he still had that sparkle in his eyes. I knew the day had been perfect not only because of all the things we had done, but because of everything he had let me see. This was the real Vincenzo, and I felt closer to him than I had ever imagined.

After the absolutely incredible day we had had, I thought there could be no more surprises. When we returned to the mansion, we were greeted with an impeccable dinner, worthy of a five-star restaurant. The butler, always attentive, had prepared everything down to the smallest detail, with the table elegantly set and dishes that gave off an irresistible aroma. With each bite, I felt more and more satisfied and content, while Vincenzo and I exchanged laughs and chatted in a light and relaxed way, something that, until recently, had seemed impossible.

Our conversation flowed so naturally that I could hardly believe it. It was a new dynamic, a new rhythm between us. Vincenzo was more relaxed, even his looks seemed less severe and more... warm. At one point, the butler brought a bottle of wine and poured it for us. It was a smooth red wine that seemed to fit perfectly. I felt myself immersed in that atmosphere of laughter and smiles. Vincenzo, with the glass in his hands, made a toast, looking into my eyes so deeply that I felt a slight shiver. "To an unforgettable day," he said, and I, still surprised by all this transformation in him, toasted back, replying: "May it be the first of many." With each glass of wine, we felt even more at ease. I was so absorbed in that moment that, for a moment, I allowed myself to dream about what could be between us beyond the contract we signed. Vincenzo, in his most authentic version, made me feel so light, as if the weight of our stories was slowly dissolving. After dinner, we went upstairs in silence, but it was a comfortable silence, one that reflected the fullness of a night that had left an unexpected mark on me. When we reached the top of the stairs, Vincenzo stopped, looked at me and, with a calm expression, said: "Take a shower and put on something light. Today, you will sleep with me in my room."

I felt my face heat up immediately. Embarrassment overcame me and, even though I tried to hide it, I knew that my face was completely red. Vincenzo, noticing my reaction, smiled, that half smile that only he had, and without saying anything else, he turned towards his room. I stood there for a second, still trying to process his words, but soon excitement and curiosity took over me. I could barely contain my excitement as I ran to my room.

As soon as I entered the room, I closed the door and looked at myself in the mirror, taking a deep breath, trying to calm the whirlwind of thoughts. Vincenzo wanted me to spend the night with him. I never imagined that it could happen like this, so naturally and spontaneously. It seemed like a turning point in our relationship, a milestone. As if, finally, he was willing to open all the doors, allowing me to know him completely.

I went to the bathroom, took a relaxing shower, and dressed in a light nightgown, made of soft fabric, which flowed gently over my body. As I got ready, I couldn't contain the smile that insisted on appearing. My mind was full of expectations, but also of a calm peace, as if something inside me knew that this moment was not an end, but only the beginning.

I left the room and walked down the hallway to Vincenzo's door. Before knocking, I took another deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. Then, I knocked lightly on the door. He opened it, and I found him with a welcoming smile, his eyes soft, as if he were also pleased with my presence. Without saying a word, he gestured for me to come in, and that was how, in silence, I entered what was more than just his room. It was a piece of Vincenzo's soul that he was finally sharing with

me.

And, at that moment, I understood that the night would be about much more than simply sharing a space. It was about sharing confidences, understanding more about the man behind the masks, and allowing myself to be myself alongside him, in all my vulnerability.