Kissing her, leaving her pletely lost, as always, Alessandra’s eyes were a sign that desire awaited them. She cked the strength to look up, her gaze trailing upwards hesitantly, as she bit her lip. She could feel Billy's fingers gently brushing against her legs in delicate, lingering touches.

  His touch danced over her skin, shadows of love trag a rhythm meant only for them. Surely, they were made for one another—iwined lovers.

  The charm of passion lies in its unfettable nature. It begins with a spark that spreads into a fme, burning bright in a moment of robust and hedonistic abandon. There are no promises. It was just another extraordinary night of passion. He held her by the back, romantid unhurried, with a banbiguous iions.

  -Ah, fantastic. - she murmured, her voisteady, her body glistening with sweat, filled with a swarm of desire.

  -I’m leaving tomorrow m. - Alessandra said, resting against Billy's chest. She y op him, the sound of old jazz from the 70s filling the room. The “bu du bam” rhythm resonated as they adjusted to their quiet versation after a magnifit night beh the sheets.

  -I know, my love, - Billy replied. - But we’ll see each ain. I’ll escape to find you when I have time, or you e to me. You know I always have space for you, even more so now. It doesn’t matter when; just call me.-

  -I like that... I thought you’d be something else, though. Pathetic, maybe. You know, the kind of man who hurts women for fun, doing whatever he wants with his life and everyone else’s, ign feelings. - Alessandra said, sometimes misuanding the situation. Even so, she couldn’t resist the magic charm of the man who had led both her and Jessica to indulge in an exorbitant desire.

  -I always do what I want. To hell with anyone who tries to stop me! But I’d never hurt a woman, much less a beautiful dy like you. We’ll always speak holy. - Billy answered with a chuckle that she felt vibrating in her ears as she leaned against his heart.

  -Don’t be silly. I know who you are. These past days have showhe kind of man you are now and the one you’ll bee. You do what o be done, face situations head-on, never lie, and prefer early disappoi over long-sti. - Alessandra said, turning to face him, greeing brown. She shifted her body to sit atop his hips, drawing closer as her arms rested on his shoulders, her gaze fixed on him.

  -You need a lot of love. - Alessandra whispered, kissing him tenderly. Her as spoke of care, a feeling that had grown stronger with time. She couldn’t help but pamper him in every way she could, even if it seemed insuffit.

  -We all ! e here, hug me. - Billy replied, his request met with a radiant smile from Alessandra. She kissed him again in silence, pulling the covers tighter around their bodies. The walls were cold, and the weather, even in summer, carried a chill.

  -When I was a little girl, I dreamed of a prince charming, a man who would rescue me. I liked a few romantiovels, but as I grew, I saw the true nature of men. They always told me I was beautiful, whisperiy promises. One wanted me to marry him, promising I wouldn’t have to lift a finger—he’d give me everything. He was kind and loyal, and he married st year. Another offered me lots of money and a house big enough to fit ten of my childhood homes. Then there yer who swore he’d dedicate all his goals to me. - Alessandra said.

  -Pity for them. - Billy remarked. - Did any of them tempt you? -

  -None ever did. I always have doubts, but the ohing I’m sure of is what I don’t want. The rest is just a fleeting liberatiht now, many would give their lives for me, and die just f my wristwatch. -

  -My mother always said that no matter how much you offer, it may never be enough when someone has it. Promises be as empty as feelings. Love tends to be... strange. - Billy murmured, his thoughts wandering to a blonde woman who had once carried his child. But for now, he pyed dumb about the promise he had onvisioned, knowing the other person had moved on. When you’re not io their life anymore, what else is there to do?

  ...

  Alessandra left that m, pyful and teasing, as they ehe sunrise. Billy’s back still burned slightly, despite Mr. G’s careful moisturizing and ing of his skin. There was an undeniable disfort.

  -I suppose this must be something important. - Billy muttered, enting on the old man’s insisten dragging him out for lun the middle of London. It seemed like the topic might be taboo or a lesso to prepare him for the unfortable words that would follow.

  The press lingered just two meters from the gss, with people watg closely. Billy wore yellow-tinted sungsses, his blond hair brushed over his forehead, the sides shaved . The pierg in his nose shone, and his earring remained in pce.

  -How I help you? - the waitress asked, suggestively leaving her blouse slightly unbuttoned, her red lips parting in an ambiguous flirtation.

  Billy didn’t like her side-eyed gnces.

  -I’ll take a special, with lemonade and a little extra syrup. - he replied, closing the menu. Jerry raised an eyebrow but stayed silent, tea for himself. Pancakes were his choice, enjoying both breakfast and lunch simultaneously. He loved these Ameri-style restaurants.

  -You’re right, but this bes us both. Don’t you want your ag career to reaew heights? We now have the means. - Jerry said, sipping his tea. - The idea is simple. We’ll pull your participation from the awards. -

  Speaking in hushed tones, his eyes glimmering with hoy, Jerry leaned closer, ensuring his words resonated.

  -We’re skipping the Grammys. They don’t want you there. They want you to ighe entire event. Of course, don’t fet to keep this secret. Payment will be transferred to your at, along with favors from two film panies you’ll soon want to work with. This will open doors to more roles. - Jerry expined.

  -You’re bribih more roles? - Billy asked, shaking his head.

  -And money—enough to recover everything the bel has taken from you i years. You already have plenty of awards. Unfortunately, this album is fantastic, but they’d rather pay for you to stay out. They’re at least... - Jerry handed Billy a check. He sed the numbers, eyebrows raising at the sum. Ideas began to swirl about what he could do with that kind of money.

  -Deposit it in my Swiss bank at. I’ll accept the money as long as you secure the role I’ve been craving or i in my movie. I want to create a film. - Billy said, surprised by the value pced on a Grammy.

  -No more to discuss. - Jerry replied, pleased with Billy’s quick agreement. Still, there was a hint of somethi unsaid, a fleeting logi Billy’s desires. The young man craved more than money or eai; something he kept hidden.

  -I’m afraid there’s more to it, Billy. - Jerry pressed.

  -There’s nothing else to say. I just have a fens in mind! - Billy shot back. After the tour, he thought, maybe he’d bring a few beautiful women backstage to his dressing room.

  -So, I have to ask—if they’re willing to pay so much, it must mean I’m certain to win. - Billy remarked.

  -It does. That’s why all you o do is ighe rest. None of it matters. - Jerry cluded

  ...