Chapter 19: Bold Confessions-2

"Better than expected, actually. Cristiano is really nice! It was so different, spending time off campus with him. He's really mature and I think that I might actually like him, even though he's seventeen," I confessed, my cheeks blushing slightly at the realisation that I was willing to date someone younger.

Quintin's hazel eyes widened slightly as he sputtered, "Seriously?" "What? He's only two years younger, don't look at me like that!

As for wanting to date Cristiano, at first, I figured I could go out with him as a means of making Dom jealous and then maybe he'd realise that he wanted to take a risk on whatever insane chemistry is going on between us!" I said before pausing for a moment, "But after having dinner tonight, I think that I will do as Dom says and genuinely try to be with someone in my own age range. I mean, he's probably never going to give in to his emotions anyway, so it's best I don't bother with chasing him. And I do like Cristiano as a person, so I figured I should at least give things a try."

"Wow, I never thought I'd ever hear those words come out of your mouth!"

Quintin laughed softly.

"Yea, well, I really should just focus on what is being presented in front of me, not so? I mean, even if Dom did kiss me like a man possessed, I fear that he won't let himself slip up like that ever again. Let's face it, he's never been one to express his emotions, not to mention he has a mafia empire to run. And as Jee-min said, perhaps I should just focus on other things instead," I commented as a small smile formed on my lips.

"I hate to say it, but it does make sense," he noted in agreement. "I mean, if things with Cristiano work out, I'd have a shot at being with someone who isn't afraid to show their emotions. Plus, I want Dom to seriously give me a chance at letting me join the organisation! I need him to take me seriously as a person, and pining after him like some love sick puppy would only hinder that. I already spoke to Vincent about it, and he agreed that I could be an asset, I just need to work on my efficiency with the bigger calibre guns," I said while playing with Quintin's tie. Chuckling softly, he joked, "Shiiit! While using a bigger weapon is most

certainly different from what you've been used to, I must admit that you've always had a good eye and great aim! You'd seriously be scary with larger gun, more so than you already are, ow!" Quintin rubbed his chest where I just hit him.

"I'm serious, Quin! I want to join you guys one day! I'm a part of this family too!" I frowned slightly.

"What I can tell you is just do your best and continue to train hard. Dominic didn't give me anything serious to do until I turned twenty-one a few months ago. And even though I might get preferential treatment at times, Lord alone knows when I'll ever get to be fully initiated; a few more years at least," he reflected, as he ran his fingers through my purple hair.

Sighing, I leaned into his touch. "I'll do my best to help you, so will Jee-min, and I know Vincent will support you as well, I mean, he is Dominic's right hand man, so his input won't be ignored. You have a lot of time ahead of you, I suggest when you're ready to have that discussion with Dominic again, you don't give him a reason to say no. That also means curbing those temper tantrums,"

Quintin eyed me knowingly. "Aye aye captain!" I giggled as I snuggled into him. The chiming of my mobile phone sounded, breaking the silence of the room. Reaching over to the nightstand, I realised that it was a text from Cristiano.

Seeing my phone screen Quintin said, "I'll leave you and lover boy to talk, don't get into too much trouble now. Remember, if you're going to send nudes, don't show your face," he teased.

"You pig! I don't do those things!" I scoffed as I hit him on the shoulder. With a smirk, he kissed my forehead and wished me goodnight before exiting the room.

Smiling to myself, I opened the message on my phone, the words on the screen causing my cheeks to burn as I read them.

Cristiano:

"Hey gorgeous, is it weird to say that I miss you already?"

Jade:

"A bit..."

Cristiano:

"I really had a great time tonight; I can't wait to see you on campus

Monday."

Jade:

"I still can't believe you want to see me after what happened tonight."

Cristiano:

"Hasn't anyone ever told you that you're worth it?"

I bit my bottom lip, thinking back to all the times Dominic had told me that I was special. A slight frown formed on my brow as I shook those thoughts away. Clearly, he did not mean what he said in a romantic way, but more in a general sense.

At least, that is how I felt. With quick fingers, I replied.

Jade:

"I have been told that I'm worthy many times. But truth be told, I'd rather see more action than words.

I mean you are aware of what Dominic truly is right?"

Cristiano:

"Don't worry gorgeous, I'll prove it to you...

And yes, I know that he rules and owns this city.

Does that mean he owns you?"

Jade:

"In a way, but he has clearly given us his blessing.

You'd be dead if he hadn't..."

Cristiano:

"Good to know, I guess lol

I'm willing to take the risk,

I wasn't kidding when I said that I like you a lot!"

Jade:

"I think that I might be starting to like you too..."

Cristiano:

"You have no idea how happy I got reading those words."

Jade:

"But I'm new to this whole dating thing,

so I hope you don't mind that I want to take things slow."

Cristiano:

"What kind of guy do you take me for? *gasp*"

Jade:

"Erm, one with a penis? Lol..."

Cristiano:

"Fair enough lol. I know that I tried to kiss you tonight, but I promise you

that I have no intention of rushing anything. I apologise again if I stepped out of line. I have no problem going at your pace."

Jade:

"That's good to know!"

Cristiano:

"I really am interested in getting to know you better and to see where things

can go with us."

With a soft squeal, I could not help but feel a rush of excitement as I talked with Cristiano. In some ways, he reminded me of Dominic, and though I did not mean to compare the two of them, I could not help it.

Of course, Cristiano was nothing like Dominic.

However, in terms of being someone I could see myself with, I felt that as a first boyfriend Cristiano was perfect. Not to mention that, given the attraction we clearly had for each other, I figured that the idea at least deserved to be explored, even if we did not work out in the long run.

At least I would have tried.

It was a new sensation for me, having such emotions, but I was interested in seeing how things would play out. I would just take things one day at a time. After all, my main focus was to join the Calvetti organisation, but I could not ignore the fact that having my first boyfriend seemed equally as thrilling.

Cristiano and I would lose track of time, spending the next few hours messaging back and forth, late into the night.