The afternoon sun filtered through the curtains of Nicoletta’s room, painting golden streaks on the wooden floor. Books and notes were scattered on the desk, silent witnesses to a long day of study. But Nicoletta, for once, had put aside her academic duties. Sitting on the edge of the bed, with a mischievous smile that lit up her face, she was taking out from the package a pair of black hold-ups, shiny and thin as a second skin.
They were a birthday present, a whim she had allowed herself after weeks of saving. Nicoletta was not used to wearing hold-ups, but these had winked at her from the shop window, with their promise of elegance and a hint of transgression.
The lace sheath, decorated with small satin bows, encircled her thigh with an unexpected sweetness.
When she finally stood up, Nicoletta admired herself in the full-length mirror. The stockings made her figure look slimmer, giving her a sophisticated yet sensual look. She smiled again, satisfied. She felt beautiful, co
