>>>ARETHA'S OUTFIT
To say that I was having a bad day would be the understatement of the century.
Seriously.
My day started off great. I woke up next to the most beautiful woman in my eyes, and I left the house in high spirits, only to be attacked by nonsense. It's like today is 'Screw Raphael Over Day'. It's a miracle I've avoided killing anyone.
It all started with a phone call to inform me that the network at my telecommunications company's master server had been tampered with, which meant it was down the entire day. Maestri Telecoms is my third most successful business, and since it's linked to my other businesses, you can imagine what a field day operations at The Maestri Empire Headquarters was like.
To top off that disaster, my response teams across the world couldn't have been any more incompetent than they'd been. Honestly; I could do their jobs blindfolded. Apparently I can't fix everything just because I'm CEO, which came as a mighty shock to me just by the way.
And the icing on the cake goes to my fiancée, the one person who was supposed to make me see the light in my day. Oh no! Instead, she just adds onto my day's stress with her critical nonsense. I didn't need to know that I'm a hypocrite. Quite frankly, I don't give two shits about whether or not I'm a hypocrite.
I was on my way back home and it was past eight. A small part of me felt guilty about the time, but after the day I had, the bigger part of me couldn't have been bothered by the consequences. Aretha could be upset all she wants. I didn't need the stress from her over that on top of everything.
When I got home, the house was eerily quiet, especially considering the fact that I currently live with nine females (what the hell?). The three older women were in the lounge, and they ignored me when I greeted them. The girls weren't talking to me either, which left Rhonda since Aretha was nowhere in sight.
"Evening," I greeted. She mumbled a response.
I guess Aretha shared our encounter.
"Where's Ari?" I asked.
"Study," she replied without looking at me.
I guessed that she wouldn't engage me in a conversation, so I left her and headed upstairs to my floor. I headed straight to my study once the elevator doors, only to be locked into my office. When I turned to my desk, I couldn't believe my eyes.
"Marci?" I said unsurely.
"Hello little brother," she scowled.
"What are you doing here?" I asked.
"Well, your darling fiancée came up with this brilliant plan of getting us stuck in the same place so that we could finally talk," she replied.
Aretha is responsible for this?
"When did you meet her?" I raised an eyebrow at her.
"We spent the entire day together. She really is something special, even though your stupidity has made you blind to that fact," she said angrily.
"What are you talking about? I don't understand what's going on here," I admitted.
"I've never hated you for Ralph's death Ambrosi. You just assumed that I did because that's what mum, dad and Salina felt. You shut me out. I've wanted to reach out to you this whole time, and now thanks to the woman who you crushed today, I'm able to tell you that I've missed you, but also that you're the biggest idiot on the face of the planet," she explained.
I was stunned.
"You don't hate me?" I asked, disregarding her choice to use the name I've grown to hate.
"I never have. You're my little brother and you went through a lot. Unlike those snakes, I know the value and meaning of family. Unfortunately, you're going to break yours apart if you keep up with your stupidity," she sighed.
"What are you talking about?" I scowled.
"Have you seen Aretha yet?" she asked.
"No, I haven't," I replied.
"I thought so! Look, I'm staying here until mum and dad find out that I'm in Florence. Aretha wouldn't have it any other way. You and I will fix our problems later. Right now, you need to make peace with your fiancée. Did you bring her anything?" she asked.
"What for?" I asked in confusion.
"You were, and are still being an asshole Ambrosi. That woman did nothing to you. She didn't deserve you calling her a bitch just because you were having a terrible day," she scolded.
What is this?
"I did not call her a bitch. I merely said she was acting like one," I pointed out.
"Why? Because she told you the truth? Isn't that why you're with her to begin with? She's honest and doesn't let you get away with building more demons. You need her Raphael, and if you're wise, you'll realize that you were very wrong and that you should apologize for what you said. You really hurt her, and you'd be stupid to not see that much," she said before walking out of the study, leaving me stumped.
What the hell is going on?
I left the study and headed to our room, only to find it empty. The bed was untouched, and there was no sign of Aretha, which set me into a panic. She couldn't have left me. She wouldn't leave the girls.
She just couldn't.
I ran out of the room and searched the whole floor before finally finding her in one of the guest bedrooms. She was curled onto the bed with a small blanket covering her. She would've looked angelic had it not been for the obvious tear streaks on her face. My heart did a weird leap at the sight.
Had I caused those tears?
Reality set on me as I walked into the room. I've never cared about the repercussions of my words before, but seeing her like this made me realize that I was a major asshole to her. She really didn't deserve my behaviour towards her, especially because she was right- her honesty is the one of the things I truly value about her.
I sat at the edge of the bed, afraid to touch or awake her. The more I looked at her, the more I realized that I don't deserve her. The sad part is that I know that she wont leave me. I don't mean to think of that as something I can take advantage of. If anything, I'm grateful for it.
It all comes down to me being a better person.
Not wanting to wake her up, I quietly left the room. I went back to our room to change into comfortable clothing, before heading back downstairs. I was surprised to find Marcia bonding with the girls. They weren't particularly fond of her before today, but then again, a lot had clearly happened today.
"Did you talk to her?" Rhonda brought me out of thought.
"Who exactly?" I turned to her.
"Actually, now that you mention, did you talk to them?" she rephrased.
"I spoke to my sister. I didn't want to wake Ari," I replied.
"You do realize that you screwed up right?" she asked as she followed me to the kitchen. They'd apparently already had dinner.
"I know. How do I fix it?" I sighed.
"Are you at least regretful?" she asked.
"To be honest with you, I wasn't, until I saw her. I made her cry Rhonda. I've never cared about what I say and the effect my words have on people, but knowing that I made her cry is tearing me apart. It's the last thing I would've ever wanted," I told her honestly.
"Then you have to go big!" Rhonda smirked.
Something told me I wasn't going to like this.
And I was right.
By the time Rhonda told me what it would take to earn Aretha's forgiveness, I was ready for her to suggest a million other plans rather than what she was suggesting. There had to be another way; a safer way. My sister jumped in and they both told me that this was the only way.
By six the next morning, I was sitting in my office doing damage control (and possibly hiding away from my fiancée). I'd only gone to kiss her forehead, as well as the girls' before coming straight here. I figured that I needed to fix things, and not just in my corporate life. My office phone resonated throughout the office.
"Maestri," I answered.
"Uhm, Mr Maestri, this is Tawni Gallavis. I was just calling to let you know that your order is ready Sir," a nervous female voice told me.
"That was quick," I noted.
"Well Sir, when someone of your calibre and status needed our services, we saw fit to make you a top priority," she replied. I was impressed honestly.
"Well Tawni, do you think you could hold off on the delivery? I'll send word on where I actually want it delivered," I told her.
"That's just fine Sir. We thank you for choosing to do business with us," she thanked.
"As much as I didn't want to, it's a pleasure Tawni. I must get back to work, but my assistant will get back to you with those details," I said before hanging up.
I was typing away on my laptop when my door was swung open. Bianca stumbled when she realized that I was already at work.
"Raphael? You're here!" she squeaked.
"Thank you Captain Obvious," I scowled. The time on my wall told me that it was ten minutes to eight.
"Am I missing something?" she asked, looking very confused.
"Why do you ask?" I counter asked as I turned back to my laptop.
"Well, you got here before me, and it looks like you've been here for a while at that, you didn't bother to call me to tell me you were coming in early, and you even made your own coffee. Are you ok?" she questioned worriedly.
"No, I'm not! The situation at Maestri Telecoms is still not fixed and we're losing money with every minute that that bloody server is down," I explained as I rubbed my face.
"And...?" she prompted.
"And what?" I feigned confusion.
"This is me you're attempting to lie to," she rolled her eyes.
"I may have screwed up big time with Aretha," I sighed, leaning back in my chair.
"What did you do?" she narrowed her eyes at me.
Because I need another female angry at me.
"I called her yesterday and told her about the horrible day I was having with arrogant assholes, and she told me I'm being a hypocrite. She told me the truth, and I told her she was being bitchy. I got home to find out that she cried herself to sleep and she slept in a guest bedroom," I confessed.
Bianca looked at me with blank eyes, and for the first time in a really long time, I didn't know what she was thinking. I honestly expected a backlash, so you can imagine my shock when she got up and walked out of the office without saying a single thing.
I sat there for a while, unmoving. A part of me was expecting Bianca to come back and say something to me, but once I realized that a while had passed an hour, I resigned and got back to my work.
I was in my office for the whole morning and most of the afternoon without any interruptions, save for a text from Lui regarding the girls. I hadn't even eaten anything. At 15:43, my office door opened. I expected it to be Bianca, so I didn't look up. When I was met with silence, I finally looked up and was surprised to find my fiancée there.
"Ari," I said lowly.
She looked beautiful in a tan pencil skirt, a black blouse with a tan belt across her stomach, with matching accessories, shoes and bag. Her hair was in a curly ponytail, and while she was giving me a small smile, it was clear as day that she was still hurt.
"Hey," she whispered. I got up and walked towards her.
"What are you doing here?" I asked.
"Well, I called Bianca and asked her why you were so upset yesterday, and she explained everything to me, unwillingly might I add. Turns out everyone else is madder at you than I am. I also brought you lunch," she caressed my cheek. I held her hand to my face. Her other hand had her handbag and a lunch bag.
"You shouldn't even be speaking to me after what I said. Hell you should be wishing that I starve to death," I admitted.
"I know, but I missed you. My heart hurts from your words, but it also hurts from being away from you," she ended with a whisper. I leaned down and kissed her softly.
"I'm sorry," I said on her lips.
"I know," she breathed out.
"I'm going to make it up to you," I dragged my thumb across her bottom lip.
"You don't have to," she scowled.
"I do, and as much as you have a forgiving heart, even you know that I have to truly earn your forgiveness," I argued.
"Alright you stubborn man! What do you have in mind?" she smiled.
"Well, I actually have something planned, but I was going to come and fetch you later at the house. Do you mind waiting for me to finish up here? I just need to send out this last email and then we can go," I informed her.
"I don't mind, but you have to eat first," she said as I walked back to my desk. She sat on the chair opposite mine.
"What did you get?" I asked.
"Your favourite," she smiled, producing a meaty sandwich. She makes the best club sandwich ever. She adds mozzarella and parmesan cheese and she's got this special sauce that she makes herself.
It's my own heaven.
"You know how to brighten my day," I hungrily took it from her, eliciting an amused giggle from her.
"I'm glad it excites you that much. Did you manage to salvage the situation?" she asked in reference to the situation with the company.
"I did actually. The server is fixed, but the maintenance guy says it was an inside job, so I have to now launch an investigation and all," I sighed before taking a bite of my sandwich.
"How does that work exactly?" she frowned.
"Well, we're going to send in a team of private detectives to blend in with the workers at Maestri Telecoms Headquarters. They will then work their charm and weed out our guilty party or parties," I explained.
"That sounds tedious and expensive," she commented.
"It's better than letting it be. Heaven knows why the main server had to be tampered with, and what the culprit plans to do in the future. I'd rather spend money avoiding another disaster," I grimaced.
"I understand. Well, I'm going to make myself a cup of coffee since I forgot drinks. Would you like one?" she offered.
"Yes please," I smiled.
My first smile of the day- and she's the reason.
She came around the desk to give me one last kiss before putting her bag on the couch in my office and walking out. I was definitely in better spirits after that, and my mind seemed to be more productive.
She came back with our coffees and after handing me mine, she sat on the couch and started working away on her tablet. She looked so focused, and I found myself staring at her for more of the time than actually working.
"We're not leaving tonight if you keep staring at me," she commented, not looking up from her tablet.
"I can't help that you're such a gorgeous distraction," I smirked. She looked up with a clear blush on her face.
"Finish up so that we can leave already," she laughed.
"Ok, ok," I chuckled before turning back to my laptop.
By 19:36, I was finally done. She'd already called Rhonda, who had assured her that she had things covered and that we should enjoy our time together. Apparently the girls requested that we go see them before we go to bed.
I shut of everything and unrolled my shirt sleeves before putting on my jacket. I was dressed in all black since it seemed fitting with my mood when I woke up. I was dressed in a black Armani suit, a black shirt, black tie and black dress shoes.
"You have impeccable taste Signor Maestri," she looked over at me appreciatively.
"So do you Signora Washington, soon to be Signora Maestri," I winked, making her blush.
"Are we finally leaving?" she asked as she stood up. It was my turn to appreciate what she was wearing. It really fit her to perfection.
"You're doing it again," she said lowly, looking at me with hooded eyes.
I couldn't help myself. I pulled her into me and gave her the proper kiss that I'd been yearning to give her. She was instantaneously responsive, which only turned me on more. Her hands travelled under my blazer, which I only realized then that I hadn't buttoned up yet.
"We have to stop," I reluctantly pulled away.
"I can't wait for the day we wont have to," she bit her lip, lust still clear in her eyes.
"Cara mia," I groaned. She leaned in and kissed me once more.
"Sei un pezzo di lavoro Raphael Ambrosi Maestri, ma sei vale la pena, e non vedo l'ora di avere ufficialmente il tuo cognome," she purred.
Dio!
"Must you speak Italian? You're killing me here Ari," I complained.
"I'm sorry," she smiled.
"You're not," I narrowed my eyes at her.
"Not even the slightest bit," she giggled.
"I figured! You're a seductress when you're not being innocent," I teased.
"It's what you do to me," she blushed, hiding in my chest. I couldn't stop my laugh.
"You are too adorable cara mia. I think we should get going before the night ends with us here," I suggested.
She nodded and grabbed her bag while I grabbed my laptop bag and keys. I'd actually brought my Nissan GTR. I left too early for me to bother Sven, so I didn't. I don't think Aretha has actually seen all of my cars, judging from the awed look on her face.
"How many cars do you have?" she asked.
"In total?" I asked as I opened the passenger door for her. I closed the door before she could respond.
"What do you mean in total?" she asked once I was inside the car.
"I have cars all over the world, so you need to specify whether you're asking about just here in Italy, or in total around the world," I elaborated as the car purred to life.
"Uhm, around the world," she replied.
"Twenty five," I responded. Her eyes widened.
"Where are they all sitting? The ones around the world that is," she questioned.
"Most of them are at my properties, but there are others that are in a storage facility," I explained.
"That is..." she trailed off.
"Insane?" I chuckled as we got onto the highway.
"Well, yes," she giggled.
"I know! Sometimes I don't know what to do with my money, so I end up buying stuff like cars," I admitted.
"What about giving to charity?" she frowned.
"I already do," I informed.
"Really? You have that much money?" she shook her head.
"I really do. I make millions a day," I replied.
"Millions?" she asked wide eyed. I managed to catch her reaction in time.
"Well, yes! You must remember that I have different companies under my name," I pointed out.
"How many exactly?" she piqued.
"Excluding branches of the different companies around the world, it totals to eleven," I said thoughtfully.
"And what are those eleven?" she giggled.
"What's so funny?" I scowled.
"Nothing! Tell me," she smiled, holding my free hand in hers.
"Well, there's The Maestri Empire, Maestri Telecoms, The Maestri Hotels, The Maestri Holiday Resorts, Maestri Airlines, Maestri Shipping, Maestri Mining, Maestri Farming, Maestri Records, Maestri Advertising and Maestri Casinos," I named.
"That is super impressive!" she said in awe.
"Oh, there's also The Maestri School of Advanced Learning and my share in The Maestri Bridal Company," I added.
"Marcia knows about that by the way," she giggled.
"She does?" I frowned.
"She's always known. She took us there yesterday," she informed me.
"Just exactly what did you get up to with my sister?" I asked curiously.
"Well, she met us at the restaurant where we were having breakfast, and she shared her story with us. When all the sappy things were out of the way, we asked her to come along with us. We had fun shopping, but she said she wanted to take us to a completely different place for wedding shopping, hence the trip to The Maestri Bridal Company Warehouse. I found my dress," she smiled. Since we were at a stop light, I turned to face her.
She looked so happy.
"You did?" I smiled.
"Yep! It's so gorgeous Rafe! Lui is sure that you wont know whether you want it on or off of me," she blushed.
Only my cousin...
"That beautiful?" I smirked.
"Well yeah," she mumbled, making me chuckle.
"You're adorable Ari. I can't wait to see you in the dress," I said before kissing her hand.
We had been on the road for thirty five minutes before we finally reached our destination. She looked at everything in wonder once more as I led her out of the car. She even looked like she didn't know what to say.
"Where are we?" she whispered.
"This place belongs to my grandmother. She used to use it for parties, up until my grandfather passed on. Now it's in my name as well. I've never used it before," I replied as I led her inside.
The place is basically a glass house. While it has wooden frames, most of the downstairs area, which is the entertainment area, is glass, while the upstairs area has been covered up. It's only the outside that has glass walls though. It's one of the main attractions in Florence as people come just to see the house.
It was quite the sought after venue for parties, but my grandmother wanted the exclusivity of it being 'The Maestri Party House' to remain that way, so she never rented it out. When she moved to the States, she handed me a new deed for the place with my name on it and all I had to do was sign.
I gave Aretha a short tour of the place. I'd called a cleaning company to get the place cleaned up since, as I mentioned, I've never used the place before. My neighbour was around to make sure everything goes orderly, and she emailed to say that everything went fine. From the expression n Aretha's face, it's safe to say that the cleaning company did a brilliant job in bringing the place to life.
"The endless possibilities," I heard Aretha say as she eyed the wild, untamed garden from the terrace looking out at the backyard.
"What are you thinking?" I wrapped my arms around her from behind.
"I'm thinking that I've found the venue for our wedding, as well as our photo shoots," she replied, looking very far away into her thoughts.
"Are you sure? You could have any other venue," I pointed out.
"I could, but this one is perfect," she turned to smile at me.
"Anything for you! Just tell me what you need done to the place, and it shall be done," I returned the smile.
"Such a good fiancé," she teased. I nipped at her lip, making her giggle.
"Well, I brought you here for a reason, so come on," I took her hand in mine before leading her back inside the house.
In the dining room, the one place I didn't take her to, the table was already set for two. The food had already been put out, which was once again thanks to my neighbour. I'd emailed her just before shutting off my laptop, and she'd had everything arranged.
"When did you do all of this?" Aretha smiled as I opened her seat for her.
"That's my secret," I chuckled as I sat opposite her.
"You're amazing," she sighed.
"No I'm not," I denied.
"Well, for the most part you are," she countered.
"Nah," I shook my head.
"You're amazing to me, so just deal with it!" she pouted, making me laugh.
"Alright fine Miss Feisty Pants! How was your day?" I asked as we dished up.
"Oh yeah! Before I forget; where's that list I asked you for?" she narrowed her eyes at me. I gulped.
"I didn't get around to it," I confessed nervously.
"I knew it," she sighed.
"I'm sorry! I promise you'll have it by tomorrow," I offered.
"The invitations were meant to go out tomorrow," she giggled.
"They can always go out on Friday," I chuckled.
"I guess so! It's not like the printing company will have a problem with that. Everyone is pretty much eager for this wedding," she commented.
"Speaking of which, how's the wedding planning coming along? I feel like I should participate more," I admitted as I ate.
"You're a busy man Raphael. If I wanted you to plan the wedding with me, I wouldn't have agreed to marry a CEO," she joked, making me laugh as well.
"I still feel like I should help," I chuckled.
"You fail at something as simple thing as a list, and you want me to trust you with anything else?" she giggled.
"Ok, I walked into that one," I chuckled.
"Yeah, you did, but you're adorable so you get to get away with it," she winked.
"I'm not adorable," I scowled.
"Sure you're not," she smiled.
Our banter continued like this for the rest of the dinner. She filled me in on everything she had planned, and even though I'm a man who didn't know half the things she was telling me, just listening to her, and watching all her different facial expressions and gestures was enough. I could actually just watch her the whole day.
"You're starting to develop a very creepy habit," she giggled.
"Why do you say that?" I scowled.
"Because I feel like you haven't just heard a single thing I've said to you," she smiled.
"Oh, but I have. Not only are you beautiful, you have a very beautiful and soothing voice. I heard every single thing," I winked, making her blush.
"You're such a charmer," she mumbled.
"And you're just too adorable! I have a surprise for you," I smirked.
"What is it?" she asked excitedly. I got up and helped her out of her seat.
"Well, you have to come and see it," I chuckled.
I led her to the garage and I was happy when she gasped. Apparently she wants a car badly, so I got her two. I know for a fact that she'd like to drive the girls around alone sometimes, hence getting her a sedan and an SUV. I got her a Mercedes Benz CLA AMG and a Mercedes Benz M63 AMG. I want to know that she'll at least be driving some of the safest cars on the market right now.
"You didn't," she turned to me with tears in her eyes.
"When Rhonda mentioned that you wanted a car, I was fully against it, but then she and my sister mentioned that you'd never owned one before. Now, I got you a sedan and an SUV so that you can drive the sedan when you're on your own, and the SUV when you're with the girls since I figured you might like that. I really wa-" I said, only to have her shut me up with a kiss.
"I don't care what you say. You're an amazing man," she said breathlessly when we pulled apart.
"I'm really sorry for my behaviour and words from yesterday Ari. You didn't deserve them when you were only being honest with me. When I saw the tear streaks on your face last night, it broke me. I never want to see you like that again. I never want to make you cry. Hell, seeing you like that made me realize..." I trailed off, looking for the words I wanted to say.
"It's ok Rafe. You don't have t-"
"That I love you!"
She swallowed whatever words she was about to say as her eyes widened. I wont lie and say that I wasn't freaking out about what she could possibly say, but I needed to get it off my chest. We've been happy since we've arrived in Italy, and it took seeing her tear streaks for me to realize that I'm far gone with her.
The question is how does she feel...
**********
ELO SMURFLETTES AND SUGARS!!!
I'm baaaaack!!!
So, how are we feeling about this chappie? I wanted to kill Rafe in the previous chapter, but now I just love him again.
What do you think will be Aretha's reaction to his declaration? Do you think it's insane? Perhaps a little out there?
*sigh*
Guys, I'm truly so happy to be back! Thank you to everyone who wished me luck for my exams. They were ok in general, but I have to rewrite one in January since that particular paper was leaked, so that sucks!
Anyway, not that you would care, but I've got a boyfriend now. It's so weird to even say that! He just came out of nowhere, and literally made my life better! He makes me so happy! *blushes*
Anywho, thank you for supporting this book, even in my absence. That made me smile! Please continue to vote, comment, share, fan and add the book to your libraries!
Also, please check out my other books in other genres?
Love you guys so much!
Katee (^^,)