"Ari, what just happened? This was not in the plan," my husband said after we'd assured guests that there's nothing to worry about. We were currently in our hotel room.
You see, Ralph ran the investigation on Shelby that I needed him to, way before Raphael and I started planning the demise of our enemies. Knowing that she still thought she had one up on me was annoying me, so I had to get rid of the annoying feeling.
And my brother in law came through for me.
He alerted me that very morning that he'd gathered substantial evidence on her and he'd handed it over to the FBI. Unfortunately, what we haven't found is how she's linked to Daniel. The evidence is in no way connected to him. The only thing that we're confident of is that she was stealing company information, stealing from our hotel and she was sabotaging our deals and clients.
That's more than enough for now.
"I know it wasn't a part of the plan, but I needed to do this. I needed to do this for us, but mostly for myself. I needed to handle Shelby and put her shadow over me to rest," I explained, hoping he'd understand.
"How did you get her arrested though? Do you have the evidence needed?" he asked.
"I asked Ralph to help me with the case. He managed to find evidence on her, but since he works for the CIA, he had to hand the information over to the FBI since it's a domestic case," I replied.
"Does this mean that we can scratch Shelby off of the list?" he scowled.
"Not yet! While we suspect her for being Daniel's mole, the evidence shows no ties to Daniel. Ralph figures that we'll have to wait and see if she makes bail firstly, and secondly, if anyone bails her out. We're guessing that whoever bails her out will lead us to who she's really working for," I responded. He walked over and wrapped his arms around my waist.
"Firstly, I'm proud of you. Secondly, that's some brilliant thinking on both you and my brother's parts. Lastly, are you ok?" he asked.
"I will be. Now that the plan is in motion, it just means we're that much closer to our happily ever after," I smiled.
"That we are, but what about Adrienne? Wont she be a problem?" he questioned.
"We're going to fire her the moment she walks in for her shift in the next two hours," I informed.
"With all this firing occurring, who's going to run the hotel?" he raised an eyebrow.
"Malia said she doesn't mind taking over until we find someone else," I informed.
"Well then, colour me impressed Signora Maestri. I'm happy that you managed to do this for yourself, and that the woman no longer has a hold on you," he smirked.
"I would've never had the courage to do it had you not believed in me," I admitted.
"I will always believe in you Ari. I will always be your number one cheerleader," he said confidently. I pulled him down for a kiss.
"I know you will, just like I will always be yours. I love you Raphael, more than you will ever understand," I told him. He pulled me in for a second kiss.
"I love you more than you love me cara mia," he whispered with a cheeky smile on his face.
"Uh, that's not possible since I love you times infinity," I argued.
"Well I love you to infinity and beyond," he countered.
"We're not doing this," I huffed.
"Only because you're a sore loser," he chuckled.
"Whatever you want to say caro," I sighed.
"Aaaaw, is my beautiful wife sulking?" he teased.
"I am not sulking," I mumbled.
"You are too adorable. I feel like spoiling you," he said randomly.
"That's exciting and all, except we have a schedule to keep to," I pointed out.
"You're obsessed with order woman. I am taking you out right now, and you're not going to complain," he declared.
"As long as we're back in two hours' time," I pointed out.
"We'll come back whenever we come back," he shrugged.
"Rafe, we're coming back in the next two hours," I warned. I didn't expect him to pick me up and throw me over his shoulder.
Thank the heavens I was in jeans.
"We're coming back whenever we're coming back Signora Maestri, and that is final," he said as he walked us to the elevator.
"Why are you such a stubborn man?" I whined.
"I'm the stubborn one? Do you have any idea how amusing it is to watch you refuse me spoiling you? What woman doesn't want to get spoiled by their husband?" he chuckled.
"The kind that feels that her husband already spoils her enough," I defended.
"I barely spoil you Ari," he countered.
"You do! You've given me a life I would've only ever dreamt of having," I pointed out.
"I married you, and I've provided everything that a husband should. That is not spoiling you. That is me doing my duty as your husband," he argued.
"Then you most certainly do not fall under the category of most husbands," I replied.
"Meaning?" he asked.
"Meaning most husbands would not share their empire with their wives the way that you did," I explained as we reached the lobby. He still hadn't put me down.
"That may be true, but it still wasn't a form of me spoiling you. I was entrusting the most important person to me with my most important asset," he said as we walked out of the hotel. I could see the amused looks on people's faces.
"You're not letting this go, are you?" I asked. He finally put me down.
"No, I am not, and simply because I don't understand what you have against me spoiling you," he narrowed his eyes at me.
"I guess you can spoil me then," I sighed.
"Not that I was going to let you refuse, but thank you for your cooperation," he chuckled.
"You're such a handful Raphael Maestri," I said before sticking my tongue out at him.
"Someone's got to keep up with you Aretha Maestri," he said before returning the action.
"Such children," we heard behind us. We turned to find Harry looking at us amusedly.
"Harry!" I beamed before hugging him.
"Hey little girl! I heard what you did in there. I'm proud of you," he told me.
"Couldn't have done it without the twins," I admitted.
"Ah yes! I heard that the Maestri twin lives. Where is he?" he asked.
"He left to overlook the processing of Shelby's arrest," Rafe answered.
"How come?" Harry asked.
"He works for the CIA, but since they deal with foreign issues, he has to make sure that the FBI properly deals with Shelby's case," I explained.
"This sounds like quite the story," Harry admitted.
"We should go out for dinner sometime with him so that you can hear the whole story and get to meet and talk to him," I suggested.
"How long are you in DC for?" he asked.
"Until our business here is done," my husband vaguely answered.
"Got it! Well, it's not like I have anything better to do with my nights, so dinner would be lovely. Just say when and where and I'll be there," Harry told us as Sven brought the car around.
"Will do! It was lovely seeing you again Harry," I said as I hugged him.
"It's always lovely seeing you both," he said.
After we bid him farewell, my husband opened the door for me and I got in, but before he got in, he went to say something to Sven, who then nodded before they both proceeded to get into the car. Of course that had me all kinds of suspicious.
"What was that about?" I asked my husband.
"No need to worry your little head about that," he said, tapping my nose.
"Rafe," I whined.
"Ari," he mocked.
"Oh, I hate you," I pouted.
"And I love you even more," he chuckled.
"Please tell me where we're going," I pleaded.
"Nope!" he refused.
"But why?" I complained.
"Because I like seeing you so agitated, and I just want you to relax and trust me," he smiled.
"You just live to torture me," I huffed.
"If loving you is called torture nowadays, then sure, let's go with that," he cleverly played.
"Can I just be mad at you?" I asked.
"You can be mad at me all you want. So long as you're not pouting, cursing me, not talking to me, or shutting me out," he replied.
"Then how else would I be mad at you?" I scowled, only to have him smirk.
"Oh, I see what you did there," I sighed.
"I just want to spoil you without you making any comments. Can you do that?" he asked.
"Fine! I'll cooperate, but I swear if this is anything bad, I'll hate you forever," I warned.
"Spoiling Ari; where would anything bad fit into that?" he frowned.
"Oh the fun of being impossible," I giggled.
"Funny," he said with an eye roll.
"Oh cheer up husband!" I poked him.
"Keep your fingers to yourself woman," he said, smacking my hand away.
"What if I don't want to?" I said seductively, putting both hands on his chest.
"Signora Maestri, you do not want to start something that you wont finish," he said lowly.
"Dare me," I whispered.
"Dio!" he cursed as I kissed his neck.
"What did I tell you about using God's name in vain?" I asked as I straddled him.
"That I shouldn't do it," he mumbled.
"Exactly," I said before kissing him full on.
The back of the car was getting heated, and fast, until I remembered poor Sven, who had remained silent and focused on the road the entire time. I pulled away from my husband, breathless at that, and moved back into my original position.
"I warned you about finishing what you start," my husband grumbled, trying to adjust his pants.
"I'm sorry," I giggled.
"I will get you back for this, no doubt about that," he said in promise.
I was about to say something else, but it turned out we'd reached our destination. We were outside of a building, but there was no clue as to what the building was being used for. If anything, there was an eerie feel to it.
"Where are we?" I asked my husband.
"How much do you trust me?" he asked.
"Not a whole lot," I replied.
"I'm being serious Ari," he sighed.
"So am I! Your question suggests that you're up to something you know I wont like, hence your need for reassurance from me," I pointed out.
"I forget that you're smarter than me sometimes," he chuckled.
"So I'm right?" I raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, you are, and you could possibly hate me for this, but I'm willing to take the chance," he said.
"Just how much does my trusting you in this situation mean to you?" I asked.
"Way more than you'll ever know," he replied.
God bless me for this.
"Fine, I trust you," I sighed.
"Good!" he beamed before opening the door.
He helped me out of the car before going over to talk to Sven. Once again, the big man nodded before my husband returned to grab my hand in his. We headed into the building, and I still had no idea what was going on, until we arrived at a bunch of people who had apparently just changed into jumpsuits and were preparing themselves for the 'exhilarating experience of a lifetime'.
"You have exactly five seconds to explain what we're doing here," I told my husband.
"We're going sky diving," he replied just as quickly.
"No we're not," I shook my head.
"Yes we are," he replied.
"Nope!"
"Yep!"
"Nope!"
"Yep!"
"Nope!"
"I will do the dishes for the rest of our lives," he bargained.
"I'm not going sky diving Raphael," I said seriously.
"I thought you trusted me," he pouted.
"This has got nothing to do with trusting you. It has everything to do with me not trusting gravity," I argued.
"We've never done anything adventurous together Ari," he sighed.
"And this is the adventurous thing you choose?" I asked incredulously.
"Well yes! There are many other things to do, but I've never done this before, and I wanted to experience it with my wife," he explained.
"You're making me feel guilty, but that guilt isn't greater than my fear of jumping out of a plane," I told him honestly.
"As disappointed as I am, I guess it's a good thing that I arranged a plan B. How do you feel about going on an air balloon?" he asked.
"That sounds more my speed," I said with a nod.
"Ok, we'll do that, but I really do hope that one day, you'll do something adventurous with me," he admitted.
He looked so adorable.
"I promise that we will, but it has to be something we're both ok with," I pointed out. He leaned down and kissed me.
"I promise," he said before lacing our fingers.
I learnt that the place we were in had both sky diving and an air balloon service, which my husband took us towards. Sven had apparently already called ahead because when we arrived, the lady who works there was quite happy to see us.
It was the middle of the afternoon, but we were assured that we wouldn't be up for too long. Raphael only wanted me to see the view. I quickly picked up that this short trip up in the sky was merely to pass time for whatever he'd sent Sven to organize.
"Signor Maestri, what are you up to?" I asked him as the balloon rose.
"I don't know what you're talking about," he feigned innocence.
"Uh huh! I'll play along," I said.
"There's my trusting wife," he teased.
"Oh hush!" I huffed. He chuckled before kissing me and wrapping his arms around my waist.
I wont lie and say that the view wasn't breathtaking, because it truly was. Spending this moment with my husband made it even more special, but it also reminded me that our plans needed to work. This is the kind of life I want for us.
"Thank you for that mi amore," I told him once we were back down.
"It's my pleasure cara mia. Are you hungry?" he asked.
"I thought you were in control of everything we're doing," I raised an eyebrow.
"I am, except I didn't accommodate lunch, so if you want to go and have lunch first, we can do that and then head onto our next destination," he explained.
"I could eat," I shrugged.
"That doesn't necessarily answer my question, but I'm guessing it's the best I'm getting from you," he chuckled.
"You know this," I giggled.
He laced our fingers once again and we headed out to the car. Sven was waiting outside and he opened the door for me to head in, with my husband following, before we got underway. I didn't even know where Raphael was taking me, and I honestly didn't care.
"So Signora Maestri, how is everything coming along with the bakery?" he asked.
"It's a success so far, but I don't want to jinx it in any way. I just want to see how it does in the next three months before I can fully declare it a great idea," I replied.
"Cara mia, it's going to continue to be a success because you're behind it. You may not have been born a Maestri, but you were definitely destined to inherit the special Maestri charm, and I'm proud to say that it has never looked better on anyone else," he charmed.
"You're just saying that to make me feel better, so I'm going to ignore it. How's the competition coming along?" I instead asked, making him laugh.
"It's coming along just fine. The contestants are really bringing their A game, and we may just hire all of them. I have never seen such a hardworking bunch of candidates," he admitted.
"Even Marielle?" I asked in annoyance.
"I know you don't like her, but yes, even her. I know that her infatuation with me is probably what's driving her, but she's set on impressing me alright," he replied.
"Well, don't sound so chuffed about it," I scowled.
"I don't mean to tesoro mia. I'm just saying that she's out to provide some outstanding results, but she could never match up to anything you do," he said.
"You put me on such a high pedestal mio caro," I sighed.
"Because that's how it is meant to be. You are my Queen Signora Maestri, and you deserve to be put on the highest pedestal in my life and in my heart. There will never be anyone after you because you're the only woman for me," he said strongly.
My cheeks were flaming.
Luckily for me, I was saved by our arrival at the restaurant. I wouldn't have really known how to put in words just how important Raphael is to me, especially after his words to me. I know that my husband loves and respects me, and I guess it still amazes me just how much.
Our lunch together was as wonderful as every other time we spend together, not fighting that is. Ever since we decided to face our enemies head on, we're even more optimistic about our future, and we're no longer limiting our dreams of a better future.
"Sven just alerted me that what I want isn't yet done, so we're going to have to stall. How about a shopping trip?" he suggested.
"Like with you paying while I flaunt whatever you pay for?" I giggled.
"Exactly like that! I don't think we've ever had that before," he said thoughtfully.
"I've never willingly participated before," I said with a blush.
"And are you in now?" he asked.
"I am," I nodded.
"Great!" he beamed.
My husband is such a goof ball.
Nonetheless, I wont lie and say that it didn't feel good to walk into a store and have him pay for everything that I liked or wanted. A part of me still felt that this was unnecessary, but a bigger part of me was happy with seeing how happy it made him to spoil me like this.
I also noticed something that I hadn't before. Whenever my husband and I are in public, he wants to show me off as much as he can while being discreet about it at the same time. His presence alone demands attention, but it's almost like he passes the attention on to me.
For example, every time we pass by a woman who seems remotely interested in him, he ignores her and instead becomes touchy and compliments me loud enough for her to hear. It makes me feel special, and it only reassures me that I am the only woman for him.
I also realized just how many women envied me, especially on this impromptu trip. He was holding all the bags from all the stores we'd been to, and being a lover of expensive things, he'd taken me to the most exclusive and expensive stores, which means it was pretty obvious that I had scored.
Big time.
"I feel like such a princess," I giggled as we waited for a diamond bracelet he was buying me.
"I told you that you're my Queen, so it's fitting," he smiled.
"Why does this make you so happy?" I asked him, cupping his cheek.
"You mean everything to me, and you've given me more than you can ever imagine. I feel like all the material things in the world could never measure up to what you've given me, so doing this for you gives me that little bit of peace of mind. It may not make any sense to you, but I feel like this is the least I could do for you," he explained.
"Spending thousands on me is not least mi amore," I sighed.
"I know, but like I said, it just doesn't compare to what you've done for and given me. Do you think you can let me have this without feeling guilty about it? We already do our part in giving back, but there is no sin in spending our money on ourselves too. I worked hard to get to where I am. Let me share that with you. Share the rest of my journey with me without feeling like you have to justify your actions," he requested.
"Ok," I whispered, a smile on my face and tears in my eyes.
How can a girl say no to something like that?
"I love you Aretha Maestri," he told me after kissing me.
"I love you too Ambrosi Maestri," I replied as my bracelet arrived.
"You had to ruin a good moment," he groaned.
"I'm sorry," I laughed.
"Maybe I should keep this bracelet for myself," he said.
"Ok, but what are you going to do with it exactly?" I raised an eyebrow at him.
"Keep it until I've decided that you're in my good books again," he shrugged.
"That's just mean," I frowned, making the sales lady giggle to herself.
"Should've thought of that before you used the forbidden name," he smirked.
"Oh, you're so childish Ambrosi," I teased.
"Stop," he whined, making me laugh.
"I love you mio marito," I told him. He put the bracelet on my wrist before kissing my hand.
"I love you too mia moglie," he replied.
We did some more shopping and I decided that we should get him some stuff too. Sven had to come in so that he could help with our bags. I wanted to get a cart instead, but he said he didn't mind, so I just let it be.
"I don't think I like this combination," my husband said as he stepped out of the changing room.
"Yeah! The belt doesn't really go with those jeans. However, it does match the jeans you had on before, so we're still taking it. Try this," I said, giving him a different belt.
"Thank you cara mia," he smiled before changing belts.
"Definitely works better! You're welcome mio caro," I returned the smile.
"Well, isn't this a sight? I finally get to look Mrs Maestri in the eyes," a new voice joined us.
I have never met the woman before me, but something in me already knew who she was. She's quite tall, with bleached blonde hair. She was dressed in a tight dress that left little to the imagination, and my husband's reaction only confirmed this.
"You have a nerve coming anywhere near me after what you did," he said darkly.
"I wasn't going to kill you. I wouldn't kill the man I'm in love with. I was meant to injure you, not kill you. They have my father Raphael, and I know you wont believe me, but they do," she said.
"You weren't meant to kill him? You would've shot him four times!" I said incredulously.
"I take it you know everything that's going on then?" she turned to me, looking quite irritated by my very presence.
"How did you know about the shutdown?" I asked her.
"Daniel was behind it. Jordan has my father, and I guess the brothers have united to get what they want. Daniel knew that with Raphael out of the picture, you'd go back to him. He ordered me to kill Raphael, and when I refused, Jordan kidnapped my father since he also wants Raphael out of the picture," she explained.
"Why are you willingly sharing this information?" Rafe asked her.
"Because I can't do this alone anymore. I have done everything they've asked, and yet they refuse to release my father," she replied.
"And you're counting on us of all people to help you? What makes you think we even trust what you're telling us now?" I narrowed my eyes at her.
"I have nothing left to lose. They have the only family I have, and I assume they've tortured him into ceasing his assets over to them, so I have no money coming in. You are my very last resort, and I know you have no reason to trust me, and I'm not asking you to. I'm just asking that you help me," she pleaded.
"I don't believe you," my husband blatantly told her before going back to the changing room.
"I get why you would be unwilling to trust me, however you should know that Daniel just got Shelby released. He's got people in the FBI, and you're going to need a lot to take him and Jordan down. To earn your trust, I'll tell you everything that I know," she bargained.
Which gave me an idea.
"To earn our trust, you're going to do that, and one more thing," I told her.
"I'm listening," she nodded.
I told her what she needs to do, and she was very reluctant, but she agreed anyway. I told her that we'd stay in Washington long enough to give her time to do it, but she assured me that she would be doing it within the next two days.
I award her persistence.
"Where did she go?" my husband asked when he returned.
"I have no idea," I shrugged.
"We don't trust her, right?" he asked.
"We don't, but she's adamant to prove that she isn't lying. I've given her a task to do to prove herself, and if she can deliver, then we'll help her," I told him.
"What have you done Signora Maestri?" he asked cautiously.
"She's willing to tell us everything we need to know to take Daniel and Jordan down. She informed me that Daniel already got Shelby released, something we have to confirm. So, I told her that to earn our trust, she will not only tell us everything she knows, but she'll retrieve the evidence Mariya fabricated against your mother from Hugo Corp," I told him.
"Are you sure she will even do it?" he asked unsurely.
"There's only one way to find out," I replied.
"I'm glad you're looking out for my mother mi amore, but I hope that your faith isn't misplaced here," he sighed, wrapping his arms around me.
"That makes both of us, but there's a certain level of desperation with her. I hope I'm right in having this little bit of faith in her," I admitted.
"I love how you always choose to see the best in people. Never lose that," he smiled before kissing me.
We agreed that our shopping trip was officially done for, and luckily Sven told us that whatever Rafe had planned was finally ready. We headed back to the hotel, only to walk into the penthouse suite to find the furniture in the lounge gone. Instead, the whole room was covered in white, and there were paint cans on the floor.
"What is this?" I asked.
"We're making body art," my husband replied.
"Body art?" I frowned.
"Yep!" he said as he started stripping.
Sven had kept our stuff in the car downstairs under Raphael's instructions. It was just the two of us in the penthouse as I stripped down too. I was curious about what exactly we were doing, and whether or not it was a good idea.
It turned out to be a great idea.
"How long is this paint even going to take to come off?" I giggled as he drew a happy face on my stomach. The room itself was already colourful.
"I don't really care," he replied.
"Who is going to clean this up Raphael?" I asked.
"Again, I don't care," he chuckled.
"That poor soul," I said.
"I got to spend time with my wife, doing something fun. I really don't care. Seeing you smile and laugh is all I care about," he replied.
"You are beyond cheesy Signor Maestri," I blushed.
"Ooh, you have rosy cheeks," he said, putting red circles on my cheeks.
"I take that back. You're an idiot," I laughed.
"I'm your idiot," he smirked.
"That you most definitely are," I smiled before kissing him.
"Can I ask you something?" he chuckled after we'd pulled away.
"You're already laughing, so I don't think I want you to ask whatever you'd like to," I scowled.
"It's just a funny thought I'm having. Have you ever smoked weed in your life?" he asked.
I couldn't have been more taken aback than I was at that moment.
"What?" I gasped.
"So that's a no! Would you like to try it?" he smirked. I bit my lip.
See, I have always wanted to be high, but only once just to know what it feels like, but I've never had the guts to do it. Heavens knows how many times Rhonda tried to get me to smoke weed with her, but I just couldn't do it.
"I've always wanted to try it out," I admitted.
"I guessed so. I happen to have some. Think we can take a break from this?" he asked.
"Do I even want to know why you have weed?" I asked as we headed to the bedroom.
"Not really. Just go with the flow," he winked. He gave me a black gown to put on, doing the same.
I thought we were going to smoke it in the room, but he took my hand and led me to the elevator before clicking on a button I'd seen but had never known where it led to. When he clicked on it, it revealed a pin pad, and he entered a code before the elevator started moving up.
I was highly surprised to learn that it led to the roof, and that there's an entertainment room with a hot tub on the roof. We were in what looked like a secluded room. It was surrounded by glass, so we could see the outside. The city looked beautiful, as well as the little stars in view.
"What is this place?" I asked.
"I'm going to go with a wild guess and say it's the roof of the hotel," he teased.
"You know what I mean," I mock glared at him.
"It's only a section of the hotel roof. I had it made for privacy when I come here, which would explain the pin pad and the two way mirrored walls," he explained.
"So we can see out, but anyone outside this room can't see in?" I asked, to which he nodded.
"Do you have it at every hotel?" I further questioned.
"Nope! I only have it at four of my favourite hotels," he informed.
"It's pretty cool," I admitted.
"I know! So, we can only smoke on one condition," he smirked.
"I'm truly afraid of that look on your face," I admitted.
"It's nothing bad," he chuckled.
"What is it then?" I raised an eyebrow.
"We have to make love in the hot tub while we're high," he smirked. I couldn't help but laugh.
"Why?" I asked.
"Because it's going to be fun and adventurous," he shrugged, the silly smile still on his face.
"What about the paint on our bodies?" I pointed out.
"I'll have someone come in to drain the water and clean the tub out," he replied.
"These poor people. You're really out to make people's lives impossible," I joked. He put his arms around my waist before lifting me to wrap my legs around his waist.
"Not even! I'm simply out to have fun with my wife doing things I would never want to do with anyone else," he smiled.
"Fine, I'm sold, but you'd better make this worth it," I mock warned.
"I promise," he said before kissing me.
Boy did he take me on a high...
**********
ELO SMURFLETTES!!!
I know it's been a while, but I hope this makes up for it. I'm not too chuffed with this chappie, but I wanted to focus on their relationship just before everything goes down.
Happy New Year to you all! Thank you for the support and please continue to support them. I love you guys!
Katee (^^,)