Chapter 5: TMA || 5

I still couldn’t believe it as I looked at the cream walls around me. The morning sun was shining through the curtains. I walked over to the window and the view was honestly one of the most incredible things I’ve ever had the pleasure of seeing. I let my mind wander back to the events of the past week.

*FLASHBACK*

“What?” I barely got out.

“You are Aretha Washington, correct?” he asked. I could only manage to nod. I was well aware of the fact that his arms were still around me.

I was also well aware of the fact that I liked that.

“Can we talk inside? This water is running into my underwear now,” he smirked. I couldn’t help but giggle.

“Sorry! Come in,” I said as I freed myself from his grasp to let him in. Once he was in, I closed the door behind him.

“Would you like to change out of your wet clothes?” I asked him.

“That’s actually a good idea, but my bags are in the car outside. Can I borrow an umbrella?” he asked.

I nodded and pointed to the umbrella behind him. He thanked me, took it and headed out. It was only then I noticed the two black cars outside. One was a Rolls Royce, while one was a familiar SUV, which confirmed my suspicion about my guest.

Raphael Maestri was here and he’d just asked me to marry him!

As he went to the trunk of the Rolls Royce, I used the time to slap myself. I must’ve looked insane, but I was checking to see if I was dreaming or not. I was secretly hyperventilating as I watched him walk back towards me. I moved aside and let him in.

“Well, my grandmother’s home isn’t as lavish as one of your hotels, so you’ll have to settle for a guest bedroom,” I smiled. His breathing hitched a little and his eyes darkened. His wet hair was stuck to his forehead and he was actually dripping wet.

“It’s no problem,” he said, his voice sounding husky. I was hypnotized but I managed to snap out of it.

“Follow me,” I said with bated breath.

The whole house suddenly felt like it was a thousand degrees hotter. He followed me into the guest bedroom and I left him there. I was headed back to the lounge before I remembered that I hadn’t even offered him a towel. I chastised myself and grabbed one before heading back to the bedroom.

When I opened the door, my words caught in my throat. He was standing shirtless with his suit pants riding low from the lack of belt and loosened button, revealing his Calvin Klein waistband. Some of the water was dripping down his abdomen, and I forgot how to function.

“If you don’t stop staring at me like that, we’re going to have a serious problem,” he said lowly, the huskiness from earlier even a baritone lower. The Italian accent only wrapped itself around my already incoherent brain.

OH MY LIBIDO!!!

“I-I brought you a towel,” I managed to say.

He stalked towards me, ever so slowly, and I gulped. I found that I wasn’t nervous. If anything, I was anxious. My body was humming, yearning to be in his arms again. He walked until he stood right in front of me. The spicy scent caught my nose’s attention once more.

He reached out to my shoulder and slowly traced his fingertips down my bare arm; the very arm that had the towel. I looked up into his eyes to find him already looking down at me. He was staring at me with that deep intensity again- the very one that had my stomach clenching.

His fingers reached the palm of my hand and he somehow made it so that we were both holding hands, with the towel between us. I realized that my arm was scorching where his fingers had been. I couldn’t break the gaze he had on me. He had me under his spell, and from my erratic breathing, I knew he was well aware of this.

Nothing around us mattered at that moment.

“Thank you,” he finally said, his minty breath fanning my entire face.

“You’re welcome,” I said before getting out of there.

I closed the guest bedroom door and found myself leaning on the wall next to the door. My heart was positively tattooing itself on my ribcage. I had to calm my breathing, so I opted for distracting myself. I headed to the kitchen and fired up the kettle. I didn’t even know what he would like to have, so I just opted for coffee. Men like him like coffee right?

I used my experience of coffee making and made him a simple cappuccino, while I made myself sweet tea with lemon. I was lost in thought to the point where I didn’t hear him walk into the kitchen. I only knew that he was in the kitchen when his arms wrapped around me. I should’ve been startled, but I instead found myself leaning into his embrace.

You’re getting too comfortable with him.

My inner self scolded my wanton ways, but I couldn’t contest the feeling of bliss that had wrapped itself around me. I had never felt like this before; I had never been HELD like this before. The warmth and the little sparks dancing on my skin were enough to make me forget that I’d just met this man minutes ago.

“What are you making?” he asked, his voice sounding somewhat normal. His arms were around my waist, while his chin was on my shoulder, meaning that his breath fanned my ear when he spoke.

“I made you coffee. I wasn’t sure what you’d like,” I replied, my own voice sounding calmer and more confident than before.

I turned in his arms and held the cup out to him. He let go of me, and I missed his arms around me once more. He took the cup from me, and there was a look in his eye as he watched the cup. For the very first time in my life, I actually cared if someone would like the way I made a cup of coffee.

This is what my life has come down to.

“You’re definitely going to be Mrs Maestri,” he smirked before taking his second gulp as he sat at the table. He looked so big in comparison to the small table. I released a breath I didn’t realize I was holding, until his words hit me.

“Why are you here Raphael?” I frowned as I sat opposite him with my tea. His breathing hitched, but I wasn’t sure why.

“You know my name?” he raised an eyebrow.

“I spent the entire weekend with your daughters. Yes, I know your name,” I rolled my eyes at him.

“How did you know who I was?” he asked amusedly.

“They have your eyes,” I shrugged.

“Very observant,” he commented.

“It wasn’t exactly a jigsaw puzzle to figure out. Now, answer my question,” I demanded.

“Someone’s a spitfire,” he smirked.

“Raphael...” I trailed off, watching his eyes darken once more.

Wait, so my saying of his name gets to him? Interesting!

“Majority rules,” he shrugged.

“What?” I asked in confusion.

“Majority rules! We all want you to come back with us,” he said.

“The girls I understand, but you don’t even know me. Cut the nonsense and tell me why I should leave,” I snapped. My heart already hurt from having to let the girls go. I couldn’t have him toying with me like this.

“We were supposed to be on a jet to Florence an hour ago, and instead I’m sitting here,” he said.

“I didn’t force you to be here,” I scowled.

“You didn’t let me finish. I’m here for a big reason clearly, but you have to decide if you want the raw truth or the sugar-coated version,” he said seriously.

“I want the raw truth,” I replied.

“And you’re sure of this?” he narrowed his eyes. I nodded.

“Alright fine. On Wednesday, the girls, their new nanny Ivanka, my PA Bianca, Luigi, my bodyguard Sven and myself, all left Italy to come here. We landed on Thursday evening and checked into my hotel. I had a busy weekend of meetings ahead of me, and I had left the girls in the care of Ivanka, and their uncle Luigi. Before Friday, I had absolutely no idea who you were, and little did I know that my life was about to suddenly revolve around you. I had a meeting with Gerard Hartley, who I believe you are acquainted with. I want to do business with him, but he made me quite a deal and I wasn’t sure about it at first,” he frowned, looking down at the cup in his hand. I reached out and held his other hand, and he looked up smiling before continuing.

“He told me that in order to do business with him, I needed to appear more in the public eye and to get married to the woman he chooses for me. I asked him if she was aware of this, but apparently she isn’t, and he said it’s up to me how I handle the situation. Bianca asked him who the woman is, and he said Aretha Washington,” he said.

“Me?” I gasped. He nodded.

“That was the first of many times that your name would be mentioned. I told him that I wasn’t sure, and he said it’s fine. He’s given me until today to make my decision,” he informed me.

“And you’ve decided that you want to marry me after all! Why?” I asked curiously. It was so sudden, and the fact that he was only doing this because of a business deal, kind of made me feel cheap.

“Bianca and I left that meeting and headed out for lunch. When we were at the restaurant, something caught my attention behind Bianca. The restaurant is directly opposite the mall. I watched as my little girls left the mall with Luigi and probably the most beautiful woman I’ve ever lay my eyes on. They were dressed in adorable pink jackets, while the woman was in a perfectly designed white dress with flowers on it. Her curly hair was blowing in the wind and she was laughing with my little girls. I couldn’t see her from how far I was, but I already knew that she was beautiful. For the first time since the girls’ mother, I was attracted to another woman,” he said, looking me dead in the eyes.

I flushed crimson when I realized that he was talking about me. I couldn’t even say that he’s lying because that had happened. As I looked down at my mug, he continued.

“Now, even then I hadn’t known that it was you. At the time, I was actually wondering who the gorgeous woman was, and where on Earth Ivanka was. Bianca was already all for the deal since she and my cook Anita agree that it’s about time I settled down. Anyway, that night, I couldn’t sleep because every time I closed my eyes, I saw the caramel skinned woman who had captured my attention. Saturday went by in a blur, until later that evening, when I was having my meeting with Shelby Callaway. As the Manager, she has to report everything to me. She was babbling on about the hotel’s achievements and progress, while I scanned the document she’d typed up for me. As I was reading through her most recent report, I spotted your name-” he said before I interrupted him.

“I didn’t do it,” I defended myself instantly.

“I wouldn’t be here asking you to be my wife if I believe that you did,” he smirked as he laced our fingers. I blushed deeply, emitting a rugged chuckle from him. It sent a shiver from the top of my head to the tip of my toes.

“Anyway, as I was saying, I spotted your name. It hadn’t occurred to me that Gerard had meant that you were the Supervising Manager of my hotel. I asked Shelby about your case, and she was more than excited to tell me just how proud she was that she’d caught you out and gotten rid of you. I asked to see your file and to this moment, she’s convinced I wanted it so that I could launch an investigation against you. I’d never really liked the woman, but I had no problem with her either since she ran my hotel brilliantly, but that was until recently. When I went through your file, I realized that you were too nice of a person to be guilty of what you’ve been accused of. The reviews from your fellow colleagues throughout the three years you were there proved that. I realized then that perhaps Shelby felt threatened by you,” he informed me.

“Threatened? By me?” my eyebrows shot to my hairline.

“You doubt yourself Aretha. Bianca asked her what she would’ve done with your performance review if the rumour against you didn’t come up and she told us that she would’ve let you shadow her. I can guarantee you now that she would’ve never recommended you for Manager at any point,” he explained.

I wish I could say that I was surprised, but when he’d explained, I realized that he had made an important point. Shelby really wouldn’t have recommended me for Manager. As it is, I got the Supervising Manager post because an important guest suggested that I should get the post to her. She wouldn’t have willingly given it to me.

“What changed your mind about me though?” I asked.

“A number of things actually. Yesterday morning, I spoke to Harry and Rhonda, and they gave me their opinions. Harry has worked for me for a long time, so I told him about Gerard’s offer and asked him what I should do. He told me that you were the perfect woman to be a mother to the girls, and a life partner for me. I learnt that he also feels that I should settle down. I carried my thoughts for the rest of the day, and again at night, I found myself seeing the woman who had captured my attention. It occurred to me that I didn’t know what you looked like, and that I would have to possibly choose between you, and the woman I saw with my girls,” he sighed.

“But we’re one in the same,” I smiled. He nodded with a smile.

“I didn’t know that until earlier this evening. Luigi hates the fact that I’m such a cold father, so he keeps the girls away from my company as much as possible, except he doesn’t know that I want to be a better father. I’d told him that I wanted the girls back at the hotel by one, and instead he brought them back at half past four. I was pissed off, but my anger evaporated when I saw the sadness on my girls’ faces. I asked them what was wrong and they broke down all over again. I have never felt so useless in my life,” he said lowly.

“Hey, it’s ok,” I squeezed his hand.

“It’s not ok Aretha, and deep down you know it. Hell, I’m pretty sure you cursed me to the depths of hell when you realized that I’m a horrible father,” he smiled weakly.

“I didn’t damn you to the depths of hell Raphael. That would be a cruel thing to do. I merely prayed that you would come to your senses,” I argued.

“Well, I have, and it’s all because of a woman named Aretha Washington. When the girls had stopped crying, they started telling me that they want her. Bianca had joined us at this time, and she and I were confused about the ‘her’ the girls wanted. I asked them who they were talking about, and when they said their mummy, I was lost for words,” he shook his head.

“You thought they meant Gabi?” I asked.

“You know about her?” he frowned.

“Your grandmother told me,” I blushed.

“Ah yes, I forgot about your trip to see my grandmother,” he chuckled to himself.

“Why didn’t you go with them?” I asked.

“The last time I saw her, we fought about the very reason why I’m here; getting the girls a mother. I said some very ugly things to her, and now I don’t have the backbone to apologize,” he sighed.

“I’m pretty sure she’ll forgive you. She’s too old to hold grudges,” I joked.

“She told you that one huh,” he smiled.

“Yeah! She’s an amazing woman,” I nodded.

“True, but so are you. I was about to explain to the girls that Gabi wasn’t coming back, when Luigi informed me that they weren’t talking about her. When Bianca and I asked them who they were talking about, they said Rita. Now, I’d already heard you being called that throughout the weekend and I swear my whole life froze when they said your name. Bianca asked them if they were referring to Aretha Washington, and they said yes. Everything in my head fit into place when I realized that you were the woman I had seen with them at the mall. Everything made sense, and for the first time since Gabi, the thought of being with a woman didn’t repulse me,” he continued.

“Why do women repulse you?” I frowned.

“It’s a story for another day,” he tensed.

He was pulling back slightly, but I wouldn’t let him though. I squeezed his hand to show him that I understood that he didn’t want to talk about that part of his life now, and I was ok with that. I already figured that getting him to open up more than he already was would be a mission, but I also realized that we’d only known each other for under an hour, so I wasn’t expecting him to suddenly spill his entire life to me. He looked relieved by the gesture.

“I got the girls to tell me everything about you. They told me all about the amazing weekend they had with their new mummy, and it was relieving to know that they had adopted you and that you’d adopted them right back. I knew it would make getting you to say yes that much easier,” he smirked.

“You plan to use the girls against me?” I mock gasped.

“Amongst other weapons,” he chuckled. He really looks breathtaking when he laughs, and it doesn’t take a genius to know that he doesn’t laugh all that often.

“I’ll have you know that I wont make it so easy,” I narrowed my eyes.

“I’m the CEO to a multibillionaire company Miss Washington. I didn’t get where I am from tackling challenges lying down,” he winked. I flushed at his determination and he only laughed at me some more.

“Anyway, the girls told me all about their weekend. I don’t know how you converted those devils into wanting to go to church to top it all off,” he laughed.

“They surprised me too. Are you ok with that?” I asked curiously.

“I am. I know my grandmother will be relieved. The girls are the only ones in the family who haven’t been baptized into the Catholic Church,” he sighed.

“You’re Catholic?” I asked, not bothering to mask my surprise.

“Since I was a baby,” he nodded.

“How come the girls weren’t baptized then?” I scowled.

“You’ll understand better once you understand the situation with how they came to be, and the time they were born into. I also haven’t exactly been a role model religiously, so I didn’t want to thrust them into that world by themselves,” he explained. I understood where he was coming from.

“That makes sense I guess. When last were you in church?” I smiled, though I knew it had probably been quite a while.

“You don’t even want to know,” he shook his head with a small smile.

“So what happened after the girls told you about their weekend with me?” I asked.

“Oh right! They told me about the evil lady Shelby. It was then that Bianca and I realized that they were actually there when you were fired, so we made them tell us exactly what happened. Thank goodness for their advanced speech because they got it down to tee,” he smirked.

“How did you get them to be so educated so quickly anyway?” I asked curiously.

“They’ve had tutors since they were two. They’ve always been keen to learn new things, and I find that they inspire and motivate each other through everything they learn together. Instead of competing against each other like most siblings do, they aim to be on the same level as each other. They help each other excel,” he said proudly.

“You’re proud of them,” I commented.

“I’m very proud of them. I may not give them as much attention and affection as they should be receiving from me, but from what I HAVE been able to provide, I’m proud of the way they’ve utilized things like their academic classes, their sports and their cultural activities,” he smiled. It was heart-warming to actually hear him talk about them like this.

“They do sports?” I asked. It was the one thing the girls had failed to tell me about themselves which shocked me considering the amount of things they told me about themselves.

“Yeah! They play tennis and they swim. They’ve expressed that they’d like to take on more sports as they get older. I have no problem with that because I just want them to be happy and get the best out of life,” he replied.

“Well, I didn’t know that about them. They’re already so talented in many things. They’re very extraordinary kids, with an amazing father, even if he doesn’t think that about himself,” I smiled. He looked at me intently, and I could feel the butterflies in my stomach taking off.

“What happened with Shelby?” I quickly diverted the subject.

He reached out to grab my free hand now that we’d both finished our drinks. For a long while, we both didn’t say anything as we sat there, taking in the feeling I’m sure was also coursing through him. The air around us was comfortable, and his hands were warm as we sat there with entwined fingers. Nothing really needed to be said.

“I didn’t fire her, even though I wanted to. Bianca stopped me, and only on our way here did I realized that she only stopped me because she heard the girls tell us that you said revenge isn’t the way to solve things,” he smiled.

“They actually remembered that?” I blushed.

“You don’t understand the impact you have on them Aretha. I’m pretty sure they remember everything you’ve told them so far,” he chuckled.

“That great?” I raised an eyebrow.

“I’m pretty sure you’re aware of the fact that there were forty three nannies before you who failed to do what you’ve managed to do,” he smirked, causing me to blush once more.

“You kept count?” I smiled.

“When you have to hire so many nannies, you can’t help but keep count,” he laughed.

“That must’ve been torturous though,” I frowned.

“It really wasn’t. The torturous part was seeing them every day, knowing that they yearned for a maternal figure, and knowing that I couldn’t give that to them. No nanny in the world can take the place of a mother,” he smiled weakly.

“They’ll understand you know?” I suddenly said.

“What?” he frowned.

“Why you couldn’t be a father to them; they’ll understand, but only if you trust them enough to tell them the truth,” I pointed out.

“They’re too young for the truth,” he shook his head.

“Is there no PG rated version of it?” I asked. He laughed.

“PG rated?” he teased.

“Hey! I’m trying to help here,” I pouted. He reached out and passed his thumb across my bottom lip. My breathing quickened and he smiled.

“Maybe once you know the truth, then you can help me come up with a PG rated version. That is, if you choose to stay even after knowing everything,” he said sadly, looking at our joint hands. I wasn’t sure what to say, but I was sure that if I did go through with this, I wouldn’t leave.

“If I agree to this, I wouldn’t leave,” I said lowly. That snapped his eyes to me.

“You wouldn’t? Even if you found out that I’m really a monster?” he asked incredulously.

“Just answer me two things. Are you involved in any illegal business as we speak?” I asked.

“No, but I do have criminal records from my past,” he replied honestly.

“They’re in your past right?” I asked. He nodded.

“Then we’ll leave them there. My second question is, are you abusive? By abusive I mean in any way, whether it be emotionally or physically?” I asked. Something dark flashed in his eyes.

“I would never lay a hand on a woman or child,” he said seriously.

“Then to answer your question, yes, I wouldn’t go anywhere,” I nodded.

“You really are too good to be true,” he shook his head.

“I highly doubt that. Raphael, did you seriously leave everyone outside in the rain this entire time?” I frowned at the realization. He actually blushed.

“Uh- I was, uhm, distracted,” he stuttered. It was so adorable seeing him like this.

“Go and fetch them! The girls must be cold!” I scolded.

“Hold on, you haven’t answered me,” he reminded.

“What haven’t I answered?” I asked.

“Whether or not you’ll marry me,” he smiled.

“No, I’m not marrying you. Now, go fetch everyone,” I shooed him as I stood up.

“You do know that we’re not leaving America without you,” he smirked.

“Then you’d better get everyone in here because you’re going to be here a while,” I crossed my arms. His attention shifted to my stomach, and I didn’t feel self conscious.

I felt desired.

“Raphael!” I snapped him out of thought.

“Huh? What?” he shook his head.

“You were headed outside,” I giggled.

“Where are we going to stay?” he frowned.

“We’ll figure it out. Just get everyone inside,” I pushed him towards the door.

It was like pushing a wall.

He chuckled at my attempts before grabbing the umbrella he’d put at the door. I ran up to put on my flimsy gown before going back down. I watched him go outside and it was only then that I was taking in the outfit he’d changed into. The outfit was a contrast from the suit he arrived here in. He was wearing light jeans and a dark t-shirt. I wasn’t sure of the colour since he was outside.

The rain had slowed down to a drizzle and I watched as a woman and a man got out of the Rolls Royce. I was sure that the woman was Bianca, but I couldn’t really see her from where I was. Next out was Luigi before the doors were opened for the girls. They squealed as they ran in the rain towards the house. I stepped back from the door and they basically barrelled in.

“MUMMY!” they screamed as they ambushed my legs.

“Hello my babies!” I squatted to hug them back. There were tears in my eyes as I did.

I really thought I would never see them again.

“Rita!” Luigi beamed when he saw me. I got up to hug him too as Raphael closed the door.

“Hey Lui,” I hugged him.

“Aretha, this is my PA Bianca Agostini, and my bodyguard and driver Sven Slavyansk. Guys, this is Aretha Washington,” Raphael introduced. Sven sent a nod my way, but Bianca had other plans.

“OH MY GOD! I FINALLY MEET YOU!” she said as she flung her arms around me.

“I take it this is a good thing,” I laughed as I hugged her back.

“Are you kidding? I’ve been waiting to meet you since Gerard first brought you up!” she smiled. I remembered Raphael’s story regarding that meeting.

“Well, come on inside. You guys must be cold,” I said as I led them to the lounge.

“We had the car heaters on. Don’t worry,” Luigi smiled as they all took a seat save for Raphael and I.

“Would you guys like anything to drink?” I asked.

“Hot chocolate!” the girls smiled. I’d made them a cup each and they fell in love with it.

“Coffee is fine for us,” Bianca said, referring to herself, Luigi and Sven. The men nodded.

“I’ll come with you,” Raphael smirked. I caught Luigi wiggling his eyebrows and I sent him a glare before Raphael and I went to the kitchen. I went and put the kettle on, and put the pieces of chocolate in a pot and put it on the stove.

“What’s that for?” Raphael asked, in reference to the chocolate.

“The girls’ hot chocolate,” I replied as I took out the chocolate milk.

“I’ve never seen it being made like that before. Can I also put in an order?” he smirked, wrapping his arms around me.

“I guess you may,” I giggled as I added more chocolate.

“How did you know they were cold?” he asked.

“Maternal instincts and logic,” I shrugged.

“That makes sense,” he chuckled.

“Speaking of maternal instincts, please take out the flu medication in that corner cabinet,” I instructed him.

“Ok, but why?” he asked as he went to get it.

“Now take four spoons with you and go give it to the girls,” I told him.

“They’re not sick,” he frowned.

“They’re going to be if you don’t give them the medication now. They ran in the rain. We’d rather prevent them getting sick now,” I explained. He looked lost in thought before he smiled.

“I didn’t even think about that,” he chuckled as he grabbed the spoons after finding them in one of the drawers.

“Again, maternal instincts. Now go,” I shooed him, only to have him hesitate.

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

“Don’t you think they’ll be freaked out?” he asked nervously.

My heart skipped a beat at his words. It broke for him. The fact that he was even nervous to give his own daughters medication was heart wrenching. I wished I could rewind time and make him a great father from the very beginning.

“I’ll be watching from the doorway,” I encouraged.

“Do I just get there and give it to them?” he scowled.

“Just act natural. Don’t over think it,” I advised. He nodded and headed into the lounge.

“Alright girls! Mummy and daddy don’t want you guys to get a cold, so you’re going to take some medication. Is that ok?” he asked them. They looked up at him with admiration that I don’t think he actually noticed.

“Is it strawberry flavoured?” Camilla asked. He looked at it.

“Uh, no! It’s cherry flavoured,” he notified them.

“Close enough,” they shrugged before opening their mouths.

I could tell that Raphael was shocked that they’d complied so easily. The bubbling chocolate brought my attention to it as I moved to turn the heat down. I added the milk and started stirring it in. When it was all liquid, I got the eight cups out. I poured the hot chocolate in five of them and made the coffee in the other three before Raphael came back.

“I can’t believe it was that easy,” he commented as he took the spoons to the sink.

“You probably owe them an explanation for treating them as badly as you did, but they definitely wont fault you if you start acting like the father they want you to be,” I pointed out.

“Despite it being so sudden?” he mumbled.

“They don’t care Raphael. They want you- not your money or your gifts. They want you, your love and your attention,” I told him seriously.

“I guess I see what you’re saying. Aren’t you having anything?” he asked at the lack of a ninth cup.

“Nah, I’m good,” I said as I placed the cups on a tray.

I took out the mini marshmallows, whipped cream and sprinkles and put them on the hot chocolate. I handed Raphael his cup and watched him take his first sip. He moaned and when he took the cup away from his mouth, he had a cream moustache. I giggled and used my thumb to wipe it away. He looked at me with hooded eyes and I smirked before licking my thumb. He groaned and I giggled.

I’d never done something like that before.

“That was so hot. You’re a tease,” he complained.

“Eh,” I shrugged with a smile before taking the tray to the lounge. The girls looked excited to finally get their cups of hot chocolate.

“That looks so good! If I knew it looked that good, I would’ve ordered it,” Bianca pouted, making me laugh.

“I’ll make it for breakfast,” I laughed.

“Wait, haven’t you decided?” she frowned.

“I already said no,” I shrugged. Her eyes widened.

“She’s evil right?” Raphael joined us in the lounge.

“Why?” she asked me.

“What he’s asking of me isn’t something you spring on a person you’ve barely known for a day and expect them to up and move for you,” I pointed out. She, Raphael and Luigi looked disappointed, while the girls looked lost. Sven was impassive.

“Will you at least think about it?” Luigi asked me.

“Of course I will,” I nodded.

“So, we’re not leaving for Florence tonight?” Bianca sighed.

“I was informed you’re not leaving America without me, so that would be a no,” I replied.

“Are we going back to the hotel then?” Luigi asked Raphael.

“That’s up to Aretha,” Raphael looked to me.

“Well, there are only two guest bedrooms,” I bit my lip.

“Sven and I can go sleep at the hotel. Bianca can take the one room, while the girls take the other,” Luigi suggested.

“What about daddy?” Caterina frowned.

“Well, daddy gets to sleep with mummy,” Luigi smirked.

I shot daggers at him while my whole face flamed. Of course Raphael smirked at that, and even the girls looked like they were all for that. Bianca sent me a sympathetic smile. I’m going to kill all these people.

“Are you guys hungry? I could make something quickly,” I asked.

“You will do no such thing! We can order in,” Raphael jumped in.

“I really don’t mind...” I trailed off.

“We’re already imposing Rita. I agree with him,” Bianca jumped in.

“Alright,” I gave up.

“Well, count us out. We’ll be back in the morning in time for breakfast,” Luigi said as he and Sven got up to leave. Luigi hugged the girls and I before they headed out.

“Well then, what are we ordering?” Raphael asked.

“We’re not hungry daddy. We want to sleep,” Camilla yawned. They did look tired.

“Ok, let’s get you to bed,” I told them.

“Do you have anything you want in particular?” Raphael asked me.

“Order whatever. I’m not picky about food,” I replied as the girls headed to the room they’d slept in this weekend.

Luigi brought in their bags, while Sven brought in Raphael and Bianca’s luggage. The girls got changed into their pyjamas, and once they were snuggled in, I started to read the story of Romeo and Juliet to them. You can imagine my astonishment when I’d tried to read them a children’s book and they’d told me that it was all nonsense, so they didn’t read children’s books.

I read to them for a while before their snores filled the room. They didn’t even make it all that far into the book. I closed it and put it aside before making sure they were really tucked in. When I was sure, I kissed all their foreheads and whispered that I loved them. I was startled when I turned towards the door only to find Raphael leaning against the door frame. His eyes held an emotion I couldn’t decipher. I walked out of the room and we closed the door behind us, staying out in the hallway.

“You really do love them,” he whispered as he caressed my cheek. I reached out to hold his hand against my cheek.

“I do,” I nodded.

“Do you think I could ever be loved like that?” he asked. There was a clear vulnerability in his voice.

“No,” I replied. Sadness crossed his eyes.

“I understand,” he said, taking his hand away, but I stopped him.

“No, you don’t understand. The love I have for those girls is different Rapahel. If I were to fall in love with you, I wouldn’t love you the same way I love them. I’d love you in an entirely different way,” I smiled. He looked shocked by my answer.

“Really?” he asked lowly.

“Really,” I nodded.

We left the hallway and went back to the lounge where Bianca was reading a magazine. When she saw us, she put it down. I joined her and we got to talking, while Raphael was busy typing away on his phone. She made me aware that he was probably responding to emails and that he does that quite a lot.

The more I talked to Bianca, the more I liked her. It was clear to me that she cared greatly about Raphael, though she assured me that I would never have to worry about them ever having an affair. When I asked how come, she informed me that Raphael has never liked white women, to which Raphael nodded to, even though his attention was on his phone.

“I’ll get that!” he said when the doorbell went.

“So, are you at least attracted to him?” Bianca asked lowly.

“Dangerously,” I nodded.

“What do you mean dangerously?” she giggled.

“As in the sparks are there. When we really look at each other, it’s like nothing else around us exists. He makes my heart beat faster and I have a zoo in my stomach every time he smiles or laughs. It’s everything I’ve read about in novels,” I sighed.

“Wow, sounds magical! Do you think there’s a chance that you’ll come with us?” she asked.

“Probably, but I need to figure out some things here first,” I admitted.

“Fair enough,” she smiled before Raphael returned with Chinese food.

“I thought you didn’t entertain unhealthy food,” I raised an eyebrow at him.

“Did the girls tell you that?” he chuckled.

“They told me that you’re basically a sergeant when it comes to healthy eating,” I nodded.

“I do entertain unhealthy food every now and then. What they failed to tell you is that they want to entertain it at every meal of every day.  That’s why I’m so strict about it,” he explained.

They lied to me!

“You look like you’re thinking of ways to punish them,” Bianca giggled.

“Oh, you have no idea. They lied to me even after I told them to stop telling lies,” I frowned.

“They’re kids,” Raphael argued.

“And that’s why so many kids are ruined nowadays. You need to instil things like this in them when they are this young so that they grow up with it,” I explained.

“Touché,” he nodded, handing us our food.

We ate while they told me all about the Maestri Empire and more about the deal with Gerard. Bianca admitted that she was impressed that Raphael had told me about the deal from the get go. It impressed me too to be honest. Most men would’ve done it for the sake of business and not told the woman anything about it. I respected him for that.

When were done eating, Bianca bid us goodnight after I showed her to the room she was going to sleep in, leaving me with Raphael. I’d already moved his bags into my room. Since there were some dishes to be washed, I decided to do that. He grabbed a dry dishtowel and wiped the dishes as I showed him where everything goes. He finished as I wiping the counters. He wrapped his arms around me, stopping me from my task.

He turned me around and made me look at him. The familiar toe curling feeling returned as his gaze shifted from my eyes to my mouth. From that alone, I knew that we were having the same battle. He lowered his head, and I didn’t bother stopping him.

His lips were soft on mine. We both didn’t move for a while, just letting the feeling of each other’s lips stay there, but he wasn’t patient enough. I gasped when I felt his cool finger skim across my bare stomach, giving him the entrance he needed.

When had he even untied my gown?

All thoughts were forgotten when our tongues met for a battle so intense, it had my veins searing. The spicy cologne once again engulfed me, and I soon found myself sitting on the very counter I had just wiped with him standing between my legs. We seemed to kiss forever without needing to breathe, but we finally pulled away breathlessly.

“Give us a chance,” he pleaded, golden orbs darkened with desire, but I could still make out the desperation in them. I was about to reply but someone else beat me to it.

“Hell, she’d better say yes after you christened my countertop!” my grandmother laughed. I hid in his chest while it rumbled with laughter. He helped me down from the counter.

“Now, do you mind telling me what’s going on? When I left you, you were in tears over losing the girls,” she said as she sat at the table. We joined her, sitting opposite her.

“Grandmamma, this is Raphael Maestri, the girls’ father. Raphael, this is my grandmother Yvette Washington,” I introduced.

“It’s an honour to meet you Mrs Washington,” he smiled.

“Oh no, the honour is mine, and please call me Yvette. Thanks to you, I’m confident that this one isn’t a lesbian!” my grandmother smirked.

“Grandmamma!” I squeaked, face flushed as Raphael’s laughter reverberated throughout the kitchen.

“What? You’re forever home. What was I supposed to think?” she shrugged.

“I’m not even going to say anything to that!” I sighed.

“Yvette, as you know, the girls don’t have a mother. This weekend, they attached themselves to Aretha and adopted her as their mummy. They want her to come along with us. Now that I’ve met her, I also want her to come along, but she wont leave. In fact, I would like for your permission to marry her,” Raphael spoke confidently. I got chills from his commanding tone.

“Yes! A thousand times yes!” she said excitedly.

“Isn’t that what I’m supposed to say after he proposes?” I teased.

“I give you the permission to agree to his proposal then,” she laughed, making us laugh.

“But grandmamma, I can’t go to Florence. I can’t leave you behind,” I sighed sadly.

“Then take me with you,” she shrugged.

“Aren’t you too weak to fly?” I frowned.

“Oh? So you’re a doctor now?” she challenged, making Raphael bite his lip to keep from laughing at he shocked look that was probably on my face.

“But-” I started, only to have her interrupt me.

“You have no Doctorate of any sort you silly girl! If you’re really worried about me flying, then I’m sure your really wealthy fiancé wont mind paying for me to see a real doctor to confirm if what you’re saying is true,” she smiled at him.

“Anything for my fiancée’s family,” he smirked.

The two of them are ganging up on me.

“You’re ok with this?” I asked her. She reached across the table and grabbed my hand.

“Sweetheart, you’ve spent the last seven years living for me. You’ve been through so much and if Raphael and his girls are your ticket to freedom and happiness, then take it. I’ll be gone soon, and I’ll die happier knowing that I left you in good hands,” she said as tears trailed down her cheeks. I got up and hugged her.

“I love you so much,” I whispered in her ear.

“I love you too honey. More than you will ever know,” she whispered back before I pulled away.

“Well, I just came down to have a glass of water. Are the girls here?” she asked.

“Yeah! They’re asleep, as well as Raphael’s PA Bianca. Luigi and Sven, Raphael’s driver, will be here tomorrow morning for breakfast,” I informed her.

“Very well! I’ll have that glass of water now. Stay off of my counters please,” she teased. I blushed while Raphael chuckled.

“Noted,” he smiled as she drank her water.

“Goodnight you two,” she winked before turning to leave.

“Goodnight,” we shouted back. We didn’t do or say anything until we heard her door close.

“That was embarrassing,” I groaned.

“I love your grandmother,” he smiled.

“She seems to love you too,” I sighed.

“You’re the only one not jumping aboard the train of love,” he joked.

“Oh really? And you have?” I raised an eyebrow at him.

“Who knows?” he shrugged with a smile.

The same smile that had my heart fluttering like crazy.

“Let’s get you to bed Miss Washington,” he suddenly hoisted me up bridal style.

“Put me down,” I giggled.

“I will in a moment,” he whispered.

We switched off the lights before he carried me all the way to my room. I switched on the light before he gently lay me on the bed. My gown automatically fell to my sides, and I could feel myself burning with need under his gaze. I pulled him down for a kiss.

I have never taken charge like this before, but it made me feel good. I knew I wouldn’t let us go too far, even though the thought didn’t seem so bad with the position we were in. He was soon peppering kisses down my jaw line and onto my neck. I had to bite my lip to keep from making a sound, and I also knew I had to stop him then.

“I’m a virgin Raphael,” I said lowly. He stopped and looked at me in confusion before he smiled.

“Of all the things to tell me right now,” he chuckled.

“I’m sorry! I just don’t want us to go too far because I’ve always dreamt of losing my virginity in the Catholic way,” I explained.

“Sex after marriage?” he asked. I nodded.

“I can live with that. You’re worth it,” he smiled, rolling over onto his side.

“Are you sleeping in your jeans?” I asked.

“No actually,” he said before getting up. I squealed and covered my eyes when he started taking down his pants. He laughed but I heard shuffling as well.

“You can look now. I’m decent,” he said. I took my hand away, only to be met by his bare chest. I bit my lip and swallowed loudly.

“That’s not decent,” I managed to say.

“I know. I just wanted to see that look in your eyes again,” he said as he put on a t-shirt.

“What look?” I asked. He turned and switched off the light before coming to the bed. He lifted the duvet and I got in before he got in. He pulled me into his chest and I’d never felt safer.

“The look that shows me that you’re attracted to me physically at least,” he sighed.

“Hey, I am attracted to you emotionally too. You wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t,” I poked him.

“Ok, ok, I believe you,” he chuckled before grabbing my fingers and kissing them.

“Rafe?” I called to him after a while of silence.

“You’re the first person to ever call me that,” he mumbled.

“I am?” I asked in surprise.

“You are! I’m very touchy about people not using my full name, but with you I don’t mind,” he replied. I was glad for the lack of light in the room.

“What were you going to ask?” he asked.

“Oh! I just wanted to know how many women you’ve slept with,” I said nervously.

“One,” he replied.

“Gabi,” I whispered. A part of me was happy that it was only one, but a part of me was kind of down that it was just her.

“She honestly means nothing to me. She meant nothing to me long before she died. The only good thing I got from Gabi are the girls,” he said strongly.

“Will you ever tell me about her?” I asked.

“I will, but not tonight or anytime soon. Just sleep,” he sighed.

“Goodnight Rafe,” I said lowly. He kissed my forehead for a long time.

“Goodnight Ari,” he said. I smiled and fell into a blissful sleep.

***

The memory was still fresh in my mind. It was exactly a week since that day. Raphael had managed to get the best doctor to check my grandmother out and we were told that she could fly. That, of course, was the greatest news for all of us.

In the past week, a whole lot had happened. My grandmother’s house was sold and everyone stayed in America until we were absolutely sure that we had everything sorted out. Raphael, this mad man, decided to take two weeks leave. Bianca is also on leave with the exception that she takes any important calls he has.

Rhonda and Harry threw me a farewell party, which Tobias, Toni, Matilda and Adrienne attended. The latter were shocked when I told them where I was leaving. I didn’t tell them anything about getting married, the girls or being with Raphael though. Only Harry and Rhonda knew about that. They made me promise to send wedding invitations.

By Saturday, everything was packed and ready to go and we left for Florence. We got here very early on Monday morning. The sun was just rising, and I rode to the house with Raphael, Bianca and my grandmother in the Rolls Royce, with Sven driving.

I couldn’t believe my eyes when we arrived at the Tuscan looking house. I had already fallen in love with Florence as we drove here, but this house was insane. Even though it was huge, it had a homey feel to it.

The girls were tired and they went to bed straight from the car. I couldn’t blame them since I was also tired. Raphael told me to head up to the fourth floor and find the master bedroom. I found the elevator insane, but I was in love with it at the same time.

And now here I was, standing at the window of my new bedroom, looking out at Florence. The house is situated at the top of a hill, which means the view from this window overlooks the beauty this city has to offer. I smiled when strong arms wrapped themselves around my waist, while the spicy cologne wrapped itself around my senses. His warm lips kissed my exposed shoulder.

“What do you think?” he whispered.

“I’m in love with it,” I replied.

And I could very well be on my way of falling in love with you too...

**********

ELO SMURFLETTES!!!

Ok, so I'm going out of my mind right now! This book is ranked #310 in General Fiction!!! Like, this is absolutely insane!

I've moved it from Romance to ChickLit. Wanna know a secret though? I have NO IDEA what ChickLit even means! Lol

Thank you so much for all the voting and adding of the story to your libraries. Please continue! I'd also like to know what you think of the the story though. Asking me to 'Please Update' isn't encouraging. I want to know what's going through your mind as you read this!

I love you guys!

Katee (^^,)