𝟏𝟕 - 𝐓𝐀𝐋𝐊

all the pretty stars,

shine for you my love.

____

VALENTINA

____

"No, no, I know baby, shh..." I tried hushing a fussy Alejandro— teething was rough for him. "Mama knows it hurts, baby. I got you."

Truth be told, I was utterly exhausted. Alejandro has been more than fussy lately, and I miss Enzo. So damn much. I haven't seen him, since we slept over. He's been busy with work; I've been at zero energy for the past few days. I just want to cry.

In the midst of my internal breakdown, a knock sounded on the door. I walked over, still hushing Alejandro in my arms, and peeked through the peephole.

And there he was again. Enzo. He somehow always manages to surprise me when I need him the most, he's like an angel.

"Oh thank god." I whispered, immediately opening the door, being met with a very handsome Enzo, with coffees and pastries in his hands.

Enzo stepped inside, concern immediately filling his eyes, "You look exhausted. And he doesn't look so good either." A small frown took over his face, as he used his free hand to guide me to the living room.

I wasn't really sure what to say. This was my norm, really.

"Brought you a coffee, and a cookie. You can have my cookie too, if you want." He murmured, pressing a kiss against my temple, as he gently took Alejandro into his arms, "Relax, pretty. I can try and soothe him down, okay? You just...take a moment."

He was such a genuine man. No matter how much of a mess I was, he was always there, with zero judgement, like helping me was the most important thing to him. It makes me feel valued. The way he was so...welcoming towards Alejandro, too. Like it was normal. Which it is. Most men just haven't made me feel that way.

I kissed his cheek as a thank you, grabbing one of the coffees and taking a greedy sip, enjoying the warmth run down my throat. I needed this, so much.

With his magical presence, Enzo also managed to make Alejandro finally calm down.

"I read somewhere that if the mother is distressed, the baby feels like they can't relax either." Enzo murmured, grabbing his own coffee. "I don't know if it's true or not, but it makes sense."

I watched him in amazement. He...cares about stuff like that? He reads about it? About kids, parenting?

"You...you're amazing." I spoke quietly, kissing his cheek again, "Seriously. You're always here to support us, and you're so damn understanding and patient. Thank you, truly."

With a small dismissive smile, Enzo simply kissed my forehead, before pulling me close to his side, "I think we should talk."

That sentence made my heart drop to my stomach, out of my ass, through the couch, into the center of the world. That sentence never ends good.

Seeing the worried look on my face, he was quick to comfort me, "No, not like that, baby. Never. I just think you and I should have a proper talk about my...work. And you know...your family's work."

Relief took over my expression, as I let out a small sigh, "Oh thank god. You scared me! You can't just say 'we need to talk'! Are you crazy!" I whisper-yelled, my brows furrowed.

Enzo simply let out a small chuckle, setting Alejandro down in his rocking chair, fast asleep. "You're right, baby. I apologize, how dare I ask to talk with you?" He had a teasing grin on his face, as he pulled my legs to rest over his lap, his hand settling down on my thigh.

I dismissed his words with a small chuckle, turning my focus up to his handsome face, "Yeah, I suppose you're right though. We should talk about the whole...thing. With your...job and my family's afflictions in it..."

He let out a small sigh, gently squeezing my thigh, "I worked with your father in the past. We have an alliance. I didn't make the connection until I figured out your last name."

Before I had a chance to speak, he continued, "But. I don't want you to think that I'm only with you to stay on good terms with your father, okay? I didn't even know he had a daughter. I spend time with you because I like you."

Enzo was so secure and confident in his words, so either he was telling the truth, or he was a damn good liar.

"I know." I nodded, squeezing his hand. "I made sure my father never told anyone about me. I want no connections to that life, I want to know as little as possible about it, especially now that I have a child. He always respected that."

My father had never pressured me into joining his lifestyle, which I appreciated deeply. The mafia was something I never wanted to get involved in, because not only would I be in danger, so would my son. I can't have that.

"I'll also respect that." Enzo murmured, kissing my forehead, "When you're with me, I will make sure you are protected 24/7. I swear on my life, I will always make sure to protect your and Alejandro's privacy. You guys will never have to look over your shoulder when you're with me."

He held full eye-contact with me the entire time, wanting me to hear every single word he was saying. And it helped. I felt truly seen and heard.

"Thank you." I whispered, pressing a kiss to his lips, "For this. For everything. I'm really glad we met, even if it was under...odd circumstances."

Enzo chuckled at the memory, gently shaking his head, "Yeah, it was...interesting, for sure. But I wouldn't trade it for a thing."

With that, we both fell into a comfortable silence, focusing on the TV, where some random movie was playing. I didn't even realize that I fell asleep.

____

"Come on, baby. Roll over for mama." I encouraged my sweet son, as he laid on the blanket on his back. He's getting to the age where he should start learning how to roll over on his own.

"You're putting him under pressure, Val. Maybe he's got performance anxiety." Enzo spoke, settling down on the floor next to me, sliding me a bowl of cut up fruits. Yum.

A small laugh left my mouth, as I grabbed a blueberry, tossing it at his stupidly handsome face, "I just don't want him to fall behind, okay?"

Enzo shook his head, popping a strawberry into his mouth, and I focused back on Alejandro, watching his happy face, as he fumbled around with one of his toys. He's growing up so fast, I'm having a hard time keeping up.

We snacked in comfortable silence, aside from the occasional giggles from Alejandro. Once we were done, Enzo grabbed our empty bowls and took them to the kitchen.

"Get yourself and Alejandro ready, I want to take you somewhere." He said as he came back, pressing a kiss to my cheek, "And no, I won't say where. It's a surprise."

Knowing it was no use arguing with him, I just kissed his cheek in return, before grabbing Alejandro and heading to the bedroom. I changed his diaper and clothes and applied some sunscreen to his cute little face. Once he was ready, I laid him down and got myself ready.

I pulled on a cute, long sundress, slipping on some pretty sandals, and touching up my makeup the slightest bit. To avoid getting my hair stuck to my lipgloss, I pulled the front pieces back with a flower hairclip.

"Good god, you look beautiful." Enzo murmured as soon as we came out of the bedroom, "Radiant. I swear, even the sun is jealous of how beautifully you shine." His hand wrapped around my waist, his lips landing on mine, "Come on, let's go."

____

We drove for 30 minutes, Enzo was suspiciously quiet the entire time, which kind of worried me. Is this when I die?

All my doubts were shoved aside, when we reached our destination, parked by the beach.

"No way." I gasped, eyeing the distance, "Don't tell me you did this."

A small grin settled on his lips, as he shut off the car, "Go take a look, I'll bring Alejandro." With a greatful kiss, I jumped out of the car, walking over to the sandy beach.

This is the most beautiful thing ever. Oh my god.

"Do you like it?" Enzo asked, setting Alejandro down on the blanket.

"Like it?!" I gasped, turning to him, "I freaking love it! This- this is amazing. How did you...when...?" I stammered over my words in shock.

"The guys were a big help." He playfully rolled his eyes, his hands settling onto my hips, "Before we start this impromptu date, I want to ask you something I've been dying to ask."

My eyes focused on his, seeing the nervous energy he still carried. I encouraged him to go on with a small nod.

"The...the time we've spent together has been amazing, truly. You've made me smile and laugh more than I have in my entire life, probably." He chuckled, one of his hands lifting up to rest on my cheek. "I don't want those laughs to end anytime soon."

"Me neither." I whispered, a smile lifting up my lips.

Enzo nodded, looking into my eyes. "Good, that's good. Now..."

He cleared his throat, moving both of his hands to grab mine, pressing a few kisses to my knuckles, before taking a deep breath.

"Valentina, my sweet, beautiful girl. Would you make me the happiest man ever, and let me be your boyfriend?" He asked, his eyes dead-set on mine.

My heart exploded with joy. I know we've been close and romantic, but to hear him officially ask made me happier than ever.

I nodded eagerly, my smile turning into a full blown grin, "Yes, yes of course. I'd love for you to be my boyfriend."

As soon as I said that, he let out a relieved breath, before swooping me up in his arms, pressing his lips onto mine.

We're official!

____

hiii :P

THEY'RE DATING NOW YAYYYYYY

i will try to get another chapter out this week i promise!! love u guys sm!!