20| Cookies

Chapter 20

Alice

One week, one glorious week of marital sex. I honestly think having sex with the person you are married to is way better, sensual even, like all the orgasmic boxes were checked off, over and over again. Because God, I am vibrating after screwing Alessio.

I kiss his brow, leaving a thin coat of sweat on my lips. Seems like I tired him out. Who needs a gym when he can just have sex with me. "Alice, If this is married life. Then, we should have gotten married long ago," he says at a huff followed by a laugh. I turn on the bed, laying my head on his chest. Running my hand up to his chest, I listen to his heartbeat get slower and slower until it reaches its usual steady pace.

"Alessio, my love. Is it bad to say that I don't want to leave this bed? That I want to just stay here, sleeping with you...my husband?" I add. My husband, Alessio, is my husband, and my name is now Alice Russo. Alice Russo has a nice ring to it as if I was born to have this last name.

"No, wife," he starts making me squeal. I will never get sick of it. "But, we have to actually go to our home, not shacking up at a hotel."

"Well," I run my hand up and down his chest. "Is there anything wrong with shacking up in this hotel room, having sex, and enjoying light talk about how much we love each other? I, for one, enjoy squealing about calling you my husband for the umpteenth time."

"Yes, but we both have lives and businesses and a kid too." Yes, our child will be official in precisely three weeks due to a large sum of money and a bit of fumbling with dates that may have made it seem as if Aria was our foster child for a while.

I raise my head from his chest and go for my phone, quickly sending off a text to Aria on her whereabouts, if she ate and if she's alright.

Which is answered in less than a minute. Aria is with Odella, with Damien popping in at night when they think she is sleeping. This is funny because anyone really paid attention to Aria like Alessio and me.

They would know that Aria is a strange creature who could stay up all night and be perfectly functional with five hours of sleep, while Alessio and I need a total of eight hours. I think she sneaks coffee when I'm not looking.

But, a Damien and Odella screwing conundrum. I have to tell Alessio about that. Other than that, on a lighter note. Aria has eaten a burger, and she is more than alright because she and Charlie are sharing a bed.

"So, what did Aria say?"

"It seems she is sleeping with Charlie after having a giant burger."

"God, burgers, fries, ice cream, and pizza is all she reported for meals. How is that kid talking her way out of vegetables?"

"She has a gift," I laugh. "Also, Alessio. It seems like Damien and Odella are sleeping together."

"Huh?" Alessio questions. "Are you serious?"

"Yes," I reread the message to make sure my eyes are not playing tricks on me. "Aria said Damien just snuck out of the window."

Alessio let out a low sigh. "This is gonna cause quite the stir when I go into the office. So help me, God, if he just slept with her and will start avoiding her."

"Ghosting," I correct him. "The term is ghosting, remember you have to keep up with lingos. Aria is becoming a teenager soon so we must speak her language. We have to always know what she's saying so we can communicate the best way possible as a parent."

He lets out a low groan, "yes. Ghosting. I hope he does not ghost Odella because if so, I would have to fire him."

"Fire him?" I raise an eyebrow. "Really? What a wonderful boss."

"It's simple, really. Odella is worth more than Damien ever will be, and I would hate to have such tension around the office. I would cut him in a heartbeat over her."

I run my index finger down his chest. "You know, if I didn't know you were crazy in love with me. I would be jealous of how highly you speak of Odella."

His brow twitches, "Odella is just an employee, a friend even."

"I know. Also, I don't know if this is a little late, but if you ever cheat on me. I will divorce your ass and take every penny you come in contact with for the rest of your life," I say with a hint of sweetness, meaning every word.

He tilts my head up, so I can see into his brown eyes. "Alice, I took vows. Vows to love and only honor you. I will never ever touch another woman. I swear to you, I will only love you until my dying breath, Alice," he says, a tad severe for my joke. I know he won't. There's no chance he would. And the look he gives me, the intensity of it all-gives me a reassurance that I didn't know was possible.

"Good," I say, kissing him once more. "What time is check out?"

"Whenever you want. We are on our honeymoon," Alessio murmurs.

"A honeymoon? We're only a fifteen-minute drive from my mother's house. Twenty from our house that we haven't even christened the sheets in."

He kisses my temple, " Right, our house. Is it really done yet?"

I nod my head. Our home has been done since the morning we got married-our perfect family home. "Yup, so I think it's time we leave here."

He lets out a low groan, tightening his hold on me, inhaling my scent as if it's the last time he will ever have this delight. It won't be the last time. It'll be one of many more.

~

I get out of bed, first stopping to look in Aria's room. She's asleep, with Charlie under her arm. His ears perk up at the sound of the wood creaking under me. He slowly eases from under Aria and patters towards me.

It seems like yesterday I found him.

"Charlie," I whisper. "Do you have a sweet tooth like mommy tonight? You think daddy got mommy some ice cream after work today?" I walk through the halls with Charlie in tow; stopping at the mirror, I sigh.

God, I've gotten a bit chunky. My cheeks are so round, and my thighs and hips have spread quite a bit. Alessio seems to love it, often slapping my ass at every chance he gets when Aria isn't around, but I think I could stand to lose a few pounds.

There's a nearby dog park that's only about a ten-minute walk. I can start taking Charlie there every day. I walk down the steps into the kitchen, opening the freezer. I look for my ice cream, and to avail, no matter how much I open and close it, it's not there.

Maybe this is some cosmic message telling me I don't need my sugary fix. I look down at Charlie, who's waiting so patiently for his puppy treat. I grab his designated bowl, put two scoops of peanut butter, topping it off with whip cream. I place the bowl on the ground, and Charlie rushes the bowl headfirst.

I know, baby, it's so good. I look at the cab of whipped cream. It's taunting me, telling me how good it tastes. I know it's good, so good that it makes mommy want some too. I eye the keys hanging next to the front door. Ice cream would be perfect, delicious, everything I have ever wanted, and more.

But I shouldn't, I can't. Who goes out at midnight to get ice cream. It's simply gluttonous. I walk back upstairs, leaving Charlie downstairs to enjoy his snack. I don't even need it. I rub my round face and lay next to Alessio. He's so chiseled and healthy-looking. He wouldn't look weird if he got me ice cream.

He's my husband, and he's supposed to do it. It's not a crime, if I ask. He can say no, and I will be okay with that. I push his shoulder slightly, not at all waking him up. I curse under me breathe.

When we first started sleeping together in the same bed, it was as if he was on high alert. The slightest of movement had him up and at in, like some time of military guy ready to go off to war at the drop of a hat.

"Alessio," I murmur as I push his shoulder, hoping to wake him.

"Yes?" He answers with closed eyes.

"I really want some ice cream, and I know it's midnight, but like I really really really want it, and I think since you're the best husband ever that you could get it for me," I say with a smile.

He lets out a low yawn, "pound cake or chocolate chip cookie dough?"

"Both," I smile. "Oh, and can you bring cookies, and oh! That juice that I really really love-you know, the one that first tastes like coconut then starts to taste like mango?"

He nods his head with closed eyes. "Okay. Anything else?"

I tap my chin three times, "no. Can't think of a single thing, honey." He nods his head and gets up from the bed. He puts on his stuff in haste, and I watch with awe. Even when I know he's tired as can be, he still goes above and beyond. He makes me go wild down there. In the morning, he's definitely getting a little morning delight.

He turns back towards me, now dressed in sweats and a t-shirt, and gives me a lingering kiss. "I'll be back soon."

"Are you at all irritated by me?" I ask, immediately regretting my words. God, if he says yes, I will cry.

"No, you're my wife, so if you want something, I will get it for you no matter what time or conditions we are in. I'll be back in twenty." He kisses me one last time, and his once loud footsteps go silent until I hear the closing of the door, and I know he's gone.

I lay on my back, raising my hand. I stare at my ring. It's such a strange thing becoming a wife. Alessio and I are tied-forever, may I add, till death due us part. I wonder if we should have an actual wedding. That simple backless trumpet dress with the lace trail deserves to be put on by me.

That dress was perfect for me in every sense. I bet Alessio would have cried if he saw me in it.

Maybe we should have a reception.

Mom almost did have a panic attack when she saw our marriage license and realized that she couldn't walk me down the aisle. I turn over and look at our wedding picture on the dresser. I'm there with Alessio, holding up the bouquet, and he's smiling, or at least his version of a smile.

The corners of his mouth are turned up while he just looks at me, with such soft eyes filled with so much love.

It's the happiest I've ever seen him.

Alessio, you have no idea what you've done for me.

A loud crash perks my ears. What was that? I stand up from the bed and slowly ease from our master bedroom. Aria? Is it her? I slowly walk to Aria's room. She's in the same position as before, sleeping on her stomach with her head planted on her pillow, and Charlie is now at the foot of her bed.

I feel a cold wave hit me. Aria is in here, and Charlie is too, and it's way too soon for Alessio to be here. Sweat creeps onto my neck, and my stomach lurches forward.

I look down at Aria and swallow the spit forming. Tiptoeing to her, I slightly push her petite body, willing her to wake up. Her eyes immediately open.

"Aria," I whisper while trying to hold back my own fear. I can't let her be afraid. I'm her mother, and it's my job to protect her.

"Yeah?" She grumbles. "What time is it? What's wrong?"

I take a deep breath, "I think someone is in the house." Her eyes widen, and in an instant, I hold her shoulder, hoping to give even a semblance of motherly reassurance. Aria, if anything happens. I want you to know that you will be okay.

I will die before I let something happen to you.

"Are you serious?" She whispers.

I nod. Like clockwork, I hear another crash, and my eyes widen. This time Charlie's ears perk up as well. Fuck...Charlie and Aria. "Aria, we need to get out of here." She rushes out of bed, not bothering to put shoes on, only standing in her sweatpants and t-shirt that belongs to Alessio. Her eyebrow furrows, and she follows close behind with Charlie in tow.

I ease open her door, and I hear voices. More than once, with one crash followed by another. I grab Aria's hand. My grip only tightens as we patter towards my bedroom. There's a window in there that leads to the backyard. We can scale it...well, Aria and I can. Charlie, he won't be able to.

I slowly close the door, "Charlie," I whisper. His large eyes look up to me, his tongue sticks out, panting at me. I can't breathe, God, Charlie. "I'm gonna put you in the closet, boy." I walk to the closet and open the door, willing Charlie inside. He stares at me, his eyes go up-probably questioning why he's being put inside.

I'm so sorry, Charlie.

"Alice, what are you doing? Why are you putting Charlie in the closet? He needs to come with us."

"Aria," I mutter. "He's not going to make it out the window. We have no way to defend ourselves, and he's gonna be fine," I assure her. I'm not sure if he'll be fine. I'm not sure we'll be fine, but at the very least. Our odd will be better if we leave him here. I hear a rumbling of footsteps go up to our stairs.

"Aria, go for the window-hurry." She looks to the closet door and then rushes to the window without a second thought. I run to the dresser and push it to the door, making a loud creak that I instantly regret. Aria struggles with the window, pulling it up with all her might.

"It won't open," Aria says. Closer and closer, I hear the footsteps. One door, then another door, they're opening them checking for someone, my family.

Alessio, God, where are you? Why tonight? Why couldn't they come when we weren't home. Take whatever you want. Just leave me and my daughter alone. "Aria, I really need you to try, honey. It will open," I say.

She needs to hurry. I hear the footsteps get closer. One no...two...no four different sets of footsteps. Some are heavier than others. The door closest to us opens, leaving our room the last one to be opened. The room feels hot. Knobs are pressed against my back. Nausea and a cold sweat come over me.

The knob turns, and I feel the push to come in. "Shit, they're in here!" I hear.

"Aria! Open the window!" I shout. I press my back against the dresser, using all my strength and weight to keep the door closed.

The door rattles. They're trying to get in.

"Fuck, fuck...fuck!" Aria curses one after another. A tear falls from her eye, but I know it's not nearly as many on her face compared to mine. I don't know when I shed the first one, but they're falling like a rainstorm, one after another.

My daughter...my life. They push at the door. My body jerks from every impact, but I keep my stance. I need to hold this door, only for a bit longer until she makes her escape.

She finally opens the window, and I smile. "Aria, go!" I shout, keeping my stance against another impact towards the door.

She reaches for the window, one leg on the outside, with the other inside. She can jump, and safety gets down. It's been a piece of cake for her, no problem at all. She looks on the other side, her ticket out-her safety net.

Don't look back, Aria, just go.

Another thump.

I don't know how much longer I can hold out. My arms hurt, and every impact feels worse than the one before.

"Open the door. We won't hurt you," One sneer.

Then she does it, she looks, and my heart breaks. I want to be strong. I want to be the supermom to you. "Come on, Alice," she ushers for me to come.

Another thump, "Aria, baby. Please go! I lo-" Another bang, and the door burst open. I take my eyes off of Aria for a second to look. Men in masks with weapons that no average person would own. I turn back to the window.

She's gone, and I've never been more relieved in my life.

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Wow...I hope Alice is okay.

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