Arianna’s POV
My room was filled with flowers from Gabriele. He had suspended every activity and took care of my every need. Last night, Agostino had to push him out of my ward, so he could get proper sleep.
He had been nothing but sweet to me. I knew it was too late now. I had fallen completely in love with him.
When Brett had come to visit a few weeks ago after I regained consciousness, I couldn’t speak with him for long. He wanted to probe me and ask me about the relationship I shared with Gabriele but I couldn’t speak with him.
I felt uncomfortable talking about Gabriele with someone he wasn’t on good terms with. I told him politely, not to come and visit me anymore.
He was obviously hurt by my words but he was a good friend. In the end, he respected my decision and left promising to keep in touch somehow.
I felt bad that we had to put a boundary to our friendship but Gabriele wasn’t happy about his presence in my life. He didn’t say it but I knew Gabriele suspected Brett.
I couldn’t blame him. I probably suspected everybody I met at those parties we attended as well.
I almost lost my life.
It was going to take months for the image of the flashing orange light of the burning mansion to go out of my head.
That night, I thought I was going to die. In fact, I had died till Basilio found me in that room.
The doctor said if I stayed in that room any longer, I would have gotten third-degree burns over fifty percent of my body which would have been deadly.
I might have never made it out of it the same. But fortunately, all I got was a second-degree burn on my palm which was now completely healed.
The experience had been scary.
I told Gabriele to let go of the mafia side of his business and he promised to do that but I couldn’t help but still feel the claws of danger around me.
What if I got attacked again?
There was no way Gabriele was always going to be with me, what if he went on a business trip and his past enemies decided to harm me again?
I didn’t want to leave Gabriele but at the same time, I had to do something to be stronger and not a liability.
The door opened and Agostino popped into his head. I smiled at him and he brought out his hand which held a large bouquet.
“Hello Princessa, how are you doing today?” He sang as he came into the room.
“I am great.” I shrugged showing him my hand. The bandage had been removed a few days ago and the burning around my skin was gone.
He passed me the flowers and I took them with a smile. They were white lilies and they looked so beautiful. I inhaled the smell and placed them among the pile that was on the table behind me.
“Thank you,” I whispered.
“Do you have any more pains, with your hand?”
I shook my head and wiggled the hand in front of him so he could see just how much progress I had made.
“That is amazing to hear. But do you know what is even more amazing?” He asked and my brows corked together as I tried to guess what he meant.
“What is it?” I asked giving up on guessing.
“The doctor said you will be discharged today! Gabriele has gone to sign off all the papers…” He clapped his hands together mimicking a little child and I couldn’t help but giggle.
“Thank you, Agostino,” I said but the smile on my lips didn’t reach my eyes.
What was the point of going to a new home? For how long was I going to stay safe till Gabriele’s enemies found me again?
How long?
“Princessa,” he called softly.
“Huh?”
“What’s wrong? You don’t look too happy… Don’t you want to go home?” There was concern on his face and I felt drawn to him.
“It’s not that… I am happy to go home..” I drawled.
“Then what is it?” His eyes were so deep yet so wise. It was so easy to open up to him.
“I know Gabriele said he was going to pull out of the mafia but, what about his enemies? What if they return Agostino?” I muttered more to myself than to him.
“I don’t want to be helpless anymore. I want to be able to defend myself. I don’t want to be that damsel in distress,” I said.
Agostino observed me silently. His wise eyes seemed to reach my very soul.
“I can help you,” he said and my hopes sparkled again.
Agostino smiled and took my hands. “Now that you are well again, I can train you in combat. That way you won’t be completely helpless in whatever situation…”
This was a great idea. The uncertainty immediately wiped off my face and I smiled hopefully at him.
“Thank you so much, Agostino! Thank you,” I said.
He gave my hands a little squeeze and nodded. “I should be thanking you for bringing so much happiness into my Angelo’s life… You are the hero in this story,” He said.
I was still in a trance of excitement when the door opened and Gabriele stepped in with the doctor.
Gabriele came to my side and kissed me on the lips before turning to his godfather. “Everything is ready,” He told him and the older man nodded with a smile on his face.
“I just have to do a few more checks on her and you are good to go,” The doctor said stepping forward.
Gabriele sat on the bed with me and held my waist while the doctor did his work.
“Doctor, do you think it’s safe for her to have sex now?” Agostino asked and my cheeks went red in embarrassment.
“Agostino, you are too old for this,” Gabriele said with laughter lacing his voice.
The doctor chuckled and winked at me. “She is very healthy. As long as we keep it gentle for starts, you are good,” he said keeping his eyes on my hands.
“Good, because I need them to make me grandchildren,” he said.
My cheeks became so hot I felt like I would sink into the bed with shame. The doctor threw another funny look my way and I squirmed closer into Gabriele
“Agostino, you are embarrassing Arianna,” Gabriele said noticing my discomfort.
“Ash!” He hissed getting off his chair. “I should go prepare the boys, I will leave you to prep yourselves!” He made an awkward wink and the doctor chuckled before packing his things as well.
“I will drop instructions with the nurses at the reception. They will give you the tablets you will be taking for the next couple of days. As soon as you complete that, you will have to come in for a check-up, okay?”
“Yes of course,” I said.
“Thank you, Mr. Gabriele, do take care of her.” The doctor exchanged a firm handshake with Gabriele before he walked out of the room.
The moment he stepped out, Gabriele placed a kiss on my temples and held me close to his chest.
“I am so happy you are coming home today…” He whispered and I settled into him enjoying the feel of his protective body around mine.
We stayed this way for the next ten minutes just enjoying each other’s warmth.
“Come on, let’s go,” Gabriele said after a while.
He helped me out of the bed and slowly, he led me out.
“What about the flowers and my clothes?” I asked him as we exited the room.
“Don’t worry about that, Sofia and Niko will take care of it,” he said.
A frown formed on my face at the mention of their names. Ever since I have been in the hospital, they didn’t visit me. I have asked after them over and over, yet they refused to see me. Now they wanted to come to help me pack up?
“Don’t be like this babe,” Gabriele said and I squeezed my nose upward in irritation.
“Why didn’t they come and visit me?” I snarled.
“They have their reasons and I am sure they will tell you. Now come on, smile or I’ll kiss you in front of everyone.”
I smiled at his warnings and he placed a peck against my temples. We walked out and true to Agostino’s words, the cars were already prepared.
Gabriele took me to the large SUV at the center of the escort vehicles. He pulled the door open and helped me get into the vehicle.
The ride home was peaceful and the serene environment was soothing. I wished I could see them every day as I moved around the neighborhood.
“What’s going on in that pretty mind of yours babe?” Gabriele asked as he drew circles on my arm with his fingers.
I didn’t even realize he was gazing at me.
I tucked my hair behind my ears and gave him a small smile. What I was thinking was probably too much to ask but there was no crime I’m asking right?
“Gabriele,” I started.
He kissed my nose and urged me to speak by wiggling his brows.
“I want to work in one of the branches… Please,” I added just in case he wanted to refuse.
His finger stopped moving on my arm and his eyes froze.