"How does mummy make this look so easy?" Camilla huffed as she too had a pancake land on her head just as I walked into the kitchen.
"What are you doing to begin with?" I chuckled.
"Don't laugh daddy! Since we're on holiday, and we know that mummy is probably freaking out upstairs, we thought we should make breakfast so that she doesn't have to," Caterina explained.
I have the world's greatest daughters.
Truth is, my wife was freaking out. She has been ever since I suggested that she come to the building with me so that she can set up her new office and interview candidates for her P.A position. She immediately loved the idea, but she woke up panicked.
I have the utmost faith in her. I know that she can do this once she gets over the jitters. She was born for greatness, and this is just the beginning. She said that having an office would help her work better, hence me offering it.
I had them put her office next to a large room that used to be a boardroom. I figured that unlike me, she will need space for things like planning, much like she did with our wedding, so that room is for that. I already had someone stock the room with flipcharts, boards, a projector and a white board.
"You are absolutely right. Mummy is having a panic attack. I'm proud of you for thinking of her," I smiled.
"It's the least we could do. She already does so much for us," Calinda beamed.
"That she does. Do you want my help?" I asked.
"Don't you need to get ready too?" Caprice scowled. I was still in my pyjamas but I'd already showered.
"I take a shorter time than mummy does. Plus, she hasn't picked out my clothes yet," I replied.
"Can't you pick out your own clothes daddy? You're a grown man," Caterina teased.
"And you're smart enough, but you don't see me asking you the same thing when you let her pick out your clothes," I raised an eyebrow at her.
"We're kids. We're allowed to milk that for as long as we can," Caprice smirked.
"And she's my wife, so I also get those benefits. Beat that," I said before sticking my tongue out at them. They giggled.
"And you're supposed to be the adult here," Camilla shook her head at me.
"Don't judge me," I pouted.
"That's not helping your case," Calinda giggled.
"Whatever! You four are just bullies, so your opinion doesn't matter," I huffed.
"I don't think you're ready to go to work," Caterina commented.
"I agree with Cat. Mummy babied you too much. Those other businessmen will eat you alive," Caprice added.
"There goes our family's fortune. We've lost our CEO daddy and are stuck with a baby," Calinda said dramatically.
"I say we put him up for adoption. I'm too young to raise a grown man," Camilla laughed.
The nerve of these children!
"I have the good sense of disowning you," I said seriously.
"Eh, it's ok. We've got a mum now," Caprice shrugged.
"Hit us with your best shot," Camilla and Calinda said in sing song before the four of them burst into laughter.
"This isn't bullying any more. I'm so telling on you," I crossed my arms.
"It's your word against ours, and we've already established that mummy doesn't believe anyone who thinks we're evil," Caterina smirked.
I have never!
"I'm leaving now," I said as I turned to leave the room.
"WAIT! We're sorry and we need your help," they pleaded.
"Only because I'm the only other adult around," I raised an eyebrow.
Everyone had gone back to their homes or hotels for whatever reason. Fabio got Rhonda her own apartment and she was staying there with Salina since they became such good friends. Marcia and her husband were staying at their hotel room, despite us offering to have them stay here.
Apparently it's about time we get used to just being the six of us since even Anita has left.
"Well yeah," they shrugged unashamedly.
"Oh wow and here I thought you were genuinely sorry," I rolled my eyes at them.
"It's not our fault you thought wrong," Calinda scowled while her sisters fought to keep from laughing.
"I think I liked it better when I wasn't talking to you things as much," I mumbled.
"Things?" they feigned horrification, hands to their hearts.
"Yes, things. My daughters wouldn't bully me," I pointed out.
"Good thing they don't exist," Caprice giggled, causing a chain reaction.
"I don't like you anymore," I said before leaving the kitchen.
Despite the bullying, I couldn't help but be happy about it. I've never had a relationship like this with my girls, and I wouldn't trade it for the world. Their intelligence offers better opportunities for the banter we just had; something most people with seven year olds can't say they do with their children.
The elevator arrived on our floor and I could hear my wife talking on the phone as I walked to our room. I got there and she was pacing, rendering me speechless and stupid. She was seemingly ready for work, and I couldn't put together a coherent thought for what I was looking at.
She was dressed in a plain black dress that was moulded to her perfectly shaped body, ending just above her knees. Her hair was tied up in a sophisticated do, and I followed her shapely legs down to a pair of red killer heels she's never worn before.
"RAPHAEL!" she shouted, snapping me out of my trance.
"Hmm?" I looked up at her eyes, mirth dancing in them.
"I take it you approve?" she blushed.
"I'm not sure. I want to say yes, but I don't know if I want other men seeing my wife like this," I replied honestly.
"I'm going to go with the yes part of that," she giggled.
"Mia moglie, you look breathtaking," I smiled.
"Thank you mio marito. I've picked out your outfit," she said, indicating the all black ensemble on the bed. She'd chosen an Armani suit, a black Gucci shirt and belt, and black Tom Ford shoes.
"Someone's feeling dark," I teased.
"On the contrary. This is our first public appearance together since the press release. Black clothing represents different things, and for today I'm going for class and confidence. Despite my jitters, I want us to appear as a strong couple that's ready to face the wo-" she rambled before I kissed her to shut her up.
"You're going to be fine cara mia," I caressed her cheek.
"I know, but I am allowed to at least feel a little nervous. I have never worked in a corporate environment before, and my first time just so happens to be right at the top of a multibillionaire corporation alongside one of the most feared and respected CEOs in the world. Excuse me for feeling undeserving," she said cheekily.
"I'm not even going to try and counter your jab, simply because I've already had a battle with your children downstairs," I sighed.
"What happened?" she giggled.
"They are evil, and I know you wont believe me because they pointed out that you don't believe anyone who calls them evil, but they are. They don't even care if I disown them and they basically called me a baby in a grown man's body," I huffed. She bit her lip to keep from laughing.
"Knock yourself out," I mumbled, and that was enough to set her off.
Being the man child I apparently am, I pouted and got to getting dressed. She was still laughing, until I took off my pyjamas, leaving me stark naked. My back was to her, so I smirked in satisfaction since I could feel her eyes on me. I ignored her and instead got dressed.
"You are evil Raphael," she said lowly.
"What did I do?" I feigned innocence.
"Oh, two can play this game. Remember that," she winked before going into our closet. I followed after her.
"I have something to give you," we said simultaneously before laughing.
"You go first," she suggested.
"Ok, here you go. I got them for you while we were in D.C," I said as I handed the box over. It's a pair of black stoned earrings.
"I love them," she beamed before taking them out and putting them on.
"Gimme, gimme, gimme," I jumped up and down, making her laugh.
"Oh my sweet man child, here you go," she giggled, handing me a box that was slightly bigger than the one I just gave her.
When I opened it, I couldn't believe what was inside. There were three sets of cufflinks there. One was of The Maestri Empire logo, one was of my initials 'ARM', and the last one was the letter 'C' infused with the number '4'.
"I didn't realize until I got them done that you and I actually have the same initials since my second name is Ruby. The first one is pretty obvious, and the last one has to do with the girls," she explained.
I couldn't help but kiss her.
In fact, I had to.
I don't know what else I could possibly say to emphasize the fact that I hit the jackpot with this woman. She is everything to me. I don't know what I did to deserve her, but I will cherish, love, respect and treat her like a queen for as long as I'm breathing.
"I love you so much mi amore," I said breathlessly.
"Mhmm," she said dazedly, making me laugh before kissing her again.
"You're amazing Ruby," I smiled.
"No, I hate that name," she scrunched up her nose.
"Just like I hate the name Ambrosi, and yet you're the only person who seems to understand this. All those other stubborn people I have the unfortunate pleasure of considering family just don't get it," I grumbled.
"You'll always be Ambrosi to them caro, and it's about time you accept that. You're only Raphael to me because that's the name I called you from the very beginning," she argued.
"I get it. Doesn't mean I have to like it," I sighed.
"I'm starting to realize that that's your way of seeing most things," she giggled.
"Whatever. You're just like your daughters," I pouted.
"And you're just a man child. Come here," she smiled before kissing me.
She helped me put my cufflinks on, with me having chosen to go with the initials set. I finished up getting dressed and I applied my Clive Christian No1 cologne. She applied her Chanel No5 perfume, which I bought for her when I was in Australia. It's the one thing I know makes her grateful for her newfound wealth.
Or at least that's what she told me.
She honestly surprises me. She has all these riches in her name, and she still wont spend money just to spend it, the way I do. Her cars are still in the garage, untouched, and she had my sister and Rhonda fill her side of the closet while we were away, just so that she wouldn't have to do it.
When we were in D.C, we managed to drift away from the girls because I wanted to get her something. She didn't want to pick anything, and I had to threaten her to get her to pick a set of earrings that wasn't even the most expensive, or even the least bit expensive to begin with.
I know that she has her values and all, but as a man, I will admit that my ego takes a hit when she refuses to spend our money. I mean, I've worked for so long, longing for a partner to share my riches with, and God blessed me with a woman who wants nothing to do with them.
"What are you thinking about?" she brought me out of thought, sitting on my lap.
"It's nothing," I replied.
"It's not nothing Rafe. The look you had on your face showed me that whatever you were thinking about is something that's bothering you," she countered.
"I hate that you know me so well," I admitted.
"I know, but that's not what you were thinking about," she smiled. I sighed in frustration but went ahead anyway.
"Why don't you want to spend our money?" I asked. She looked taken aback by the question.
"That's what's bothering you?" she scowled. I nodded.
"It's not that I don't want to. At the moment, I just don't know how to if that makes sense. I've lived my whole life on sensible spending, and now I'm richer than I ever imagined I would be. It's not even sinking that your riches are now mine as well. I'm not used to the 'our' part of things, so I guess a part of me feels like I'd be spending your money. I know it isn't the case, but you have to bear with me. I need time to adjust to my new lifestyle. Luckily for you, my new job might force me into that direction," she giggled a little.
I was relieved.
"I'm sorry I got bothered by something so miniscule," I apologized.
"You don't have to apologize mio caro. It isn't miniscule. It's something that was bothering you, and at least we spoke about it before it became something huge. For as long as we communicate like that, then we can avoid any unnecessary hurdles," she smiled.
"I love you," I said. She leaned down and kissed me.
"I love you too," she sighed happily.
We grabbed our phones, and she grabbed her handbag, before we passed by the study to get our laptops. We headed downstairs to find the dining table set. The girls had given up on pancakes, and had instead gone with muffins, croissants and fruit salad. They were putting the coffee and juice on the table, making me narrow my eyes.
Somebody helped them.
"Good morning mummy!" they beamed before hugging her.
"What's this?" my wife asked, smiling.
"We thought we should make breakfast for once," Calinda said proudly.
"And let it go down on record that daddy was of no help," Caprice added. I shot her a mock glare.
"I know he didn't help because you bullied him. That's one less birthday present for each of you," my wife surprisingly came to my rescue.
The look on the girls' faces was everything.
"Man, I have never seen them so shocked before," my little brother chuckled, standing at the doorway with his camera in hand.
"Fabs?" my wife raised an eyebrow at him.
"The girls gave up on making pancakes so they called and asked me to bring some stuff by on my way over," he explained.
"I knew it!" I smirked.
"It's the thought that counts," Camilla mumbled.
"And I'm grateful for it," my wife smiled before kissing their cheeks.
"What are you doing here in any case?" I asked my brother.
"I'm here to fetch the girls. I need their help with something, and since Lui's busy with Maestri Telecoms business, I offered to look after them for the day, though I had to fight with Salina," he huffed.
"You guys are actually fighting to babysit?" my wife and I asked in confusion.
"Being with the girls isn't like being with a bunch of kids. You can actually have a decent conversation with them, to the point where you don't even feel like you're babysitting. You just feel like you're chilling," he chuckled. The girls looked pretty happy with what he was saying.
"Well alright. As long as they are being watched over, then we don't mind," I told him.
"They're in good hands," he smiled.
We had breakfast with them, but had to leave since we'd taken longer than I'd intended. I wanted to be early, but that wish went down the drain when six struck and we were still in the house. We left just minutes after, and my beautiful wife chose the Bugatti when I asked her to pick a car.
We were riding together to work, with Sven following behind us in the SUV. I wanted to drive us, but I still wanted us to be safe. We hadn't had any dangerous encounters so far, but that's not to say we were impervious to them.
We arrived at headquarters at a little after seven, and I was surprised to see the press already there. It's amazing how much dedication these people have to their jobs. I drove to my designated spot in the underground parking, which meant we were out of sight from the press.
"I wonder how long they've been out there," my wife commented as we got our stuff out of the car.
"With my reputation, they know I like to be in early, so probably since five or so," I guessed.
"That's insane," she frowned.
"It's also their source of income so they'll do anything for it," I pointed out.
"I guess that makes sense. Anyway, let's do this. I'm anxious to see my new office," she said excitedly.
I hadn't actually described the office to her, or shown her any pictures of it. She thinks I put her close to me, but I avoided doing that for two reasons. One, we're both distractions to each other, and that's not productive, and two, I want her to grow without me overshadowing her, despite us being in the same building and on the same floor. We're at different ends of the same floor.
We reached the floor, and as usual, the early risers were already at work. I was shocked when one of them started clapping and everyone else joined in. I've never had any sort of relationship with my employees, and yet they all looked so happy for me.
"Congratulations Mr Maestri. Mrs Maestri, it is an honour to have you in our midst," Ursula, our Human Resources Manager, stepped up to us.
Again, I was too shocked to speak.
All I could think about was how my wife had pointed out to me that there's a difference between fear and respect, and I've always thought that my employees fear me, rather than respecting me.
I never once thought they'd actually be happy for me.
"My husband is probably shocked that you were so bold as to talk to him, especially about something personal, so I thank you on our behalf. I look forward to working with everyone," my wife giggled.
"That's understandable. We're all curious to know what role you'll be playing in the company though," Ursula admitted.
"Everything will be revealed in due time," I managed to find my voice.
"Of course Sir! If you'll excuse me. I need to get to get to the Finance Department, but it was truly an honour meeting you Mrs Maestri," Ursula smiled.
"I didn't catch you name," my wife said.
"Oh Ursula Hemmings," Ursula informed. I recruited her from Brazil three years ago.
"Got it, and please, call me Aretha," my wife beamed.
"Got it! Excuse me," Ursula said before leaving us. I led my wife to my office first.
"How come they know I'm working here now?" she asked.
"Your name is probably on your office door by now," I replied.
"Oh, and I guess it's just my name? No position?" she asked.
"Not yet. I was waiting for us to make the official announcement and to ask you what exactly you wanted to be put there," I replied.
"What do you mean?" she frowned.
"Well, COBs don't normally have an office, and also, it's not the only thing you're here for. Since you're the one behind the three new businesses and the foundation being set up, I'm not quite sure what to put there," I explained.
"What have you come up with so far?" she giggled.
"Honestly, nothing. It boggled me and I gave up instantly," I chuckled.
"It does sound like quite the situation actually," she sighed.
"We could always go with Co-Owner," I suggested.
"Co-Owner of what?" she raised an eyebrow.
"Well, you are the co-owner of The Maestri Empires," I pointed out.
"True, but you're the CEO, and I come in as Co-Owner. It doesn't sound right," she countered.
"Well, you're not exactly my vice CEO, so does Co-CEO make sense? We can add Owner under my CEO position, so that we can also add Co-Owner under your Co-CEO position," I laughed in explanation.
"You are by far the sweetest husband I know. What you just said probably wont make sense to other people, but it makes total sense to me," she smiled, wrapping her hands around my neck.
"I'm glad you like it," I returned the smile before kissing her.
"I want to go to my office now," she said enthusiastically.
"As you wish Signora Maestri," I chuckled.
With my laptop bag in my office, we left for hers. As I mentioned before, it's on the other side of this floor, and we passed by quite a lot of people who again, looked pleased to see our entwined hands. We finally reached her office, which had her name on the door. The slightly larger than normal cubicle just outside hers is vacant, as it will be for her P.A.
We stepped into her office, and you could immediately see the differences between our offices. My office is on the darker side, while hers is the complete opposite. The theme of the room seems to be white and tan. The only similarities are the common furniture we have and the incredible view. Just like me, she has three conjoining doors, with the only difference being that instead of the storage room, her third door leads to her conjoining planning room.
"I love it! Bianca is the best!" she squealed. Bianca had been the one to get everything organized.
"I knew you would. I have a surprise for you," I told her before leading her through to the planning room.
I watched as awe and excitement settled on her features. Bianca had really gone a step further with the room by having cabinets, a table and everything else I hadn't thought of installed and placed in the room.
"What is this room?" she asked.
"It's your planning room. Since you require the space to be creative, I figured this space will do just fine for you to go wild," I replied.
"Best husband ever!" she giggled before coming over to kiss me.
"Please don't christen anything while there are still people in the building, let alone so early in the morning," Bianca said behind me.
"We weren't going to do anything of a sort," my wife rolled her eyes at her.
"Yeah, yeah! Anyway, morning to you guys. How are you feeling today?" Bianca asked.
"Good," I smirked.
"More than good! I love my office and this room. Thank you so much Bee!" my wife said before hugging her.
"It's my pleasure, as well as my job. I'm glad you like it. Now, as much as I'd love to stand here and talk, we have business to get to. Raphael's been gone for a month, and now that he's back, he's got a whole load of things waiting for him," Bianca informed.
"Got it! You guys go ahead then," my wife smiled.
"Before we go, let me attend to you first. Salina went through the responses to the P.A posts and set up the interviews for you. Your first interview is at eleven. Joel will also be coming in to discuss the foundation with you and that will be at ten. At four, you'll be meeting with the realtor who is dealing with the acquisitions of the restaurant, art gallery, studio and bakery locations," Bianca read off of her iPad.
"It's only my first day," my wife whined.
"Yeah, and you're also married to Raphael Maestri, so put your big girl panties on and deal with it," Bianca said seriously before walking out.
"Talk about tough love," she mumbled.
"Cara mia, I'm only a minute away if you need me," I tilted her chin.
"No, I need to do this by myself. If I can survive today, then I'll at least have hope that I can survive anything," she managed a small smile.
"Alright Signora Maestri! Go on and show the world what you can do. I love you," I said before kissing her.
"I love you too, now get out," she smiled.
"The love we get," I rolled my eyes at her.
"Get out," she pushed me all the way to the door. The employees looking our way seemed amused.
"You're embarrassing me in front of our employees," I whispered.
"I don't care. Go away," she giggled.
"You're a monster. I want my wife back by knock off time," I scowled. She giggled and kissed my cheek.
"We'll see," she said before going into her office and shutting the door in my face.
I shook my head and headed to my own office. Bianca had already put my files on the table, and she'd already emailed me my schedule for the day. I had no space for lunch, and seemingly, neither did my wife. We were booked for the entire day.
"You called?" Bianca said, her head popping in at the door.
"There are things that don't add up with this file," I told her. She walked in and looked it over.
"Damnit! I told Petra to change this. I'll be back with the proper numbers," she huffed before leaving.
I had meeting after meeting, and I was surprised when Gerard walked in. I hadn't seen him since the wedding. That also happens to be the last time I spoke to him. He was with Rosetta and I signalled for them to be seated across from me.
"How are you son?" he smiled.
"I'm good, just a little stressed over everything now that we're back," I replied.
"Ah yes! How's my princess?" he asked. I was about to respond when she walked in.
"Rafe, there's something I don't understand here," she said, looking a folder in her hands. She was unaware of our guests.
"Hello princess," Gerard chuckled, making her look up.
"Dad! Rosie!" she beamed before going to hug them.
"You look so happy Rita," Rosetta smiled.
"I am! What are you guys doing here?" she asked them.
"I'm here to give Raphael the handover documents," Gerard replied.
"It's still happening?" my wife and I asked in surprise. We'd forgotten about it.
"Yes. I'll admit that at first, this was about ensuring that Aretha ended up with a good man I was sure would take care of her, but then I got to thinking about it. I wouldn't trust anyone else with my businesses," Gerard explained.
"I don't know what to say," I admitted.
"You don't have to say anything. You just need to sign the papers," he chuckled.
"Can we think about it?" my wife spoke on our behalf.
It's better that she's saying it than me.
"What do you mean? I thought you'd be happy about it," Gerard scowled.
"We are, but we're also dealing with so much more. I'm not saying that this takeover shouldn't happen. I just don't think right now is the right time. Perhaps once everything else has settled down, then we can look back to this," my wife explained.
I'm beyond proud of her at this point in time.
"And how long could that possibly take?" Rosetta asked.
"A year at best," I replied.
"Alright, I hear you. One more year wont do me any harm, but I'd still like for you to go through the papers as I take it you're in this together?" Gerard cocked his head to the side.
"Yep!" my wife nodded.
"Good! I guess I'm happy, and this meeting is over," Gerard smiled.
"And I don't mean to cut you off, but I really need an answer so that I can get back to my office. I have too much work on my plate right now," my wife said.
"Of course, you go on ahead. We'll catch up with you another time," Rosetta smiled.
Gerard and Rosetta left after hugging my wife and shaking my hand. I helped her with what she needed and I learnt that she'd already interviewed her first three candidates. She still had eight more to go.
We both got back to work, and I didn't have any more meetings for the rest of the day. I only had reports, files, emails, orders and proposals to go through. I wasn't even halfway with them when my wife made her presence known once more.
"I know you're super busy, but I need your help with this," she bit her lip.
"What is it?" I asked.
"The realtor is in my office and he's talking about things I know nothing about. Please just help me pick out places and then I'll be out of your hair," she sighed.
"Why are you making yourself sound like a burden?" I frowned as I stood up.
"Because I feel like one," she admitted.
"But you're not. I don't blame you for needing help with something you've never had to deal with. I know you want to prove something to yourself and everyone, but it's ok to admit that you need help Ari," I said, bringing her into a hug.
"I'm just a little overwhelmed. This day has been a hectic eye opener," she looked up at me.
"You don't have to tackle everything right now. You can take your own time as I've mentioned before," I pointed out.
"I know, but keeping me busy is actually enjoyable when I'm not thinking about all the things that might go wrong," she replied.
"You're being ridiculous. You're brilliant at everything you do, and I don't doubt that this is something you'll be brilliant at as well," I smiled.
"Well, now that I have my own personal cheerleader just a minute from me," she giggled.
"It's a two way street cara mia," I chuckled.
"I know, even though you don't need me because of how awesome you are at your job," she blushed.
"You've helped me more times than I can count since I've met you, even if you clearly haven't realized this," I commented.
"Huh! Who would've thought?" she smiled.
"I would've," I said before pecking her lips.
"Let's not keep that poor man waiting. I have to get back to this anyway," I groused.
We left for her office, and since I hadn't left the office since I went in earlier in the morning, some of the employees were only seeing me then, and they were just as accepting as the ones I'd already seen as we made our way to my wife's office. We arrived and the realtor looked up, lustfully drinking her in, until his panicked eyes landed on my scowl.
"M-Mr Maestri!" he stuttered. I raised an eyebrow at him.
"Wendell, this is my husband Raphael Maestri as you know. Caro, Wendell Stone," my wife introduced.
"It's an honour to meet you Mr Maestri," he said. I only sent him a nod in return.
"I've recruited my husband to help me better understand what you've been saying to me," my wife explained.
"Oh, that wasn't necessary. I don't mind explaining everything until you understand it," he smiled at her.
"So that you can spend more time with her?" I asked. He turned to me and the fear crossed his eyes.
"That's not at all what I meant Sir," he said quickly.
"What did you mean?" I crossed my arms.
"Rafe," my wife said in warning. Seeing my obstinacy, she sent me a glare that I understood very well.
You are not doing this here.
"Please, proceed," she told Wendell after I took my seat.
I had to listen to the insufferable man for thirty minutes as he explained whatever he was explaining. As annoyed as I was however, I knew I'd anger my wife if I didn't pay attention to what he was saying. When he was done, I looked over the properties that were on offer.
I then had to explain to my wife what each of the best options offered, and she was able to make a decision on the four locations she needed. Wendell said he would draw the money, and I said I'd pay the following day.
"Thank you for your help my jealous husband," she said once Wendell was gone.
"He was looking at you like he wanted to devour you!" I defended.
"And you still have to maintain professionalism. I'm not being vain here, but I know for a fact that he will not be the last man to look at me like that. You cannot want to kill every man who does. Our business will not flourish if you do," she scolded.
Must she forever be right?
"Fine, I get it," I murmured.
"Do you see this?" she asked, pointing to her wedding ring.
"Yes! What about it?" I asked.
"It's a reminder that I belong to you, and only you. I know that, but I need you to remember that. I will never look another man's way mio marito, and I already promised you that. You need to trust me," she sighed.
"I trust you with my life mia moglie. It's just these men that I don't trust, especially since you were..." I trailed off.
I could feel the fury taking over me.
The thought of any man touching my wife, violating her without her consent made me want to kill someone, especially since it's already been done to her by some sick asshole. If only she could tell me who he is so that I can feel better after having done something about him.
"Look at me," she sighed. She was now sitting on my lap as I looked up at her.
"I'm ok, and I'm yours. I know that you're still angry about what happened to me, and I don't blame you, but I'm the safest I've ever been with you. You need to trust yourself, trust that you've got me well protected ok?" she said.
"I will never stop worrying Ari, something that you have to understand," I countered.
"Alright, fair enough," she smiled.
"Ti amo mi amore," I returned the smile.
"So much love today," she giggled.
"You deserve it," I nuzzled her neck. She shot up from my lap.
"Go away! You need to finish," she shooed.
"I feel so used. I don't even get a kiss for my services rendered," I pouted. She giggled and leaned down to kiss me.
"Now go away," she smiled.
"What is it with you and chasing me away?" I chuckled as I headed out of her office.
I got back to my work and did the most that I could. By eight, I was surprised that she hadn't come to get me. She hadn't even called me. I packed up my stuff and headed over to find her immersed in some planning. It looked like she was working on the restaurant theme and layout.
"Look at you go," I whispered in her ear, making her jump.
"What time is it?" she frowned.
"A little past eight. We both got lost in our work," I replied.
"The girls!" she gasped.
"I'm pretty sure they're ok," I consoled, but apparently that wasn't enough.
We left the building just minutes later, and made it to the house in no time. I could hear my brother and Luigi laughing with the girls. When we appeared, the girls excitedly came to greet us. They made us sit on the couches as they had 'something important to say'.
"So, we love spending time with you guys, and we know you love it too, but we also realize that you wont have time for us anymore, or at least for a while," Caprice started off.
"In that case, we have a solution for you guys. Since its holidays, Uncle Lui doesn't mind taking us anywhere for vacation. That way, we'll have a good time, while you guys don't have to worry about coming home before eight. This way, you have one less thing to stress about," Camilla finished off.
I could see the struggle in my wife's eyes, and I was having the exact same struggle. We feel guilty about being away from the girls, but what they are suggesting is also a solution for us, at least for right now with how busy we both are and all.
"We will not hold it against you. We understand that you need some time to adjust to the new changes and this is us making our contribution," Calinda added.
"And we'll be back in time for our birthday," Camilla giggled.
"Are you sure about this?" my wife asked unsurely.
"One hundred percent. We just want you guys to come right with your businesses without having to worry about us," Calinda smiled.
Did I mention that I have the world's greatest daughters?
***
ELO SMURFLETTES!!!
So, I'm more inspired now than ever to type this story. It is my number one priority at this moment. I know people have my other stories that they'd like me to update, but I'm back at school on Wednesday and I really want to get this book published, but I need to finish it first.
Anyway, how are we feeling? Still loving the story? I love the girls, our couple and everything else that's going on, but the drama is going to kick up a notch faster than you guys think, so prepare yourselves.
Can we get this ranking higher than #8? It's currently #18! Pretty please?
PLEASE vote, comment, add to your libraries, share and follow. I love you guys so much!
Katee (^^,)