I couldn't help but think about Adrino and Natalie.
If he agrees to marry her, then what?
Should I feel sad? Grateful? To both of them?
My mind pounded with questions until he broke the silence.
"Morning, Meena."
"Umm... Master."
"Hey, what's up? Last night was spectacular. So, what's this 'Master' name about?"
"You demanded that if we were in the bedroom, I should call you that."
"Please, Meena. Forget that bullsh*t and call me by my name."
I sighed. He still doesn't trust me enough to tell me. His name is Adrien.
"Umm, do you have any other name? Because I think Adrino and Lucifer aren't the best combo."
"That name was given by my father. I grew up responding to it, and no — I don't have another."
"Okay then. Let me go freshen up."
"Let me join you."
"A man's got to..."
"No. I need space to clear my head."
"Okay, suit yourself. You'll probably miss me. Get breakfast ready. I'll clean up in the other room — then off to work."
"Yeah, sure. Later."
Light fades out.
Adrino's POV
A few hours after... I can't concentrate on any papers or work. All I see is her.
She's been on my mind all morning, brothers.
She didn't seem as happy as I was this morning.
So, I came up with an idea: let's travel around Italy together.
Venice sounded nice — or Sardinia might be great this time of year. I jumped in my car to share the news.
At home, I found Meena curled up, asleep.
How can someone be hot and cute at the same time?
She must have sensed me — her eyes fluttered open.
"Adrino, your look sends chills. Did you forget something?"
"Yes, I did."
"What? I can go get it for you."
"You, Meena. You're on my mind — even more than work."
"Oh, you want sex?"
"No, Meena... Umm, yes, but not now. All I want is a one-week trip with you in Italy — and maybe America next time."
"For real?" she gasped.
"Yes. How does Venice sound?"
"Amazing! When are we going?"
"Right now."
"Oh my gosh! Just give me ten minutes to pack."
"Okay, but don't pack much. We can buy what we need."
"Okay."
I went upstairs, changed into simple clothes, and texted Alex to take a week off.
I told Fred no one was to disturb me unless it was urgent.
A few hours later...
We had roamed almost all parts of Rome, visited Venice, Amalfi, Sardinia, and now we were at Lake Como.
I couldn't help but take a picture of Meena.
Her face matched the sunset — and her smile... oh, her smile! I go nuts for every smile like that.
"Let's take a picture, Adrino."
"I don't—"
"Please, Adrino. You don't have to keep it, but I want to."
"Okay. But not too many. I don't like cameras."
"Oh, stop it." She giggled.
We took several photos until the last one — her head resting on my shoulder, watching the sunset.
"Thanks, Adrino. I never knew I could smile like this."
"And the sunset is so pretty," she added.
Così carino (So pretty), I replied.
"Not me, dummy — the sunset."
"Yeah, that sure is."
"Adrino, thanks."
"For what?"
"For everything."
"It's no big deal."
3 Days Later
Adrino's POV
By now, we'd visited Florence, Milan, Naples, Cinque Terre, and the Dolomites.
I hate to admit it, but I'm actually enjoying myself — more than ever.
Suddenly, my phone lit up. I thought I'd set it to no calls.
I checked the caller ID — and a chill ran down my spine.
The Devil himself was calling.
"Hello," I muttered.
"Come see me now," the stern voice ordered.
"Okay, I'll be there in two hours."
The line went dead.
I sighed. "I'm sorry, Meena, but this vacation's officially cut short."
Blackout.