Chapter 130

Isabella’s POV.

Turns out when my dad said, “We’re going to Italy,” he meant quite literally 'WE'. Ares’ parents, Maksim, Toni, and Rosa were planning to tag along as well. It was all very exciting, but also quite busy with everyone involved – I mean, seriously, there were over 11 people traveling.

Right now, it was just Rosa and me. We reclined on the chairs outside and gazed up at the stars. Everyone else was being led by my parents for a nice tour of the city at night.

Rosa had encountered issues with her employer, or previous employer I should say, who turned out to be a fraud. Consequently, her work visa situation wasn’t what it should be. However, her talents were valued, and Rene ended up bringing her on board to manage the marketing of her new clothing line. The new workplace was more flexible, which explained how Rosa managed to get time off for this trip.

“So, how’s the new job?” I began to wonder, looking at Rosa. There seemed to be a more formal setting at this new place from what I’ve heard and I knew that it was different for Rosa.

“No mimosa hour but it’s perfect– beyond perfect, I’ve dreamed of leading my own team for a long time already. It now feels so surreal,” Rosa admitted, a soft sigh escaping her lips.

“Enjoy it, Rosa. You deserve it,” I said truthfully.

“I know… It’s also a huge task. If I fail, this will stain my reputation permanently,” She began to worry, and frankly, I understood her. This was an entire new division, all for her and two others to lead to succession.

“I’m sure you won’t fail,” I said with confidence, sitting up straight. “You’re damn good at your job,” I reminded her, knowing she needed to hear it. “You could sell me a broken clock, and I would still buy it,” I laughed, though it was true. She spoke so suave and calm, easily convincing.

“You’re unbelievable,” Rosa laughed and shook her head.

“Are you two having a cute moment without me?” Toni’s voice filled the air. We turned around and saw him walking through the gates, finding himself in the garden already.

“What if we are?” Rosa asked teasingly, bringing her soda to her lips.

“Then you’d both be big, big cheaters,” Toni said dramatically, narrowing his eyes on both of us.

"What are you even doing here?" I frowned at Toni. It hadn't been that long since he left our group, and now he was back. Were they all coming back?

"I can't be a tourist in my own country," Toni scoffed, pulling a chair closer to ours. "I love the whole bunch, but not as much as you two," he winked.

"Oh my god, we haven't had a night in forever! Let me go grab some wine and snacks, and we'll talk," I said excitedly, rising to my feet.

"Oh yes! I've been wanting to stalk my own high school bullies," Toni fished his phone out of his pocket and wore a grin.

"They called your outfit less eye-pleasing once or twice—that's hardly bullying," Rosa rolled her eyes. I didn't say it out loud, but they might have a point. Toni didn't coordinate colors that well in the past.

"Are you kidding me?" he scoffed.

I went to grab the wine, and wafers, along with many other snacks, and returned outside. Snuggling into my chair, I sipped my wine, and soon the stalking, talking, and laughing began. It was honestly a nice night, and I truly did miss our friends' night.

"So, how are things with Ares?" Toni asked, stirring his straw around to mix his drink.

"We have our little disagreements here and there, but he seriously took a seminar in communication because not a single issue is left unresolved," I replied, playing with the ends of my hair. "He fights to understand me, fights to make sure I feel comfortable," I admitted, a smile spreading on my lips. Ares wasn't kidding about not taking this chance for granted; he was doing everything in his power to show how much he loved us. And I couldn't be happier.

"Above all… He makes me feel loved and cherished like no man ever did," I admitted.

"Oh honey, that is just incredible," Rosa gushed, guzzling down her wine. "You deserve it all."

"And Slade. Oh my god, he's such a good fucking dad, I hate how hot he makes it look when he spends time with our boy," I groaned, the wine taking over now. "Like seriously, the other day he was lying shirtless on the ground and was busy coloring with Slade. I’m not sure how or why, but my ovaries got a pulse of their own suddenly," I shook my head, the image reappearing in my mind, and I could almost drool.

"I always told you he was a hot guy," Toni wiggled his eyebrow.

"I'm honestly so happy he's a great dad. Slade deserves that," Rosa grinned.

"And Isabella deserves the eye candy," Toni laughed.

As I leaned back in my chair, swirling the wine in my glass, I couldn't help but reflect on the incredible moments Ares and Slade brought into my life. The love and adoration Ares showered me with were beyond anything I had ever experienced.

"I'm honestly grateful," I confessed, "Slade being an incredible dad is not just a blessing for our son but for me too. And yes, Toni, the eye candy is a nice bonus," I chuckled, raising my glass in a silent toast to the joys and surprises life had presented me.

***

As Rosa and Toni continued to talk, we decided to make a late dinner. The conversation flowed effortlessly, fueled by the warmth of friendship and the lingering effects of the wine. Eventually, fatigue and the pleasant buzz of alcohol settled in, signaling that it was time to part ways. Rosa and Toni lived on the same street, so I watched them stroll to their homes from my fence before heading inside.

Feeling the need to wash away the day, I indulged in a soothing bath before retiring to bed. Glancing at my phone, I noticed messages about the others going for a late-night snack. The house was quiet, and I could feel the calm settling around me as I embraced the comfort of my bed.

Soft kisses began to spread across my forehead, cheeks, and neck, accompanied by the gentle scrape of a beard and the familiar scent of safety and warmth. I hummed, savoring the intimacy, and turned towards the source of the affection – my person, Ares.

"Ares?" I mumbled.

"Hey, sweetheart." He took a seat at the edge of the bed.

"Slade?" I began, my thoughts catching up as I realized that he was home now.

"Already put him to bed; he was quite tired," Ares answered, pulling out a small paper bag and showing it to me. "I brought you some cake," he whispered, leaning down to kiss me.

I wrapped my arms around him, pulling him closer as we sank into a deeper, more passionate kiss. One hand found its way into his hair, while the other traced a tantalizing path down his chest. Amidst the soft rustling, the cake found its place on the nightstand. Ares climbed on top of me, the connection between our lips unbroken, his hands skillfully exploring my body, earning moans of pleasure.

"I love you, so, so, fucking much," he whispered against my lips.

"I know, baby," I whispered, watching as he peeled his shirt off, revealing the outline of his strong, muscular form.

With a desire that matched his, I pulled him closer, rolling us over until I straddled him. Placing my hands on his face, I kissed him passionately, preparing both of us for a night filled with hot passion. There was an insatiable hunger between us, a magnetic force that drew us together time and again. I could never get enough of this man, and he couldn't keep his hands or lips off me either.