Chapter 25: 25

ARIA

So bright.

I winced, rolling onto my stomach. It took me a moment to realise that I was in Sandro's bed, and the blinding light was the sun streaming through the uncovered window.

My eyes stayed close, only because I was that comfortable and had no desire to move. I took a peek, seeing Sandro lying on his back with his head facing me and a hand resting on his stomach. He was fast asleep, taking small and calm breaths.

I shut my eyes again, letting out a sigh of content. Sandro's room was always cold, and the morning sun felt good on my naked back.

I didn't mean to fall asleep again, but I did. I wasn't exactly sure how long it was but when I woke up, Sandro was still peacefully sleeping.

His lips were parted, and his ridiculously long eyelashes were unmoving. If it wasn't for his chest just barely moving, I could have sworn that he was dead. The bruises that weren't covered by the bandage around his abdomen had me grimacing.

I probably worsened his injuries.

I sat up, muffling my yawn with my fist as I gazed down at him to make sure I didn't wake him. Those painkillers had knocked him out, and it looked like he was getting a well-deserved rest. I got out of bed slowly, avoiding moving in any way that might stir him out of his sleep. It was a lot harder than I thought but eventually I was setting my feet down on the soft carpet.

Sandro remained asleep, and I quietly walked to the bathroom.

Knowing that Sandro wouldn't mind me using his kitchen, I decided that I would get started on breakfast for him. It was the least I could do after the night we had.

My cheeks got hot just thinking about it and I fanned my face with my hand as I stepped into the en-suite. I coughed, my throat hoarse and sore. Another night I'd remember.

When I was done with everything, Sandro was still deep into his slumber but his position had shifted. Dressed in only a big t-shirt, I walked down the steps.

My heart dropped.

There was a dog. A big one.

Flashbacks occurred instantly, and my hand unconsciously went to the scar on my thigh. When the dog looked into my direction, his body turned to me and he lowered his head to the ground. I took a step backwards, ascending up the stairs blindly. He let out a growl, baring his teeth at me and I froze. My eyes watered in fear.

"Sandro," I called out, my voice shaky. The dog barked, and the sound echoed through the penthouse. When I tried to take another step, he came closer and I knew it was a warning.

Fuck.

Terror washed over me and my blood ran cold. If I had to turn my back to him, I had no doubt that I would be annihilated into a million pieces. I started breathing heavily, and my chest suddenly felt too tight. I held the wall, praying that this dog was nothing like the one I had encountered. With deep and menacing growls coming from him, I started to doubt that he wasn't.

"Alessandro," I murmured again, already knowing that it was in vain and my pleas fell onto deaf ears. He was out like a light.

"Sandro!" I yelled out, louder than before and that's when the dog stretched his paws forward and started bolting into my direction. I screamed at the top of my lungs, almost shredding my vocal chords.

"Arresto," a voice came from behind me, and the dog instantly came to a stop. (translation; halt)

I was still shivering in distress when I retreated my arms away from my face. He barked, lying down flat onto his belly as he rested his head on his paws. The mean look was gone, replaced by a cute and innocent expression. I was still wide-eyed and speechless.

I held my chest, attempting to catch my breath. It felt like I was being dramatic, and I tried really fucking hard to not show it but I failed. An arm draped over my shoulder, and I was pulled to a warm chest.

"Shit, bellissima," Sandro breathed, rubbing my back comfortingly. "I'm sorry. I didn't know Carlo was bringing him here. He's not going to hurt you, I promise,"

It looked like he wanted to hurt me.

Sandro held onto my shoulders, pushing my face away from his chest and inspected my face. His face was laced with sleep, and he looked tired but more concerned.

"I'm fine," I swallowed, turning to look at the dog who had retrieved a chew toy from somewhere unknown. "He just scared me. I'm okay. Is he yours?" I asked, not taking my eyes off him because I couldn't help but still feel sceptical.

"Yes, I should've told you after you explained what happened to you," Sandro said, sounding apologetic and regretful. He stepped away from me, approaching the nonchalant animal before crouching down. He said some words, and then offered his hand to the dog's nose where he sniffed him. I watched curiously, frowning when the dog looked at me before returning to his toy. The fuck...

Sandro straightened up, wincing in pain before taking a deep breath in. "Now he knows not to hurt you,"

"Now he knows?" I repeated, a little flabbergasted.

He offered a sheepish smile. "He's just protective. An unfamiliar person in my home, I'd be more concerned if he didn't do anything," he explained, and that just made me looked at him as if he were insane.

"But," he quickly said, raising his hands. "You're good now, baby. Trigger is harmless."

"Harmless," I whispered, eyeing the black and brown dog warily before realising his name. "Wait, you named your dog Trigger?"

Nothing about a dog called Trigger sounded harmless.

"Yes," he laughed, shaking his head, "I know. I know. I've had him for five years and twenty-one year old me chose the name."

I was still uneasy, but I could see in his eyes the love he had for his pet. "Scared the shit out of me. I thought I was going to die," I chuckled, nervously massaging my chest right above my heart. Sandro's face softened, and I could tell that he was sorry while I felt like the asshole who hated dogs.

Sandro gave me a kiss on top of my head. "Do you want to leave?"

"No, I was just going to make breakfast," I replied, realising that I should probably get started on it. I felt better watching Trigger fight with his squeaky toy as he paid no mind to us. It was as if we didn't exist as he kept himself occupied. Okay...maybe he isn't that bad.

Sandro huffed, grinning as he clutched his heart. "Thought you were going to say yes."

"Why would I say yes?" I asked rhetorically, passing by him as I walked to the kitchen. The thought had crossed my mind, but I wanted to stay with Sandro for a little while longer. He gazed followed me, and he seemed a bit surprised.

"Because of..."

"Because of what? Your dog? Sandro, it's fine. It was eleven years ago, and like I mentioned before, the dog had terrible owners. You look like a pretty good owner to me," I murmured, shrugging as I collected a skillet from the cupboard. My heart rate had returned to normal, and my chest no longer felt tight. I was relieved, but the small burst of adrenaline had me starving.

"Okay," he nodded, joining me at the island before leaning down to kiss my cheek. I smiled at him, loving his affection despite how early in the morning it was. I was never one for interacting at the crack of dawn but Sandro was an exception.

"Let me help you," he said, and together we got started on a full breakfast.

An hour later, Sandro and I both set our fork down when we finished eating. I leaned back into my seat, sipping on the mango and orange smoothie Sandro had made. It was tasty, and I asked him for the recipe to which he happily explained on how to make it.

"And then blend," he said in finality, picking up his last piece of kiwi. Sandro had a balanced diet, consisting of greasy pizza one day and a healthy poke bowl the next. Except at my mama's house, I had never eaten as good as I did when I was with him.

Trigger had his own meal, and it disappeared quicker than I could blink.

"I'll try it, but I doubt I could make it as good as you," I said, holding onto my satisfied belly. "Don't even let me get started on those cannoli's." I groaned.

Sandro set his elbow on the table, leaning his chin in his palm as he smiled at me. He was still shirtless and his hair messier than usual. He didn't even need to try to look good, he just did without effort and I was green with envy.

"I was supposed to make you breakfast and I ended up just helping you. Next time, you're going to sit on your ass and let me do it," I said, narrowing my eyes at him. Sandro chuckled, and that adorable dimple dented in his cheek.

"Yes, ma'am," he said, nodding his head. "I'll do whatever you want me to do,"

"Anything?" I questioned, and he peeked up in curiosity.

"Of course," Sandro said hastily. "Just say the word."

"Mmm," I hummed in thought before pushing myself off the seat. "Take me home, please."

Last night when I had left my apartment to go to the store, I didn't take my phone with me. It was my parents anniversary and even after all those years, I didn't know their number by heart. It was probably the only reason why I had to go back home. As much as I wanted to stay, I couldn't.

Sandro's mouth dropped in disbelief. "I take that back. Not anything."

I didn't say anything as I took our plates to the kitchen.

"Okay, fine," Sandro grumbled, and I heard him stand up. He didn't sound too happy.

I wrapped my arm around his waist, giving him a kiss on his shoulder just to show him that I wasn't being spiteful. "You're the best."

Much to his dismay, Sandro dropped me at home.

"I'll come see you tonight, bellissima," he said, placing his lips on mine in a lingering kiss. I smiled through it, enjoying it and absolutely dreading going back to an empty apartment. It turned out to be a good thing after Sandro explained that he needed to take Trigger to the vet. The dog sat at the back of the SUV, his head turned to the side as he watched the outside. He was lurking, seeking any dangerous prospects. I looked back at Sandro.

"Okay," I said, giving him one last kiss before exiting the vehicle.

When I reached the lobby, I turned back to Sandro and waved at him. He waited until I was behind the doors before driving off. The smile on my face probably made me look like a creep. I rushed up the stairs and entered the hallway where my apartment was situated.

My footsteps slowed down as I approached my door, seeing that it was already slightly ajar. The lock was still in place, but it was clear that it had been kicked down. I frowned, looking down the hallway in both directions. It was empty.

"What the..." I mumbled, setting my hand on the door to give it a hesitant push.