28

28
ARIA
Three days later and I was still stuck in Sandro's penthouse.
Three days later and boredom had finally driven me to making use of Sandro's gym where he was currently stretching the fuck out of me.
After a mere few minutes on the treadmill, the burning sensation in my lungs told me exactly how unfit I was. After a small scolding from Sandro, he agreed to help me stretch my muscles before attempting another workout.
"Just a little bit more, bellissima. Come on, you can do it," he encouraged me, forcing my legs further apart. I winced, holding onto my hips as Sandro gazed down at me.
He was dressed in a black joggers. That was it.
His upper half was bare, and the familiar silver chain dangled freely around his neck. His bruises were starting to fade and the cut on his brow healed nicely. I was amazed at how quickly he got better knowing that if I was in his position, I would be bed ridden for at least a week.
"Fuck," I gasped. Sandro gave me a look when I tried closing my legs, an attempt at lessening the tension.
It didn't necessarily hurt, as Sandro already knew my limits and how far I could go.
It just felt tight and strange.
"That's good, baby. That's good." His praise was akin to motivation. "Take it as far as you want. As far as you're comfortable with, okay? We don't want you to hurt yourself," Sandro murmured, holding my thighs to my chest.
He hovered over me, whispering the sweet words of encouragement that I desperately needed.
"Is this what happens at the gym? Should've joined one ages ago," I said jokingly, observing the way Sandro's entire body tensed up. I was just teasing him, forgetting that Sandro had a jealousy streak that I hadn't dwelled in yet.
"What do you mean?" he asked, frowning down at me.
"Nothing," I murmured with a casual shrug. He narrowed his eyes, letting go of my leg to take my cheeks underneath his fingertips.
"Say that again, and I'll be stretching something else," he said, and I could sense that he was completely serious. He made his point by dropping his crotch onto mine, digging his semi erection over my clothed pussy. Sandro nudged at my clit, and my mouth dropped because it had electric currents sparking from the area.
"Yeah, don't fucking tease me," he grumbled, leaning down to give me a kiss on my jaw.
"I just mean that it'll be nice to have someone to work out with," I explained, wrapping my legs around his waist to pull him closer to me.
"Like this?" He gestured down to our very intimate position. I responded with a daring nod.
"You have me," he said, eyebrows pinching into a scowl.
"Yes, but-"
"Aria," he interrupted me, warning me by just mentioning my name.
Okay, maybe I should stop.
"I'm just playing, Sandro, let me make it up to you." I whispered, interlacing my fingers through his hair to plant my lips on his. He had no objection as he returned the kiss, harder and more passionately. I struggled to keep up with it, deciding that I wanted to be one kissing him.
Not the other way around.
Using my legs around his waist, I flipped our positions. His back landed on the yoga mat, his lips staying on mine throughout our switch. I held myself up, straddling him and I felt him grow underneath me.
He moaned, and my tongue slipped into his mouth. Sandro gasped, probably taken by surprise at my boldness. His big hands landed on my ass as he sucked on my tongue, twirling around with his own. I grinded into him, shifting my hair over one shoulder.
His kisses always felt good, but this time – it felt better than good. Surely because I was the one on top, and he was letting me do whatever I wanted. I bit his lip, pulling a groan out of his chest.
"Fuck, bellissima," Sandro whispered, his breath mingling with mine. I departed from his lips, choosing to lay kisses all along his jawline and neck. His body shivered, and when I looked up at him, his eyes were closed and his lips were parted.
I smirked, peppering open mouthed kisses along his chest before reaching his ribs where I reduced the pressure. I didn't want to hurt him and although he was better, I was still weary.
I gave him one last kiss before returning to his lips.
"That worked," he said, a dazed smile on his face.
I grinned, "Let's finish up here,"
His eyes opened and again, I was stunned by how green they were. "Okay," he said, his voice hoarse. Sandro cleared his throat, helping me off him and I kept my smirk in as he tugged at his pants.
He didn't look too happy, but once we started on our stretching, the frown disappeared because he got to touch my ass again.
Afterwards, Sandro guided me through squats and other workouts that I didn't remember the name of it. All I knew was that I was fucking exhausted.
My legs were shaking by the time we were done.
"Never again. That's enough," I whispered, holding my knees as I struggled to catch my breath. I was sweaty and thirsty and my muscles burned. We did the same workout, and Sandro barely seemed fazed.
It actually looked like he was going to continue if I hadn't brought a stop to the madness.
"Shower with me?" Sandro asked, using my waist to pull me towards him.
"Sandro...I can't," I breathed, shaking my head as I held onto his shoulders to stop myself from falling over.
"You can't shower me with?" he asked, a confused look on his features.
"I can't shower with you," I stated hesitantly. "I get too cold. I want my water to boil me alive and you want to freeze to death."
"I'll burn for you," he said, a cheeky smile lingering on his lips.
I chuckled, "Corny as hell."
"You like it."
I nodded in agreement, "I can't say that I don't."
"Does that mean you'll shower with me?" he asked again and I shook my head, grabbing a towel to dab on my face.
Sandro looked disgusted at the thought of not showering with me, looking at me up and down before walking away.
"I can't believe you," he whispered. "Hurting my damn feelings."
"Sandro," I called out, dropping the towel on the rack.
"Leave me alone," he responded over his shoulder and I clamped my lips together to muffle my laughter.
"I'll shower with you, you big baby," I said, rolling my eyes and he stopped in his tracks. He grinned, his mood lightening up immediately.

"Hey, mama," I greeted, crossing my legs underneath me as I sat on the bed.
"Hi, my baby. You doing okay? How are you?" she asked, her voice warm and angelic. My heart swelled, always forgetting how much I missed her until I actually spoke to her.
"I'm fine. Just missing everyone," I said, just as Sandro walked into the room and placed a kiss on my bare shoulder. I held the phone to my ear while clutching a pillow to my chest.
"We miss you so much. Come home. Please? Even it's just for a few days," she spoke softly, and I sighed knowing that a visit was long overdue.
"Okay, Ma. I'll take the bus tomorrow."
"Bus?!" Sandro yelled out, his head snapping into my direction. His face turned sheepish and apologetic when I glared at him. "It's like I don't exist to you," he whispered, but more to himself.
"Aria, who's that?" my mother asked curiously, and I could already hear the excitement in her voice. Sandro mouthed a few words to me, and I scowled. He said something again and I dropped my face unamused. I couldn't read lips for shit.
"My mother already heard you, Sandro," I told him, and he chuckled. My eyes widened when a blush arose on his tanned skin.
"Who's Sandro?" she asked, and I heard her shush someone in the background. I uncrossed my legs and lied down on my back. Sandro was still in the walk in closet, looking for something to wear.
"Alessandro, actually. He's a friend."
"Friend?!" Sandro yelled again and this time he was the one glaring at me. I bit back a laugh.
My mother laughed knowingly. "I would love to meet this friend. Bring him with."
"Sandro. My mother asks if you want to come home with me," I spoke louder, gazing up at the high ceiling. She technically didn't ask, more like demanded it.
Sandro dropped the hangers, rushing over to join me on the bed. "Yes, of course. I would love to."
"Is that...is that an Italian accent? Oh my God, baby. Now I really have to meet him," she gushed, and I could just imagine the excited spark in her eyes. I grinned, knowing the feeling.
I pulled the phone away from my ear, putting it on loud speaker. Sandro scratched the top of his head, "Hi, Mrs. Stone," he sounded uneasy.
My jaw dropped. Was Sandro nervous?
My mother squealed, and I winced. "Please, call me Aziza."
Ten minutes later and they had finally finished talking. Mostly about transport arrangements and how Sandro would never, in his life, allow me to take the bus.
We agreed on taking one of his cars, and that's when it finally settled in that Sandro was going to meet my family. I didn't know if I should be nervous or scared, but Sandro figured that it'll do me good after the shit that happened to my apartment. He said it'll also do him good to get away from the city for a while. And I couldn't agree more with him.
"She's lovely. I just want to hug her," Sandro said softly, a gentle smile tugging at his lips. My heart ached, knowing that Sandro lost his mom at a young age. I grabbed his hand, bringing it up to my mouth for a kiss.
"She's amazing," I agreed with him. We were laying on our sides, resting after the workout and a shower that took nearly an hour.
Sandro smirked, but it was devilish and had me narrowing my eyes at him in suspicion.
"Friend, huh?" he teased, inching closer to me.
"Best friends," I said, biting my lower lip. His face dropped, his hand going to my waist to tickle me. I laughed out loud, pushing his hand away but he wouldn't budge. He only stopped when I threatened to punch him in the face.
"Okay, okay. We're a couple," I said, watching his face light up at my words and a huge grin spread on his lips. "-of best friends," I finished.
He scowled, reaching out to me but I was already off the bed and sprinting out of the room. He caught me, wrapping his arms around my waist from behind.
"I'll take it," he said softly, kissing my skin and my heart just about imploded with pure joyfulness. I turned around in his hold, bringing his head down to mine for another lasting kiss.
I never thought I'd fall so fucking hard for him.