Chapter 231: A Surprise

Chapter 231: A Surprise

Marshall

“What are you thinking?” Riccardo asked, crossing his arm.

I grinned, the pieces of the plan already falling into place in my head.

“A little fun, a little intimacy but nothing overwhelming. I will handle the details.”

Riccardo and Kingston exchanged a look, one of those silent conversations they often had but in the end, they both nodded.

“Fine, but keep it simple. We don't want to scare her off.” Riccardo said.

“Simple,” I agreed, already thinking of ways to make the evening unforgettable.

Two days later, I was standing in the middle of Riccardo’s penthouse, surveying my handiwork. The lights were dimmed, casting a soft and blue glow over the space, I had set up a cozy seating area with plush cushions and blankets and the coffee table was laden with an assortment of snacks, cheese, fruits, chocolate and a bottle of Angelia’s favourite scotch. Kingston had brought over a Bluetooth speaker that I had curated a playlist of soft and jazzy tunes that added to the relax vibe.

“She is going to love this.” I said, clapping my hands together as Riccardo walked into the room.

“She would better,” he muttered, though I could see the faint smile tugging at his lips.

Kingston arrived shortly after, his quiet presence somehow grounding as we made the final adjustments. At exactly seven, the elevator dinged and my heart skipped. Riccardo opened the door, greeting her with a warm smile as she stepped inside. She looks beautiful as always, her hair falling in soft waves around her face and her cheeks pink from the cold outside.

“What is all this?” She asked, her eyes widening as she took in the setup.

“A surprise,” I said, stepping forward with a grin.

“For you,” she turned to me, a mix of curiosity and warmth in her gaze.

“Marshall…”

“No objections,” I interrupted, gently taking her jacket and scarf.

“Tonight is about relaxing and enjoying yourself, just let us take care of you.”

The evening started with easy conversation and laughter, the kind of lighthearted banter that always seemed to come naturally when the four of us were together. Angelia looked more relaxed than I had seen her in weeks, her smile coming more easily as the night went on. At one point, I caught her watching Kingston as he explained something in his low and gravelly voice. There was a softness in her eyes, an unspoken connection that my chest ached in the best way.

“Is everything okay?”  I asked, leaning in so only she could hear. She nodded her head and her gaze meeting nine.

“Better than okay,” she said softly.

As the evening wound down, I suggested a game, nothing too complicated, just a way to keep the energy light and fun. We ended up playing a version of truth or dare, though it quickly became clear that none of us were particularly interested in dates.

“Alright, Angelia.” I said, turning to her with a mischievous grin.

“Truth, what is that one thing you have always wanted to do but never had the chance to?” She hesitated, biting her lips as she considered the question.

“Honestly?” She said after a moment.

“I have always wanted to learn to dance.” She added, Riccardo raised an eyebrow.

“You have never danced before?” He asked.

“Not really,” she admitted, her cheeks turned pink.

“Well?” I said, standing and offering her my hand.

“Let's change that.” Her eyes widened, but she took my hand, letting me pull her to her feet. I nodded to Kingston, who queued up a slow, instrumental track on the speaker.

“Just follow my lead.” I said, placing one hand on her waist and taking her hand in mine. She laughed nervously but allowed me to guide her.

At first, her movements were hesitant and her steps awkward but as the music played on, she began to relax.

“You are a natural.” I said, grinning down at her.

“Liar, she shot back, though she was smiling.

As the song came to an end, I twirled her once before pulling her close, our bodies brushing. She looked up at me, her eyes bright with laughter and something else, something that made my heart stutter.

“You are full of surprises, Riccardo.” She said softly.

“And I am just getting started.” I replied, my voice low.

The moment lingered, heavy with unspoken possibilities before Riccardo cleared his throat from behind us.

“Alright, Romeo.” He said, his tone amused.

“Let's not monopolize her time.” He added, Angelia laughed, stepped back but not before giving my hand a gentle squeeze.

By the time the night ended she looked thoroughly at ease and her smile lingering as she said her goodnites. As the elevator door closed behind her, Riccardo turned to me, his expression somewhere between exasperated and impressed.

“I will give you this, Marshall.,” he said.

“You know how to make an impression.” He added.

“That is the idea.” I replied with a wink, already planning the next way to make her smile.

I will do whatever it takes to bring a smile on her face once again, it is my priority from this forward. She has gone through a lot and this is the season to fill her life with happiness. Yes, we contributed to her sorrows, we lied to her and destroyed the trust we had put on us, but we are ready to sacrifice our lives just to earn her trust in us once again.

I looked at Kingston, he nodded and gave me a thumbs up and a genuine smile was plastered on his face. We bid ourselves goodnight, Kingston offered to drop me as I didn't come with my car.

“Man, you did a good job.” He said once we were in front of my house, though we were silent throughout the whole ride.

I walked out of his car, and into my apartment. I was happy and my thoughts were filled with the next plan to put a smile on Angelia's face. I grinned, knowing how mischievous I can be.