44

"Relationships aren't always easy. They're are always going to be bumps in the road, you just have to hold on to the steering wheel tighter and try and keep going," I told him, glancing between them, "you guys have three beautiful children. It isn't just about you two anymore - they are involved. You're a fami - hold up, is that a ring?"

I moved closer and picked up Val's left hand, seeing a diamond ring resting on her finger. "Oh, my God, you guys are married?" Valentina blushed, nodding, "yeah," she said quietly. I smiled widely, "That's great! How long?"

"Two years. Not long after you left," Dante said, giving me a pitiful look.

I shook my head, "wow, it's beautiful - you know what. .I'll coo about this later. Back into the trance," I shuffled away, sitting cross legged again.

"Right, I was saying that you guys are a family and you've always got to remember that. Families never turn their backs on each other." They nodded. "Anything you want to say to each other?"

Dante squeezed her hand again, "Val, I'm sorry. I'll stop working so much and think more about you and the kids. .whats best for us," there was a glint in his eye, something behind his words but I decided not to press on it.

"I'm sorry too, Dante," Valentina said, genuinely, "I sometimes need to give you space to think and stop pressing on things that you aren't comfortable with."

There was something behind each of their words, something that I felt they didn't want to share in front of me so I didn't ask about it.

"How much do you love her, Dante?" I asked and he chuckled softly, pulling a strand of her behind her ear. "More than words to say."

"How much do you love him, Val?" She smiled again, "so much that you can't even imagine."

"I love you, Valentina."

"I love you, Dante."

They embraced each other, cuddling and Dante kissed her cheek murmuring that he was sorry and she also apologised quietly also. I was smiling widely now, feeling warm and happy for them.

They kissed and I turned, beginning to blow out the candles. Once I was done, I turned back around to see Valentina under Dante, her bra exposed as they kissed. I groaned, waving my hand. "My work here is done." I left the room, closing the door.

I was happy for them, glad that they finally got out what they were holding in. Dante and Valentina were a lovely couple and should never have a reason to break up. They were perfect for each other in so many ways and deserved one another so much.

The front door closed and Vincenzo entered the house with April in his arms laughing. He kissed her cheek and put her on the floor. She waved at me before running up the stairs to go play with her cousins.

"Hey,"

"Hey,"

He touched the doorknob of the living room but I stopped him, "probably shouldn't let anyone in there for an hour or two," I said, smiling.

"Dante and Val?" I nodded as he chuckled, shoving his hands in his jeans pockets.

"Mia, thank you," my heart skipped a beat as he continued, "it was a good idea to go and talk with April. She'd never forgive me if I killed her mother." I nodded, feeling warm, "it's okay. Are you two alright?" He nodded, giving me a smile that warmed me even more.

"What do you want to eat? I'll cook dinner," I said, brightly as I walked into the kitchen with him in tow.

"Mia?"

"Yeah?" I turned and he kissed me, taking me by surprise. He pulled away, staring at me longingly. "This isn't professional," I said, wanting to kiss him again. He shrugged, "it stopped being professional in that office."

I turned around which was a big mistake because my butt rubbed against his crotch due to the fact that we were so close together.

Damn.

I cleared my throat, grabbing a knife and chopping board. He placed his hands on my waist, "so you like it like that, huh?" He asked, his breath fanning against my neck. I bit my lip, ignoring him as his body pressed against mine.

I wanted to lean my head against his hard chest, allow his arms to wrap around my body, let him hold me lovingly.

"V, stop," I murmured, chopping a tomato. "Are you sure, baby?" I loved it when he called me baby, baby girl, babe, love. It made me feel loved and special. It reminded me that I was his and he was mine - my love.

"Yes, I'm sure."

"I didn't like the way you left me the other day." I bit my lip harder, feeling tense. His hands went up and down my waist, his head in the crook of my neck, kissing it gently. I tried my hardest not to moan out loud. "S-stop," I stammered, wanting to face palm myself for my stupidity.

"You want me to stop?" He asked quietly as I felt my head go back, leaning into his chest. "Mmhmm. ."

"That's no answer."

I bit my lip so hard that I winced. Why couldn't I stop? I found it so hard. "Y-yes. I want . . N. ."

"No? You want me to keep going?" I exhaled slowly as his hands went underneath my dress, rubbing my thighs that were incredibly warm. I had pressed them together but they were then separated by his fingers as he rubbed the inside of them, dangerously close to my womanhood.

I missed this, his touch, his way with words. It felt so good but had to end, I just needed to force myself to stop.

"Vincenzo, stop!" I snapped, turning around and pushing him away. I felt cold and dropped the knife and food in my hands. He gave me a hurt look and I shook my head, sighing and looking at the ground.

"I'm sorry if I'm leading you on with these little kisses and touches but they need to stop," I said, looking him in his hazel eyes. "You loved - still love me, I get it. We were happy but you cheated on me and impregnated another woman. That's not something I can get over so easily. I don't want your hands on me."

"I want you to keep your feelings in and just treat me how you would treat other maids," I pinched the bridge of my nose, tears in my eyes. "We can't be friends," I said, my voice cracking. "It's not working. Just stop, okay?"

I whispered, "it hurts too much."