I was still lost in my thoughts, trying to understand what just happened, when Maddie halted in her steps.
I stopped and looked up to see Alessio coming through the door. At the sight of me, he quickly made his way to us.
Alessio pressed his lips on mind and then said, “Do you want to go the creek?”
I simply nodded, lost in his embrace and beautiful blue eyes.
I quickly forgot about Nina. I only saw Alessio.
He nodded at Maddie and pulled me away. I waved at Maddie and followed Alessio.
We walked away from the house and toward the trees. My hand was held firmly in his much bigger one while we made our way to the creek.
The trees started to clear up, and I could hear the sound of rushing water. My heart drummed faster, and I felt giddy.
We stopped in the middle of the clearing, surrounded by flowers.
Alessio knelt down in front of me and removed my sandals. “You love to be barefooted here.”
“Thank you,” I murmured when he stood up.
He stepped back and walked toward the flowing water. I remembered this.
Closing my eyes, I let the memories take over my mind. My heart felt lighter, and I breathed in the fresh air.
My eyes opened when I got closer to the water. I looked back at Alessio. His arms were crossed over his chest as he stared at me.
My gaze moved back toward the water. I stepped forward, my feet making contact with the chilling, rushing water. I shivered as I walked ankle deep.
I felt the rushing water against my feet and closed my eyes, letting this new feeling wash over me.
I didn’t hurt.
It felt nice…I felt content.
When I felt an arm around my waist, I leaned back against Alessio’s chest.
“May I have this dance, Angel?”
My eyes snapped opened.
May I have this dance, Angel?
We had done this before. I turned in his arms, and Alessio pulled us out of the room. My feet dug into the grass as I stared into his eyes.
“I don’t know how to dance,” I muttered, completely lost in his gaze.
Alessio chuckled. “Neither do I.”
He brought my hands to his shoulders and wrapped his around my waist.
And then we moved. We glided across the field, and with each step, my chest felt fuller.
My stomach rolled and twisted. My heart drummed just a little faster.
We never once broke eye contact.
We were lost in each other.
Alessio gathered me even closer to him, his arms tight around me.
In that moment, all I felt was peace. I felt protected. Safe.
He was my lifeline.
And I knew, as long as my savior was with me, I was safe.
Chapter 13
I was sitting on the bed waiting for my Alessio. My hand was on my round stomach, feeling the baby move.
The door opened, and Alessio walked out of the bathroom. His towel was around his shoulders as he dried his hair. His chest was bare; he wore only black sweatpants.
Alessio caught my eyes and smiled. “Why don’t you go and wait for me in the piano room?”
I nodded and got up. Alessio placed a quick kiss on my lips as I walked out of the room. I stood in front of the piano room.
Taking a deep breath, I walked inside. The piano was the first thing I saw. Feeling excited, my body hummed in response.
Since I started playing some days ago, Alessio and I never missed a night.
Playing made me feel at peace, and I wanted to bask in the warmth of Alessio’s stares.
Walking further into the room, I stopped beside Alessio’s couch. A small sigh escaped my lips as I waited for Alessio.
As I was looking down, something else entirely caught my eyes.
My gaze shifted toward the couch beside Alessio’s, and I took a step toward it. My breath froze in my throat.
I took another step, stopping right in front of the couch.
The scene, right here, felt so familiar.
Even through the shock, my eyes didn’t lose focus on the sight in front of me.
A single white flower lay on the seat.
It looked so soft and delicate. Reaching out, I took the flower in my hand and brought it to my chest.
I was right. It was soft and delicate. The petals were open, and it looked absolutely beautiful.
Did Alessio leave this flower for me?
I couldn’t help but smile. Of course he would.
He was so sweet.
I held the flower close to my racing heart and closed my eyes.
My stomach flipped, and it felt like my heart was dancing.
“I can safely assume that you love the peony.”
My eyes widened at Alessio’s voice, and I turned around, facing him. He was leaning against the door, regarding me with curious yet adoring eyes.
His head was cocked to the side, and the corner of his mouth was stretched up in a half smile.
My cheeks burned, and I looked down. “I love it,” I replied softly. “It’s really beautiful.”