Chapter 31 Ayanna
thirty-one
Ayanna
The doorbell rang just as I adjusted the fresh bouquet of white roses Teo had delivered to our home this morning — three dozen stems set in a beautiful crystal vase ready to be put on display. There was no special occasion or particular reason for the gesture.
It was just because.
I smiled, appreciating the simple yet thoughtful gift. Six months ago, if someone told me that I’d be married to Teo Donatelli, I would have called them a liar. Not just any kind of liar, but a bald-faced, foolish liar.
But now, I couldn’t imagine spending a single day without him in our home, in our bed, or in my life...fully.
I finished arranging the petals, positioning each one of them in a way that highlighted their beauty, before feeling a firm but familiar hand on my ass. It landed with a solid but gentle thump, making me yelp.
“Teo!” I gasped breathlessly, spinning around to find him already at Rosa’s carefully arranged appetizer spread.
“Shouldn’t have had that ass poking out. You know I can’t resist. You’re irresistible.” He winked, looking over the multiple charcuterie boards arranged on the back counter for my guests.
I’d thought of everything — chocolate desserts, fruits, a deli meat platter, and savory cheeses.
All meant to complement the wine for them and juice for me.
When his gaze landed on the baked goods and fruit, he picked up one brownie and a handful of strawberries, then took a bite of the chocolate goodness.
He chewed slowly, those light hazels holding me captive.
“Those are for Tasha and Sophia,” I said softly, trying to sound stern even as heat pooled low in my belly from the way he looked at me... devouring me with his gaze.
“Mmm,” he hummed, swallowing before closing the distance between us. “Rosa made extras.” His lips found mine in a long and delicious kiss that tasted like chocolate and a carnal promise. “They won’t miss one.”
Before I could argue further, he was already backing away, grabbing the two bags of ice he likely came to the kitchen in the first place. Without a second thought, he was returning down the hall to his game room with his friends.
Licking my lips, the corner of my mouth lifted into a lustful expression.
They were still sweet from his kiss. And I was warm from his touch.
Every day, this man finds new ways to make my heart flutter and my knees weak.
One touch from him and I wasn’t entirely sure I was up for company.
I loved my best friend and sister-in-law, but hopping on my man’s dick seemed like a more suitable activity.
The doorbell rang again, this time with more insistence, reminding me someone was at my front door. As much as I wanted to follow behind my husband, I ignored the urge and turned towards the door. By the time I’d reached the foyer, our house manager was moving down the hallway from the garden.
“I’ll get it, Rosa.”
“Sí, Mrs. Donatelli. I’ll finish setting up the terrace for your guests.” She smiled, stepping back into the garden, where I planned on entertaining for the afternoon.
I’d finally gotten around to adding my personal touches to the house, making it feel more like our home, instead of the blank canvas Teo had before I moved in. The gardens had been my first project, choosing a stylish wraparound sofa and cushioned chairs to surround the beautiful stone fountain.
I reached the front door and swung it open, and before I could even get a word out, a familiar shriek filled the air.
“Yanna!”
I barely had time to brace myself before Tasha launched herself at me, wrapping me in a huge bear hug. I laughed, stumbling back a step as I caught her, both of us giggling like teenagers who hadn’t seen each other in ages.
“Oh my God. Look at you. Glowing. Marriage looks good on you, friend.”
“Thank you,” I grinned, feeling my cheeks warm. Blushing was my natural reaction these days. “And you, look at you! I swear you get more gorgeous every time I see you.”
And she was... effortlessly beautiful. Even now, dressed down in denim shorts, a crop top, and her oversized shades, she looked real regal. Like one of our icons from the early nineties.
“Stop it,” Tasha waved a hand playfully, but still doing a little twirl and curtsy. Like I was some kind of royalty she was presenting herself to.
I giggled. “Girl, you are so silly. Come on in here. Sophia should be here in a minute.”
I led her through the expansive foyer, down the hallway, and out the French doors that opened into the garden. “We’re just out here.”
The afternoon sunlight poured through the trees, and the vibrant array of flowers I had meticulously arranged as we stepped onto the covered terrace. Tasha let out an appreciative sigh as she took in the scene, her eyes wide, and admiring.
“Wow, Yanna, this is stunning! You really outdid yourself.”
The appreciative smile I gave her was full of pride.
I knew from the moment I stepped onto this veranda that I would make this someplace peaceful and welcoming.
After the stressful days Teo could have, and the long days I had managing two boutiques, I wanted to have someplace we both could come and just be.
It wasn’t his parents’ garden of sanctuary, but it was ours. .. and just as serene.
My phone buzzed with a security alert just as Tasha was settling into one of the cushioned chairs.
I glanced at the screen and smiled at my sister-in-law blazing through the gate.
This place was still like Fort Knox, a quality I appreciated more and more these days.
But certain people always had the privilege of easy access. Sophia was one of those people.
“Actually, that’s Sophia at the gate now,” I said, pivoting on my heels. “Make yourself comfortable. There’s wine chilling in that ice bucket, and help yourself to anything Rosa brought out.”
“Don’t worry about me.” She waved me off, leaning up to grab a wine glass and then the wine bottle.
Stepping back through the double doors, I once again opened my front door to greet my sister-in-law with a warm hug.
“Sorry I’m late!” she called out breathless, like she’d been running. “Traffic was absolutely ridiculous. And then...” She rolled her eyes. “You know what? Never mind. I will not complain about my hellish day... or about the man-child I’ve been dealing with.”
I chuckled.
For the last month, she’d been working nonstop trying to fill the void Gianni’s family had left, searching high and low for a competent replacement. She’s been handling these fragile men with grace, when she could. But sometimes she had to show people why she was in the position she was in.
I’d never met a more unhinged woman in my life, and I loved it.
“You’re not late. Tasha just got here too.”
“Oh my gosh, Yanna. I’m so glad you pulled this together. I really needed a day of relaxation,” she sighed, walking toward the veranda with familiar strides.
When she saw Tasha, already well into her first glass of wine, she leaned down to hug her then eased into the chair next to her.
“So, what you ladies been up to?” She exhaled through a small smile. “Well, mainly you Tasha. I know what this one been up to.” She pushed her thumb toward me. “The both of them... just nasty. I’m surprised I haven’t gotten news about having a niece or nephew in the incubator.”
I was quiet for a moment, looking out at the fresh blooms in the garden, because how did she know?
I’d just found out myself, that I was expecting.
Last week, when I couldn’t seem to keep my favorite meal down, and one of the scents I normally loved on Teo any other day, was suddenly unbearable, I knew something was up.
After peeing on several pregnancy sticks and a trip to the family doctor, I found out I was six weeks pregnant.
Which lined up perfectly with our trip to Italy.
We had a lot of sex during those two weeks, and I do mean a lot.
And I wouldn’t change a single thing. The news of expecting a little legacy thrilled me, but the news hit Teo differently.
The sheer pride and then gratitude in his eyes when I told him about the baby made us both emotional.
He made slow gentle love to me that night.
Thanking me for being his. Praising me for giving him the greatest gift of all.
And celebrating every moment I allowed him to love me.
We hadn’t intentionally kept it a secret; it just hadn’t felt like the right time to share with everyone yet. But it seemed like my sister-in-law intuition had beaten us to it.
When I still hadn’t said anything after what seemed like a long minute, Tasha’s eyes widened. “Yanna,” The excitement in that one word was unmistakable. “Are you pregnant?” She was already standing up, and heading toward me.
When Sophia’s loud and enthusiastic, “I knew it,” followed right behind, I couldn’t hold the smile that broke across my face.
“How far along? Does my brother know? Oh my gosh I can’t wait to spoil my little niece or nephew?
” Sophia rushed over and wrapped me in a tight hug, practically bouncing with excitement.
“This is the best news ever! Really made my otherwise BS day go straight from shit to the highlight of my whole week.”
“Girl mine too. I can’t wait to buy my god baby all the cutest outfits and toys,” Tasha added, joining in on the embrace.
The two of them were practically vibrating with excitement, when the French doors burst open.
Bash strode through first, followed by Keem, and finally Teo, all three of them looking like they were on a mission.
Bash and Keem’s focus initially seemed to be on the treats sitting next to the wine, but Teo’s eyes were locked on me.
“What’s all the screaming about?” Bash asked curiously, scanning our faces. “Y’all sounded like a bunch of screaming high school girls,” he joked. Still looking at the food arranged meticulously on the platters, but then his eyes landed on Sophia when she was still screeching.