Chapter 29 Ayanna #2
A few minutes passed by, where something passed between them — an understanding — one that I may never fully understand.
For the first time, my father was realizing that his role as my primary protector had been passed to the man he had chosen for me, and more importantly, that Teo had stepped into it completely.
Teo wasn’t asking for permission or approval; this was him acknowledging his gratitude while also making it clear that my well-being would always come first, even if it meant redirecting conversations with my father.
And Samuel Reed... he understood and accepted it.
“Your mother tells me you’ve been in Italy. How was it?” He changed the subject and pulled me closer, gently encouraging me to take a seat near his bedside. A quiet breath escaped me, thankful for the shift in discussion.
“It was perfect.”
“Good.” His voice was softer now, and slightly slower. “You look... happy.”
I considered it for a moment. Italy had been a refuge for me.
A place where I found a new kind of peace and was able to separate family politics from my personal needs.
Did it solve all of my problems, or cure all of my worries?
Absolutely not. But it gave me the clarity I needed to face them, and be somewhat at peace with them.
“I am.” I breathed slowly, feeling the truth settle over me.
Despite everything, I was truly happy.
“Tell me everything?” He looked at both Teo and I, genuinely eager to hear about our time away from the states.
I smiled, exchanging a quick glance with Teo, before launching into stories of our time in Italy.
For the next hour, we sat with him while I described the villa, the markets, the peaceful mornings, all in awe of the beauty.
Daddy listened intently, asking questions about the food, knowing how much I loved trying new dishes.
Then he questioned if we visited any of the wineries or famous vineyards Teo’s parents often raved about.
We hadn’t. But we did visit a small family-owned vineyard nestled near our villa. It was intimate in a way I didn’t realize I needed. The owners were extremely hospitable, and even sent us home with a bottle of their famous red wine, which we promised to open on a special occasion.
“Sounds... sounds like you found what you needed there,” Daddy said slowly, his words deliberate. “The peace... in your eyes. I can see it.”
“It was exactly what we needed,” I agreed, squeezing his hand.
This went on until his eyelids grew heavy, and my mother returned from her slumber.
A few days later, sleep still clung to my features as I sat on the edge of the bed with my hair flowing freely, and sleep lines pressing into one cheek.
I blinked, slowly, attempting to adjust my eyes to the morning light pouring in through my home.
From the bathroom, the faint scrape of a drawer and the muffled shuffle of movement filtered through the cracked door before he walked out looking as gorgeous as ever.
The steam from his shower followed behind him as he moved toward me.
I couldn’t help but take in every detail — the way the water droplets traced paths down his chest, disappearing into the white towel wrapped low around his waist. Another towel worked through his damp curls while every tattoo across his torso was on full display.
He leaned down, placing a soft kiss on my lips that tasted like mint toothpaste.
“Good morning, beautiful,” he murmured against my lips, his hand smoothing down my messy hair.
“Morning,” I hummed against his mouth, still half asleep but very much aware of his presence. “You have plans this morning?”
“Yeah, gotta handle a few things before we head back to New York.”
“New York?” I pulled back slightly to look at his face.
He straightened up, reaching for a pair of boxer briefs from the dresser.
“I need to handle the Gianni situation. He’s lost control of his people, and it’s creating a cash problem for everyone.
” He dropped the towel and pulled his underwear up, then grabbed an undershirt from a different drawer and slid it over his head before continuing.
“We can’t be aligned with someone who’s lost control of his family. It’s not good for business.”
I nodded slowly, processing what he was telling me. It made sense from a business standpoint.
“I know you want to stay here a bit longer. But...” he trailed, giving my face a once over.
“I understand,” I said quietly. “When are we leaving?”
Something shifted in his expression as he studied my face. He moved closer, sitting on the edge of the bed beside me, the mattress dipping as he sat down.
“It won’t always be like this, Amore. I promise,” he said softly. “Once I get the family business settled and all threats neutralized, you’ll be able to move freely. Come and go as you please. I just need peace of mind knowing you are safe.”
“I know, baby.” I smiled, reaching for his hand, pulling it into my lap. “I trust you.”
The moment the words left my mouth, I watched the tension ease from his features. I’m sure he was expecting some level of pushback. But that’s not where I was anymore. Not with him.
Of course I wanted to stay and be with my family a bit longer, but I also wanted us to be safe.
I wanted to give him peace of mind so he could focus on what needed to be handled without worrying about me.
His goal wasn’t to control me. I understood that fully now.
It never was. He only wanted me to be happy, and I was beginning to realize he would move heaven and earth to make that happen.
“When do we need to leave?” I asked, understanding that this was a problem that couldn’t wait any longer.
It had already been three weeks. I knew at some point he’d have to deal with the lingering issues that Isabella created. Honestly, I was surprised he’d waited this long.
“Two days,” he said, his thumb tracing across my knuckles.
I nodded, accepting the timeline. Two days to spend with my family before we headed back into whatever chaos awaited us in New York.
He leaned down, pressing his lips to mine again in a soft, lingering kiss that tasted like gratitude and something deeper.
“Thank you,” he whispered against my mouth when he pulled back, his forehead resting against mine. “For understanding. For not fighting me on this.”
“You’re welcome,” I told him softly, my hands coming up to rest on his chest where I could feel his heartbeat thumping beneath my palms.
A few minutes later, I was on my back with his large body hovering over me. Something in his expression had changed as he looked down at me. There was love. There was always love, but this was something primal.
The business conversation was over.
I knew it the minute he kissed me again — slower, more deliberate this time and the palm of his hand slid to the curve of my waist. His fingers tightened against my flesh with the possessiveness I’d grown to crave, while his mouth continued to move over mine in that unhurried and all-consuming way.
When he pulled back and just stared, I said, “I thought you had business to handle.” It was breathless and full of need.
I received my answer when his lips moved to my neck, then to my ear. “I do.” He lifted his head to look me in the eyes, that familiar hunger filling each of them. “It can wait a few more minutes.”