Chapter Fifty-two
RONAN
Present Day
ITALY
I woke to the slow, steady rhythm of Nina’s breathing against my chest. Morning light filtered through the curtains, painting her bare skin in soft gold.
She looked impossibly peaceful, like the world outside that room didn’t exist. For a moment, I let myself stay there—still, content, memorizing the feel of her beside me.
I hadn’t realized how much I’d missed this. The quiet. The warmth. The illusion of a normal life.
Then reality crept back in.
My phone sat on the nightstand. Last day in Italy. Rachel had already confirmed everything—the jet was fueled, clearance secured, schedule locked. By tonight, I’d be gone.
I reached for the phone, half-expecting something urgent. Instead, one message waited:
The boxes are at the door.
A slow smile tugged at my mouth.
Careful not to wake Nina, I slipped out of bed, pulled on a robe, and padded to the front door. Three large wrapped boxes sat waiting, exactly where they were supposed to be.
Perfect.
In the kitchen, I moved quickly. Fresh cornetti warmed in the oven. Biscotti arranged neatly. Ricotta drizzled with honey. Strawberries and apricots added color to the tray while espresso brewed, rich and dark, filling the air with its scent.
If I had one last morning here, it would be unforgettable.
Balancing the tray, I returned to the bedroom. Nina was still tangled in the sheets, hair spilling across the pillow. My chest tightened at the sight.
I set the tray down quietly, leaned over her, and brushed my fingers along her shoulder.
“Good morning,” I murmured. “Breakfast in bed?”
Nina stirred, her eyes fluttering open to the sight of the breakfast spread. Her gaze softened as she took in the croissants, the cappuccino, and the fruit preserves.
She looked up at me, a smile spreading across her face. “You spoil me, and I love it.”
I leaned in closer, my lips brushing against her ear as I whispered, “It’s my favorite hobby.”
She laughed softly, a sound that seemed to brighten the room even more. “You’re quite the charmer this morning.”
I couldn’t help but admire the way she looked in the morning light, the way her eyes sparkled when she spoke, and how the warmth of her smile seemed to make everything better.
As we finished, I got up to fetch the boxes from the living room.
Nina watched me with a curious gaze, her eyes following my movements as I re-entered. “What’s with the boxes?”
“Just a little something,” I said playfully. “Open them up and see.”
She slipped out of bed and hurried to the sofa, her excitement impossible to hide. Dropping down onto the cushions, she tore into the first box, peeling back the wrapping with impatient fingers. With every layer she uncovered, her smile widened, her anticipation building by the second.
When she finally lifted the lids, she gasped in delight. Inside each box were crystal-framed portraits: one of her Vogue Italia article, another showcasing her Eminence Models NYC feature, and the third headlining her fashion show.
Her eyes widened as she took in the sight of each frame. “Oh my gosh, Ronan!” she screamed. “These are… they’re incredible.”
I watched her reaction with a heart full of affection. “I wanted you to have a tangible reminder of how amazing you are. You’ve worked so hard, and I’m so proud of everything you’ve achieved so far, and you can hang them around your boutique.”
Nina’s eyes were misty with gratitude as she turned to me. “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!”
I stepped closer, my fingers brushing against her arm as I leaned in. “There’s more where that came from.”
Her gaze met mine, and the warmth between us was undeniable. I kissed her, and it was as if the world faded away, leaving only the two of us, wrapped in desire and closeness.
“More?” she asked, leading me back to the bed.
“Oh, yeah,” I whispered against her lips.
“Show me,” she whispered back, and I didn’t even think twice.