13 Raven

Esther had just left his suite; they had chatted in the living room and had eaten a small dinner together. She missed talking with someone who not only knew her but knew her past and her parents.

Esther was always like a nanny to her and even now she gave her comfort that only a loved one would.

They had spoken of her studies, her artwork and her friends but they both didn't speak of her parents.

Esther spoke highly of Angelo, often bringing up all the good things he has done. Raven knew she what she was doing, but she didn't mind. She wanted to hear how he and Luca had been over the years.

She had asked Esther when her stuff arrived if she could bring it to another room, but Esther had simply said she couldn't do that. Raven sighed and lay down on the sofa feeling tired again she closed her eyes and stretched out.

"Seems like everyone wants to match make." She whispered.

"Who is match making whom?" She heard Angelo's melodic voice right beside her ear and it made her jump in shock.

"Oh, your back." She sat up and fixed her hair. She felt nervous butterflies when she saw him this close.

Who wouldn't though she mused. Angelo had a face and body to be proud of, she could tell he worked out regularly.

His body was muscular but not overly bulky. She was sure he had chiselled abs hidden behind his tight black Gucci shirt. His shirt sleeves were rolled up, showing his strong forearms.

No wonder he had picked her up so effortlessly she thought.

She tore her gaze away before he could catch her staring.

"Let's go la mia alba." Angelo announced.

"Where?" She asked. Her words cut off by her being lifted again and princess carried.

"You know I can walk myself?" She huffed and she gave in laying her head on his chest, he smelt heavenly.

"Why would you when I got you." Angelo replied.

He was so blunt and honest; she wasn't used to it she was taken aback. When they were younger, he was more light hearted and everything he had said was to tease her. She wanted to make him lighten up like he used to be, but they were older life had shaped them. She could only give in, she sighed.

It wasn't her job to do that, and she was leaving, she would only stay for a while until she had the opportunity to go home again. she would run and she could not look back.

Angelo set her gently on the bed, his arms caged around her slim waist. She blushed and moved back until she was on the other side of the bed. She was glad the bed was so massive it gave her the space she needed to think rationally, putting space between them.

Once on the other side of the bed she stood, ignoring his piercing stare.

Raven frowned as she stared at the huge bed, she was at ease earlier being in it when she thought she would be staying in it alone.

But she could hardly kick Angelo out of his own bed and bedroom. Though a gentleman would sleep on the sofa she supposed.

She glanced up at Angelo he was wearing his signature smile that was just for her, nope he was no gentleman, do not fall for his charms she thought.

Sighing she walked out of the bedroom and to the living room grabbing all the sofa cushions in her hands.

"Where are you going?" She heard him shout from the bedroom.

She rolled her eyes knowing he couldn't see her past the pile of pillows that she was carrying. She sat the pillows on his bed and began to build a pillow barrier between them.

"I have been labelled a stage ten cuddler. I am like an octopus" She warned him. That was not the only reason, she didn't want to let him in emotionally so a physical barrier could help or so she thought.

"Is that supposed to be a con?" He raised an eyebrow questioning her. "And who have you been cuddling in bed?" He asked with a hint of warning.

She ignored his questions and still went ahead and placed the pillows in a row down the middle of the bed.

She hadn't slept with anyone by her side before, but she did like to squeeze her duvet into a long body pillow and cuddle it.

She simply replied, "A con and a giant red flag probably."

"Well, when it comes to you my love consider me colour blind." Angelo stated with a smirk.

She felt his heated gaze on her but didn't look up. She got into bed and lay down ignoring Angelo as much as possible.

She closed her eyes and willed sleep to come, but she could hear the rustle of clothing and new he was getting undressed and at that moment all she wanted to do was take one quick look.

Just one glance though and her resolve to leave might shatter.

She didn't nevertheless, so she rolled on to her side and ignored her racing heart.

She heard him enter the bathroom and she willed her heart to calm down, but just as she had started too. Angelo walked out of the bathroom and turned the bedroom light off.

She heard him get into the bed and felt the mattress sink. Her pillow fort seemed like a huge barrier, and he hadn't protested any further. That thought made her happy and sad at the same time. Had he given up she wondered.

She did fall asleep eventually though and when she woke, she was surrounded by warm strong arms and legs. They were tangled around one another.

"And I thought I was like an octopus." She mumbled.

She had to admit it was cosy, he was like her own personal heater. But her body froze in response as his heated breath and a moan entered her ear.

Her heart couldn't do this anymore, so she tried to untangle herself from Angelo, but he tightened his hold on her slim waist and glided his kisses down her neck, those kisses set her core on fire.

He then whispered, "Stay, I have wanted you here with me for a long time."

And with that her resolve broke and she snuggled into his embrace.