CHIARA
Morning came, and for the first time in my life I didn't hate it much. I opened the door just in time for him to open his too. "Good morning, love." He took my hand, kissed my knuckle, and then flashed me a smile. How could I not reply? I found out not long ago that his smile was a weapon; it did something foreign to my body. And it wasn't good for my plan. "Good morning." I smiled curtly. And we started to walk down together, "Are we leaving now?" I asked. "After breakfast, love. Come on, Marina has already made something for us." He said, ushering me to the dining room. I wasn't used to having breakfast at home either. This man was defying everything that I was used to.
Last night I told him I wanted to explore Portofino over texts, after our shared first hug. He promised to show me around today. I could use some fresh air after spending an entire night thinking about Mama and Marco's well-being. I knew what to expect, but I still wished they were doing fine.
He pulled out the chair for me before we settled down. "Are you seriously still sitting there?" I asked, peeking over a hideous flower vase in the middle of the table. "You want me to sit with you?" He returned the question. "Come sit with me," I stated. He stood up, walked over, and sat awhile with me. He was smiling so hard that I started to worry about his jaws. "I truly wanted to do this." He said.
"Then what was stopping you? And why the hell would you have a giant dining table as though you are some royalties in the 5th century?" Well, he practically was royalty since their family name goes back in the history of business. They're what you could call old money. But this was too extreme. "Because I thought you would love it. I can change it if you want." I shook my head instantly because I knew he meant it. "Don't." I couldn't believe he was about to throw this table away just because I'd complained. Ugh, this was getting out of hand.
"Good morning, Madam, boss." Marina entered the room with a trolley of dishes and started to lay them on the table. I was wondering why she was the only Maid in this entire castle, because there was no way this could be described as a house. Was she not tired of all the chores? "Morning, Marina." Carmelo replied, and I just gave her a nod. "Oh, I see you changed seats. You couldn't stay away from her, could you?"
She began teasing her boss again. Making me wonder what type of person Carmelo was to let it go. Antonio would've cut her tongue before she even spoke. Surprisingly, the man took my hand and kissed it. He seemed to do a lot of that since last night. "I couldn't," he admitted, his eyes zeroed on mine. "Aw." Marina chuckled sheepishly, while I cleared my throat and retracted my hand from him. "Let's eat." I deadpanned.
A moment later, Carmelo was talking to his men while I waited inside his Lincoln Continental. With Storm sitting at the back. Quiet, invincible, as though she didn't exist, and stone cold per usual. I peeked at her through the rear mirror and found her already staring at me. I moved back, gasping, "Goodness!" Her gaze didn't waver, looking at me like I was some pest ruining her air.
"You know, you should learn how to smile sometimes. All that divine black beauty doesn't fit the porker face that you make twenty-four seven." Her stare transitioned into a glare in a second. "Fine. Keep it up." I sighed and adjusted back to my seat. I would've loved it if she were not around. How else were we going to enjoy the moment with a mad bodyguard on tail?
I looked at the man, dressed in white pants that defined his long legs along with almond loafers. A taupe buttonless polo blazer that was tucked in, as usual, showing off his biceps and chest. Dark shades and his hair were combed back, showcasing his structured, well-angled face. Indeed, God had favorites. Carmelo was finally done talking and walked over to his side of the car. He stepped into his seat. "Are you good? Sorry to keep you waiting, love." He put the car in drive and drove us smoothly. "Yeah, whatever," I said, taking in the black Mercedes-Benz behind us.
The cars weaved through the massive driveway lined with crape myrtle, their beautiful pink velour color contrasted with the green grassy ground and the clear blue sky. "That is my mother's doing." He uttered, pointing with his eyes at the line of trees. A smile formed on my lips at the thought of mine. My mother loved her gardens too and cared for them as though they were her children. "It's beautiful." Unlike the bland driveway back at home. It's funny how you could call a place home when it never felt like it.
"Wait until you see what she did with our home." He said, amused. I looked out the window and noticed a couple of men tending to the trees as we passed by. "I'm not rushing you. You can tell me when you're ready, then we'll go and meet my family. Let's just hope they remain put until then." His voice came, calm and assuring. "Mhm," I hummed in response.
There were like three driveways that joined at the interception. The car left our driveway, which was on the left side of the estate, and accelerated on a straight path toward the two giant gates at the far end.
A kilometer away and on the right side of the estate, another mansion came into view, its driveway was decorated with crape myrtle as well. And unlike his mansion, it was much bigger and pestle colored. He told me and showed me, through a vintage terrestrial scope from his balcony, the other day.
I wasn't knowledgeable about families and how they operated, but the fact that these people had their massive estate secluded a few kilometers up from the town center, hidden behind gates and thick cypress trees, where they built their houses just a few kilometers away from each other, was a wonderful thing. If you wanted to visit someone, you could just hit the gas and drive to them. I could only imagine the security of this massive property. It was unique, luxurious, and looked peaceful. Almost unreal with its seafront view.
"Where are we going?" I asked, watching how he drove the car with a single hand and the other resting on his thigh casually. "It's a surprise." He winked at me. I hated that as much as I hated the smile that followed. I couldn't let him keep toying with my racing heart like this. I breathed hard and decided not to look at him.
Carmelo took us down the village. Portofino had an enchanting charm with its cypress and palm-clad hills. With clustered houses in colorful shades of yellow, orange, and reddish-brown, lined up at the waterfront. A dock filled with mini boats and superyachts. Creating a picture-perfect village. People were going about their day as though they were not walking on a living masterpiece. No wonder many booked their trip through him to get here.
I was lost, gazing around, that I didn't even notice that the man had already pulled up at a parking space and was already stepping out of the car. I wore my sunglasses and was about to open my door when he jogged over and got it for me. I stepped out, and my white midi flowy dress stretched down. "Don't ever open your door when I'm around, love. Let me do the honor." He uttered. I froze for a moment at his words. Enzo, that bastard, never opened the door for me. And I have begun to compare the two now? Unbelievable, Chichi.