---
In Rico's House
The ride was silent, the city lights blurring past the car windows until they finally reached a vast, towering mansion. It wasn't just a house—it looked like a palace carved out of glass and stone, surrounded by gardens that shimmered under the night sky.
Ameya blinked in awe. "Why did you bring me here? Is this… your house?"
Rico smiled softly, unlocking the grand door. "Normally… no. It's just another one of mine." He spoke casually, but his tone carried a hidden warmth.
He pushed open the door, and Ameya stepped inside hesitantly. Before she could ask more, Rico closed the door behind them. His hand reached for hers, firm yet gentle, pulling her closer.
"I want to spend time alone with you," he whispered, his eyes burning with intensity.
Ameya parted her lips to respond, but Rico placed his finger against them. "Only you and me."
Her heart skipped. She thought of the evening's drama, the endless rumors, the paparazzi that chased them like shadows. He must be tired of it all… He wants a place where none of that matters.
Ameya smiled faintly, placing both hands on his shoulder. Rico's gaze dropped to her lips, shimmering in the soft light. His breath quickened.
Then—he leaned forward and kissed her.
Ameya stiffened, shocked by the sudden demand, but within moments, she melted into him. The kiss deepened, his hand circling her waist, pulling her impossibly closer. The other hand slid along her back, caressing from hip to shoulder as if he wanted to memorize every part of her.
Without realizing, their steps carried them into a grand bedroom. Rico's lips moved with passion, exploring, claiming. His fingers traced her shoulder, brushing the ribbon at the back of her gown. With one tug, it loosened. The fabric slid down, revealing her soft skin.
His eyes darkened with desire as he admired her beauty, then bent down to kiss her neck, then her collarbone, slow and lingering.
Ameya's trembling hands moved to his shirt, fumbling with the buttons. Before she could succeed, Rico shrugged off the shirt himself, revealing his toned chest. Ameya's fingers instinctively touched his skin, brushing lightly over his muscles.
In one swift move, he lifted her and placed her gently onto the bed. He leaned over, guiding her hand to his abs. She tried to pull away in shyness, but he held it there firmly.
Their lips met again—deeper, hungrier, until Ameya gasped. Then suddenly, Rico broke away, pressing a slow kiss on her forehead. He lay beside her, pulling her into his arms.
Ameya blinked in confusion. Why did he stop?
Turning toward him, she found him smiling. "It's enough for now."
She hesitated, then smiled faintly back.
"Or…" Rico teased, leaning closer, "…do you want more?"
Her cheeks flamed. She turned away, hiding her face in the sheets. Rico chuckled, tying the ribbon of her dress back neatly, his touch surprisingly tender.
Sliding his hand beneath the sheet, he wrapped his arm around her stomach from behind, holding her tightly. His breath warmed her ear.
"Are you thinking something?" he whispered.
Before she could answer, he murmured, "Dirty…"
Ameya's eyes widened. She quickly shook her head and shut her eyes. Rico grinned, finally closing his eyes too. His warmth, his closeness—it was overwhelming, yet strangely safe. For the first time in days, Ameya drifted into peaceful sleep.
---
Morning
Golden light streamed through the tall windows. Ameya lay nestled against Rico, her head resting on his arm.
When Rico stirred awake, the first thing he saw was her face—so calm, so close. He smiled softly, reaching out to touch her nose, then brushed his finger lightly across her closed eyelids.
Her lashes fluttered, and Ameya woke, blinking up at him.
"Good morning," Rico murmured.
She gave a shy smile. "Were you… touching my nose?"
"No," he said with a straight face.
She narrowed her eyes slightly, knowing he was lying. Rico raised a brow. "Were you dreaming of me, maybe?"
Ameya flushed and quickly covered her face with the bedsheet.
Rico pulled it down, grinning. "Don't hide your shy face." His finger traced her lips gently, making her shiver.
"Your lips," he whispered with a teasing smirk, "they're… demanding."
Ameya blinked. "What?"
"My lips," he teased, before stealing another sweet kiss.
Her hands pressed lightly against his chest in protest, but he caught her wrist and smiled. "You're sleeping like a baby… so cute."
Ameya blushed harder.
Then Rico leaned close, his voice husky. "I want a baby girl like you."
She gasped, pushing him lightly. "Rico!"
He laughed and hugged her tightly. "Not now. In the future."
Her heart raced. She leaned into his chest as he gently combed his fingers through her hair.
Suddenly, Ameya's phone rang. She glanced at it. "It's Jenna."
Still lying beside her, she answered. "Hello?"
"Ameya," Jenna's voice came urgently, "is Rico with you?"
Ameya opened her mouth to say yes, but Rico mischievously leaned in, kissing her ear. His hand tickled her stomach under the sheets.
"Rico—stop it!" Ameya laughed, covering the phone.
"Tell me," Jenna pressed.
"Yes, I'm with him…" Ameya managed between giggles.
Rico's lips brushed her ear again, this time biting gently. Ameya gasped, sitting up and pinching his ear.
"Ow! It hurts!" he winced.
She let go, glaring at him playfully before turning back to the call. "What is it, Jenna?"
Jenna's voice grew heavy. "Rico's phone was off. I've been trying to reach him. Ameya… his mom is in the hospital."
Ameya froze. Her eyes widened. Slowly, she turned to Rico, who was sitting up now, his smile gone.
"What happened?" he asked, his voice tight.
then cupped her face in both hands.
Ameya's heart ached as she whispered, "Rico… your mom… she's in the hospital."
His eyes widened in disbelief. "No…"
He shook his head.
The warmth of the morning vanished instantly. Silence filled the room.
---