Page 28 of Tease

“Trouble?”

“B-b-because I s-s-s-struggle to t-t-talk.”

I cupped her face with both hands.

“Do I have to tell you again how I think you’re perfect the way you are,mia preziosa?”

She shook her head. I pulled her closer and kissed her.

“Trust me, Rina, I’m trying very hard to stay by your side, not run away from it.”

That made her smile and rub her face against her shoulder.

“I-I want to s-stay by your s-s-side too.”

“Good. Now, let’s go smooth things over with Martina.”

Rina buried her face in my neck.

“Do w-w-we have to?”

I chuckled.

“Yeah, we do.”

Rina got off me and helped me to my feet. I took her hand and led her out of her room. We found Martina in the kitchen with a fresh cup of tea in her hands. She looked at the two of us with a raised eyebrow. Her auburn hair was swept back in a bun and her grey eyes that matched her daughter’s glinted.

“So, is this serious?” she asked before either of us could say a word. “Because if you’re not serious about my daughter, then we’re going to have a problem, Arlo.”

I tucked Rina under my arm.

“It’s serious.”

Martina popped her mug down and gave us both the widest smile before she clapped her hands together.

“Well, this is wonderful news. I’d say welcome to the family, but we all know you’ve been family for years. Does Zayn know?”

I fidgeted. I hadn’t exactly told him I’d kissed his cousin.

“He’s aware of my feelings towards Rina, yes.”

“Then I’m sure you have his blessing, as do you have mine.”

She came forward and plucked Rina out of my hold, pressing her daughter to her chest.

“My beautiful girl,” she whispered, “you deserve all your happiness.”

She pulled away and took Rina’s face in her hands.

“You are happy, aren’t you?”

Rina nodded.

“Yes,Mamá, I’m very happy… he makes me h-happy.”

She looked over at me, her eyes shining with the truth of her words. I didn’t imagine I’d ever get my chance with Rina. Now, I just had to work out who the fuck was after her family so I could keep my girl safe. And do everything in my power to give Rina Villetti everything she deserved.

Eleven

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