Two Weeks Later — Morning
Adrino's POV
I woke to the most dazzling pair of eyes staring somewhere—later realizing it was my tattoo. I chuckled.
"You like what you see?"
She startled, cheeks flushing crimson.
"Morning, Amor," I said.
"Morning, Adrino... and happy birthday." She pressed a quiet peck to my lips.
"Well, isn't this surprising? But why do I feel like that wasn't good enough?" I teased.
"Whatever do you want?"
"A proper kiss on those cherry lips, that's all." I held her close as she tried to slip from my grip.
Meena's POV
"Frawley just_like_that_mp3" playing softly in my mind.
"Nah, nah—come here." He slammed his lips onto mine, rough and passionate, stealing every breath I had.
His hands traced from my neck down my back as he undid my bra. His mouth found my nipple, sucking hard.
Then a finger slid slowly over me through my panties, making my mouth part in bliss—the softest moan I didn't know I could make escaped me.
It felt like heaven.
And just like that, he pulled away.
"You can leave now."
"Huh? But—"
"No buts. You wanted to run away, so go on. I've teased you enough this morning."
"Adrino, I was close... to—"
"Don't care. You shouldn't try to leave a hungry beast like me. Now you know how it feels."
I climbed off the bed, still angry at myself for being angry about this.
Downstairs, I met another surprise.
Nothing had changed. No one had wished him.
Then I saw Larisa in the kitchen making omelets.
"Hey! Good morning," I said.
"Good morning, sunshine! Care for some? My mooncake and my mouthwatering omelet are to die for."
"I wouldn't miss it for the world. But I have a question."
"Go ahead."
"Larisa, do you know today's Adrino's birthday, or am I the confused one?"
"I know. We all do. But Adrino doesn't celebrate any occasion—not even his birthday. It carries a cruel story."
"Then at least they could have wished him."
"Now it upsets him. But Mama and I stubbornly give him gifts. Though honestly, I haven't seen him use or thank us for any."
"So—you're getting him something again this year?"
"Sure. Why not? After all, he's my brother."
"Yeah, he sure is," I said, rolling my eyes.
"Did he do something again?" Larisa asked.
"Yes, and it pissed me off."
"Don't worry. If it angers you, throw it at him so he knows. He'll come around. I got him Clive Christian cologne."
"Oh, that's expensive!"
"Yeah, but it's worth it," she added.
"I got him something small. I hope he likes it."
"Anything from you is lovable. Come on, girl, look at you."
Kate appeared, smiling. "What am I perceiving here?"
"I'm making omelets and mooncakes," Larisa answered.
"I hope I get some. One could die for that masterpiece."
We laughed.
Adrino came downstairs, dressed and ready to leave.
"Adrino, where are you going?" Kate asked.
"Um... heading out."
"For business?" Larisa asked.
"Sort of," he replied.
"Happy birthday, little bro," Larisa said, but Adrino's face remained cold.
"Can I go now?"
"What's wrong with that face? Can't you enjoy the day with us? I'm leaving tomorrow for California for a movie shoot Friday, so please stay," Larisa pleaded.
"Sorry, Larry."
"Can't you at least stay for breakfast?" I asked, annoyed.
"Sure. Only breakfast."
"Thanks," Larisa said.
I nodded and headed to the dining table, ignoring his gaze that seemed to pierce my soul.
"There's the birthday boy!" Fred declared jovially as he sat down.
Everyone's attention turned to me.
"What?" I finally asked, meeting Adrino's stare.
"Meena, are you okay?" Larisa asked.
"Can you tell your brother to stop looking at me like that?"
"Looks like someone got into a fight," Fred joked.
"Adrino, why are you staring at my daughter like that? Eat up," Kate said.
"Yes, you heard her. Kate, now call me your daughter."
Adrino's voice dropped low. "Go out with me."
"Huh?"
"I mean—can I take you out today?"
"No. Why would I go out with you?"
"Please, Meena. It's my birthday. You can't say no today."
"Fine. But only today."
"Okay."
"And I'm still angry at you."
"That's not a problem. You'll get over it," Kate said.
"If you all permit, I want to take my girlfriend out," Adrino said.
"Yeah, sure, say the obvious," Fred quipped.
"I wasn't asking. I was telling."
"I'm coming—let me go get changed." I grabbed a toast and headed back upstairs.
After a struggle with my wardrobe, I settled on baggy shorts, a tank top, a jacket, and my favorite black boots.
Back downstairs, I found the driver already opening the car door for me.
Surprisingly, Adrino was inside, scrolling on his phone. He glanced up at me briefly and whispered, "Formidabile," meaning 'gorgeous' in Italian.
I smiled inwardly and turned away, focusing on the beauty of Italy passing by.
After a half-hour drive, we arrived at a restaurant I never expected him to know:
La Festa Cucina
Not like those typical five-star places.
"You never expect me in a place like this," he said as we walked in.
"Tesoro, mi aspetto l'impossibile," I said. (Honey, I expect the impossible.)
"Welcome, Mr. Adrien," the waiter greeted, leading us to our reservation.
We glanced at menus, unsure what to order.
The waiter came to take our drink order.
We both agreed on red wine.
I chose Chicken Parmesan, Carbonara, and Bucatini Amatriciana.
What do you expect? This food is amazing and rare. You eat it when you can. Besides, I love pasta—Isn't that what Italy is about?
Adrino ordered Rigatoni Carbonara and a Florentine steak.
Now I see why he comes here.
We ate mostly in silence, his gaze burning into me.
What in God's name do you want? I thought.
"Sembri splendido—you look splendid!" he said.
"Grazie, but stop staring."
"Are you still angry at me?"
"Why shouldn't I be? After all, it's all a contract. Why am I even here with you? What do you want?"
"Well, can't I celebrate my birthday?"
"I thought you never celebrated."
"Now I do."
"Suit yourself. These Carbonara are to die for. And before I forget—here's your present."
I pulled a small box from my purse.
"It's small, but I hope you like it."
He hesitated, looking at me for reassurance as he opened it.
Black out.
Adrino's POV
Inside was a pair of black-and-grey bracelets, one engraved with my name.
A sentence was etched inside: "Sometimes disobey to obey."
I smiled, holding the metal bracelet chain. Inside, I found a photo frame with a picture of me.
"I saw you had none, so I took some while you were working in the library," she said.
"Thank you," I said softly.
Cheesy move, but deep down, I loved it—especially the bracelet.
I don't know what came over me to take her out today, but looking at her so damn lustful, I felt bad denying her pleasure this morning.
Adrino out.
Lights out.