Author's note: this is from Duke's point of view

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Attending the event with Serina was exhilarating.

Serina looked like a million bucks and just as I feared, most of the men present were throwing lecherous glances her way. I made sure to stick close to Serina so that none of them can get too close. Handshakes are enough.

Serina is mine!

Her breathtaking visual was enhanced by the sharpness of her mind. She spoke eloquently, demanding attention naturally, and I enjoyed the sight of all those people sucking up to her.

Did I approve of Serina donating to that expedition to nowhere? No.

Why did I match her donation? Because I wanted her to know that even if she is making a bad decision, I will be by her side.

This is a vow I made on the day I heard that she disappeared in Venice: as long as I can get her back, I will do anything to make her happy.

If she tells me to jump, I will ask her how high. If she tells me that she killed a person, I will help her hide the body. I will do anything for her. Literally.

Other than matching her donations as a gesture of unconditional support, I also liked the idea of our names appearing side-by-side, like lovers who carve their initials into a trunk of a tree.

Somewhere in the jungle, there will be a sign with the names Seraphina Mezzanotte and Drago Orsini. That thought excited me, even though not many will get to see it, and those are not our real names.

Will we have a chance to use our real names? Does it matter?

Part of me dreamed of returning to Italy as Mateo and reclaiming what I had while growing up as young Master Testa, but now the only thing on my mind is Serina and to stick close to her. It's not that I crave those riches or status, but I believe that would be something to make Serina proud of me.

I remember a huge property filled with trees and meadows, that spread as much as the eye can reach… a mansion surrounded by the forest, and there was a lake nearby. We had numerous staff members living with us, and everyone in the nearby town worked at my father's company, Bluemoon. My father was like the boss of the small town because the mayor would often come to ask for his opinion and on numerous celebrations, he was the guest of honor.

My father was an imposing figure, and everyone looked at him with reverence. I would love to become such a man, for Serina.

I will give Serina my unconditional support, and I would love to provide her with a loving family she never had. She could focus on whatever she wants, and I would take care of all the expenses and make sure she is safe and loved.

Maybe I'm overthinking. Serina's relationship with her adopted father and aunt appears to be great, and the amount written on the donation check proved that Serina already can have anything she wants, but I have an urge to provide for her. I only hope that she will let me.

When we returned to Serina's apartment, Serina went through the living room and smiled at the numerous vases filled with flowers.

A pang of pride hit my chest, knowing that the joy painted on her beautiful face was there because of something I did.

I will definitely make her smile like that more often.

While we were out, the maid split the massive bouquet I brought, and arranged flowers through the apartment. The sweet aroma didn't overpower jasmine and Japanese wisteria, the unique scent of Serina that is my personal aphrodisiac. She smells amazing.

"Maria", Serina called. "You did a great job with the flowers."

"Thank you, Miss…", the maid beamed. "Is there anything you would like before I retreat for the night?"

Serina threw me a glance and responded to the maid, "We didn't have dinner. It's getting late so… can you prepare something light?"

"Absolutely!", the maid exclaimed and left us.

There were snacks at the event, but neither of us ate, probably because of the hearty meal we had in the restaurant downstairs.

Serina suggested that we change into more comfortable clothes and disappeared upstairs into her bedroom.

That was just like Sanya I used to know. She always preferred comfort.

The difference I noticed was that Serina wears dresses while Sanya was more of a jeans-girl. I guess she changed in this aspect as well. Not that I mind. Dresses suit her.

Serina has a thin waist and perfect long legs, and a dress with a flowy skirt provides easy access… ah, my mind is wandering again and I'm getting aroused.

Whenever Serina is nearby I turn into a horny teenager.

I went to the guest bedroom where the staff brought my clothes. Did Mitch think that by doing this he will prevent me from spending the night in her bed?

I put my jeans on because the firmness of the fabric will conceal the arousal which is inevitable with me and Serina spending the rest of the evening alone.

I reminded myself not to be hasty. I don't want to rush this. Serina is still not ready. Until the last spec of her reluctance disappears, I will be patient.

I want Serina's intimate embrace to come with unshakeable confidence and I don't want to risk her having doubts in the morning.

I was staring at her, and I was not aware of the time passing as we finished the meal and sat in the living room with the long coffee table that held a bowl of fruits and two glasses of wine on each side of the vase filled with flowers.

"Do you usually drink wine?", I asked, mostly out of curiosity. Also, I noticed her drinking wine on the day of the reunion, so I thought she will appreciate that I'm observant.

"Not really.", she responded. "I thought you do."

I let out a long exhale. Was she forcing herself to drink wine because of me? "I don't drink alcohol often, but when I do, I usually go for Irish whiskey or bourbon."

My resilience to alcohol is abnormal. Wine for me is no more than grape juice, and the hard liquor mostly just faintly stings my throat.

Three fine wrinkles of a frown appeared between Serina's enchanting eyebrows. "Why didn't you say so?"

I shrugged. "I don't mind what I drink, as long as the company is good."

Serina's eyes flashed in surprise and a pink tint adorned her cheeks. Breathtaking.

I took two grapes from the bowl, popped one into my mouth, and placed the second one in front of Serina's lips.

After a moment of hesitation, her lips parted, and I pushed the grape inside.

Serina closed her eyes and smiled while chewing.

I wished to be that grape that is being caressed by her tongue while rolling between her teeth.

"Does it taste good?"

Serina's eyes snapped open at my question. "You know how it tastes. Didn't you also have one?"

I inched closer and ran my fingers over her cheek. "I want to know how grapes taste to you."

Serina was visibly flustered. I love that I have that effect on her.

"I'm not sure how to explain. It's sweet and… I guess you need to taste it yourself…", her voice trailed away, and her eyes darted to my lips.

It took her a moment to understand that I want to taste the grape she ate. How innocent.

"Can I?"

She inhaled sharply and I waited for an endless second for her to respond, "I guess it can't hurt. Just a taste…"

If she only knew how much I want to taste every inch of her, she would probably run away. Or maybe not.

But I will start from her lips and work my way over the rest of her body. Slowly.

Her intoxicating flavor mixed with grapes and the way she clung to me made my arousal swell.

I know that I should take this slow, but I am also aware that it will be difficult.

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