Ciao Bellezza,

Sorry. I know it's a day late but I hope y'all enjoyed my Valentine's gift. Here's a little something from me to you. I hope you like it. Thank you for sticking with me.

Here's the Thirty-third installation of Italian Coffee House.

Please

ENJOY XD. Thank you for your support. Love you guys.

P.S. Please check out the amazing read by titled "The Scar"

XO,

Ang

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33

*Ada*

The time had come for our friends to leave. By rights, the night had worn out and the extent of our indulgence began to show. Papa had long since retired, but not before connoting that we would talk more on the matter tomorrow. Krysta lead Lorenzo to the door. It was clear that they were fond of each other. My husband mentioned a few minor details about him. Apparently, he'd helped out with Krysta when they were much younger. When things weren't as easy as they were now. However, that level of maturity seemed to elude him from the begin to the end of Papa's birthday celebration. In fact, he seemed anything but. Evident by the little display he'd put on. Not only that but, I'd caught him gawking at my best friend on more than one occasion. It was clear that he found her attractive. Perhaps, the alcohol had numbed his resolve. If Tey had noticed his subtle advancement towards her she'd never indicated.

"You make sure my babies get a good night rest now or you'll have me to deal with come morning." Tey enveloped me in her arms holding me close. "We have a busy day ahead of us God-willing all the more reason for you to catch up on your Zs tonight. My babies may be brilliant but they won't walk out of your womb to shop for themselves tomorrow."

"Yes mother," I teased, winning me a sober look.

"I mean it Red ... get some rest."

"Tey-" It was amazing what she'd done for me tonight and I knew there was nothing much I could do to pay her. I appreciated it more than she knew.

" -Don't even mention it babe." She winked, kissing me at my temple. "Seriously, don't. You'll be planning my birthday soon enough."

"And it's promised to be as awesome as you are. Good night. Call me when you get home." She nodded, squealing for the nth time, giving me another hug.

Jan opted to give Tionne a ride home, and though she might have been opposed to the idea earlier, she was inclined to accept his offer. The next option would've been to have use take her home. It would've given me less to worry about if we had, however there was no denying the fatigue that assaulted me on both a mental and emotional level. It would've put me out and she seemed to know as much. That, and my husband even threatened the man on my behalf. Giving him an earnest warning, that if there was even a shred of her hair out of place, that he would hunt him down and grind his phallus to dust. Jan seemed more than happy to comply. He may have been an intimidating man in his own right, but he was no match for my husband's rabidity or his temperament.

After Krysta had shut the front door, she spun around on her heel, greeting me with an amused expression before looping her arms in mine. The hairs at the nape of my neck stood at attention and I knew then even without looking, that his sights had settled on me. The man had that much of an effect on me, however I fought the urge to confirm my suspicions, not giving him the satisfaction of a backward glance. His words, as insignificant as they may seem, still weighed on my conscience. His sister didn't seem to notice the tension between us. Instead, she seemed all too happy to talk about the babies. Oddly enough, her friendly gab helped to relinquish some of my woes.

"So," She grinned, playfully nudging me as we sat on the loveseat in the living room for a moment. "Have you guys thought of names yet? Of course you probably have. What kind of question is that? Gosh I'm such an idiot. Triplets huh? I'm so excited sis. You have no idea how you just brightened my day. I don't even know who they are yet but I'm certainly going to spoil them rotten. Auntie Krys will probably make your parents cringe at the thought."

It was obvious that she was just as enthused, if not more, to welcome our little ones into the world. Her exuberance was contagious. Soon enough, the misfortunes agone were forgotten, even my husband's condescension. There was not much else to expect from my sister-in-law. She was such a joy to be around. It was nothing short of a miracle that our fates had intertwined. That of all the women on this planet, Krysta was my sister-in-law. We'd both grown up under harsh circumstances, yet our paths weren't so divergent. My fate could just have easily become hers, or vice versa. However, we were built in ways that prompted us to respond uniquely as situations developed. Yet, there was this profound connection between us. Our relationship was of paramount importance to me, hence the guilt that nearly ate away at my conscience.

There were two separate instances where my paths had aligned with her arrogant mother. On both occasions, thankfully my husband was present. With the venom that radiated from that woman there's no telling what she would have done if he hadn't been there. She'd belittled me and insulted me, yet I pitied her. Her daughter was the collateral of choices, and yet, so much more. If Krysta's mother had sought her best interest, she would have been proud to know what an intelligent young woman she'd turn out to be. Youthful and brilliant to the nth degree. A joy to be around. She loved to read mystery novels, sitting behind the island in the kitchen to watch her brother perfect his culinary genius. At days end, if there wasn't much to be done, I even joined her while she sat in the living room, fully submerge in the world of Stranger Things.

"Krys you have many traits. I don't count idiocy as one of them. In fact, you're about the furthest from an idiot as one can get." I angled my body towards her, leaning against ball of my palm, a weak smile crossing my features.

"Oh you have to say that because you're my sister," She teased sending me a wink.

"You are everything that is good and bright in this world." Krysta blushed, later snatching me into a warm hug.

"You know all the right things to say." Silence hung in the air before she added, "I'm glad you're here."

"I'm happy to be here." We both chuckled, releasing each other. "Ok! Time for bed, Tey's orders. We have a busy day ahead."

"But it's only ten p.m." She wined, feigning disappointment but despite her efforts it was quite clear that she was amused. Krysta didn't last a minute before her puppy dog eyes became teary with laughter.

"Is it now?" I asked playing along. "Up you get!"

"Alright," We stood in unison, chuckling all the while, entering the dim-lit foyer. Climbing the stairs was a task in itself, but we did so at a leisurely pace, taking care not to push ourselves to hard. Krysta hugged my right arm, placing her head against my shoulder as we continued our ascent. The urge to confess what sat on my heart was almost to intense to bare, but it wasn't my place to tell her even if we'd grown really close. My husband had reserved the right to do it himself.

"I hope you get a good night's rest." Krysta embraced me at the top of the stairs, one last time before she turned right heading to her room.

"You too." I whisper-yelled causing her to chuckle.

The hall seemed lonely all at once. Dark and mysterious, as though I'd never seen the end of the hall before. If that wasn't enough, the door to my room seemed to recede with each step forward. How absurd? I shook my head trying to rid myself of the sleep that threatened. Finally, the door stood ahead of me and, not a second later, I opened it. The room wasn't much different from the likes of the foyer. Regardless, when my eyes had adjusted well to the lighting I searched the room for our bed. I expected to see my husband under the sheets but the bed was made. It still looked empty without him there. Maybe he'd take to one of the guest rooms to avoid me. As if it was possibly that my heart could sink further, it did.

I made my way to the bathroom my feet curling with each step. This rug was just so perfect for relieving tension, the thing I loved most about it. A sliver of light appeared under the door. I held the doorknob, turning and pushing it before a gasp escaped me. Our bathroom was illuminated by a number of candles perched on several foundations that would've otherwise been occupied. To witness something so beautiful seemed far-fetched to me. I'd only ever seen it in a collection of sappy romance movies. However even that couldn't prepare me for the uprush of emotion that gripped me when I saw my husband, standing there looking all handsome, with a candle in his hand.

Getting to know Niccolo, taught me that it was near impossible to stay mad at him. He needn't say much. The look in his hazy eyes spoke volumes. He took the initiative to close the gap between us, placing his candle on counter before taking my hands in his. He proceeded to rub circles in the palm of my hand, his touch charging my body. I closed my eyes reveling in the sensation.

"I'm sorry." He said, caressing my jawline with his thumb and forefinger. "Forgive me?"

I nodded even before the action registered. It was useless carrying on the way we were. In fact, I knew that there wasn't much he had to do for me to pardon him. It wasn't in my nature to hold a grudge. At least, not for long anyway. His hands caressed the length of my arms, my shoulders all the way to my neck, cupping my face. As he did, my reservations fell away leaving my raw emotion. Only then did I accept, that it wasn't within me to hold out any longer. Not with my being exhausted. Not with him touching me. There was a moment of silence before his lips captured mine. My heart hammered in my chest as if to say I forgive you. He deepened the kiss and I matched his urgency. He pulled away, his hands still at the curve of my face, his forehead gently touching mine.

Niccolo disrobed me, taking my hand, helping me into the tub where my bath had already been drawn. He discarded of my clothing, placing them against the counter. It was then the scent of Bergamot filled my lungs. The bath was so welcoming, that from the moment me tip my toes touched the surface of the water, a moan escaped me. With a mesh body scrub, he rubbed gentle circles into my skin, working up a lather. I blew a bit of foam from my shoulder into his face. His eyes met mine. I didn't think it was possible for his eyes to deepen to that extent. Clearly, he proved me wrong. I blew against the foam a second time, this time it came to rest on the bridge of his nose. His eyes met mine and though I tried my best to stifle a laugh, I failed miserable. He just stared at me a moment, studying my face with his piercing eyes. Later, he stood, dropping the mesh, seeking each candle to blow them out.

Suddenly, I was being hoisted carefully out of the tub. He pulled me against him and instinctively my thighs secured themselves around his waist. Soon enough, he had me pressed against our bed, with not a stitch of fabric between us.

The following morning, I woke to the sound of knocking at our door. Instantly, I missed the feel of his large arms around me. The soft covers draped over my raw form, giving me a cosy sensation though it was no match when compared to being in his embrace. A groan escaped me as I stretching to my full height. A folded piece of paper caught my eye. I rolled over unto his side, inhaling his intoxicating aroma in the pillow next to mine, before opening his note.

Don't be mad. I couldn't wake you even if the gods commanded me to despite how damn appealing you looked. What kind of man would I be, to wake my hormonal wife out of her much needed slumber, to get frisky? I miss you already. Love ❤ , Nicky.

I groaned in frustration, willing the knocking to stop, reveling in the feel of our bed beneath me. Reluctantly, I got out of bed heading into the bathroom to find my robe. The only way to rid myself of the knocking was to answer to call. It must have been urgent if they wouldn't go away. I opened the door to see Tey and Krys before me. The urge to curl up in my bed was so tempting but chances are my best friend would probably haul me out again.

"Good morning Sleeping Beauty," Tey stepped into the room taking a three sixty of the place. "Sorry to be the bearer of bad news bade, but ... we've got to get this show on the road."

"Good morning, Sis. I hope you slept well." Krysta added, offering a sweet smile.

"I'm awake," I announced begrudgingly causing them both to chuckle.

"Now march your booty into the shower, while we decide on something for you to wear." There wasn't much to be done but follow the laws Tey had set out because if I strayed from then chances are the outcome would be worse. Something along the lines of having a bath in bed.

A few hours later, we walked down several streets, scouring the city for the most suitable babies items. Strollers for triplets. Baby Bags. Toys, some of which were so adorable I could've brought them home with me. Baby pillows. Baby beds. There was nothing that could top this feeling. Window shopping for my babies with my two favorite girls in the world. It was priceless and I told them so. Really, I couldn't ask for more nor could I thank them enough. We were in our own little baby bubble in our glee, but as the saying goes ... all good things must come to an end. We'd stepped out of another baby boutique, only to run in to the last person in the world I'd wanted to see at that moment.

"Mother?" Krysta's usually optimistic tone had dipped to a cold sullen tremor. Her eyes had clouded, turning a shade darker than her brother's from the night before. If that was feasible. Her face had become beet red as her eyes welled with tears. Gosh, my heart ached for the poor girl. Never once had witnessed her in such raw anger. One of her hands raked through her shoulder length jet black hair. I couldn't fathom how she felt in that moment.

"Hello Darling," The woman smiled cheekily, clutching her purse, not the least bit affected by her daughter's outrage. I near lunged at her, but Tey held my hand subtly, silently warning me against it. I didn't think it was within me to detest someone so much all my life on God's green earth.

*END of Chapter Thirty-three*