After the discussion on Monday, myself and Ben seperated from my father, Richmond and Max on wednesday morning, so that Ben and i could takecare of some other business, then we reunited with my father on thursday night for our return flight back home.

I should be happy to get back home, but i am not.

I look down at the message i received two days ago that i am yet to reply to.

Ange,

Call me back will you,

We seriously need to talk.

ASAP.

Claire.

I sigh.

Now that i am back in town, i know she will start calling me again, probably even come by, so i need to contact her back quickly. It's not that i don't plan to initiate a conversation with her myself, i just need to do something else first.

We touch down in hartford shortly after noon but i go home with Dad and Ben first before going to my place. I have to meet Nick at round 4pm, so i am closer to him there than if i went home.

*

I had hoped Angelo would be back by wednesday but that wasn't the case, then thursday came and passed and now it's friday and the day is almost over, so now i am not holding on to any hope, on top of that, we haven't communicated much since he has been gone, so the time period feels even longer.

Tomorrow morning i am going back to my hometown for Dad's memorial.

I should have travelled today, but then i had initially hoped that Angelo would be here by today, so that i could invite him to come with me if he wanted to, but i guess i planned in vain and it was too late to make a last minute change to travel, so i will go tomorrow.

In this trip, i will be able to meet my whole family and it makes me really nervous thinking about it, so much that throughout the day at work i had this lightness in my belly that made me lose my appetite.

But now that i am home, Seline insists on making dinner for me before she leaves, even though i told her she didn't have to when i am alone. I love to cook and could easily make something for myself later.

But all the same, i welcome the company as i sit by the kitchen counter and talk to her while she finishes up making me her family's secret recepy that i have come to love so much.

Every now and then, i would help her with whatever she needs to get the cooking going, then i would sit back down again.

After some time, our friendly chatter is interrupted by voices in the foyer.

My heart does a backflip.

It can't be.

I literally jump off the stool and head out, hastily pushing the kitchen door open, as i rush out into the foyer.

"Angelo??" i call out excitedly.

Then i see him, walking into the apartment, accompanied by Elijah and Sam.

I get a quick look at him, in his long sleeved grey cotton shirt and black pants and boots. He has a jacket and laptop in one hand, but that doesn't stop me from charging at him as fast as i can.

*

After finishing up on my earlier programs, i head back to my place with Elijah and meet up with Sam at my building entrance.

As the lift goes up, the guys update me on what's been going on in more detail during my absence, not that i am even paying attention. My mind is both earger and nervous to get upstairs.

But as i walk into the apartment, my excitement wins.

The door from the kitchen opens abruptly and Marianne comes out, in a light pink oversized sweater, and what i can only assume to be shorts underneath the sweater because i can see anything.

"Angelo!!" i hear her cry out.

Our eyes meet.

Then she comes forward like a bullet, before i can utter a single word in response.

I open my arms to receive her, pulling her into my embrance with my free arm, then i extend my other hand behind me offering my jacket and laptop to either one of the guys.

My hand now free, i grip her waist and lift her up and she instinctively wraps the legs around my waist.

"Wow, this is quite a welcome. I should go away often" i chuckle against her hair.

"I can't believe you are back" she whispers against my neck, her grip around my neck so tight, as if to make sure i don't dissapear.

"I am here now baby"

I hold her just as tight, not realising until this moment just how much i needed this, how much i needed her.

"I missed you so much" She murmurs, placing soft quick kisses against my cheek eliciting more laughter from me and warming my heart in the best of ways.

I love how expressive she is being, especially with people around.

"I missed you even more sweatheart." i respond, my hand on her back rubbing her back and forth, the other holding her steady by her behind.

I start walking towards the stairs and dismiss the guys over my shoulder on the way up.

In the bedroom i walk towards the bed and slump down on it, our bodies still wrapped together, causing her to squeal.

I pull myself slightly away from her, resting some weight on my elbow and then look at her.

She looks beautiful, as always. Not a smudge of makeup on her face, and yet that's when she looks the most beautiful, her lips the nice rosy color i love so much, ever so inviting.

I run a finger from the crease of her brows to her lips, seperating the two. I lower my head, wanting to taste their sweetness.

She turn her head, biting her lower lip.

"How are you, tell me about your lip....trip, tell me about your trip first" she mumbles and giggles at the errror.

I laugh too and watch her face go red with laughter.

"Clearly your mind has other ideas, how about you kiss me first, and then we can talk later uhhmmm?" i suggest but don't wait for her response and kiss her anyway.

Her fingers rub my shoulders and neck, before sinking into my now overgrown hair as we kiss.

Honestly, i don't want to talk about my trip......yet. I know i should, i know there are things i need to tell her, things to discuss, but not right now....right now i just want to be wrapped up in the safety of her warmth and affection.

"How was your week?" i ask her, finally pulling away and allowing us both to catch our breath.

"Isn't Sam and the surveillance camera's you have all around the house enough to keep you updated, or you just want to hear my version" she gives me a playful glare.

I laugh and run my fingers through my hair sheepishly.

She smiles and gets off the bed.

"Where are you going?" i pull her back to the bed by tagging at her wrist, her hair spreading widely on the bed on impact.

"To check if Seline is still here. We were making something in the kitchen when you arrived" she laughs, trying to tame her hair into a bun with a band she had on her wrist.

I grab the band and throw it somewhere in the room. I like her hair like this, she usually wears it so formal, and tight in a ponytail or something.

"She can see herself out, you are with me now and i don't want you out of my sight" i murmur, climbing over her.

Her hands come at my chest so i grab them both and hold them over her head in one hand, and i set upon her neck with bites and kisses. My beard has grown longer too, so i know the added sensation on her skin there will drive her wild.

"Angelo, stop!" she giggles.

"How about you show me just how much you missed me huh" i grumble against her neck.

"How about you get a shower first" she mumbles between laughter.

I raise my head.

"Do i smell funny?" i ask, cocking an eyebrow.

She laughs even more.

"You smell great.....i love how you smell" she drawls, kissing my cheek and wrapping her arms around my neck.

"It's just that after a long trip like that, you will feel better after a hot shower or something like that." she suggests.

"Ohh yeah? i know exactly what will make me feel better" i murmur against her ear, grinding my body into her pelvis gently.

"Not even if i come with you? i was going to....take a bath too after i got....... finished with...Seline in the kitchen" she stumbles in her speech in sync with my grinding motions.

That peaks my curiosity.

"You want to shower with me?" i ask seriously.

"Yep"

I shrug and get up.

"Ok" i respond.

There are two things i have not done that i have been hoping to do with her, but i was never ever going to pressure her about it unless it came from her, however, i was ok if it never happens at all, but it would be great if it did.

This is one of them.

Everything with her feels new to me. I feel like i am starting all over again and experiencing everything for the first time.

We walk into the shower, with me feeling as excited as a child on christmas morning.

I step into the shower after her, wraping an arm around her torso as we share the shower head. We take our time, savouring the moment as we wash each other, enjoying the feel of each others skin under the running water until the cubicle clouds over with steam.

I can sense her relax more, as she now freely touches me more daringly.

The end result, is her legs wrapped around my waist, her back against the smoothly tiled wall, and me swaying back and forth against her, one hand against the wall besides her.

I missed this. I missed her voice, hearing how good i make her feel, knowing she enjoys this just as much as i do. I literally live for this.

*

"Stop it" She laughs, pushing my hands away.

I am drying her hair with a towel, making sure to get all the water out after our just ended shower.

"Just trying to avoid another cold" i respond.

"You are going to give me a headache instead" she whines.

"Fine...there, all done" i step away from her.

"Thank you."

"So, what do you want to do now" i sit on the bed and ask, after putting on a pair of sweatpants.

"Well, there is something i wanted to talk to you about" she says seriously, joining me on the bed, now dressed in a black light shirt and leggings.

"That sounds serious" i frown.

I don't want to break our little spell with serious conversations.

"It is.......It's about Elijah and Sam. You know i have been stuck here all week because apparently, i need permission from you to be let out" she laments, siting next to me.

"Have you not been going to work since Wednesday?" i contradict.

"Angelo?" she grunts, clearly very displeased with me.

I frown, and twirl a piece of her hair between my fingers.

"Shouldn't you blow dry this, to make sure?" i ask.

"It will dry out" she huffs.

"Really? How did that work out for you last time" i utter, refering to how sick she got last time and going completely off topic.

"That was different. Can you please take this seriously" She glares.

She looks, adorable, trying to pull off an angry look with her face looking so cute and adorable right now, i smirk unconsciously.

She climbs off the bed in annoyance.

"Come here" i grab her by the waist and pull her back on the bed.

"Look, it's not like that. It was necessary at the time, ok" i explain.

"So it was just a one time thing right? Because i am not a child, and i will not accept to be treated like one" she whines.

"No you are not, otherwise, me having you here would be illegal and inappropriate." i tease.

She tries to fight it but she smiles eventually.

"It would make you a pervert too...." she chuckles.

"You just love to call me names don't you? Because you jump at every chance you get to slap one on me. You probably got them all lined up in your head, waiting for the slightest chance." i fake a hurt look on my face.

She laughs out loud. And lies back on the bed, facing up.

"Baby you are free to go anywhere you want....and yes that was a one time thing, but going forward, one of the guys needs to be with you at all times, that part is not negotiable." i look down at her.

She sighs.

"Fine, but i would like to open my own door, especially at work and also be addressed as Mary....i swear if someone calls me 'Ma'am, Miss Wright or Miss Mary, outside of my class one more time, i will explode" she huffs.

"I didn't tell anyone to call you anything" i quickly rebuttal.

"Yeah, but despite me asking them not to multiple times, they still do it, and i think it's because they are probably intimidated by you. I am sure they think you won't allow it" she accuses me.

"Look, don't put that on me, it's not my problem they are making up things in their heads. You're not intimidated by me, and you call me preposterous names every other day" i scoff.

"That's only because i am sleeping with you. It's part of the perks" she grins.

"You were calling me names even before you started sleeping with me." i recall.

"Ok, fine, can you just....i don't don't know.....i don't like it, it makes me feel old and uncomfortable....." she mumbles.

I laugh.

"You are something else Marianne. Look, Seline can call you whatever you want her to call you, but Sam and Eli have to address you formally. It's just how it is." I look at her sternly, leaving no room for arguments.

"And the doors?" she bites her lip in anticipation.

"I am sorry, but i am not going to have either one of them sit in the car while you open your door, that's unacceptable." i say seriously.

She frowns.

"I hate you!"she says looking away.

"Mary, don't say that" i utter, feeling the weight of her words in my chest.

She turns back to me and sees the hurt look on my face.

"Angelo, you know i don't mean it" she murmurs softly.

"Still. I don't like hearing it. Don't ever say that. I wouldn't bear it if you did." i say truthfully.

"I could never hate you." she sits up, our faces now closer to each other.

"You promise?" i request.

"I promise" she whispers.

I let my hand cup her cheek, then she turns her head, placing a soft kiss in my palm and i close my eyes at the sensation.

"I couldn't hate you if i tried. I love you." she whispers faintly.

I open my eyes and look at her.

Did she just say what i think she said?

"I mean, you can be annoying and alot of other things, but somehow my heart chooses to ignore all those other things" she laughs lightly.

"Baby? Do you really mean it, what you just said?" i ask nervously.

"Which part?" she whispers, a small smile playing on her lips and i see she is having her revenge on me for teasing her earlier.

"Tell me woman, before i lose my cool" i threaten playfully, nibbling her lower lip.

"Ouch.....yes.......i mean it.....I love you Angelo Morreli, i don't think there are enough words to convey to you just how much." she says softly.

I stare into her blue eyes, eyes full of emotion and it takes my breath away.

And i find that i have lost my will to hide or fight my own feelings. My heart has found a home, in her heart.

Having only recently realised the extent of my own feelings, i didn't dare hope she felt the same way and thought it would take her a long time to get there.

But hearing these words......

She lowers her gaze down to her fingers.

I tilt her chin up to look at me again.

"That's good to hear, i was worried i would be in love alone for a while" i confess with a smile.

"You don't have to say it back if you....."

"I love you Marianne, my love for you grows deeper with every breath i take..My heart is yours if you will have it" i whisper, placing her small hand over my heart on my chest.

We both sigh and look down at our intertwined fingers.

She rests her head on my shoulder and we share a small silence.

Then i gently push her down on her back on the bed and lying on my side besides her, i kiss her, slowly and softly as her hands run through my hair gently.

My actions are not rushed or intended to arouse her into doing anything more. I just want to show her what i am feeling and fill in the gaps where my words may fail.

Suddenly, she pushes me to lie on my back and kisses me on my chin, then my neck, then shoulder and then my naked chest.

I pull her hair away from her face, although the feeling of it brushing against my skin is alluring, i want to concetrate on what her lips are doing.

She cirlces my belly button with her tongue, placing soft wet kisses all around it. I expect her to come back up, like she has done before, but she ventures lower until she meets the waist band of my sweatpants.

Her fingers hook in the material and i sit up, stoping her as her intentions become clear.

"Mary, you don't have to" i speak hoarsely, barely able to catch my breath at the direction this is going.

I want this, but i don't want her to feel like she needs to do it just because of our confessions. I am ok even if she never does.

"I know, i just...i have always wanted to do it. May i?" she asks softly, swallowing hard and i see that she is nervous.

"Are you sure? We can just make out" i offer, half hoping she will insist on it anyway.

"I am sure.....just...don't expect too much ok?" she chuckles shyly.

I smile back and nod, unable to find my voice, as my heart beats wildly with excitement.

The other thing that Marianne and i are yet to share, this is it.

I lay back and pull a pillow under my head so i can get a good look at her and what she is doing.

She peels of my sweats, leaving me completely naked to her.

Her fingers wrapping around me, i close my eyes at the first touch of her lips on me, soft and gentle, her lips warm against my sensitive flesh, eliciting a wave of electricity through me.

Shit!

At this rate i won't last very long.

Her fingers are gentle as they curl around me more firmly, sliding up and down my length steadily.

I bite my lip and raise my head up again, wanting to see her.

She is lying flat on her stomach between my spread legs, i can see the soft curve of her ass from here. Her hair is pushed to the side, her eyes closed as she laps me up with her tongue.

"Mary, open your eyes, let me see you" i breath out huskily.

She obeys and looks up, from this angle, those eyes look big and round, beaming with new found power over me.

Then her mouth opens and closes completely over me, the warmth and wetness of her mouth sending me into an overdrive of sensations.

"Fuck!!!!" i hiss, feeling my body melt under her touch.

My hand instinctively grabs a handful of her hair, wanting to hold on to something and then i pull her hair out of the way were it is falling like a curtain around her.

She moves her head up and down, twirling her tongue over the head and and sucking me into her, and i throw my head back onto the pillows, breathing deeply, my stomach clenching and unclenching.

"Marianne, baby....fuck!"

I have had dreams and fantasies about having that pretty mouth of hers and those lips wrapped around me like this, but even that pales in comparison to how this actually feels.

"Shit!!"

I sit up and pull her head away from me and watch her she licks her lips slowly, biting her bottom lip and i wonder where she is getting this confidence from all of a sudden.

Abruptly, i turn her around on the bed so she is lying on her back, the action causing her to squeal and giggle beneath me.

"Where did you learn to do that?" i pin her hands on either side of her.