CHAPTER 24

**AVA**
I continue looking at Pietro beside me, trying to absorb everything he just told me. He turns to me, the expression on his face softer than I've ever seen before.
“Do you want to stay here and have lunch with me?”, he asks, his voice laden with a silent plea.
I remain silent, pondering his question. He touches my hand; his touch is warm and comforting.
“Please, Ava. Forgive me for putting you in danger because of me. I'm so sorry.”
I blink, observing the sincerity in his face, and realize he is truly remorseful.
“I’ll accept your invitation because I have nothing else to do with my free time.”, I reply, and I see a smile light up his face. I smile too, feeling a bit of the weight on my shoulders lift. He stands up, and I follow him to the kitchen, where I sit near the counter, watching him rummage through the cabinets and open the fridge.
“Tell me what you like to eat, Ava.”, he asks, his voice full of a kindness that contrasts with the events of the last few hours.
“I like surprises, so surprise me.”, I say, leaning forward, curious to see what he will prepare. He nods and starts grabbing ingredients, placing them in various bowls.
As I watch him, the familiarity of the environment gives me a sense of normalcy that I didn't expect. Being in his apartment instead of mine offers a welcome distraction from the recent chaos.
“Are you going to tell me how you learned to fight like that?”, he asks, turning to me with a curious look.
I sigh and nod.
“Well, I'm a woman and have always wanted to learn how to defend myself without relying on someone else to help me. So, a long time ago, I enrolled in a martial arts academy.”, I explain, seeing him nod as he continues preparing the ingredients.
“And you? How did you learn to fight and shoot like that?”, I ask, curious about his past.
“My father taught me when we lived in Italy. He was a complicated man and taught me everything I know today.”, he replies, placing a pot on the stove.
“Do you have siblings?”
“Yes, just one, but he lives in Italy.”, he answers, smiling as he stirs the ingredients in the pot.
“And why aren't you with your family in Italy?”, I ask, feeling my curiosity grow.
He approaches me, and I feel my body tremble with his proximity.
“My father died last year. I came here to expand our family business. Any more questions?”, he asks, smiling.
“At the moment, I can’t think of any.”, I say, trying to keep my voice steady.
“And where is your family, Ava?”, he asks, his voice gentle.
I look at my hands before whispering:
“Dead, they’re all dead.”
“I’m sorry.”, he says, his voice full of compassion.
I nod, trying to push away the pain that always accompanies that memory.
“You have a beautiful apartment here.”, I say, looking around and admiring the large and modern kitchen.
“Yes, I bought it a few months ago. But I have other properties and would like to take you to one of them someday.”, he says with a smile.
“I’m sure I’d like that.”, I respond, getting up to help him chop some vegetables. I smile, noticing that he seems very comfortable in the kitchen.
“Where did you learn all this?”, I ask.
He smiles at me before shrugging.
“I’m Italian, Ava.”
I laugh, helping him finish lunch. He puts on some soft music, and when lunch is ready, we sit together at the dining table. I tasted the Italian food he prepared and couldn't help but let out a moan of satisfaction.
“God, I love this.”
“I knew you would.”, he says, with a satisfied smile.
“Don’t you need to go to the office today?”, I ask, concerned about his time.
He shakes his head, taking another sip of wine.
“No, the media is crazy for more information about what happened, and it's better for me to stay away from work for a while.”
“I can understand that.”, I say, nodding.
We eat in silence for a few minutes, enjoying the meal and each other's company. I feel a strange sense of peace, something I haven’t felt in a long time. Maybe it’s Pietro's presence, or maybe it’s the simple act of sharing a meal, but I feel a connection forming between us.
“How are you feeling now?”, he asks, his concerned eyes fixed on me.
“I feel a bit better. I’m still processing everything, but having you here helps.”
“I also feel better with you here.”, he says softly, touching my hand again.
I silently thank him for the moment of normalcy and comfort. We need this after the chaos we’ve faced. We talk more as we finish the meal, sharing stories and laughing a bit. It’s nice to see a lighter side of Pietro, away from the tension and danger.
After lunch, I help wash the dishes, and he doesn’t try to stop me. We work together in silence, enjoying the simplicity of the task. When we’re done, we return to the living room and sit on the couch.
“Thank you for staying, Ava.”, he says, breaking the silence.
“Thank you for inviting me.”, I reply, feeling a deeper connection forming between us.
The rest of the day passes peacefully; we talk about random things, watch a movie, and just enjoy each other’s company. For a brief moment, everything feels normal, as if we can escape reality and just be two people enjoying time together.
I blink, turning my head and realizing that Pietro’s blue eyes are fixed on the television in front of us. I bite my lips before placing my hand on his leg. He touches my hand, and I rest my head on his shoulder, and he doesn’t pull away. He turns his head to look at me, and I touch his face before kissing him.
He doesn’t pull away, either. I wrap my hands around his neck, kissing him continuously, but without hurry this time. I sigh against his lips, feeling his hands find my waist. I keep my eyes closed as I sit on his lap.
The kiss continues, and I allow myself to forget all the bad things that happened to us. I focus only on our kiss and the sensations it’s provoking in my body. I moan when his teeth lightly bite my lips, and I sigh, pulling back a little and opening my eyes.
“I want you…”, I whisper, seeing his blue eyes fixed on my face at this moment.