The dinner Serenity talked Selena into took place at a pizzeria in the heart of town. Peter first took her there for her birthday knowing how much she missed home and nothing said Italian and American like pizza did.
“This place is amazing, you’re gonna love it!” Serenity squealed, finally spotting her friends at their usual booth.
“Peter!” Serenity exclaimed, dropping Xander’s hand to throw her arms around her best friend whom she hadn’t seen in months.
Watching Peter’s face disappear into the crook of her neck as he hugged her tightly sent a wave of discomfort through Xander’s body. He was instantly transported to hi
“Hey you! I thought Xander was joining us?” Selena frowned at the empty chair beside her at the table as she leaned down to kiss Serenity on the cheek.“Nope, just us and this little cutie.” Serenity smiled widely at the chubby cheeked princess and stretched her arms out to the child, who to her surprise jumped into her arms without a moment of hesitation, “Oh, wow!”“Yeah, she’s a social butterfly.” Selena rolled her eyes, but the smile on her face never fell, “She thinks everyone is her best friend.”“Well, I have no problem with that at all. Isn’t that right my little bestie.” Serenity tickled her little tummy and little Gracie giggled and grabbed Serenity face between he
“Hey, are you okay? You’ve been really quiet since you got back.” Xander frowned from across the counter where he was throwing together a simple chicken pesto for dinner. “Yeah, I’m fine, just tired.” Serenity brushed off his concern with another sip of wine and while she really was exhausted it wasn’t at all physical. Selena’s revelation about her feelings towards Xander and the reminder that she wasn’t being completely honest with him about her life here in Mexico was setting her on edge. “Hey.” Xander rounded the counter with a small smile on his face, “I know when something is bothering you, but I”m not gonna pry it out of you. You know you can always come to me when you’re ready to talk.” He rubbed her back in circular motions and as soothing as the action was, it only made Serenity feel worse. “I know.” She hurriedly slid off the chair and out of his reach, “I promised Lorenzo I’d call him tonight. You go ahead and eat. I'm not that hungry right now.” She waved him off as
“This is the kitchen, where the magic happens.” Xander smiled broadly.“Really? I would have given that title to a different room in the house.” Serenity responded with a teasing smirk and Xander’s eyes immediately cut to her.“Oh really?” He stalked closer to her with his eyebrow raised and a smug smile tugging at his lips, “Which room would that be?” He whispered huskily.“Well…” She dragged out the ‘L’ and brought her fingers up to his chest where she fiddled with the buttons on his shirt, enjoying the way his breath hitched when he finger dipped into the tiny opening, “A little place you won’t be needing this.”
The morning Italian sun was warm against her skin, but Xander’s fingertips dancing across her skin left a delicious burn in its wake.“I wouldn’t mind waking up like this every day.” She mumbled huskily, her eyes finally cracking open to reveal deep hazel pools when his hand dipped beneath the sheet.“You have freckles on your arms.” Xander mused as he traced up to the curve of her shoulder.The way his eyes followed his movements with such deep concentration made her heart rate kick up a notch.“What are you doing?” She wondered curiously, emotions played across his face like a classic romcom.
“Honey, I’m home!” Serenity’s voice carried through the Lombardi Estate with a hint of vigour.“We’re home.” Xander corrected amusedly, dropping their suitcases on the living room floor beside him.Serenity stuck her tongue out at the bulky man who simply rolled his eyes at her. Their four weeks away had come to an end and despite the ups and downs they faced to get here, Xander couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Now it was time to repair the friendships he left behind.Hearing footsteps in their direction, Xander sucked in a calming breath and took his woman’s hand in his. With her by his side he could face anything.“Alessia!&rd
“Did you guys kiss and make up?” Serenity cocked an eye at her brothers and Xander as they slided in beside her at the entrance of the church.The memorial service her mother organised for Darrio was about to start and Caterina Lombardi insisted that the three siblings stand at the entrance to greet the guests and accept their heartfelt condolences. Ironically not a single guest she met till now was actually her brother’s friend.“Yeah because I’m not weirdly and spectacularly intertwined enough with your family as it is.” Xander smirked sarcastically.“Aww, as long as you guys made up, I don’t mind kissing you on their behalf.” She teased, pinching his cheeks for dramatic effect, earning her a disgusted
“Oh Alessia, it’s so nice to see you after all these years. I’m so glad your parents decided to patch things up, I never did want to choose sides, but I understand why you did my dear, us girls must stick together.”Serenity couldn’t quite remember the name of the woman commenting on her family situation, but the entitlement she felt grated on Serenity’s last nerve.“Of course.” Serenity offered her a tight smile.“So your mother tells me you started your own clothing company. My daughter is into fashion herself, perhaps you girls can get together and discuss working together sometime?” The unknown woman suggested coolly, but the eagerness in her eye told Serenity her intentions weren’t as no
“Mom?” Serenity’s eyes widened when she entered the living room of the Moretti residence and found her mother browsing the family pictures on the mantle.“Hello, Alessia.” Caterina smiled softly.“What are you doing here?” Serenity stuttered, taking a few cautious steps closer.“I’ve come to bring you home.” She stated plainly, looking her daughter directly in the eye.“Excuse me?” Serenity’s eyes widened, she was having a hard time believing the words coming out of her mother’s mouth.“Lorenzo told me you have been living at the Lombardi