In Your Clutches

Part 24: It'll Be Fun She Said

ASHER

(few weeks ago...) 

After completing my work, I went back to my room to get dressed for a meeting at the Syndicate. Amelia had already taken a shower and the whole shower area smelled like her, feminine and flowery. After taking a quick shower, I changed into one of my large array of black suits.

It was mostly, or in fact always her who goes in for shower first but because today I woke up really early for the meeting, I bathed first and once I was ready, I made my way outside and and found Zia and Zio sitting with Amelia on the dining table.

"Zia," I acknowledged her and seated myself on the seat.

"Buongiorno, amore mio."

"Buongiorno," I replied, pouring some fresh orange juice for myself. I looked around and found that Marco was missing. "Where is Marco, Zio?"

"Hasn't come yet." I nodded and began slicing the omelet on my plate.

"Well, I'm on a liquid diet these days, so, Claudia, could you please make some lime water for me?" Zia said and I rolled my eyes. She managed to find a new diet every few months.

"What? What do you need a liquid diet for? You're already stunning." Amelia gasped, earning a chuckle from Zia.

"Why thank you, sweetheart." She smiled and I internally groaned at Amelia who could do anything to get on my nerves. Why did she have to be so good to win everybody's heart?

"Fortunately, I've got a good news. I'm to leave for Italy this Friday for three days." I told them.

I was grateful that I won't have to see Amelia for at least two days and this would also give me some time to think about the mess I was in.

"You're going to Italy? All alone?" Zia asked.

"Nope, Marco will be there to assist me." I replied.

"Uhm... Why don't you take Amelia with you? It would be like a mini-honeymoon." She said.

"He's going on business there. Not on some funny picnic." Zio tried to put me out of my misery.

I narrowed my eyes at her and replied, "I think you're forgetting that she and I..." I stopped when I saw a smirk on her face.

"Oh, come on. I'm sure Riccardo can take care of all the business." She interfered. "You kids go and enjoy. It'll be fun."

"But, I'm going there with Marco." I reasoned with a frown.

"Oh, he'll stay here then. Help your Zio with the work. Besides, he's a newlywed, too. Both of you should enjoy some private time with your better halves." She said.

"No, thanks—" Amelia finally began to say something but then I stopped her.

"Fine, we'll go." I said because I didn't want to cause any more scene.

She passed me a bewildered look, her eyes swirling with exasperation, but I ignored her and finished my food.

Soon, they started discussing something else and their noise ticked me off so I made my way back to my room. But I was fully aware that I was being followed by a brunette who locked the door behind her.

"Why did you just agree to that?" She asked.

"Once Zia decides on something, there's nothing I can do to stop her. And besides, I didn't want to make her feel bad. We'll go there. I will attend the meeting while you can enjoy. Unless, you want to defy Zia and hurt her sentiments and—"