Aces & Spades

Mariana

Isabella:

After an exhausting eight hours, we finally land in my home.

Spain. 

I bolt out of the jet as soon as the door opens, taking in the crisp, warm air, embracing the celeste sky in all its glory.

This is my home.

I squeal as I spot Massimo coming down the last few steps. He pulls me into a hug, kissing the top of my head softly. 

"You missed it didn't you?"

I nod my head as he guides me into one of the black Range Rovers. He starts the engine, following another one of the cars off the runway and onto the open road. I roll down my window, letting my hair flow freely in the wind. 

I spot Massimo looking over at me smiling brightly. He turns on the radio, letting the music blast through the speakers. I bop my head to the song forcing Massimo to hum the tune with me, which he does embarrassingly. 

After a while, we pull into a cottage driveway. White gravel littered the ground, crunching with every step. Vines snaked around the cottage, holding lilies and magnolia in between their tight grasp. It was serene and beautiful. 

He opens the vintage front door, allowing me in. The cottage was much brighter than our home. It had dazzling wooden flooring covering every square inch. White furniture, with matching wallpaper. A cozy fireplace was splayed across the living room wall. We head into one of the five bedrooms. 

A four-poster bed sat in the middle, with a feather white canopy sprawling around it. I immediately head into the patio, which had a view of the beach. There were stone steps leading down towards it, as well as a conveniently placed pool directly beneath my feet. 

I feel Massimo wrap his arms around my waist, pulling me back towards his chest. "Do you like it baby?" He asks nervously.

"Like it? I love it!"

He lets out a small chuckle, kissing the side of my head. 

"But who puts a pool on the patio?" I ask him intrigued at the unnecessary gesture. 

"Me because I can." He replies. 

We stay in the embrace for a little while longer, admiring the view. It truly is beautiful.  

Massimo's phone goes off, and he answers it quickly.

"What?" His moody work tone switches on as he pulls away from me. 

"Sarò lì tra dieci minuti."

[Translation: I'll be there in ten minutes]

He ends the phone, sliding it back into his pocket. 

"I'm sorry baby but I have a mission to go on." He sighs whilst tucking a strand of my hair behind my ear. 

"Do you have to?" I mumble annoyed at the fact that he's leaving not even a minute after we got here. 

"I promise when I get back, we will do whatever you want okay? I just need to take care of something first. I'll let Luca know you're here, he'll take care of you whilst I'm gone." 

I stare into his sage green eyes, wanting to get lost in them. He brings his head down, planting a chaste kiss on my lips before leaving. 

Soon after, I hear a knock at my door. 

"Come in!"

Luca swings open the door spotting me standing in the same spot on the patio. 

"Massimo told me that we will be hanging out today." He says whilst entering.