Dilara

Chapter 38:

I wipe the table that I made the brownies on. They're in the oven now baking.

The light of the kitchen turns on and it takes a moment for my eyes to adjust. Adriano's leaning against the doorframe.

He's shirtless and his arms are crossed against his tattooed chest, he smiles lazily. He's still tired.

His grey sweatpants hang low on his hips, showing the scar at the bottom of his toned abs.

His hair is damp and wet, he probably had a shower to wake him up. I don't think it worked. His silver chain sits perfectly on his neck.

Focus Dilara. Don't let the brownies burn.

'What smells so good?' He asks. His voice is husky and deep from the tiredness.

'I'm making brownies,' I reply.

'Can I try them?' He asks, coming to stand next to me.

'When they're baked,' I say.

A moment of silence passes by before Adriano speaks again.

'I'm sorry,' he says.

'About what?' I turn to him. He's leaning against the table, his head down.

'The police, they're going to keep suspecting you,' Adriano explains. 'It'll ruin your life.'

'Adriano I don't care about that,' I say. 'In fact I think it's exciting!'

'You know you could leave now,' he says. 'Pretend not to know me.' He puts his head up and I see that it pains him to say this.

'Adriano I don't want to leave, and I don't think I ever will.' I reply, I put my hand on his and rub my thumb on his palm to soothe him.

He intertwines his fingers with mine and pulls me into a warm embrace. I feel safe in his arms.

'I don't want you to regret your decision,' he mumbles into my hair. 'I don't want to be the reason your life is fucked.'

'You're not going to be the reason why my life is fucked.' I reply. 'You're going to be the reason why I'll never regret my decision.'

I look up at him and he puts a strand that came out of my bun behind my ear.

'I want to be here for you,' I say to him.

'You're amazing pazza,' he breathes. He kisses my lips softly and lets go.

'Make sure the brownies don't burn.' He says.

I check the oven and see that they're cooked. I take the tray out and let it cool.

I cut four rows vertical and then four horizontal. I take out a piece and hand it to Adriano.

'They're supposed to be gooey.' I say.

Adriano takes a bite out of them and closes his eyes.

'They're amazing,' he says taking another mouthful of brownie.

I take a slice for myself and take a bite. The chocolate melts on my tongue.

'I thought I lost my spark,' I mumble. I continue eating and look up to see Adriano staring at me. He looks away smiling.

'We should probably leave some for everyone else,' I laugh.

I give Adriano another slice and help myself too. I cover the rest of the brownies and put it away for tomorrow.

Adriano and I walk back to my bedroom. We finish our brownies on the way there.

'What where all the flowers for?' I ask.