The Thrill Of Your Love

Chapter Fourteen

The late morning sun cast a warm glow through the curtains as Alice slowly woke, nestled in the comfort of Terzo's stronger arms. A smile tugged at the corner of her lips as she heard his gentle exhale, and she couldn't help but snuggle closer, finding peace in his warmth. His eyes eventually fluttered open, meeting her gaze, and a soft grin spread across his lips.

"Good morning." Alice whispered, her voice tender.

"Morning amore." Terzo replied, his voice husky with sleep. He leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "How are you feeling today?"

"Better." She confessed, a gentle smile playing on her lips. "And I'm sorry about last night...for getting upset."

"No need to apologise, Alice." Terzo's fingers brushed her hair back from her face, his touch soothing. "This isn't easy for either of us." He looked at her with earnest eyes, a sudden seriousness that seemed to cut through the morning haze. "You know, my birthday's coming up next week. There's going to be a big party. Would you...would you wait until then? I mean, if you're still planning on... you know...leaving I-"

"Hey, I'm not leaving." Alice interrupted, cupping his jaw. "Not yet anyway. I'll stay with you if you want that." She smiled. "You know, your birthday is actually the day after mine."

"Is it really?" Terzo toothily grinned, a glimmer of amusement replacing the guilt.

"I remember growing up everyone was so focused on your iconic birthday parties that everyone always forgot about mine. Like what will he wear? What will the theme be? I fucking hated you." She playfully grinned.

"Trust me sweetheart, I would have changed it all in a heartbeat. I hate my birthday with a burning passion."

"You don't seem like the type to hate a day that revolves all around you." She raised a brow teasingly.

"Watch it, missy." He smirked, pointing his finger at her. "I just...never liked them." He thought back to a distant childhood memory, one that instantly resurfaced his buried sadness, so he quickly changed the topic. "But it would help if you were there with me. And I promise, I'll make your birthday extra special."

"I'll hold you to that." She smiled, though was quickly startled when Terzo's cat hopped onto the bed, purring contentedly as it settled beside them. Alice chuckled, glancing at the silky fur of the intruder. "Looks like he wants to join us too."

"Ah Misty, he's clearly jealous of all the snuggles you're getting instead of him." He laughed softly, his fingers brushing against her hair. "What do you say we stay here for a little while longer? You're dangerously comfortable, Alice."

"Five more minutes." She smiled, cuddling back up to him.

✧༺♥༻✧

After another week of effortlessly pretending to be a happy couple, Alice's birthday had arrived. The sun was starting to set, yet Terzo still hadn't seen her all day after locking himself in his room all day, preparing for their night together. Alice knocked on Terzo's door, her heart dancing with excitement, knowing how extravagant Terzo can be when he cares about something enough. Terzo swung the door open, a genuine smile lighting up his features as he greeted her.

"Well, well, look who's here. Happy birthday, sweetheart." He quickly engulfed her in a tight hug, making her melt into the sensation of being held by the man, the familiar scent of his cologne and a hint of cooking drifting up her nose.

"Thank you, Terzo." She returned the smile whilst in his embrace.

"Where have you been all afternoon? I missed you." Terzo chuckled, stepping aside to let her in.