The Thrill Of Your Love

Chapter Eighteen

"Terzo?"

"Anna?" Terzo's voice was barely above a whisper, as if he couldn't quite believe his eyes.

Without hesitation, he crossed the room in quick strides and engulfed Anna in a tight hug. Anna melted into his embrace, a heartwarming smile curling at her lips as she hugged him back, her fingers softly stroking his back. Pulling away from the hug, Terzo's eyes glistened with tears as he tried to absorb what was happening.

"I've missed you...so much." Terzo smiled. Anna's slightly wrinkled hands cupped Terzo's cheek, her thumb brushing over his skin in a gentle caress. Terzo placed his hand on top of hers as she traced every line on his face, feeling the warmth of his cheeks against her palm.

"Look at you, all grown up." She softly spoke, her voice filled with genuine admiration. "You've grown into such a handsome young man."

"Oh, don't make me blush!" He softly smirked.

"What's going on?" Alice was stood to the side, her brow furrowing in confusion.

"Alice, Anna was my nanny." Terzo turned towards Alice, his smile warm. "The one I always told you about."

"What?" Alice's eyes widened in shock, her lips parting in disbelief. She turned her gaze to her mother, her voice barely above a whisper. "You never told me you looked after Terzo?"

"And you never told me that Terzo was coming around!" Anna replied with a teasing smile. "I could have tidied around for our very important guest." Anna gazed at the well dressed man who's luxurious appearance contrasted the cramped and slightly untidy room that the siblings stayed in. With the power he held, he was slightly intimidating despite his kind eyes and gentle movements.

"Don't blame Alice." Terzo chuckled, placing a hand on Alice's lower back. "I'm actually not supposed to be here." He confessed, his eyes crinkling with amusement. "I kind of fled Italy." Anna's laughter filled the room, a melodic sound that warmed Terzo's healing heart.

"Oh, Terzo." She grinned, shaking her head. "Always getting yourself into trouble."

"Some things never change, I guess." Terzo chuckled, his shoulders relaxing as he felt the anxiety of the afternoon dissipate with the familiarity of Anna's presence.

"Terzo, why don't you stay for dinner?" Anna smiled, picking up the bags of shopping she'd dropped on the floor when she closed the door. "I've got some fresh ingredients, there should be enough for all of us."

"Oh don't worry about me, I don't want to intrude." Terzo met her gaze, sweetly wafting his hand. "I'm pretty sure they're looking for me as we speak , so I don't want to get you into any trouble, love."

"Nonsense." Anna called as she walked to the kitchen. "It would be lovely to have you, we have so much to catch up on."

Terzo looked back at Alice, a question in his eyes. Alice nodded, her smile genuine.

"Stay, please." She held onto his forearm gently. "It's not every day I get to hear stories about Papa as a mischievous little boy."

"Oh, I see how this is going to go." Terzo rolled his eyes playfully, leaning down to plant a tiny kiss on Alice's lips. "Then, I'd love to stay. What a small world, eh?"

Alice led him to the sofa, making sure he was comfortable and had everything he needed. As the two of them sat together, a comfortable silence settled over them. Alice's fingers absently played with the edge of her sleeve, while Terzo looked deep in thought.

"So," Alice finally broke the silence, her voice low, "what are you going to do about tomorrow?"

"I honestly don't know." He confessed, his brows furrowed with worry. "Everything has become so fucking complicated. It's a mess." He looked up at her with tired eyes. Alice offered him a reassuring smile, her hand cupping his jaw gently.