The Thrill Of Your Love

Chapter Twenty Two

In the guest room of the ministry where she was temporarily staying, Anna was sat propped up against a mountain of fluffy pillows. The room was bathed in a soft, golden light from the bedside lamp, casting a warm, relaxing glow over the off-white walls. She was engrossed in a book, her fingers delicately turning the pages as she enjoyed the quiet evening.

On the mattress beside her, Alice lay with her head resting on Anna's lap, her eyes scanning the lines of her mother's book. Anna ran her fingers through Alice's soft hair gently, gaining a soft hum of tranquility from the young girl.

"I forgot to tell you my love," she began, her voice soft spoken, "I'm flying back to England at the end of the week."

"Oh." Alice turned her head back slightly at the announcement, a hint of disappointment in her eyes. "Why don't you just stay here?"

"Oh darling, I'd love to." Anna chuckled softly, her hand never leaving Alice's hair. "But all my things are in England. Including my job! Maybe I'll ask to be transferred, I'm guessing the English branch will be in a little bit of a state at the minute, you know, which Richard and everything."

"I never thought about that." Alice sat up and yawned, a smile tugging at her lips as she looked into her mother's eyes. "I've missed you."

"I've missed you too my dear." Anna returned her daughter's smile, leaning in to give her a gentle kiss on the forehead and engulf her in a small, tender hug. "I'm going to go to bed now- you go and get some sleep."

"I will." Alice grinned as she pulled away from the hug. "Goodnight."

"Sleep well, my love." Anna cupped her jaw and patted her cheek gently.

Alice whispered her last goodnight and left her mother to rest, heading back to Terzo's room. After knocking, she was stood in front of his door for a while, waiting patiently and admiring the intricate wooden design. She heard shuffling and crashing sounds from inside along with a string of Italian curses, the unmistakable signs of Terzo stumbling and tripping. Then the door finally creaked open, and there stood Terzo, wrapped in a bathrobe and his eyes heavy with exhaustion.

"Hey there sweetheart." His face instantly lit up. "I was looking for you. Where have you been?" His voice was soft and hushed.

"I've been with my mother." Alice smiled and stepped inside as he invited her in, the door closing behind her.

"Ah, that'll be why then." Terzo grinned. "I've just run a bubble bath, which is why I'm sporting this. Would you like to join?" He smirked, running his fingers along the fabric of the black bathrobe. "You know that I'm actually all naked under this, si?" He teased, making Alice laugh.

"Well then count me in." She giggled before he swept her off her feet unexpectedly. "Terzo!" She squealed.

"Relax, bella!" He chuckled with a tender smile as he carried her bridal style. He leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. "My ghuleh should never lift a finger when I'm around. You're regina mia."

He placed her down gently in the bathroom, her feet landing on the cool tiles. As he turned the hot water faucet on, the sound of the water running on top of the existing cold water and the bubbles forming filled the room. The scent of luxurious bubble bath lotion drifted up Alice's nose as he moved to the drawer, rummaging about before pulling out a lighter. He lit a series of candles in the corner of the bath whilst Alice started to quietly wriggle out of her clothing.

"Do you want red or white...wine." His speech became slowed as he turned around and saw the girl standing naked before him. "Wow." He managed to whisper.

"Do you like what you see, hm?" She teased with a grin when catching him staring intently.

"I- si, yes, I- I'm sorry for staring, that was rude of me." He became flustered, gaining a laugh from Alice.