Ideal Men 1: Russo Mancini (On Hold)

19

Russo pulled up outside the café, expectation buzzing in his veins. He was energetic to share the plan with Icy, knowing that her security was at stake. But as he ventured out of the car and made his way inside, his excitement rapidly turned to concern.

He spotted Icy drooped over a table, her cheeks flushed and her words slurred as she giggled with her friends. It was clear that she had indulged a bit as well much within the drinks.

Sighing, Russo drawn closer her cautiously, setting a delicate hand on her shoulder.

"Tesorina, it's time to go home," he said softly, hoping to get her attention.

Icy looked up with dim eyes, a disoriented grin spreading over her face. "My boyfriend is here!" she shouted, coming to out to embrace him clumsily. "You're here! I miss you!"

Russo chuckled, gently guiding her to her feet. "I miss you as well, tesorina. You've had sufficient fun for one evening. Let's get you home and we can talk tomorrow, okay?"

Icy pouted slightly but gestured in agreement, leaning on Russo for support as they made their way out of the café.

Nagpaalam si Russo sa mga kasamahan ng dalaga. Inalalayan niya si Icy sa pagalalakad dahil ibang daan ang tinatahak nito kanina.

As they drove back to Icy's place, Russo couldn't shake the feeling of unease chewing at him. He knew they required to discuss the plan as soon as possible, but seeing Icy in her current state made him reluctant to burden her with such heavy news.

At last arriving at her doorstep, Russo helped Icy inside and settled her onto the bed, tucking a blanket around her before sitting beside her.

"Tesorina, there's something important we need to talk about but I think it's best if we wait until you're feeling better tomorrow. You're not in the right state of mind to handle it tonight."

Icy gestured languidly, her eyelids drooping with fatigue.

"Okay, mwaaa." she muttered some time recently drifting off into a serene sleep.

Russo chuckled and observed over her for a minute. A blend of concern and assurance swirling in his chest. Tomorrow, they would talk about the plan and ensure Icy's safety, no matter what it took. But for now, he would let her rest and recuperate from the night's celebrations, knowing that they had time on their side.

MAIGI na iminulat ni Icy ang kaniyang mata. She slowly squinted, a throbbing headache greeted her, reminding her of the previous night's indulgence. With a groan, she reached for her temples, willing the pounding to subside.

"Hindi na ko iinom," bulong nito sa sarili saka umupo sa pagkakahiga.

Kapagkuwan nakarinig ito ng padak na papalapit sa kaniya. Russo showed up within the doorway with a concerned expression on his face.

"Good morning, tesorina. How are you feeling?" Russo asked, his voice delicate as he approached her.

Nahihiya na ngumiti ang dalaga at napaiwas ng tingin ng maalala kung paano niya nilapitan at naglambing kay Russo sa mismong harapan ng mga katrabaho niya. But her head didn't stop throbbing yet it just got worse.

"Medyo nahihilo pa ako."

Russo chuckled softly, sitting down next to her and offering her a glass of water and a handful of pain relievers.

"Here, this ought to help. Hangovers are never fun."

Thankfully, Icy acknowledged the water and pills, gulping them down with a frown.