Sinful Alliance: A Reverse Harem Story

-FOURTY-THREE-

Avalona-

    It was a little after noon when Silvano returned to the villa with a few reusable shopping bags and I was curled up on the couch, freshly showered and wearing one of Arik's work NYPD tee-shirts and a set of cotton shorts. "Hey," I greeted when he placed a kiss on my forehead.

    "Hey Ragazza Dolce," he replied then headed into the kitchen. I glanced at the twins who sat at a table on the terrace just outside of the open double doors playing chess then rose from the couch making my way into the kitchen where the youngest brother was unpacking groceries.

    "Where did you go?" I asked leaning against the island. "You were gone when I woke up."

    "I went into town to pick up some things for tonight's dinner."

    I tilted my head watching him put things away then walked around the island to wrap my arms around his waist and settled my head against his back. "Why are you trying to surprise me?"

    His large hands were placed over my own. "I don't know what you're talking about," he replied and I couldn't stop myself from rolling my eyes then pressed a kiss to his back before stepping away.

    "I'd be stupid to think y'all wouldn't do something for my birthday. There's no point in telling you not to."

    He glanced as me over his shoulder and raised a dark brow. "Are you saying you're gonna stop fighting with us about spoiling you?"

    I gave a little shrug. "It's like beating a dead horse."

    A smile spread across his face as he turned fully to look at me then stepped over and lifted me up so I was setting on the countertop. My own lips twitched with a smile as my arms wrapped around his neck, fingers slipping into his hair as my legs wrapped around his waist. "Happy Birthday Sweet One," he whispered placing a kiss on the tip of my nose causing me to giggle.

    "Thank you," I replied massaging the back of his head with my fingers. "So, what's for dinner?"

    "Stuffed lamb breast with lemon, ricotta and oregano and ravioli."

    "Sounds delicious, especially if you're the one cooking it."

    He put a hand over his heart as he peered down at him with is dual colored eyes. "You flatter me."

    I rolled my eyes. "Oh hush."

    A low chuckle rumbled in his chest as he gave me a gentle kiss. "Scadattle so I can work my magic."

    He pecked my lips one last time then took a step back helped me down from my perch then gave my ass a slap as I made my way back to the living room.

    After dinner I was so full I felt like I was going to burst. "I didn't make this so if it isn't good its not my fault," Silvano informed entering the dining room with a small but fancy cake in hand. I breathed a small laugh when he sat it down in front of me and Vartan leaned forward to light the candles that were on top. My chest tightened when they sang to me then I closed my eyes and blew out the flames wishing that I could finally know absolute peace.

    When the cake was eaten I opened their gifts- books, art supplies and clothes. My brow furrowed when a small gold wrapped box was set down before me. I looked between the three brothers then slowly picked up the gift. The wrapping paper was set aside with the rest and a black velvet box lay in my palm.

    Again I looked at the trio before opening the box to find three silver rings nestled amongst ivory silk- the first held a smooth sunstone, the second bore only star engravings and the last was set with a lovely moonstone. "It was a group effort," Vartan informed and I felt my eyes burn with the threat of tears.

    "It's beautiful," I whispered and slipped them on my left ring finger beside the ring that had belonged to Arik and Vartan's mother. "Thank all of you so much, I love it."