Crimson Roses

Chapter 24

[ "Sof...please...don't go...I didn't mean for this to happen. It should have been me...I should have died instead! I am responsible for your death! I'm sorry!", Romano cried out in a hazy gaze.

"You couldn't love me, Romano...what makes you think you'll be able to move on and have a fresh start with Belle?", Sofia leaned in. "You deserve to be tormented. I'll be the only thing that you think about until your last breath.", Sofia whispered.]

'GASP'

Romano woke up in a shock as he could feel his clothes drenched in sweat. He laid back on the bed and sighed as he began to feel thirsty yet tired. He groaned and got up.

"Damn it...", Romano grumbled as he ran a hand through his hair and took off his drenched t-shirt and used a vest instead.

.

.

.

Romano treaded down the stairs and into the kitchen. He opened the fridge and took out an ice bottle of water. He closed the fridge and immediately flinched.

"Damn it! What the hell are you doing here so late?", Romano sighed in relief.

"I couldn't get much sleep...", Sofia stretched and mumbled groggily.

Romano's gaze flickered towards her t-shirt that shifted up slightly as she stretched and yawned. He quickly looked away.

"What's your story?", Sofia asked as she took a seat near the countertop island.

"What do you mean?", Romano asked as he downed the water in one go.

"I'm guessing there's a reason why you're using an iron pressed vest that barely has any wrinkles on it. Or maybe it's the fact that your hair is all ruffled up but it looks like sweat droplets are forming on your temples. So in my conclusion...I'm guessing you had a nightmare?", Sofia asked as she rested her head on her hand and leaned forward.

Romano pressed his two hands on the countertop island and leaned forward opposite her and let out a dry chuckle.

"Do you constantly profile others?", Romano asked.

"Not really...but...I can't get any sleep, so I'm bored.", Sofia shrugged.

"Come on, let's go.", Romano said as he began to walk away.

"Where are we going?", Sofia asked as she followed quickly behind.

"You'll see.", Romano answered.

Romano took her to the basement and turned the lights on causing Sofia to gape at the training room.

"Wow...And here I thought that you were going to kidnap me.", Sofia chuckled.

"Would you care to spar?", Romano asked as he got up into the fighting ring.

"When you put it like that...how can I ever deny such a good challenge.", Sofia smirked as she walked toward him while tying her hair up before getting onto the mat.

"Don't think I'll go easy on you just because you're a woman.", Romano said as he positioned his feet and got into a fighting stance.

"Oh please! I like the challenge.", Sofia smirked as she got into her defense stance, waiting for his first move.

"Just remember this when you lose.", Romano chuckled as Sofia stood in the middle of the ring as he began to circle her.

"That's only if I'll lose.", Sofia said.

Romano quickly lunged forward, aiming a heavy blow at her torso but she quickly dodged and twisted his arm behind his back, before releasing him.

"Not bad.", Romano said.

"Is that a compliment or an insult?", Sofia asked.

"Depends if you're ready for round two.", Romano added.

"I'm ready, I'm just unsure if you need to catch your breath before we continue.", Sofia replied.

"I'm good to go.", Romano let out a deep chuckle.

Sofia did a roundhouse kick, but Romano managed to catch her ankle in mid air and punched her torso. Sofia grunted and chuckled.

"Not bad.", Sofia let out a dry laugh.

"Last one is mine.", Romano stated.

"In your dreams.", Sofia said.

"We'll see about that."

Romano and Sofia lunged toward each other head on. Sofia landed heavy punches on his torso before bringing his head to her knee as she continued to punch him. Romano grabbed her wrists and twisted her around as he held her in a headlock.

Sofia jumped up, and used her force and weight before bringing him down, within a split second, Romano landed on top of her, but she quickly wrapped her legs around Romano's waist before he could react and she pinned him down.

Sofia began punching him hard and fast. Romano took the opportunity to place his arms on her waist and tossed her down and pin her. He held both her wrists in place and they both began panting. Sofia threw her head back in laughter.

"You're good.", Sofia said between her laughter.

"They don't call me the Don for nothing, Belle.", Romano said in his deep voice as his chest heaved up and down.

"And here I thought you would just be eye candy.", Sofia chuckled.

"I could say the same for you.", Romano stated as his grip began to loosen unconsciously.

Sofia took this opportunity and wrapped her legs around his waist and pin him down.

"The only difference is that...This piece of eye candy takes every opportunity to get whatever she wants.", Sofia said.

"Anything?", Romano asked playfully.

"Anything.", Sofia's gaze flickered at his lips as he sat up slowly.

"Looks like you're the one who wants to continue where we left at.", Romano said as he gently brushed a strand of hair behind her ear.

"If you only knew...", Sofia whispered softly, with longing and a mixture of another feeling in her eyes.

"If you only open up to me...", Romano stated as he leaned in, causing Sofia's breath to hitch.

"If only...", Sofia whispered softly as her breath hitched.

Romano's gaze lingered from her lips to her eyes, waiting desperately for a response. Sofia locked eyes with him as she leaned in slowly.

"You know ...we really shouldn't....", Sofia whispered.

"Then stop me.", was the last thing Romano said before he closed the gap between their lips gently.

Sofia's breath hitched as he closed the gap and her fists immediately clammed up before she hesitantly responded to his kiss. Romano pulled away slowly to look at Sofia's reaction.

"I don't think I can stop you...", Sofia mumbled as she wrapped her arms around Romano's neck.

"I don't think I want to stop either...mi Libelle...", Romano leaned in and whispered softly.