Strong (Book 2 in the No Control series)

Chapter 1

It's been exactly one week since I became Liam Payne's fiancee. Each day since, my love for him has grown. He tells me everyday that he can't wait until I'm his wife. My heart swells every time. I often wonder how I am so lucky to have this incredible man.

This is our last full day at the villa. Louis has an event back in London that we promised to attend. Otherwise we would stay here longer. This villa has become such a special place to us.

I feel Liam stir beside me. "Hey, Handsome. You finally waking up?"

He gives me an adorable sleepy grin. "Well it's your fault, Beautiful. You wore me out last night." He winks, giving me a kiss.

I laugh. "I was a bit aggressive last night, wasn't I?"

Liam smirks. "Mmm, aggressive and insatiable."

I bite my lip as I trace my hand lightly across his bare chest. "I can't help it. When it comes to you, Handsome, I have an unquenchable thirst."

Now he's biting his lip hard. "Damn." Is all he says before climbing on top of me.

He fills me up, as I dig my fingernails into his back. His rhythm increases and the pleasure is so intense. I bite his shoulder, wondering if I can handle anymore. Then he's biting my neck and I know I'm so close.

Liam pulls back and we lock eyes, watching each other come undone. We lay together silently after, our bodies still quivering. When we make love I become completely overwhelmed. Not just by the physical pleasure, also from the insurmountable love I feel for him.

Later over lunch, I have an idea I share with him. "I thought it might be nice to go visit the lady at Juliet's house. Maybe update her?" I say with a smile as I flash my engagement ring.

Liam smiles. "That's a great idea, Love."

Once we arrive in Verona, we buy a beautiful bouquet of flowers for her. We stroll hand in hand to Juliet's house. I don't see her at first so we just walk from table to table looking for her. At one point I turn around and see her from across the way, she's looking at us smiling. Could she possibly remember and recognize us so quickly? She must see hundreds of people every day.

I squeeze Liam's hand. "I found her."

As we make our way over, she meets us halfway. She has a young woman with her about our age. "Hi, I'm Mia. This is my mother, Lucia. She told me all about you and would like me to translate for her."

"It's so nice to meet you, Mia. And officially meet you, Lucia."

Lucia speaks and Mia translates. "She says she is sorry if she frightened you last time. She was just so overwhelmed by the feelings."

Liam and I look at each other and smile. "No it's fine. She was just telling us something we weren't ready to admit at that point." He tells her.

Lucia nods her head yes as her daughter translates. Then says. "Non nego vero amore."

"What does that mean?" Liam asks.

"Do not deny true love." I reply. Lucia smiles.

I hand her the bouquet, then move my left hand to show her the ring. She puts one hand on her heart and holds my hand with the other. Tears form in her eyes as she takes Liam's hand, then putting mine on top of his. In english she manages to say. "So happy."

She speaks to her daughter. "She tells me that she has never felt it as strongly as she did with you two. There is no doubt in her heart that you two will share true love, forever."

Liam and I meet eyes. We kiss, then we both hug Lucia and thank her. I exchange information with Mia, so that we can keep in touch. On our way out Lucia touches my stomach and says. "Pazienza." Then she takes my hand, squeezing it, looking in my eyes. She smiles and nods her head.

As we walk away Liam asks me. "What does that mean?"

"It means patience. I'm not sure what she was trying to tell me, but she made me feel like whatever it is will be fine." I say, confused.

Liam stops, wrapping his arms around my waist. He kisses me then whispers in my ear. "One more stop before we go back to the villa."

"Oh really? Where?"

He raises his eyebrows. "The bakery across the street for some cannoli. Come on!"

I laugh as he pulls me across the street.