CHAPTER 21 - TO US!

It's been nearly three weeks since Romeo was shot, and things have been getting back to normal slowly. I have been working hard at the hotel and have practically moved in with Romeo because I'm always at his house looking after him.

Mari has been the most amazing assistant I could ever have asked for, when I'm not there I can trust things are always in order. Today the doctor is coming to see Romeo and to see if he's cleared for work and other activities, Romeo has been an absolute pain in the ass because we can't have sex, Leo, Dario and Luc have been complaining that he's being even more of an asshole than he ever was, which has made me laugh, and they threatened to lock us up for an entire weekend.

All jokes aside it has been good for our relationship, we have connected on every level and he's even planned on taking me to Italy for a vacation as soon as he's cleared. I'm nervous though because that means I will be meeting his family. Speaking of family, my father is still locked up somewhere, I'm not ready to deal with him just yet, I have been enjoying my freedom way too much, my older brother Dimitri has taken over the family, and he's asked us to visit soon. I don't know if I'm ready for that yet, my mother came back with her tail between her legs after running off to Spain with some boy toy when my father went missing and shit hit the fan, I don't even know what Dimitri said.

Things have been eventful. Right now I'm on my way to Romeo's place so we can see the doctor. Tino pulls up and it's just after eleven and I have taken the rest of the day off, I desperately need it. I walk into Romeo's house and for the first time in a long time it's quiet except for his security outside. I around and look for Romeo, "Romeo baby? Where are you?" I call out but no answer.

I decide to check the gym, since Romeo has been working out a little bit here and there, but he's not there. I finally find him in his study and he's hard at work typing away and listening to music with headphones, I wait and he finally looks up and I see an extremely happy smile on his face to see me. "Bella, I missed you baby, how was work this morning?" Romeo asks as he pulls me to his lap.

"It was good, but honestly I'm exhausted," I say with a sigh and give Romeo a kiss.

"You have been so good to me these last few weeks, and working and basically cooking for all the guys they actually moan when you don't cook. I'm so lucky to have you. Thank you my love," Romeo says making me tear up. "So tonight we are going on a date, I want you to get all dressed up and I'm taking you out," I can't help the huge smile on my face, he's the cutest.

"I would love that. Right now though, the doctor will be coming over he should be here any minute. Let's get you signed off," I say placing a kiss on his neck and Romeo melts under the little suggestive move.

Romeo and I go to the living room where the good doctor is waiting, guess the housekeeper let him in. "Hi doc, so I guess we should get started," Romeo says and I make myself comfortable on the single couch. The doctor checks over all the areas Romeo was shot and the surgery incision and pushes around to see of he has any pain, Romeo's blood pressure is just fine and his heart.

"Mr De Luca, you seem to be ok, you have no more pain and you have recovered remarkably fast, I would say because you are in such good shape. I don't see why you can't be at work full time and engage in any physical activities and return to your normal gym routine. Just work up to the hard stuff don't overdo it," the doctor says and I must be as red as a tomato because Romeo send me a panty dropping smile that looks like he just got his birthday present and Christmas present on one.

We see the doctor out and Romeo picks up and swings me around. "Clean bill of health baby," Romeo says and I can't help but laugh. "Right now though, I have to go to The Underground, there have been some problems there and apparently Valencia needs me, so would you like to go with me? You can catch up with Donna and Jake?" Romeo asks and I'm a bit peeved, last time I was there Romeo nearly had sex with Hillary, but he's asking so he wants me to feel secure.

"Sure I would love to go," I say faking a smile. Tino drives us and Dario and Leo meet us there, it's daytime so the girls are all practicing, it's so strange being here again. I see Donna and she runs to me and pulls me into a hug.

"I missed you Lina!" She gushes.

"I missed you too, its just been a crazy few weeks. So how has everything been, how are you?" I ask smiling as we sit at one of the tables.

"I have been good, but it's been lonely without you and Mari. Dario still visits me though," she says blushing. So that's where Dario disappears too.

"Jake working today?" I ask looking around.

"No, he's off today, but I will tell him you said hi," Donna says sweetly. Valencia spots me and gives me a wink and a knowing smirk. "So how about doing a dance for you know, for old time sake?" Donna says teasingly. I have to laugh.

"I don't have any of those clothes here, besides I'm sure Romeo would lose his shit," I say smirking. "You know what Donna, is some of my old stuff still here?" She nods. "Then let's go." I found a box with my old stuff and slipped on some skimpy red underwear and heels and Donna and I done an old routine of ours and one of the other girls Annie joined us. The lights low, spot lights on and some sexy music and we were doing it like old times. It was then, that I saw Romeo watching and he had a smirk on his face, so I danced only for him and used that pole like I never left. It was fun while it lasted and we received applause from some of the girls and staff as well as Romeo and Valencia. Like old times, I was so happy that Hillary was not here today.

I got off the stage and went to the back, it was just me in there and I went into the dressing room locked the door, Romeo followed me and pushed me against the wall. "You looked so fucking sexy," Romeo whispered while kissing my neck picking me up so I can wrap my legs around him, grinding into me.

"Romeo, fuck!" I whispered breathlessly.

"I want you so much Alina," Romeo says with a low groan, pushing his hard on right into my lace covered sex.

"I want you too baby, but not here," I say breathless, and Romeo chuckles.

"Not the most romantic place I guess," Romeo jokes. I shake my head and he puts me down. So I can get changed and his phone rings. "Dario? What's up?"

I hear Romeo on the phone and I see hon frown. "Vincenzo Mancini? I was wondering when he would seek revenge, just keep me posted, I'm taking Alina out tonight so I will need some more security. Alright by man."

"Everything ok baby?" I ask concerned.

"Mancini is looking for revenge, he tried to source the Russian's but Dima wouldn't bite, he's loyal to me, his only choice would be one of the cartels, but even they don't want to fuck with me. I need to contact Francois of the French Mafia and see if he's reached out there," Romeo says pinching the bridge of his nose.

"It will be fine Romeo, I know it will," I say giving him a hug, and he holds me tight, and we unlock the door and make out way back home, I know Romeo needs to sort this out. The ride home is quiet but I know it's because Mancini is trying to rise against Romeo for killing Drago and he's thinking.

I squeeze Romeo's hand that he hasn't let go of since we have been in the car. "We don't have to go out tonight, I don't want to give you one more thing to worry about," I say rather sadly, but determined to make Romeo worry less.

"Babe, no, we are definitely having our date, we will just have extra security, you won't even know they are there, I won't let Mancini take away all the small pleasures in life," he lifts my hand and kisses it.

I nod my head and realise we have arrived a few minutes later, and Romeo opens my door, and we head inside, we have about an hour before we need to get ready and I think I need to address the living arrangement. I still have a few evening dresses here and decide to go through them, Romeo is tapping away on his phone, "Romeo, I think it's time for me to go back to my apartment, you're healed now and I have barely been back in weeks," I speak out of the closet.

I don't hear an answer and I peep out and Romeo looks horrified. "I... I don't know what I thought but you leaving was not on the list," Romeo says frowning.

"Romeo, this is your house, I can't just move in here without you knowing and take up residency," I say with a giggle.

"Stay, I don't want you leave," Romeo says and its my turn to frown.

"Are you asking me to move in with you?" I ask staring at him with some evening dress hanging from my hand.

"Well we have been living together the last few weeks, you have all your things here, you even have a vanity in our bedroom, you can't just leave. So yes I'm asking you to stay and move in with me," Romeo says, quickly as if I were about to run away.

I'm dumbstruck, and look around 'our' bedroom, all my things around the vanity Romeo insisted I have a few weeks ago, I even have a side of the bed. I put the dress back and walk over to Romeo and take his outstretched hand, "well if it's what you want, you don't think it's too soon?" I ask not sure.

"No, this life, this Mafia life things tend to move a lot quicker, especially in a relationship. I feel like you always been here, I can't imagine you not being here, this last few weeks with you taking care of me, its been the best of my life just knowing you're here. When I wake up or come home, or you're at work and you come home, it's the best part of my day, and the guys would kill me if you left, they have gotten used to your cooking and baking," Romeo chuckles.

"Well I couldn't possibly disappoint the boys now can I, so it looks like I'm staying," I laugh and sit on his lap and Romeo gives me the most adorable smile and I can't help but kiss him. "Now I need to shower and prepare for our date," I say smiling and Romeo laughs and says he will shower in the other room or he won't keep his hands off me.

I take my time in the shower making sure I'm perfect for tonight, and to not wet my hair. Once I'm all ready I lotion my body and apply deodorant and perfume, I guess Romeo must have grabbed his tux and gotten ready in the other room. I curl my hair on long loose curls and put on some smoky make up and a red lip with black barely there underwear with red trim.

Now the dress, I chose a midnight blue floor length fitted satin gown with straps and a low neck with a matching high heel sandal. I slip on a simple diamond necklace and matching studs. I grab a long black coat and my midnight blue clutch that goes with the dress. I'm just checking myself in the mirror when I feel Romeo's hands around my waist. "You looks gorgeous mi amore." (my love)

I see Romeo has a black suit on with a blue tie and black shirt, he must have snuck a peak at my chosen dress his hair short on the sides and longer on the top, styled to perfection with a signature tousled look like he ran his hands through it a few times.

"You look just as good baby, so handsome," I answer blushing as Romeo takes my coat and holds it open for me to slip on.

"Shall we?" Romeo asks extending his arm. I giggle and nod.

There's a black Mercedes waiting outside with tinted windows. Tino waiting for us, there are two more identical cars, one in front and one at the back. Tino opens the door for us and Romeo helps me in and we begin the journey. " So where are we going?" I ask curiously.

"Well I thought we might watch a play and then have dinner at a new French restaurant called 'Oui'. Its supposed to be amazing," Romeo says smiling.

"I heard a few guests speaking about it yesterday, sounds perfect. What play are we seeing?" I ask really knowing nothing about the theatre, or what's playing.

"Romeo and Juliet, classic but I thought you might like it, I have a private box and some champagne on ice," Romeo says a bit nervously.

"I have never seen it live, I'm quite excited, I haven't been to a theatre in years. Gio took me once when I was a teen and I quite enjoyed it," excitedly spilling and smiling. The atmosphere is electric and buzzing at the theatre, its opening night of the play in New York. Romeo shows us to the box he has for the night, its absolutely beautiful on here. "Romeo this is amazing, thank you."

"Anything for you," Romeo responds handing me a glass of champagne. "To us," he toasts.

"To us," I respond. The play starts and its just as amazing as I thought it might be. The irony of them being Italian is not lost on me. The actors are so gifted, I can't believe how engrossed I am in Shakespeare. I turn to see my very own Romeo, I'm such a lucky woman, I don't think if we were forced together a few years ago if we would be this happy, but I'm glad we met the way we did, I couldn't have asked for a better boyfriend. I'm really looking forward to the rest of the night.