"She likes you," said Aqurico softly to Adrian as they sat opposite each other in the latter's office.
"So, it seems brother. But I suspect there is more to her than meets the eye."
When Aqurico remained silent, Adrian continued. "I don't know if she is in collaborations with Olybrius or if he had manipulated her mind somehow to carry out his deeds..."
"Yet you don't think so."
"No I don't. Just the other day, she commanded Abben, in his comatose state to behave and it broke the enchantment bonding him and Aurora. She is a mere mortal Aqurico and no mortals could have done that!"
"Isabella can."
"That's different! Argh. Forget it. I'm stuck to this woman. No matter how many times I turn her away she's there somehow. She's supposed to fit into this equation. Fit her for me," said Adrian, almost exasperated.
"You are intrigued by her," Aqurico said matter-of-factly. He didn't bother to hide his amusement at his brother's inner turmoil but simply took his hand and held Adrian's hand to calm his brother down.
"Enough. I will not sit here discussing about my emotions when our brother and sister are in danger," said Adrian, back to his stoic self.
"Very well then. Get the first flight out to Rome. I and Raphael will meet you there. As the circumstances call for it, I cannot afford to leave him alone. We are short of manpower and brain power now."
With that, Aqurico disappeared from his office.
****
Adrian was not used to visiting women nor was he used to travelling with one. Heidi had packed modestly and was mostly excited about travelling. She had not asked him where they were going or why must she follow him. It made Adrian feel that he might have healed her too extensively until her personality was altered. Being the perfectionist, he had not stopped staring at her every once in a while to check on her health, making sure he had not made mistakes in his healing.
"Stop staring at me like that. You're making me feel as if you've seen me naked," she said as they passed through the security checks.
"Technically..." he said and they both started laughing.
Looking up at him with her eyes still reflecting her laughter, she clasped his hand in hers and smiled.
For a second, Adrian almost wanted to pull his hand away. No one but Aurora had held his hand like that, in such a playful way. He could hear her heart beat and feel her heat from that touch alone... reminding him of her warmth when he had buried himself in her hours before.
"I want you again, Heidi," he whispered into her ear, causing her eyes to widen in shock.
"Uh, here and now?" she asked as her cheeks flushed red in embarrassment.
"I am a patient man," was all her replied as they started moving towards the taxi stand at the Leonardo da Vinci Airport. Adrian breathed in the air, having missed the smell of Rome since their move to America where Raphael raised Ella.
"You do know where you're going right?" whispered Heidi as they got into the line at the taxi stand.
"Depends. Do you want to have a view or don't mind blank walls?"
"Huh?" she replied, puzzled.
"Ah, well. I'll choose then," he said as he opened the door of the taxi for her. "Regina Hotel Baglioni please."
The plain off white façade of the exterior was nothing compared to the interior of the hotel. Heidi's mouth hung wide open as she stepped into the marble-floored lobby of the Regina Hotel Baglioni. Murano glass chandeliers hung at every prominent place and silk tapestry decorated the walls and clothed the various sofas on that level. If this was the view that Adrian was referring to, Heidi wasn't sure if she would be comfortable in it.
She was not brought up in riches and certainly did not have the opportunity to stay at such luxurious accommodations. Inching closer to Adrian who was leaning against the counter, she tried to hide her awe and focus on him instead.
He was speaking fluently to the receptionist at the counter, in what must be Italian. She had no idea that he was Italian or knew how to speak it. She wondered if he spoke German. She would try and test him later. She tried to pretend that she understood what he was saying, smiling and nodding as Adrian carried out his conversation with the lady.
"You see, my wife here, she does not understand much Italian, but we're on a honeymoon and so I was hoping you could give me one of your suites? Yes, a junior suite would be fine. We will be here for about one week or so but I will extend my reservations should the need arise."
Adrian ended his transaction with a smile and gently smiled at Heidi who smiled back, obviously unaware of what had just happened.
"First thing when you get past the door, don't stop to stare but please get to the bed," he said.
"Oh? Wait a minute. Are you telling me we're staying in one room?" she asked, exasperated.
"Yes we are," he replied her matter-of-factly.
"But we're not... I mean..."
"Right now, you are my wife and we are having a honeymoon. So you've got to play your part Heidi," he said. She didn't get to reply him as he had opened the door, revealing the intricate décor of their room.
