KISS'S POV
The mansion smelled faintly of polished wood and fresh flowers. I still couldn't believe Adrian had brought me here—not as a visitor, but almost as family. The kind of family whose presence demanded respect and whose expectations could crush you if you faltered.
We were seated in the grand dining hall, sunlight streaming through the tall windows. Adrian's grandmother, the same kind woman I had helped at the supermarket, sat at the head of the table. Her eyes twinkled, the same warmth that had invited me into her world now shone with mischief.
"So," she said casually, swirling her tea, "when do we take things to the next stage?"
I froze mid-sip. My eyes went wide.
"The next stage?" I choked, tea halfway to my mouth, and promptly spat it out onto the napkin, blushing furiously.
Adrian's eyes widened, but before I could apologize, he covered his mouth, trying to suppress a laugh. The corners of his eyes crinkled as he leaned slightly toward me.
"I think… she needs a moment," he whispered, voice low, but I could feel it tickling my ears.
"I—uh—I mean—" I stammered, utterly mortified.
His grandmother's laughter broke through my panic. "Oh, don't look so scandalized, my dear! I'm merely talking about grandchildren. When are we going to have some little ones running around this house?"
I nearly died on the spot. My face heated hotter than a summer afternoon. Adrian tried to mask his grin, leaning back in his chair but clearly failing.
"Grandchildren, Nana?" Adrian said slowly, amusement dripping from every syllable.
"Yes, Adrian. Don't give me that look. You're of age. Kiss, you're charming, intelligent, and clearly capable of keeping him… entertained." She winked at me.
I yelped and covered my face, hiding behind my hands. My ears were burning.
"Excuse me," I mumbled, peeking through my fingers. "I—uh—didn't mean to… I mean—"
Adrian finally lost it, a low chuckle escaping as he shook his head. "She's adorable when she panics," he murmured, and I glared at him despite myself.
"You think that's funny?" I hissed, lowering my hands.
"Very," he admitted, voice soft but teasing.
---
ADRIAN'S POV
I could feel the warmth of her embarrassment. Every blush, every stammer—it made me realize just how much I cared for her. Nana's words were blunt, but harmless; yet, the way Kiss reacted, the heat in her cheeks… it made me want to protect her and tease her at the same time.
Before I could say anything else, the doors burst open.
"Ah, the family arrives!" a deep voice announced.
My father stepped in, followed by Isaac's father and, of course, Isaac himself. My eyebrows shot up. None of us had expected them all to converge here simultaneously.
"Adrian," my father greeted, voice strong but carrying a subtle undertone of amusement. "I see Nana has already started interrogating our guests."
"Dad," I replied, standing instinctively. Nana clapped her hands, delighted at the arrival.
"Look at all of you! This is perfect. My grandchildren… all together. What a sight!" she said, eyes gleaming.
I could feel the tension simmering just under the surface, though. My father's gaze lingered on me with that familiar weight, Isaac's father gave me a measuring stare, and Isaac's smirk hinted he was enjoying this far too much.
I glanced at Kiss. Her hands were clasped nervously in her lap, eyes wide at the sudden intrusion. She leaned subtly closer to me, grounding herself in the small comfort of my presence.
---
KISS'S POV
I barely had time to breathe before my ears were catching snippets of conversation.
"Adrian, we need to talk about the studio," my father said, his tone commanding, leaving no room for debate.
Isaac's father added, "Yes, the Italian operations. There's a… situation that requires immediate attention."
I blinked, trying to process the words. Italian operations? Mafia business? My mind immediately wanted to retreat under the table.
"Adrian," my father continued, "you'll need to go to Italy. Handle it personally. I'm assigning command of the logistics to you, with Isaac assisting."
My heart thumped. Adrian's jaw tightened imperceptibly. I noticed the subtle shift in his posture—the protective, controlled stance he adopted when danger or responsibility called.
"Yes, daa," he replied smoothly.
I swallowed, unsure whether to be impressed or terrified. This was clearly serious.
---
ADRIAN'S POV
I let out a slow breath. Italy. Mafia operations. Immediate attention. Command assigned. Everything I had worked to control in my empire suddenly demanded I move across continents.
And yet, my first thought wasn't about logistics or personnel. It was about Kiss.
"Of course, Dad," I said. "I'll ensure everything is handled. And… I'll bring her along." I nodded at Kiss. She froze.
"Me?" she asked, her voice small but incredulous.
"Yes," I replied simply, meeting her gaze. "She's my partner. She should be involved."
Nana clapped her hands, delighted. "See! That's what I like. Practical and charming. My grandchildren are finally learning to take people seriously."
Isaac's father raised a brow, though I noticed a faint smirk from Isaac. They seemed amused—but I could feel the tension underneath. Even my grandmother's delight didn't erase the unspoken rules we lived by.
"Lunch first," my father said, voice neutral but firm. "We discuss everything afterward in the studio."
---
KISS'S POV
Lunch was formal but relaxed in an odd way. Nana kept glancing at me with a smile, clearly enjoying the chaos she had orchestrated. Adrian, seated beside me, occasionally whispered remarks that made me laugh quietly.
Despite the casual moments, I felt the weight of Adrian's world pressing in. Mafia discussions, commands, and operational oversight—it wasn't just a glamorous lifestyle. There were dangers I could barely comprehend.
After lunch, the four of them—Adrian, his father, Isaac's father, and Isaac—rose and headed toward the studio.
"You'll be fine," Adrian murmured, leaning close. "Stay here for now. Don't wander into the chaos."
I nodded but couldn't help the tiny smile tugging at my lips. He trusted me enough to protect me, yet included me in this world. And while I didn't fully understand the stakes, I felt… appreciated.
Even amidst mafia operations, family pressure, and power struggles, the one thing that anchored me was Adrian.
And I realized something terrifying—and thrilling: I was falling deeper for him with every passing day.
---
ADRIAN'S POV
Walking into the studio, I felt the tension settle around me like a cloak. My father and Isaac's father immediately began discussing operations, numbers, personnel, and urgent issues. Isaac leaned casually against a desk, listening intently, occasionally chiming in with his own insights.
Everything was business, precise and unyielding.
And yet, in the back of my mind, I couldn't stop thinking about Kiss.
Weeks of trying to resist her, of keeping professional boundaries, of guarding my own heart—all crumbling in the quiet moments I spent beside her, protected by her presence and yet vulnerable to her charm.
Italy. Mafia operations. Family expectations. Danger at every turn.
Yet the truth remained: no empire, no command, no business could compete with the pull she had on me.
I inhaled slowly, steeling myself for what was to come.
Because this world—my world—was about to collide fully with hers, and I had no intention of letting anyone, not even myself, stand in the way.