Page 179 of Arturo's Temptation

“My love, your dad is goin’ to kill ya for wearin’ those.”

“I don’t give a flying fuck. Even kitten heels are not my friend right now.” I sighed, my feet already aching.

You tell him, Bells. Sneakers are the way to go!

I miss you, Ty.

I miss you too.

I always knew Arturo was a good one for ya!

“Where’s your head at,hermosa?”

“Just thinking about Tyler…” I sighed, pausing on the last step.

“I know, I miss the little shit too. But he’d be so proud of you.” Arturo turned to face me, his eyes searching mine.

“Thank you.” I smiled, bringing my lips to his.

“For the record, I’m proud of you too.” His hand found my hair, and for a moment we forgot where we were.

Someone from beside us cleared their throat. “Are you planning to join us for dinner or does Pa need to bust Arturo’s knee caps?” Of course it was my little brother. Andre laughed.

“Andre, I love you but your timing sucks.” I muttered. “Just tell Papa we’ll be there in five minutes.” Arturo chuckled as I pulled him back in for a kiss.

“Isabella Carmella Ricci, you two had better get your asses in here before I get to five.” My father joked as he stepped out of the dining room, closing the door behind him.

“Fuck’s sake, we’re comin’.” Arturo huffed. Taking my hand, Arturo pulled me over to my father, who stood with a beaming face.

“Pa, what’s going on?” I quizzed, suspicion crawling up my spine.

“What? Nothing!” He glanced at Arturo, his eyes widening.

Before I could say anything else my father pushed open the doors revealing our closest family.

“CONGRATULATIONS!” Everyone screamed the second they saw us.

Tears sprang to my eyes. “Pa, was this all you?” I choked out.

“I’m happy for you, Bells, so very happy for you.” He wrapped one of his arms around me, shaking Arturo’s with the other.

“You knew?” I gasped, facing Arturo.

“Maybe.” He winked, kissing my temple. “We wanted it to be a surprise.”

“Congratulations, darling!” My mother smiled, handing me a champagne glass with non alcoholic bubbles in it. “Let me see it.” I held out my hand, letting my mother’s eyes wander over the ring.

“Arturo, you picked beautifully.” She gasped, taking my hand in hers.

“It was my mum’s actually,” he smiled, as Maria appeared beside us.

“And I couldn’t imagine a better woman to have it.” I turned to smile at Maria but her face was impassive. She smiled every now and then but the trauma she had been through was staring us all in the face. I just hoped that being around Arturo and having their connection slowly rebuild would help bring Maria back to who she was. “It suits you better than it ever did me,” she whispered.

“Only because you only bloody wore it for five minutes a day, Ma.” Arturo’s hand rested on the small of my back. “Thank you, Lorenzo, for arrangin’ somethin’ special for Bella.”

“It’s for both of you, not just my daughter. You’re family, Arturo.” My father couldn’t hide the smile splitting his lips, “Now, shall we eat?”

“Yes please, I’m starving,” I replied, my stomach rumbling at the thought.

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