Calloused

42

We had spent the rest of our time in Italy with our family and new friends.

I spent the majority of my time with Nonna, talking more about my mother and father. On our last day we took a trip through the canals of Venice. Nonna showed us the historical buildings and beautiful beaches. The sand here was white, soft and fine. It felt like I was walking on silk.

On our way back to the island, a group of wild dolphins followed along the side of the boat. They jumped and splashed out of the water. A few poked their rubbery noses at the edge of the boat playfully. 

We watched the sun set as the wind danced around us on the beach. The air smelled salty and felt refreshing against my warm skin. H sat beside me in the sand. His arm hugged me close to him.

"It's been quite the journey, hasn't it?" He smirked; his eyes watched the waves as he spoke.

"It has." I agreed, leaning my head against his shoulder. My body was tired after we had spent the entire day on the sea. 

"What's our next move?" H asked. 

"We'll have to rebuild and start over again. At least we still have our team. And the new alliance." I smiled, looking over my shoulder to see the guys passing a football. They kicked it back and forth, sending sand flying. 

I watched as Niall dove forward to headbutt the black and white checkered ball to Lou. But Liam intercepted it and sent it flying in our direction.

I punched the ball back towards them before it could hit me in the face.

"Watch where that's going!" I called after them as I fought to keep a straight face.

"Sure, thing Lil boss!" Niall snickered.

"Say that again, I dare you!" I glared, getting to my feet.

"I didn't mean it!" He shrieked as he ran back in the direction of the house. Lou and Liam followed behind him, laughing uncontrollably. 

"Glad to see they haven't lost their sense of humor." I snickered.

"Or their sense of fear of authority." H laughed, causing his dimples to poke out. He got to his feet.

"Mm, they're wise." I smirked as I walked up to H. He wrapped his arms around my waist and pulled me in for a kiss.

The sun had disappeared as the colors of orange, pink, and red faded into a light purple color.

"We should get back; our plane will be leaving in the morning." H whispered into my neck. He held me tight against his body.

"I wish we hadn't spent the majority of our trip recovering and winning a war. I would have liked to enjoy Italy more." I sighed as H walked beside me. Our fingers were interlocked together.

"We have planes, trains, and cars love. We will visit again." He reassured me.

"You're right. Although I don't think a train would make it here from America." I smiled.

"You know what I meant. Besides, we wouldn't want Nonna to miss me too much." H chuckled as I hit his shoulder playfully.

"She does fancy you." I agreed.

"Mmhhmmm." He hummed.

"I guess she knows when she sees a good man." I rolled my eyes playfully at him.

"This is our fate then. Can't stop what's meant to happen."

"Nope." I smiled again. We made our way to our room, stopping along the way to admire all of the art that lined the halls of the house. 

"We should come back here for our wedding." H said as we got ready for bed. His words sent butterflies lose inside of my being. It made me feel like a giddy schoolgirl. I was excited to hear more about what H had planned for our future together. 

"Tell me more." I grinned as I placed my clothes inside of my suitcase. 

"We'll have the wedding here, surrounded by our close friends and family. It will be in the garden. There will be lots of food and dancing." 

"And wine." I hummed approvingly. 

"Yes, lots of wine." He laughed. I looked over my shoulder to see that he was all packed. He put his luggage next to mine by the door. 

"And you will be my wife." He beamed, squatting down next to me. He took my hand, standing up. 

"And you will be my husband." I hummed as we exchanged a soft kiss. 

"I knew from the moment we met; you'd be mine." He whispered as he rested his forehead against mine. 

"Really? From my point of view, I thought you hated me." I laughed softly, reminding him of his past behavior. 

"It was easier that way." He sighed. 

"I know." I said, kissing his cheek before I went to lay down in our bed.

Looking back at that time in our lives, things had been so different. I didn't have any authority or say in anything regarding the family business. H was just another guard dog sent to look after me by my father. H had come into my life before everything had fallen apart. He had showed me right from wrong. He taught me what love and sacrifice was. He helped me grow as an individual, even if we hadn't realized it at the time. 

H had fought for me, even when I didn't deserve it. He always had my best interests at heart. I had taught him a lot too. Through the years we had grown with each other, always rising to meet outside expectations. H had earned his place at the top; everyone could see it. My father knew deep down that he would be around for a long time. 

H joined me in our bed. I curled against him; our legs intertwined. 

"Good night mi amor." He whispered before kissing the top of my head.

"Sweet dream mi amor." I smiled, letting sleep engulf me.