Vanessa's POV

I woke up as I heard Rick's screams. It was still dark outside.

When I looked at Rick, his eyes were closed while he was squirming, drenched in sweat. He was saying something in Italian; so I didn't understand what he was saying.

"Rick! Rick! Wake up!" I exclaimed, shaking him.

"Nessa..." he mumbled as he opened his eyes and looked around in daze.

"It is okay. It was just a nightmare," I said softly, caressing his chest, trying to smooth him.

He leaned against the headboard, running his hand through his wet hair while breathing heavily.

"What did you see?" I asked worriedly after giving him a glass of water.

"It isn't important," Rick mumbled sadly after taking a few sips from the water and heaved a loud sigh, closing his eyes.

After placing the glass on the bedside table, he lay down on the bed and opened his arm, asking me to join him. I gave him a tender smile and rested my head on his chest, placing my hand on his chest. He wrapped his arm around my shoulder, holding me against his chest tightly, and placed a soft kiss on my hair, breathing in my scent.

When I woke up the following morning, Rick wasn't in the bed. I pulled the cover away and got up, ruffling my hair sleepily. I walked towards the drawer to grab one of his shirts.

As I pulled out his white shirt, something fell down to the floor. I put on the shirt and bent down to grab the photo. There were two boys in the photo. Probably, they were in their teens.

I smiled as I recognized Rick despite the fact he had different style; he was almost unrecognizable. He had a man bun, and his tattoos were lesser than now.  There was a mischievous glint in his eyes. He looked joyous and carefree. Despite the fact he had a bad boy aura now, he looked a real bad boy in this photo.

"Are you..." Rick stared at the photo in my hand without finishing his sentence as he noticed what I was holding in my hand.

"You were attractive when you were teenager as well," I commented, grinning, amused. He gave me a lazy smile, approaching me. "Is he your brother?" I asked curiously, gesturing to the other boy in the photo. They looked like each other, but he looked more serious than Rick.

My Italian pursed his lips together as sadness crossed his features and he grabbed the photo. Rick stared at it, lost in his thoughts. He sighed and nodded before putting the photo into the drawer.

"Where is he now?" I asked, intrigued.

"He..." Suddenly, his phone rang, interrupting him. "Excuse me," he mumbled and left the bedroom quickly without letting me say anything.

***

I was looking at my engagement ring gloomily while the people around me were having fun at my engagement party. Despite the fact I tried to find something to stop it, I wasn't successful.

At least, my father accepted my request, and they didn't invite any paparazzi to the event. Of course, he wasn't so willing, but when I threatened him that I would make a scene at the party, he was forced to accept. His reputation came before everything else, even his daughter's happiness.

Rick hadn't still known about this engagement, but I had to tell him as soon as possible before he heard it from someone else despite the fact I was afraid of his reaction. I had to assure him that it was just temporary; I would find a way to get rid of this jerk.

"Are you okay, Nessa?" Jasmine asked, concerned, resting her hand on my arm.

"After getting engaged to someone who I hate?!" I commented sarcastically and tried to hold my tears back.

"You will find a way, Nessa. Don't worry." She gave me a compassionate look, caressing my arm gently. I heaved a loud sigh, rubbing my temple; my head was pounding.

"Would you like to dance with me?" Jack extended his hand towards me, giving me a disgusting smile as he approached us.

"I am tired," I refused dryly.

He gritted his teeth and grabbed my wrist, dragging me towards the dance floor, ignoring my warnings. He pulled me towards his chest harshly, making me bump into him, and wrapped his arms around my waist tightly, pressing me against his body.

"Jack!" I warned him, giving him a death glare, and tried to pull away, but he tightened his grip around my waist.

"Where are you running away from your fiancé?" Jack asked mockingly, leaning towards my ear.

I pursed my lips together as I felt nauseous because of the smell of alcohol.

"Let go of me!" I demanded, irritated.

"You will dance with me."

"If you don't let me go now, I will puke on you," I warned him firmly. As soon as Jack heard it, he released me instantly. I rushed towards the mansion as my eyes welled up.

When I was about to go upstairs, someone grabbed my arm tightly, stopping me.

"Where are you going? The party hasn't ended yet," Jack stated in an authoritative tone.

"Let go of me!" I snapped angrily, pulling my arm away.

"You are so adorable, my little fiancée," he commented mockingly.

"I will never love you," I stated firmly.

He burst out laughing. "Honey, you are so romantic, he commented sarcastically. "I don't care how you feel about me. It is just a business for me. Just behave and be a trophy wife while I will lead the two most powerful mafias in USA," Jack added threateningly as he closed the distance between us and gripped my chin tightly. "Don't dare to ruin my plans."

I clenched my fist in frustration and pushed his arm away. He gave me a disgusting smirk, adjusting his suit. I gave him a death glare and rushed upstairs while tears started running down my cheeks.

I hate him! I hate him so much.

***

I was pacing back and forth while in the living room waiting for Rick at Jasmine's. Jasmine went shopping to leave Rick and me alone.

Sometimes we met up here for not drawing unnecessary attention. I couldn't go to his place every time while there was a bodyguard on my tail.

A few minutes later, the doorbell buzzed. I went to open the door and threw myself into my boyfriend's arms as soon as I saw my gorgeous Italian.

"Someone missed me so much," Rick commented, amused, hugging me back, and lifted me up cheerfully.

"So much," I admitted and kissed him passionately as he put me down after closing the door with his foot.

He pulled back, smiling, and cupped my cheeks. He frowned as he noticed my eyes.

"Did you cry? Your eyes are swollen," he asked, concerned, caressing my cheeks tenderly. "What happened?"

"When I am with you, nothing else is matter," I replied honestly and kissed him deeply.

"Nessa, tell me. I am worried," Rick said firmly as he pulled back slightly.

I breathed deeply, ruffling my hair. "We will talk about it as soon as I feel ready. Now I just want to forget about everything else in your arms," I said sadly. He sighed, looking worried and nodded without insisting. I gave him a lazy smile as I held his hand and dragged him towards the guestroom.

As soon as we walked into the guest room and closed the door behind us, I threw myself into Rick's arms. The only place I felt so happy and safe. My Italian's arms.

He wrapped his arms around my waist, kissing me passionately, and dragged me towards the bed.

When we reached the bed, we were already naked. Rick pushed me back onto the bed and hovered over me. He roamed my body, setting me on fire while he was devouring me with his eyes, and traveled her hand along my body, making me shiver in desire. Then he leaned towards me and placed a soft kiss between my breasts.

"Rick..." I mumbled, running my hand through his hair while he was busy with my breasts. He was squeezing my breast while sucking my nipple or placing kisses on my breast, setting me on fire. I needed him. I needed to forget all my problems in his arms, getting into his caresses spell. I wanted him to make me stop thinking about Jack and that damned marriage.

I closed my eyes, enjoying his touches, kisses while trying to forget about everything, excluding my charming Italian man and me. I was in my safe place now, in my man's arms.

Rick moved his lips along my chest and placed a soft kiss on my stomach, breathing in my scent. I arched my back, caressing his hair tenderly while every inch of my body craved for more.  I loved how this man made me forget about everything. He was my magician. The love of my life.