Opening song - "Find Myself In You" by Brian McKnight

Monday, July 15th, 2019

Kina's POV

"Pops is your father?!" Well, that is definitely a surprise.

Sasha - "Mom and Dad, how proud are you of Kina?"

Tauni - "My husband and I are extremely proud of what Kina has achieved. And, add to the fact that she is doing something she loves - protecting others."

Simeon - "The first time I saw Kina on television at the club opening in Miami, that was a proud dad moment. I was so proud that I cried. I agree with my wife - extremely proud."

Sasha - "Padmore siblings, how proud are you of Kina?"

Kenton - " My brothers and sister all agree that whenever we hear people raving about Kina, we tell them that's my sis. I know I always find myself plastering the biggest smile on my face just hearing her name. Kina, we love you and keep doing what you are doing."

I gave my parents a hug first. Then, I hugged my brothers and sisters. The audience applauded my family's words. "I love you guys, too."

Sasha - "Lastly, 'Pops' Ginnetti, what do you think about your star pupil?"

Pops - "Star is the correct word to describe Kina. She shines brightly amongst a mostly male profession. Kina is opening doors for more women to become bodyguards. Who in their right mind wouldn't want Kina to protect their family? Kina is the daughter I always wanted. She's special, and I am very, very proud of her."

My eyes hurt from the amount of tears that fell.

Sasha - "Let's give Kina and her family another round of applause!!"

As the audience stood and clapped, we all waved our hands.

Sasha - "That's all for this show, ladies and gentlemen. See you all tomorrow on the Gabriel and Sasha Show!!"

"Thank you again, Sasha and Gabriel." I gave both of them a hug.

"Dario, why didn't you or Pops tell me you were related?"

"Neither one of us wanted you to think you graduated or became the first female bodyguard because of who you knew. You earned everything, and I mean everything. My mother, grandparents, and brothers flew from Italy to see your interviews."

"They did?!"

"They sure did. And, they can't wait to meet you."

"Where are they now?"

"On their way to the studio where the next interview is. It's in the same area, but another building. So, we should be heading out too."

"Okay. Thank you, Sasha and Gabriel, for the interview."

"You're welcome. And, good luck with your future endeavors."

Too bad we don't have time to eat anything. I'm starving. I just need to make it through this next interview. Everyone made their way to their vehicles to the next studio.

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Thank goodness both interviews are done. Yes! We are on our way to eat.

"I'm starving. Where are we going? Let me guess - Italian."

"You guessed correct, Bella. It's the best Italian restaurant in Cali, and it's the only Italian place my family will eat at when they come to the U.S."

"I still can't believe you and Pops outslicked me. Now that I know that, I see a resemblance. You got any other secrets to reveal to me, Mr. Ginnetti?"

"There's one, but you will have to wait until we arrive at the restaurant."

"Dang." I couldn't tease him because he's driving. Wait until he parks this Cullinan.

"We have arrived, ma'am." Dario found several parking spaces. He took one, then everyone else parked next to him.

I'm glad the windows are tinted. "You're not going anywhere yet, mister." I grabbed Dario's arm after undoing my seat belt. I climbed over to his lap and sat in it.

"Start talking. What's this secret?"

"You know, I can sit in this position all night, doll. You're looking pretty tempting in that outfit. But, nope. I'm not telling. Once again, you will be surprised."

"Not even a hint?"

"Nope. I'll take a kiss though. And, I thought you were hungry?"

"How about nope to a kiss? I am hungry, for food." And, hungry for him too, but not yet. I tried to get up, but Dario wrapped his arms around me and pulled me into his chest. How could I resist this Italian stud?

Somebody had to knock on the window to interrupt my kiss.

"Kina Brione Padmore, you have guests waiting for you," my dad yelled.

"To be continued when we are alone." Dario and I then got out of the car and went into the restaurant.

The first thing I noticed was....... "They are your real grandparents?!" It was Nonna Ilenia and her husband.

"I'll go around the table. Yes, you met my Nonna at the hotel. Next to Nonna Ilenia is my Nonno, Donatello."

"It's nice to meet you again, sweetie," she says in her Italian/American accent. Italian and French are two, romantic-sounding languages to me. I had to give his grandparents a hug.

"It's so nice to meet you again, too." Dario's Nonno said something in Italian that had Dario smirking. Dario answered his Nonno in Italian with his own smirk. Wait until we get back to our hotel.

"Next to Pops is my mamma, Giorgia. My brothers from left to right are Guiberto, Ilario, and Manuele. I am the oldest child. My brothers speak some English, but not fluent. My mom can speak both Italian and English."

They started talking in Italian too. I elbowed Dario. "You need to teach me Italian because I want to know what you all just said. It's nice to meet everyone." I gave his mamma a hug and shook his brother's hands.

"Thank you all so much for your support today."

Dario's mamma says, "You're welcome, dear. Dario was right in saying that you are beautiful. Now, how about you two making me a Nonna?"

I started whistling and went to take my seat. Dario said something in Italian to his mamma. Well, at least I know she likes me.

After everyone took their seats, Pops signaled for the waiter. In came an array of Italian dishes carried in by several waiters. Italian is my favorite food. I love pasta.

"Before anybody touches this food, Dario is going to tell me a secret."

He then looked at Pops and my dad, who both nodded their heads. Does it include my dad? My dad talked first.

"Kina, honey it was no coincidence that Pops saw you. I used to be a bodyguard before you were born. When your mom was pregnant with Kalisa, I retired. Pops and I go way back."

"Okay, can I get a bottle of wine before dad continues the story? Yeah, that's what I need."

One of the waiters actually brought a bottle of Pinot Grigio and a glass. I poured some in the glass. "Okay, dad you may continue."

"Pops and I are great friends. I told him about you and your love for fitness and your family. The robbery was set up for you so he could see your skills."

I took it to the head with the glass of wine I poured. Then, I poured another glass.

"Your dad's right, Kina. He was one of the best, but we thought it would be best for me to train you. And, guess what else? You will never guess who was with me when I saw you."

"I have an idea. It's the hot Italian sitting next to me."

"Eww, she thinks Dario is hot," says one of his brothers, who just screamed, "Ouch!!"

"So, when I went to Italy, that wasn't your first time seeing me?"

"No, it wasn't."

"Is that why you and I were set up on that trip?"

"Yes. Your dad and Pops thought it was best that I wait until you were fully trained to pursue you. If were started dating, people would think that is how you got ahead of them. Trust me, it was hard staying away from you."

I took this glass to the head too. "Let me get this straight - my dad and Pops are best friends. And, I was meant to date Dario after I graduated from the agency."

All three of them shook their heads to say yes. "Yay for me. I have a smoking, hot boyfriend that was meant for me by our fathers. So, um dad, you approve of Dario?"

"You got it. No, we are not arranged to be married. But, down the road, I want us to be married on our terms, baby."

"Dario already has me and your mom's blessing," answered my dad.

"Woo, I need another glass of wine. If we were meant to be, then why wait? I have always dreamed of getting married in Italy. So, let's get married. I'm not fancy or expensive. The simplest wedding is what I want. It could be in your back yard."

"Kina, sweetheart are you serious?" My mom asked. "Dario doesn't have a ring."

"I'm serious as I can be. And, it is not the wine talking. I still want to be a bodyguard though. Dario and I will be a packaged deal. I have already fallen in love with Dario, even though I have known him for a little over a month. He has waited almost 4 years for me, and still feels the same way. Why make him wait? And, I am stress-free - no Jayce Sterling."

"Tomorrow, engagement ring shopping it is. We don't have to rush the wedding. And, I do feel the same way. I love you too, baby."

Dario's Nonno was shouting something in Italian. Uh-oh.

"Nonno Donatello says no to a simple wedding. It must be a big wedding. And, he knows the perfect place to have it in Italy. Trust me, no one says no to Donatello Ginnetti," Dario says.

"Guess I better say yes then. Fine. It's July now. So, how about getting married in October?" Dario translated in Italian what I said. Nonno was now happy.

Dario's mom was happy too. "I'm going to be a Nonna!"

Throughout the rest of the time at the restaurant, we had a blast. Dario's mamma showed me cute, naked baby pictures. I'm not telling anyone I saw him naked as an adult. Our first time being intimate is going to hurt for sure, but I sure am looking forward to it.

After dinner, we went back to our suite. I immediately kicked my shoes off.

"So, Mr. Ginnetti back to continuing what we were doing in the Cullinan." I resumed my position, in his lap.

"We really are getting married. You and your surprises amaze me. And, we have to make a guest list immediately. I meant what I said about loving you. And, no other woman is 'relaxing' with you. Kina Brione Padmore is all the woman you will EVER need."

"Come October, we will be doing more than that 'relaxing.' I can't wait." Dario pushed me into his chest and trailed kisses up and down my neck.

"Thank you for respecting my choice. I know I didn't make it easy for you." I put my hair in a ponytail to give him more access.

"You sure didn't. And, I'm going to make it hard on you come wedding night."

"Oh, I know you are. I now have what always wanted - to be a certified Fitness Instructor and a husband. Thank you for the husband part. I can't wait to have a little Dario and Kina running around the house. Where are we living? And, what did your Nonno say that had you smirking?"

"Miami is good for me. And, it's not a long flight to Italy. And, a short flight to New York for you. That secret I will never tell, but he is very fond of you. And, is happy for us."

"I'm so lucky to have you as my hubby."

"Not as lucky as I am."

"Do I have to worry about any women ruining my wedding? I'll beat them up if need be."

"No, ma'am. Just you, baby."

"Good boy."

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Tuesday, July 16th, 2019

Dario and I went ring shopping. And, of course, he wanted me to get something expensive. Who knew my parents even had a wedding fund set up? Well, they said each one of us has one.

The one I picked out is beautiful.

After Dario paid for it, he dropped down to one knee, right in the jewelry store and proposed. Someone took a picture, so I am guessing my engagement will be on television tonight. Everyone in the jewelry store clapped as I said yes.

I am so not used to this much attention. I had a feeling I would get some, considering I am the first American female bodyguard.

We made our way out of the jewelry store and went shopping.

Jayce's POV

I am on my plane now, back to Miami. I need to work on my image now, thanks to those interviews. And, I need to find a new agent.

I heard my cell phone ringing. I wonder who wants to yell now.

It was my father. All I did was press answer the call.

"We raised you to treat people with respect! Did you seriously wish that young lady to die?! Your grandparents are not pleased and want to see you asap."

"I can't deny it. I knew it was a mistake after it left my mouth. Dad, do you have any idea how hard it was having her as my bodyguard?"

"I don't care how hard it was! If you want to be respected, you have to give it! She worked hard to become a bodyguard, just like you worked hard to become an actor. Oh, and we are not helping you clear your name this time. You are on your own. Find a way to apologize to her!"

My dad slammed the phone in my ear.

I do need to apologize because that was out of line. But, how am I going to get close enough to apologize to her?

I grabbed a bottle of water and turned on the television for a little bit.

"In entertainment news, the talk of the town, Ms. Kina Padmore was seen in Enchanted Hearts Jewelry store earlier today with her boyfriend. As seen in this picture that was sent to us, Ms. Padmore was proposed to, and she said yes. Congratulations on your engagement, Ms. Padmore."

The water that was in my mouth was now splashed on the television. "She's engaged to him. How old is he anyway? He looks way older than her. Whatever. Who needs a hot and sexy bodyguard anyway?"

"Sounds like someone has the hots for their former bodyguard," My flight attendant says as he walks by.

"Did I just say...."

"You sure did say that out loud. I heard it loud and clear."

No! No! No! It can't be true. Do I seriously have the hots for her?

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