I have always been a little shy

I've always been the quiet type till now

And I never let my feelings show

I never let anybody know

Just how much I was so deep in love

But now that you're in my arms

[Chorus]

I'm gonna stand on a rooftop, climb up a mountaintop

Baby, scream and shout

I wanna sing it on the radio, show it on a video

Baby, leave no doubt

I want the whole world to know just what I'm all about

I love to love you out loud

(Wiz Khalifa; Love You Out Loud Lyrics)

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~~~~~

Unedited

Nicolas quickly got off of the car as soon as he park it in front of his entrance. He threw the keys to the valet and he didn't care if he catch it or not. He strode hastily inside the grand foyer, then he saw Alfred, Myla, Jorge looking apprehensive..

"Where is Adriana?" Nicolas asked them with his brooding face. He had this feelings that he didn't want to acknowledge..

"She-..she."

"SHE WHAT?" Nicolas growled to Myla.

"Phoebe came over and said something that made her upset and she left with Nicolai fours hours ago." Jorge explained calmly.

"WHAT?" Nicolas bellowed. Suddenly, he felt enrage. "And, what did that trollop said?" Nicolas see red and he was just trying to hold it at bay. He wanted to strangle Jorge's neck, so as Phoebe.

"She said.. about a bet Sir.." Jorge trailed off, as he stood stiffly like a statue with his two hands clasped behind him.

"How did she know about the bet?" Nicolas couldn't understand.. Unless one of those bartenders in their room relate it to her.

"Dammit!" Nicolas grumbled under his throat. "Why didn't you tell me right away?" Nicolas growled and turned to everyone who was looking at him with fear.

FUCK!

"And what is Phoebe doing here? And how the hell did she got in?"

"I don't know Sir. I just saw her getting out from her car, then I stop-"

"That tramp. She had done so much, she's going to regret this!" Nicolas run his one hand through his hair, trying to calm his temper. Alfred, Myla and Jorge didn't finish his words since Nicolas wasn't interested, while he was looking apprehensive and fear is evidence in their eyes. The thick air permeated the room, and Alfred, Myla and Jorge was breaking cold sweats each seconds.

"Call Christian, Alfred. Tell him, I'm leaving now to Florence." Nicolas face Alfred with a toic cold eyes, hiding the boiling temper at bay, not to scare his employees.

"Ye-yes, Sir." Alfred scurries away, and Nicolas face Myla.

"Did she take all their clothes?" Nicolas tried to soften his voice. Myla looks like she's close to crying.

"No, Sir. Just her purse and Nicolai.. She was rushing.." Myla explained trying hard not to croak. She knew how much her boss loves the girl, and now he realized it.

She has been with his family for a while, but Nicolas still intimidate her. He's not the jolly kid, or approachable. He's always aloof, temperamental and always in solitude, but she knew he has the heart of a bear.

His family was so happy when he started hanging out with his friends, but then he was always in trouble.

"You may go back to your work, Myla." Nicolas nodded his head and Myla dashed away promptly.

Nicolas felt shattered. He felt worthless. His son and the woman he wanted to settle with for the rest of his life is gone. They're gone.

He held the tears brimming around his eyelid when Alfred came back anxiously and Nicolas felt remorseful. This people working with him has been with them for quite a while, and they had been very efficient and still he made them feel intimidated. He felt like a tyranny.

Well, you are.

Shut up! Nicolas shut his mind off and he watch Alfred walking to his direction, with uncertainty in his face.

"Christian is ready, Sir. Anytime of the day.." Alfred reported and Nicolas nodded.

"Thanks Alfred." Nicolas gave him a weak smile and he nodded briefly.

"I hope you'll win her back. She's a gem, Nicolas." Alfred told him and for the first time, he felt good talking to Alfred like his own blood.

Nicolas nodded and he pat Alfred on the shoulder before he strode back outside to where his car is.

Jorge was following him.

Francisco, his driver/valet walks to him.

"Drive me to the tarmac." Nicolas told Francisco and he nods and quickly vanished. Not long, he's back with his Bently.

Alfred came back with his laptop and he thank him before he slip in the back of the car. Jorge close the door beside him as soon as he's settled and he slide in the passenger seat in front.

The trip to the tarmac was long and tormenting. He called their hotel manager in Florence for his arrival to arrange his transportation and securities, before he arrive in Florence, Italy.

Finally, the car stops and Nicolas saw his crew several meters away waiting for him, with the aircraft door awaiting for his arrival.

Nicolas just nods to his crew and strode hastily to his private plane, as he hoisted his laptop casing's strap over his shoulder.

"Welcome aboard, Mr. Petropoulis," His crew smiled and Nicolas thank them before he embarks inside his luxurious plane.

He quickly settled himself on one of the seats closer to the window as he place his laptop on the table in front of him, and he buckled himself. He can't wait to see his family again.

He'll court her if he needs to. He'll beg for her to come back.

"I'm coming for you, moro mou, Nicolai. I'm not going to mess this up." Nicolas murmured like a fool as he close his eyes, waiting for the plane to take off..

Two hours flight seemed forever..

.

.

Florence, Italy..

It was almost ten at night when Adriana arrived in their new house with Nicolai. Mikaela and Sergio was surprised when they got a call from Adriana that they are at the airport.

Sergio knew something happened as soon as he saw Adriana's puffy and bloodshot eyes.

He didn't asked anything, and he's going to murder Nicolas if he did something wrong to his daughter again. This time, he's not going to let him get away again.

Adriana changed Nicolai in his pyjamas and she brushed his teeth. She was happy that her son never asked his dad, just yet. She's hoping he won't ask her, tonight.

Adriana didn't bother to look around the big house, not as big as Nicolas' house in Athens, but big for her family, since she felt so exhausted from the flight and all the things that happened to her in just twenty four hours.

Adriana carried Nicolai to his bed and she thought he's going to sleep right away, since his eyes was droopy, but he wasn't.

"Mommy, where is daddy?" Nicolai asked and Adriana stiffened. How will she explained it to him that he will understand it fully, without hating his father.

Adriana felt empty again and broken. And, her heart clenched for her child, who was so innocent to suffer with their broken relationship and Nicolas.

"Daddy has to stay in Greece because he has work, honey." Adriana explained trying not to croak. She felt a slump in her throat as she tried to sound casual. Her heart was again gnawing in pain.

Adriana remembered the words.. "Damn, it all started with a bet! And now, you have a five years old son.." Adriana felt the tears making it's way again on her cheeks. She wipes it before her son sees it, as she tried to hold it at bay.

"Night, mommy.." Nicolai mumbled before he fell asleep.

Adriana watch her son sleeping peacefully, wiping her tears occasionally as she sniffed inaudibly, stifling the sob coming out from her mouth by biting her bottom lip.

"Addy..." Adriana heard her father's voice peeking his head through Nicolai's door.

Adriana gently got off of her son's bed and tucked him under his cover before she places a kiss on his forehead and she tiptoed out of his room.

"Hi, papa." Addy gave her dad a weak smile and Sergio nodded. His heart clenched for her daughter. She looks hurt and lost.

"Let's talk in the living room.." Sergio suggested and Adriana nodded. She followed her father quietly.

As much as she wanted to hide it, her parents are very sharp. After all, she's their daughter. Before I said something, they already know what happened.

As soon as Adriana sat across her parents, Sergio bombarded her with questions.

"What happened?" Adriana's father started.

Adriana looks down on her clasp hands resting on her lap, like it was the most enticing thing, and it was at the moment.

"He. .. *paused as she calmed her tears..* he made a bet on me.." Finally, she spilled out as she looks at her parents. She doesn't want them to hate Nicolas, but it was the truth.

Sergio's face turned grim and his hands are clenched. Adriana knew her father won't think twice to hit Nicolas if he is given a chance to.

"That bastard.." Sergio uttered in distaste.

Mikaela butted in. "Honey, relax. The bet was done long time ago. He came back.. Which means he had regretted everything he did. Probably, our daughter got it wrong. Why don't we wait for his explanation, rather than making our conclusion." Mikaela explained as she rested her palm on Sergio's thigh to calm him.

Sergio seemed to relax and he thought his wife has a point.

"He better be!" Sergio muttered tersely.

"Can I stay here for a while, mamma, papa?" Adriana asked, with her eyes close to tears again.

"Of course honey. You can stay as long as you want.." Mikaela smiled.

"Now, go and take a rest. I can feel Nicolas is here by tomorrow morning." Mikaela smiled and Adriana thought her mother is bewitch with Nicolas' charm.

Adriana just rolled her eyes, but she just said goodnight to them and left them after giving them a brief kiss.

Adriana was already in her bed, tossing and turning. She couldn't sleep and it's been three hours.

Just as sleep were gracious, her phone incessantly buzzing. She tried to ignored it, but it kept vibrating.

God, please give me a break.. Who calls at this hour? It's almost one in the morning.

She swung her legs out of her bed and groggily walked to her vanity and snatch the vibrating phone. She didn't bother to check, with her eyes half close.

"Hello," she began with her raspy voice..

"Addy.." Nicolas hoarse and husky voice resonated in Addy's ears. The sleepy system suddenly awakened.

"What? Why are you calling at this hour?" Addy asked successively in an exasperated tone. She ignored the happiness her other half of her heart felt at the moment.

"I'm out front the gate. Please let's talk. I know, I messed up HUGE! .. Please.. let me in." Nicolas beg and Adriana almost said yes. Her tears started to pool around her eyelids. She was torn apart. To let him in or not.. She calmed herself, and tried to recollect herself. She has to stay firm. He needs to learn that she's not a toy. That she has a feelings too.

"Goodnight Nicolas!"

"No.. Plea-"

Addy ended the call and she turned her cellphone off.

Adriana went back to her bed, but then sleep was elusive. Her thoughts was with Nicolas outside their gate.

Did he leave?

Half of Adriana's heart wanted to let him in and talk to him, but the other half was hurt and hard.

He needs to work hard to get your affection back, Addy!

Her inner mind chastised and she thought it was the best way. She needs reassurance. She needs to let him feel and learn that her heart is not a toy. He needs to work harder.

Adriana fell asleep with one decision.

To let him go through the real process of courting.

.

.

Nicolas sits on the pavement and leaned on the metal gate. He thought Adriana would eventually come and open the gate for him.

But, boy he was wrong..

He was awaken with a shuffling sounds, then a frantic voice.. He opened his eyes and he felt cold and lightheaded. When he opened his eyes, a blur vision of Mikaela filled his blurry vision. He squinted and tried to cleared his sight, then he winced when a pinching pain shooting in his head. When he moved, he felt his body was sore, feeling battered with punch.

He remembered he told his driver and securities to leave him last night even though they were persistent to stay. He had to threatened them, to finally leave him alone.

He was just glad no crazy man had killed him while he's sleeping.

"Oh mio Dio, Nicolas . Perché si dorme sul pavimento? E Gesù tu sei malato ." (Oh my God, Nicolas. Why are you sleeping on the floor? And, Jesus you're sick.) Mikaela was so worried when she recognized Nicolas sleeping on the ground, with his back against the metal gate. She thought it was just bummer who can't find a place to sleep.

She wondered why didn't he ring them? Since when he was there?

"Ciao Mikaela . Mi dispiace disturbarla. Ho chiamato Adriana .. E ' arrabbiato con me .." (Hi Mikaela. Sorry to bother you. I called Adriana.. She's upset with me..) Nicolas said in a raspy voice.

Mikaela abandoned the thought of going for a walk. She usually goes for a walk for at least half and hour every five in the morning, before she makes breakfast for everyone.

She quickly help him when she saw Nicolas trembling. He looks sick and the thought that Adriana didn't opened the door for him made Mikaela upset.

She knows Adriana was mad at him, but that does mean she has to be heartless.

"Hai bisogno di andare dentro e ti farò una zuppa . Gesù, tu hai la febbre .." (You need to go inside and I'll make you a soup. Jesus, you have a fever..)

Nicolas walk with Mikaela inside their house as he tried to carry his weight without stumbling. He felt so weak and nauseous.

Mikaela and Nicolas entered the foyer when Sergio was going down the stairs.

"Che è successo? Che cosa ci fa qui ?" (What happened? What is he doing here?) Sergio asked, but then his forehead furrowed when he realized that the young man looks unwell.

"Aiutami lo porto in camera sua , invece di dire sciocchezze .. Lui dormiva fuori , ora è malato . Tua figlia sapeva che è qui e lei non ha aperto la porta per lui . Non abbiamo fatto crescere i suoi in quel modo !" (Help me take him to his room, instead of talking nonsense.. He slept outside, now he's sick. Your daughter knew he's here and she didn't open the door for him. We didn't raise her that way!) Mikaela ranted and Nicolas wanted to apologized, but instead a raspy croak came out of his mouth.

"Here, let me take him.." Sergio felt sorry for the young man. He thought, Nicolas was sincere to his daughter.

Finally, Nicolas felt the soft bed and exhaustion kick in and envelops his whole system instantly.

Sergio tuck the poor man under his cover before leaving him.

He and his daughter had to talk.

.

.

Adriana awaken feeling refreshed. She stirred and craned her neck to take a glance on the clock on her side table, and it says nine in the morning. She swung her legs out of the bed and she stretch her body before heading to the washroom and cleaned up herself.

Then she remembered Nicolas. She dashed out of her room heading to the gate. As she trudge down the stairs, she heard her mother coming to her direction from the kitchen.

She headed directly to the door.

"Where are you going?" Adriana's mother asked, but she just walked out the door..

She heard her mother following her. "Are you looking for Nicolas?"

Adriana stops on her steps and turned to see her mother. "How do you know he came?" Adriana asked in Italian with a furrowed forehead.

"Because the poor guy is upstairs and sick!" Her mom retorted in an unhappy  tone.

"Sick?" Adriana asked confused.. The creased in her forehead as becoming profound.

"Yes, because you didn't open the door for him. He slept on the ground!" Mikaela explained briefly in displeasure, shooting Adriana a disapproval stare.

"He's stupid. He should have left!" Adriana flung her hands on her hips in exasperation and at the same time angry for herself.. "Where is he?" Adriana asked with her voice laced with worries.

"Upstairs, the other master bedroom. If you go see him, bring him the soup I made." Mikaela said. She just nodded and followed her mother to the kitchen.

She looks serious and Addy doesn't want to aggravate her more.

Even though how much she was upset right now, part of her felt sorry, madly sorry for him. It was her fault.

She quickly took the tray with chicken noodle soup and bread and she carefully pace up the stairs to his room, which is across Nicolai's room.

Nicolai must be really tired because he was still on bed. Adriana push the ajar door with her back and walk in quietly. Nicolas was curled in a ball like an innocent boy and her heart clenched for him. She place the tray with the food on the side table and she sat on the edge of the bed and watch him sleeping. He snores a little bit.

She touch his forehead and he seemed fine. Addy kissed him on the cheeks before she left him. She wanted to wake him up for his soup, but he looks peacefully sleeping and she doesn't want to ruin his sleep. He needed it if he's sick.

Addy walked out his door as quietly as she walks in, then closed it behind her.

Just as she closed the door, Nicolai's walks out his room with his favorite lego toy.

"Mommy," Nicolai's drowsy voice called her.

Addy smiled and she picks him up. "Did my baby sleep well?" Addy asked him in her low tone and he smiled. And his smile reminds him of his father. Everything about him is Nicolas.

Addy felt the tears brimming around her eyelids.

"Yes, mommy!" he exclaimed and Addy place her finger against her lips and hushed him.

"Sshhh.. Daddy is sleeping. He's tired." Adriana told him and he nods. She was glad he understood it, or so she thought.

His tone increases an octave each seconds. Addy quickly took him downstairs for breakfast, not wanting to disturb Nicolas peaceful sleep.

Adriana thought to bring Nicolai to play with Louella. She wanted to hang out too with Anetta, her sister-in-law and her brother Giuseppe.

"Would you like to go play with Louella today?" Addy asked her son and Nicolai nodded and became so excited. He was bouncing on his chair, and couldn't focused on his seat because he wanted to leave already. Addy thought it was wrong to ask it earlier, when he was just starting with his food.

So it was a struggle to keep him and finish his breakfast, but finally after a decade, Addy and Nicolai is in the car, heading to Giuseppe's house.

Giuseppe's house is fifteen minutes away from their new house. It was only few doors away from their apartment before.

Adriana heaved a sighed when her thoughts wandered at Nicolas. Why did he came to see her?

Because you have his son too, Addy..

Addy's inner mind reminded her.

She misses him so much. His mischievous grin and ways.. His Mischievous Nicolas.

.

.

Meanwhile, Nicolas awaken with the aroma of a food. He snapped his eyes open and he felt relaxed. The headache is gone. Nausea is gone and he felt good. He looks around the unfamiliar room and he remembered, Mikaela and Sergio brought him upstairs. He fell asleep right away as soon as his back hit the bed.

The soreness in his body is gone. He sat up and saw the tray and bread on the side table. His belly growled as soon as he smelled the delicious chicken soup.

He swung his legs out of the bed and headed to the washroom. He quickly wash his face and he smelled himself, like the smell of grass or dust..

He crinkled his nose and his white shirt was looking dusty.

He needed a good long shower. He check his pockets for his phone and thanks God his phone is still there. He had lots of missed calls from his parents, a few from Demetrio and his secretary.

He quickly called his manager to bring him some clean clothes. He'll worry for his other clothes later. All he need is a pair of clean clothes and boxers.

As soon as he washed his face, he saw a spare of toothbrush and use it to brush his teeth, the he headed out of the washroom and devoured the chicken soup. He thought it was the most delicious food he had ever had.

After finishing it, he took the empty tray and bowl and decided to bring it to the kitchen. He can't wait to see Adriana and Nicolai.

His eyes caught a glimpse of the time, it was almost four in the afternoon.

He slept for a long time?

No wonder he felt better.

He quickly paced out of his room, down to the stairs, then to the kitchen. Mikaela was busy preparing and he felt suddenly embarrass.

As soon as he walks into the door, Mikaela saw him.

"How do you feel?" she asked in Italian.

Nicolas responded back in Italian. "I feel better Mikaela and thank you so much."

"I'm glad. Do you want anything?" she asked then she noticed the tray Nicolas was holding.. "Oh.. here leave that in here.." she said as she pointed in the sink.

Nicolas did as she ordered and stood beside her.

"The soup was delicious Mikaela.." Nicolas complimented and Mikaela's smile widened.

"Thank you, Nicolas. I'm glad you like it.." She responded warmly.

"I love it." Nicolas rectified and her smile broadened.

Nicolas doesn't know how to start a conversation. He just found himself explaining about them and Adriana.

"I'm sorry Mikaela. I didn't mean to hurt her. Six years ago, I and my friends made a bet.. on her. I was so immature and heartless, so stupid I agreed and- " Nicolas couldn't find the word.. he paused for a second. "I made her believe that I love her, which I think I did, I was just too hypocrite to admit it. When she said she loves me, I was scared she will tie me into a commitment I wasn't ready to indulge myself yet.." Nicolas looks into Mikaela's eyes and an anger flickered in her eyes, but promptly vanished.

"I love her.. I know I screwed up, and I'm ready to win her back, her heart." Nicolas almost pleaded and Mikaela nodded. He saw the sympathy in her eyes and he felt a bit relieved.

"Adriana has became tougher after she had Nicolai. I'm glad you are willing and ready to woo her affection back, but I'll tell you, she's not the girl who can be pleased instantly. You may have to do more than what you expect." Mikaela warned him and he nodded. He's ready to go through all of it.

She deserve it anyway.

"I will. And, I promise I won't screw it up this time.." Nicolas promised and Mikaela smiled widely.

"She'll be please if you make her dinner tonight.." Mikaela joke and Nicolas agreed. Mikaela didn't expect him to agree. He looks out of place in the kitchen. She just shrugged her shoulder and she thought he could cook. He looks confident though.

Mikaela notice his dirty shirt.

"Would you like to have a shower first? Sergio has lots of t-shirts and shorts that I think would fit you.." Mikaela suggested and Nicolas thought she's right. He also doesn't want Adriana to see him like a beggar.

He wanted to look nice and clean when she shows up, and that made him remember to ask where she is and his son.

"Thanks Mikaela. Oh.. where is Addy and Nicolai?"

"They are at Giuseppe's house. Nicolai wanted to play with Louella. They should be home soon.." Mikaela smiled. "I'll go get the clothes and you can have shower.." Nicolas nodded and Mikaela left him.

Nicolas look around the kitchen and he saw carrots, lettuce already washed, some steak,.. He hasn't touch anything in the kitchen before. It's all serve in front of him. Now, he's going to try it.

He hopes he's not going to mess up their dinner. He wanted to please Addy and her family..

When his eyes landed on the pink apron, he wanted to back away.

Oh Good Lord! That apron whom his friends had gone through..

PINK APRON, with hello kitty's all over it..

Dammit!

This is for Addy.. This is for Addy.. He repeated inwardly as he gulped audibly.

~~~~~~

A/N: There you go.. The PINK APRON... lol.

I can picture him with a pink apron. He must looks yummy in it.

Oh.. Any conversation with Mikaela is on Italian.. I'm just too lazy to put Italian there. Anyway, hope you don't mind.. lol

Please don't forget to vote and comment!!

Thanks everyone!!