AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"Next," I say, taking a step closer to her and lowering my voice to a conspiratorial whisper, "we embark on our little adventure." A thrill rushes through me as I speak these words.
"Lead the way," Romola takes my hand, her grip sure.
With her hand in mine, I guide her to the waiting car outside.
"Close your eyes, Romola," I instruct gently once we’re settled in the car, holding a soft strip of fabric in my hand. Her eyes widen and then flutter closed. Carefully, I secure the blindfold around her head, making sure it's snug but not too tight.
"Everything will be worth it, I promise."
“It better be if you woke me this early,” she scoffs.
“Not a morning bird, are you?”
“Coo Coo,” she whines like an owl.
“Evidently,” I snort sarcastically, and she tries to whack me despite her blindfold and hits the air. We both laugh.
"Almost there, Romola," I reassure her since I can sense her getting impatient, feeling her fingers fidget in mine.
"Are you ready?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper. She nods, and I can imagine how curious she must be.
"Alright," I say, tightening my grip on her hand reassuringly. "Here we go."
As I open the door of the car and help her out carefully towards the waiting private jet on the tarmac, the sound of the engines humming in the background fills our ears.
“Fiero,” Romola screams over the sound. “Where the hell are we? Fiero, take off this blindfold right now!”
“Romola, just a few more steps, please.” I help her walk slowly to ensure she doesn’t trip or fall. The cool morning air hits us like a wave, making Romola shiver involuntarily. I immediately take off my coat and put it over her shoulders. With one hand firmly clasping hers, I use the other to help her step up the ramp that leads into my aircraft.
"Watch your step, amore mio," I caution her gently, guiding her foot onto the last step. Once she's safely inside, I feel satisfied at having pulled off this surprise so far.
Oh, she’s going to be so thrilled.
"Okay, Fiero," Romola huffs a little. "Can I take this blindfold off now?"
“Turn around, bella,” I say. She turns, and I slowly remove the blindfold.
I watch as Romola takes in where she stands. “Shall we?” I point towards the plush leather seats, which invite us to sink into them.
She turns to face me, her expression hardening. "I appreciate the effort, Fiero. It's just that... well, you know, I thought we would be going somewhere within the city."
Uh-oh. This is so not the reaction I’d hoped for.
Much to my surprise, Romola looks conflicted. She gives me a wry smile, which looks like appreciation, and yet she frowns at me because of frustration. She bites her lip, searching for the right words before she finally speaks up.
"Listen, Fiero," she begins, her voice wavering slightly. "This is an amazing surprise, but I can't help feeling upset that you didn't discuss it with me first. It's not so much about the secrecy as it is about... well, being whisked away like this without any warning." Her vulnerability shines through, and I can tell that she's struggling to be honest with me.
I let her words sink in, feeling the weight of my mistake. Of course, she would want some control in this situation, considering she barely even knows me and might have had prior plans. My remorse fills me, and I look into her eyes, hoping to convey my understanding.
"Romola," I say gently, "I'm truly sorry. I should have thought about how this would make you feel. I just really wanted us to have a break and thought it could help clear our heads. I’m sorry I overstepped. If you like, we can leave right now, but I promise what I have in store for us might just bring you some peace.”
“Some peace?” she laughs sarcastically. “I don’t think I’d ever find peace, Fiero. Not with the things I know, not with my parents gone.”
“When I’ve been at my lowest points in life, I go where I aim to take you. The countryside, with its fresh air, copious wine, and apple-picking, is as peaceful as it gets. But again, Romola, we can turn right around. Plan this trip properly for another time.”
The sincerity in my voice seems to reach her as her gaze softens. She nods slowly, acknowledging my apology and the effort I am making to be more understanding.
"Thank you, Fiero," she murmurs, her voice steadier now. "When you say it like that, wine and apple-picking sounds like a treat."
