Romance in Italy

Romance in Italy - 24

There's some Italian in this chapter so I'll put the translations at the end of the chapter. Oh, and make sure to read the A/N at the end of the chapter, too. It's important! (:

Merry Christmas and enjoy! (:

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The sunlight beaming in through the open blinds made me blinked rapidly and threw an arm over my eyes. Too tired to leave the comfort of my bed to go close it, I turned my head to the side and my sight fell on Ashton's limp form, in his own bed, snoring loudly. 

As if he could feel my gaze on him, he twitched and snorted, turning his head sideways. A small giggle burst forth from my closed lips and I faced the ceiling. The sun was still blinding but I'd managed to shift my body just so, so that the rays couldn't hit me. A soft sigh escaped my lips as I thought back to what had transpired between the two of us last night. I looked at him again and closed my eyes. How much of what he told me was the truth? As much as I wanted to believe him, I couldn't help but feel like some parts of the story he told me was a lie. 

Maybe it was because the story was too convenient. Either way, my heart didn't fully accept his explanation. I didn't want to believe he'd lied to me after the Judith situation but a little voice at the back of my mind still nagged at me to be cautious and alert. 

"You look like you're thinking pretty hard about something." An amused voice spoke up from somewhere beside me. 

I whipped my head to side and forced a smile on my face. "Just daydreaming." I replied. Then I swung my legs to the side and slid off the bed, throwing my arms up in a wide stretch. "What are we doing today?" 

"Since our flight leaves tonight, I was thinking of exploring the city." Ashton said, getting out of his bed also. "And I'd like you to meet my family before we go." 

My eyes were as wide as saucers and I stopped mid-stretch to stare at him, incredulous. "W-what?" 

Smiling at my reaction, Ashton lowered himself down on his bed and shrugged. "Yeah, I figured while we're still here, we might as well get the whole 'meet your significant others' family' over with." 

"Isn't it still...too soon?" I asked, trying to talk some sense into him. I didn't even know where our relationship stood now. Just because I forgave him didn't mean we were back to the way we were before all of this happened. Actually, I knew we weren't back to the way we were, not yet. 

Ashton stilled, looking me over. "Do you not want to?" 

Seeing his disappointed face, I couldn't help but feel contrite. I was just about to voice my explanation when an idea came to me. Since I was still a bit apprehensive about his story, I could get it straight from someone considerably more reliable. His mother. She shouldn't have a reason to lie to me. "Actually, I do." I smiled at him, hoping my sudden change of attitude wasn't misconstrued. "Just give me a few minutes to shower and get ready so we can go."

"Okay." He pulled me to his chest and planted a soft and warm kiss to my forehead. I closed my eyes and I could feel myself getting lost in the sweet moment. Even though I distrust him at the moment, I couldn't deny how he made me feel. "Are you all packed?" 

My eyes wandered to the suitcases near the door and nodded. The suite was bare and devoid of any personal items save for Ashton's wallet and my messenger bag. "Yeah. All packed."

"Great." He released me, albeit reluctantly and I moved to the bathroom, grabbing the clothes I set out before I stuffed everything in my suitcase along the way. "I'll call her and tell her we'll be visiting."