Christmas was always a special time for my little family. The smell of Christmas cookies baking in the oven, the sound of classic carols playing in the background, and the warmth of loved ones surrounding the atmosphere made it my favorite holiday. But this year, things were a little different and it hurts me every time I think about it.
I arrived at the hospital with Russo by my side. I couldn't help but feel a sense of sadness as we made our way to his room. Although the tragic incident came as a thief in the night to steal our chrismas joy, I was determined to make this Christmas as special as possible for my siblings.
As we entered the room, a wide smile immediately lit up everyone's faces.
"She's here" Carina excitingly squealed and ran to me. I hugged her tightly and let the tears soak into her hair.
"Merry Christmas sis" she wished me and I did the same. I looked at him and strode towards his bed.
"Merry Christmas, sis," he said weakly, reaching out for a hug.
Tears gathered up in my eyes again as i embraced him. "Merry Christmas, Raphael," I whispered, trying to keep my voice steady.
"We couldn't celebrate without you." He told me, and it heightened my guilt.
"I'm sorry I came late, I... "We understand Luna, we know you had a huge event to take care of, so we do not hold that against you, what matters is that you are here with us" I smiled between my sobs and hugged him again.
"Merry Christmas Luna" Kimberly wished me with a smile and I did the same.
Russo handed Raphael a gift and I sat next to him.
We began opening gifts together and soon the room was filled with laughter and love as we exchanged thoughtful gifts, including a homemade card Kimberly had made for Raphael with photos of them.
Eventually, a nurse came in to check on Raphael and I took it as an opportunity to step out of the room and have a quiet moment with Russo.
"Thank you for coming with me today," I said, taking his hand. "I know this not the most conventional Christmas celebration."
He smiled warmly at me and held my cheeks. "I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. I know how much your brother means to you, plus, Raphael has been a good soul to me since we began working together, I owe him this" he said, his sincerity shining through.
My heart swelled with more love for him and i couldn't help but think about how truly lucky I was to have him by my side. "C'mon, let's go inside" he held my wrist and led me inside.
We spent the rest of the Chrismas night eating, playing games, and watching festive movies. Even though we were in a hospital, the love and warmth shared amongst us made it feel like the best Christmas yet.
Although Russo didn't input so much, his presence with me was enough, and I'm sure Raphael appreciated it too.
As it drew closer to midnight, it was time to say goodbye, so I got up and hugged him tightly. "I'm so glad we got to spend Christmas together, even if it was in a hospital room," i whispered while trying to fight back tears.
He gave me a weak smile and caressed my hair. "Me too sis. Thanks for making it special," he said, grasping my hand.
"Goodbye Carina, Kimberly. Please take care of him"
"Of course we will. Have a safe trip back. Good night" she left a kiss on my forehead and I waved them goodbye.
As we walked out of the hospital, i couldn't help but feel grateful for the precious time spent with them. It may not have been how we imagined it two months ago, but it was a reminder that the true spirit of the holiday was about being with loved ones and cherishing every moment together.
"Thank you again Russo" i whispered once we were in the car. He turned to me and cupped my cheeks.
"If you thank me again Luna, I won't be held responsible for the consequences that'll befall you"
I've known the handsome freak for quite a while now to know what that threat implied and it made me blush.
"You don't have to be naughty," I muttered without looking at him. He chuckled and raised my face up so I was looking into his deep brown eyes.
"You can't deny that you love it, Tesoro," he whispered, his face so close to mine that his breath fanned my face.
I couldn't deny it. As much as I tried to resist how he made me feel erotically, he had a hold on me that I couldn't shake off.
"You've been too focused on other people today that you forgot about yourself. The remaining hours of the day are for you," he said, his voice low and seductive.
I stretched lazily as the sun streamed through the window and onto my face. I blinked a few times as my eyes tried to adjust to the bright light, and then I turned to look at the peaceful figure next to me. His handsome face lit up my morning, and he looked so peaceful while he rested.
I smiled softly and reached out to caress his cheek, feeling the stubble under my fingertips. I couldn't believe how lucky i was to have him in my life. It feels like fall deeper for him every day. Laying with him, in his condo still felt like a dream.
If I was told four years ago that, someday, I'll be cuddling with the man who captured my heart without even trying, I'd have probably laughed at the silly joke, but now, the reality is playing right before my eyes.
After admiring him for a few moment, I quietly slipped out of bed and headed to the bathroom to take my morning shower. As the warm water washed over me, i couldn't help but think about how great my life has been lately.
As i stepped out of the shower, i wrapped myself in a fluffy towel and grabbed my robe before heading back into the bedroom. I paused for a moment to admire the view from the large windows, the sun had fully risen, its ray lighting up the bustling city below.
I went to the kitchen to make breakfast. I was about to set the table when i heard light footsteps from behind and in no time I felt his body pressed behind me.
"Morning Tesoro" he greeted, his cool lips leaving kisses on my cheek which made me giggle.
"Morning," I replied, returning the kiss and feeling my heart flutter at his sweet actions.
He helped me set the table and soon we were seating down to eat, enjoying each other's company and making plans for the remaining days of the year. But just as I was about to take another bite of my toast, my phone beeped with a text message.
I glanced down at it, expecting it to be a text from
Carina but to my horror the message was from an unknown number and it read: 'I have Marietta, if you want her to make it out alive, leave him'
My heart dropped and my hands began to shake.
"Tesoro" he called, concerned about the sudden change in mood.
"What's wrong? Is Raphael okay?" I contemplated whether I should tell him or just do as the unknown sender said.
"R...Russo, Marietta is being held captive" I managed to say. His brows furrowed in confusion. "Who's Marietta?" I realized he didn't know who she was so I explained.
"Russo I'm scared, what if they harm her? I.. I can't leave you either, am i being selfish?" Fresh tears rolled down my cheeks and he came to hug me.
"No, you aren't. Give me your phone" he took it from me and turned to leave but i held him back by his wrist
"W..where are you going?"
"Nowhere far from you amorè, I'm going to make some calls to have this settled alright?"
"Settled? Russo, t..this could put you in danger. Raphael is in the hospital, Marietta has been abducted, I..I don't think I'll be able to handle it if anything happens.... He shut me up with a chaste kiss.
"Trust me Luna, nothing of that sort will happen. This isn't even done by a professional, and I already have a haunch on who it may be. Don't worry, I'll get your best friend back safely, and I will be safe too" he placed a kiss on my forehead and left.
Who was this person? My mind wondered for any possible enemy. Jake? No it can't possibly be him, he has no business with Russo, heck he doesn't know who Russo is.
My mind was clouded with fear and anxiety as the possible gruesome image of what they may be doing to her crossed my mind.