HER KNIGHT

“Lily!” My mother called me, standing at our doorstep with a warm smile on her face.

Her curly black hair cascaded down her back, much like mine and her tan skin glowing in the sun that made her look like a goddess.

“Come on in for lunch, bambina.” (Baby) She called.

“SÌ mamma, I’m coming!” I yelled back, quickly stuffing my dolls back into the small cloth bag she had made me and got up from the ground, dusting off my pink dress to get the dirt off before I ran towards the door.

But being the clumsy person I am, I tripped over my own feet and fell down onto the ground, wincing as pain shot through my leg.

“Ow.” I muttered, sitting up and inspected my now scraped knee that was bleeding as tears started to fall down from my eyes.

I sat there for a few minutes, just staring at the wound when a shadow loomed over from behind me and I looked back to see a boy standing there and staring down at me.

“Are you okay?” He asked after a few moments when I sniffled, lightly shaking my head.

He looked at the wound on my knee and thought hard before running away into the house next to ours, making me frown.

Did I scare him away?

The thought made me cry even more for some reason but after a few moments, I heard the sound of a door opening and saw the boy rushing towards me with a small box and came over to me, sitting down on the ground.

I saw the first aid kit with him as he quickly took out a few bandages and cleaned my scrape before appyling ointment on it and then carefuly put a pink heart shaped bangade on top.

“There, all done. You can have this cookie my mamma made as a reward for being so brave.” He smiled warmly at me as I stared back at him, mesemerised by his beautiful grey eyes.

“Thank you.” I mumbled just as my mother came rushing to me.

“Oh my baby, what happened?” She asked looking between me and the boy.

“I fell mamma, but he bandaged me and gave me a cookie, look.” I shoved the cookie in my mother’s face who seemed to be worried but shot the boy a smile.

“Thank you, sweetheart. What’s you rname?” She asked him.

“Jacob, but you can call me Jake.” He said with a small smile.

“Thank you Jake, for taking care of my baby. Right, Lily?” She looked at me expectantly and I nodded.

“Yes, thank you.” I smiled, showing him my teeth.

“Would you like to have lunch with us, sweetheart?” My mom asked him, helping me get up from the ground.

“No thank you, ma’am, my mamma is waiting for me. I’ll see you later Lily.” He smiled at me and I waved goodbye before he ran away to his place.

And that was the beginning of a friendship that would always last.

I was a regular at Jake’s house and he at mine. I would often go there to play with his little brother, Giovanni and his family friends, Ace and Amelia.

Amelia was a year younger than me, but we got along just fine. I didn’t like Giovanni much since he could be annoying sometimes and even kidnapped our dolls.

But Jake would always get them back for us, so he was by far my favourite.

Ace was more quiet, as far as I remember. He used to either read a book or play video games with the other two boys and rarely acknowledged me.

But he had really pretty blue eyes, that looked black sometimes, much like his papa’s. But Jake’s eyes were way prettier.

They were silver, and shone like stars when he smiled or laughed.

But like all good things come to an end, this did too.

My mother died when I was ten, leaving me with my father and my little brother Reid, who was two years younger than me,

After that, things were never the same.

I seldom found myself in Jake’s room, eating a cookie after my father had returned home intoxicated and sometimes beat me, saying I was the reason my mother was dead.

Jake’s mamma was very kind to me, almost like a mother to me as well.

It wasn’t long before bad luck struck them too because Ace and Amelia’s mamma also died shortly after mine.

We saw the two siblings less after that, but when we did, they were never the same as before.

Ace was already closed off, but it seemed as if his mother’s death made him even more quiet, as if he wasn’t even there.

Amelia was her usual bubbly self but I knew she missed her mamma, I missed mine too.

A year later after Ace’s mama passed away, they moved to America, and sadly, I lost my best friend in that process too.

I lost Jake.

And now, after ten years of dreaming about grey eyes and warm smiles, he was here, right in front of me, except, I couldn’t believe my eyes at all.

He sat there, his shoulders shaking slightly as his back was turned to me while he talked to the graves of his father and mother in his back yard.

For the last ten years, this house has been locked up. I would look at it through my window at night, usually, and wonder where my friends went.

Would they be the same? Would they still remember me?

Knowing I was invading his privacy, I stepped back into my house and locked the door, sighing heavily as I staggered up to my room and collapsed on top of my bed.

My papa died three years ago from overdosing. He was an alchoholic, abused both me and my brother Reid and was a drug addict.

Memories of the past made me frown as I rolled to my side, hugging my knees to my chest as I forced the bad memeories away and instead, focused on the good ones.

Like ones I had with mamma and papa and Reid when we were younger, or with Jake and his family.

After a good hour or so I heard the front door open and sat up in bed, looking at the time.

Who could be here at this time?

“Lily!” I heard my brother’s voice and stood up, confused, as I walked downstairs, meeting a familiar head of curly black hair and then another one, but with dark brown hair.

“Oh, there she is. Look who I found!” Reid exclaimed, moving away to introduce the stranger he borught with him when my eyes widened and so did his.

He was here.

"Jake." I whispered, slowly walking down the steps as I scanned his features.

He was wearing a grey suit, which made him look quite formal with a watch on his wrist that seemed like it cost a fortune.

It looked like he hadn’t shaved in a few days, hence, the growing stubble, and his sharp jawline seemed as if it could cut paper.

And his eyes, they were the same, a silver grey colour that took my breath away. But something about them was deeply unsettling, as if he had through a lot.

They were cold, emotionless, as I sucked in sharp breath, waiting for someone to cut the tension around us.

“You remember Jake from next door, right?” Reid asked and I tore my gaze away from the handsome man and nodded slowly, not trusting my voice.

How could I ever forget?

"Lily." He breathed out and I swear I felt butterflies rage a war inside my tummy at the sound of his deep voice as he drew closer to me and before I knew it, his arms were around me.

He was a lot taller than me, even though I wasn’t that short, but he was really tall.

At first I stiffened when he hugged me out of the blue but then I relaxed, letting old memeories clog up my throat as I found it hard to swallow the emotion and hugged him back.

“I missed you.” I whispered when he hummed.

“I missed you too, Lily pod.” He said and a smile slowly crept over my face at the nickname he used to call me.

“Oof, getting emotional... I think I’m gonna cry, dio mio."(My god.) Reid said exasperated as we both pulled away from each other awkwardly.

I smiled to ease the tension and invited him in to the living room.

“So, when did you return?” Reid asked when Jake pressed his lips toegtehr.

“I uh-... I came here a few days ago to take care of some business with Ace.” He replied and my eyes lit up.

“Ace? Does that mean Amelia’s here too?” I asked excited and his face fell as he averted his gaze.

“No uh... Amelia she-.. she died a few years back.” He said and it felt as if the temperature of the room dropped.

“W-What?” I whispered, my eyes glossing over when he nodded and a small gasp escaped my lips as I covered my mouth with my palm.

“H-How did it happen?” I asked, wiping away a stray tear because I couldn’t believe it.

How could she be dead?

“She was killed a few years back.” He muttered when my heart dropped to my stomach.

“That’s so unfortunate. And is Ace fine?” Reid asked when Jake shook his head.

“Ace is... He’s in the hospital, currently. We faced a few complications here and he got shot by one of his enemies.” He said and I gasped.

“Is he going to be okay? Can I see him?” I asked in a worry when Jake flashed me a small smile.

“I think so. I hope so, for Dove’s sake, and mine.” He mumbled when I frowned.

“Who’s Dove?” I asked confused when a fond smile took over his face.

“She’s Ace’s wife.” He said proudly while I looked at him confused.

“His wife? When did that happen?” Reid asked, clearly as surprised as me because we both couldn’t picture him ever settling down.

He was always so serious and closed off, I was surprised he actually got married.

“A few days ago, actually. Got married in a fucking courthouse.” He chuckled to himself and shook his head.

“Courthouse?” Reid asked amused as Jake leaned back in his seat, getting comfortable.

“You have no idea of the past two years we’ve had.” Jake said with a small grin as I got us some refreshments while he told us the whole story of how Ace met Dove, his wife.

“So she’s pregnant now?” I asked, munching on a cookie, instantly remembering the ones Jake used to give me.

His eyes drifted to the cookie in my hand, a fond smile taking over his face as he looked back at me.

“You still like cookies?” He asked when I nodded.

“You spoiled me too much, they’re all I eat now.” I said and he chuckled.

“Yeah, she’s expecting. Although I’m worried about her health because Ace is in a really bad position and it’s giving her a lot of stress.” He sounded genuinely worried for this Dove girl, so I assumed he must be close to her.

“You both are close? You and Dove?” I asked out of curiosity, the question burning through my patience when he nodded.

“We’re good friends. She brought out a side of Ace I thought I’d never see. He’s whipped when it comes to her, so utterly in love it’s disgusting and adorable at the same time.” He said when we all chuckled.

“I’d love to meet her, she sounds amazing.” I said, genuinely excited to meet this girl when he grinned.

“I think she’d like you too.” He said, cocking his head to a side as he studied me intently and I couldn’t help but think there was something else he also meant when he said those words.

“Is she in Italy?” I asked when he nodded.

“Rome, with Ace. I can take you there, if you want.” He said as I looked at Reid and shrugged.

“I mean... it sounds great and all but I’ve got work here.” I said when Reid scoffed.

“I’m sure they can find a replacement for those little brats. Besides, you deserve a vacation.” reid said when I scowled.

“They’re not brats, you’re the brat.” I mocked when Jake chuckled at our behavour.

“Who exactly are we talking about here?” He asked.

“I teach at a preschool nearby, and Reid hates the kids there because they attacked him and buried him in the sand pit.” I say when Reid muttered something under his breath.

“I fucking hate those little vermin! I couldn’t get the sand out of my hair for days! And I had sand where sand does not belong, trust me.” He shuddered while I scrunched my face in disgust.

“Ew, too much info, fratello." (Brother) I said cringing but he just rolled his eyes dramatically.

“Sounds fun, but you do look like you could use some time off, When was the last time you went for a holiday?“Jake asked leaning towards me while I thought hard about it.

“I’m free on the weekends and usually clean or read then.” I say with a shrug when Reid smacks his forehead.

“That is already a given holdiay, we’re asking about one that you took by yourself.” Reid emphasized when I frowned.

“I don’t remember?” I smiled sheepishly at the two as they sighed heavily.

“Then it’s settled! You’re taking time off from your pre school and will relax.” Reid said dramatically, clapping his hands together.

“I don’t think that’s a really great ide-” I sarted but was cut off by Jake.

“I’m staying in Catania a while longer, I could use the company.” He said, his eyes boring into mine and for a moment I forgot we weren’t alone as I drowned into those silver pools.

“Okay.” I breathed out and he smiles a bit.

“Okay.” He repeated, both of us smiling like fools while Reid looked between the two of with con fusion.

"Okaaaayyyy. How about lunch?” He said, breaking our moment as we both averted our gaze.

“Sounds lovely.” Jake said.

I smiled, heading to the kitchen to make us some lunch. Jake helped, along with Reid, even though Reid couldn’t cook to save his life, he supported us morally, as he said.

And that, is how I found myself visiting all the places in Catania with Jake for the next few days, having picnics in the gardens and parks and walking together for hours in the evening or night as we enjoyed each other’s company.

I knew that by seeing him again, I’d be giving hope to those feelings I had buried a long time ago in my chest when he had left.

And now, I felt them rising to the surface with every minute spent with Jake, every moment, every second, every heartbeat, I was closer to drowing in him, and could only hope he felt the same way.

“It’s such a beautiful night tonight.” I commented with a small smile, looking up at the full moon.

“It is. I uh-... I have to tell you something.” He said and I turned to him, giving him my attention.

“Of course, go ahead.” I said, noticing the worry in his eyes as he took a step closer to me.

“I have to go go back. To Rome. For business.” He said breathily as my shoulders slump and I was sure disappointment showed on my face very clearly before I masked it with a smile.

“Is everything okay?” I asked but he shook his head.

“Ace is still not up from his coma and I’m afraid I’m the only one who can handle his business. I’ve been attending to matters from here but a few things need my presence there.” He said softly as I nodded, soaking it in.

“So you’re leaving?” I asked softly, the sounds of crickets in the background a constant chant.

“I’ll be back.” He whispered, drawing closer to me.

“You promise?” I asked, knowing the last time he left, he came back after ten years.

“I promise, Lily pod.” He came closer, hardly any space left between the two of us as his hand cupped my face and I leaned into his touch.

We looked deep into each other’s eyes, none of us daring to look away or acknowledge the tense and electrifying air around us as he slowly leaned in.

“I really want to kiss you right now.” He whispered, his breath fanning my face as my cheeks grew warm at his confession.

“I’d like that.” I whispered and in the next moment, his lips were on mine.

It was as if my body had come to life the moment he kissed me, because everything started to fall right into place.

And as his arms wrapped around me, pulling me closer, I knew my place was in this man’s arms.

Pulling away, he rested his forehead against mine, both of us breathing heavily in the cool, night air before he chuckled softly and I did too.

“I’m just going to go ahead and say this, Lily. I like you, like, really, like you. I have since the moment we met and I bandaged your knee, I knew I liked you. And I still do, so fucking much." He confessed and I felt my face heating up as I smiled shyly.

“I’ve thought about you a lot as well, wondering where you went, never came back. Truth is, I like you too. Really much.” I said, taking in his satisfied and happy expression as he pecked my lips once more before taking my hand.

“Will you give me a chance then?” He asked softly and I nodded immediately, watching his lips curl into a beautiful smile, just like in the past as his eyes glimmered.

“Thank you.” He whispered, placing a kiss on my hand before taking me home.

That night, we stayed up all night talking about the most random things, what we were up to all these years and I opened up to him about my rocky past with my alcoholic father.

He was mad, to say the least, and said that my father was lucky he was already dead because he would have killed him if he wasn’t.

I laughed at that, kissing his cheek softly at how much he cared as he bared his heart and soul to me, telling me of how his mother passed away.

She was killed, by her second husband whom I had the unfortunate pleasure of meeting a few times when I was younger.

And then he told me about his job, his supposed ‘business’ with Ace, which was really the mafia.

And he was the second in command.

I was freaked out at first but he kept on telling me that he would never hurt me or bring me any sort of danger, ever, and would always protect me.

That did help me calm down after the inital shock had worn off, but it returned when he told me of all the crimes Giovanni had committed.

To say I was rendered speechless would be an understatement.

I couldn’t believe he could do that to someone innocent, and I felt so sorry for Dove and all that she went through.

But I was also a bit inspired by her courage and bravery and how she managed to keep herself together when everything was falling apart.

And now, I wanted to meet her even more than before.

Jake left in the early morning when I had fallen asleep in his arms.

He left a note telling me goodbye and wrote his number on it as well, and I vaguely remembered him pressing a kiss to my forehead before he left.

Now I just hoped he wouldn’t forget about me.

The rest of my days passed by in a blur. Jake and I talked every once in a while, usually texted whenever we had time so I was fairly happy.

I had told Reid everything and the fact that Jake and I liked each other.

He was a bit surpirsed, but said he expected it to happen sooner or later the way we were gawking at each other.

And now, two weeks later, as I water the flowers in my front lawn that I grew with a lot of effort, I notice a sleek black car pulling up.

A driver wearing a suit came out and my eyes widened when Jake stepped out of the car.

Another jeep stopped right behind them, a group of bodyguards surrounding their car as I watched the scene.

I smiled instantly, about to run towards him but stopped short when he opened the door for someone else.

I felt my heart beat quicken as a woman stepped out of the car, smiling widely at Jake and looking at his house.

She was really beautiful, like, really beautiful.

Maybe she was a model or something.

Her hair was dyed to an ash and platinum blonde colour, her blue eyes gleaming with happiness as she took his outstretched arm and pecked his cheek, telling him something while he smiled at her.

She wore a flowy yellow sundress that reached below her knees with a slit in the middle that complineted her perfect figure, with white sandals that had small heels.

Sunglasses were placed on top of her head, a small white bag dangling off her shoulder as her hair fell in waves down to her waist.

She was barely wearing any make up, but her cheeks seemed to be rosy pink and her lips were covered in a light pink lip gloss, diamond earring adorned her ears and a similar locket with a signet around her neck.

She looked important the way the guards around them bowed their heads as she passed them.

I felt my heart drop at the small act of affection as they walked closer to my house and I quickly turned off the water.

I straightened my floral white dress that reached my knees and brushed off the dust as they walked closer to me.

“Lily!” Jake beamed and I forced a small smile to my face, regarding the woman on his arm cautiously as they slowly walked over to us.

Only then did I notice a slight limp in her walk as Jake helped her and I instantly felt sorry for her, but was still wary of her closenes to Jake.

Who is she anyway?

“Hi.” I whispered shyly to him and he smiled, coming closer to me and hugging me tightly after pecking my forehead.

“I missed you.” He said softly and I felt my heart melt immediately as I smiled.

“I missed you too.” I whispered when a throat was cleared behind us and I noticed the woman looking between me and Jake with a grin.

“I’m assuming this is the mystery girl, Jakey?” She asked amused and I felt my chest constrict at the nickname, Jakey.

Are they close? They seem close...

“Yup, this is Liliana. Lily pod, this is Ace’s wife, Dove." He said with a smile as realization dawned on me.

Oh, so she was her.

Instantly, a small smile took over my face as I went closer to her.

“It’s nice to meet you finally, Dove, I’ve heard a lot about you.” I said, genuinely happy to meet her, my previous insecurities vanishing in thin air like they were never there.

“All good things, I hope.” She narrowed her eyes at Jake playfully who stuck his tongue out at her and I instantly knew the two were good friends.

“I wish Jake told me about you, he wouldn’t say a word! Otherwise, we can’t get him to shut up!” She said and Jake scoffed while I laughed with her.

“That sounds like him. Why don’t you come inside?” I asked and she nodded with a smile that lit up her beautiful features as Jake helped her in.

“I heard you’re pregnant, congradulations!” I said sincerely when her smile grew wider and her hand went to rub her stomach affectionately.

“Thank you. You have a beautiful house.” She said looking around as I handed her some juice to drink while Jake talked to someone on the phone.

“So... you’re the mysetery girlfriend. I couldn’t wait to meet you and had to annoy Jake all the time to convivince him to take me here.” She said when I beamed.

“I couldn’t wait to meet you either. Jake told me a lot about you and what you’ve been through and I really wanted to meet such a brave and strong woman. I admire you a lot and wish I could be as strong as you.” I said and met her warm eyes.

“Everyone is strong, they just need the right person to bring that strength out. For me, it was Nico. I wanted a fututre with him because I love him, so I had to fight for it.” She said with a sad smile as her eyes glistened with love.

“Nico? You mean Ace?” I ask confused when she nodded and smiled.

“Yeah, him. Do you know him?”

“Well, I remember him pretty clearly, but he was lways so serious and barely talked to anyone but Jake so we weren’t really that close.” I shrugged and she nodded.

“Speaking of, how is he?” I asked when she smiled so wide her face glowed.

“He’s doing much better now that he’s up. It was really hard convincing him to let me go with Jake, but he only agreed because he trusts Jake with his life.” She told me and I immediately looked at Jake who was scowling, still on the phone.

“It must have been hard for you when he was in a coma.” I said and she nodded.

“It was. Everything was so uncertain, I felt like I couldn’t breathe. But once he woke up, it was like everything fell right back into place.” She said with a soft smile as she gazed into the distance.

We talked a bit more, getting to know each other well, laughing at each other’s jokes as I found a good friend in her.

“I’m home!” Reid entered the house an hour or so later, stopping in his tracks when he saw Jake, and have him a hand shake before coming over to me.

“Hey sorella.” (Sister) He pecked my forehead before looking at Dove, freezing over.

"Whoa, am I dreaming, or is there really a goddess sitting in our living room?” He asked blinking his eyes rapidly when both me and Dove laughed at him.

“Hi. You must be Reid.” She said with a charming smile that had Reid’s eyes widening.

“You even sound like a goddess.” He whispered and I pinched him, making him scowl while Dove giggled at us.

“You’re really beautiful.” He whispered while she pursed her lips to stop her laughter.

“Are you single? Cause I’d love to take you out and treat you like the goddess you are. I can already imagine a future for us.” He said in a sing song voice when we both burst out laughing while Reid looked at us confused.

“What? I’m serious. Can I have your number?” He asked her expectantly and she opened her mouth to answer but was cut off by a sharp and deep voice that seemed to be utterly furious.

“Stay the fuck away from my wife." Someone boomed from behind us.

Dove’s eyes widened, looking behind me as she stood up and took a step forward but lost her balance due to her injury.

She was about to fall but in a flash, a tall, dark and handsome man was already by her side, holding her up and steady.

I felt my breath catch in my throat as he steadied her and brushed his hand through her hair tenderly, asking her if she was okay before kissing her lips.

“Be careful, my love." He said softly, a stark contrast to his deamenour from earlier as he looked at us, sparing a sharp glance to Reid who immediately cowered away from a single look.

But I couldn’t blame him. The way this man’s midnight ble eyes pierced through us made shiver run down my spine as I looked at his features carefully.

He sat Dove down into his lap, holding her close to him with a possessive arm around her waist while the other hand carressed her stomach absent minded.

“You’re Ace.” I whispered when both heads turned to look at me and Reid immediately paled, sitting next to me in hopes of me saving him.

“You must be Liliana. It’s good to see you again, Lily.” His voice was cold, devoid of any emotion and it made Jake seem a lot more fun and happy.

“You too.” I said with a small smile as his eyes turned to my brother, narrowing in a glare.

“Next time you try and hit on my wife, I’ll fucking hit you with a bullet.” He warned when Reid gulped and nodded furiously.

“S-Sorry, I had no idea she was your wife.” He stuttered and I had to stifle a laugh to which he glared at me but I ignored him.

Ace seemed deadly, like a killer, but once his attention shifted to his wife, it was as if no on else existed but them.

The way he talked to her so gently, as if she was a delicate and fragile piece of glass which could break, although I knew she was a lot stronger than that, and the way he looked at her, with so much love and adoration in his eyes, Jake was right.

They were hopelessly in love with each other.

I only wished I could find the same type of love as I glanced at them again, noticing her smoothing the frown between his brows as she pecked his lips with a big smile, calming him down as he sighed into her embrace.

“Sorry ’bout that, I had to sort some shit out. Stalker much?” Jake asked Ace jokingly.

He rolled his eyes and pulled Dove even more closer to him who seemed to be the least bothered, as if she was used to his behaviour.

“How about dinner?” I asked and all eyes came to me, except Ace’s who was too distracted by his wife’s beauty to care much about dinner.

“That sounds great, I’ll help.” Dove started to get off from Ace’s lap but he glared at her.

“You’re not supposed to be working.” He said when she rolled her eyes.

“I’m pregnant, Nico, not paralysed. Now let me go you big baby.” She squirmed out of his hold and it was adorable seeing him pout at her.

“Be careful, my love.” He said when she smiled, kissing his forehead.

“I’ll be fine. Talk to Jake and Reid, he seems like a good guy.” She grinned.

Ace frowned, looking at Reid threatenignly who yelped as we both went into the kitchen, laughing at the men.

“Ace seems very protective and possessive of you.” I say as we prepare dinner when she smiles and nods.

“He is, especially considering recent events, I don’t blame him.” She said softly and I knew this girl had been through a lot.

A lot more than she deserved.

“I’m sorry.” I said squeezing her hand when she shook her head and smiled.

“It’s okay, it’s all in the past anyway. I’ll make the sauce.” She said and I nodded as we both worked together, chatting away as we went.

“It was lovely to meet you Lily, I hope you can come to Rome soon at Nico’s place. We could do a lot of things there.” Dove said as we pulled away from our hug.

“I’d love to, it was great having you around.” I said truthfully, both of us saying our goodbyes before Ace helped her in the car and nodded at me once before they left with their body guards.

“Are you staying here?” I asked Jake who wrapped his arm around me and smiled, pecking my temple.

“I am. And on that note, I would officially like to ask you on a date.” He said, somewhat proud of himself when my smile grew.

“I’d love that.” I asnwered softly as his grin widened.

“Tonight then, at eight, sÌ?” He asked and I nodded.

“SÌ.” I said softly before he too left to go back to his hotel.

As the evening neared, I started to get ready, putting on a formal black dress I had which wasn’t too much but not too little either.

Since my hair was already curly, I just added a fancy pin to it and put on some black heels.

I only put on pink lip gloss and mascara and at exactly eight, the doorbell rang.

“Lily! Your boyfriend’s here!” Reid screamed and I blushed furiously, thankful no one saw my red face.

Boyfriend.

That sounds good.

Fanning my face and finally gaining some courage, I finally left the room with my small bag which had my essentials as I walked into the living room.

Jake was wearing a black suit with a crisp white shirt, the first tow buttons opened that gave a clear view of his chest, making him look really handsome.

Once he saw me, he smiled, walking over to me as he scanned my outfit.

“You look absolutely beautiful.” He muttered, placing a small kiss on my cheek as I blushed.

“You look great too.” I commented and he chuckled, mumbling a smal thank you as we said goodbye to Reid and walked out towards his shiny black car.

To say I had a great time would be an understatemt.

I felt appreciated, beautiful and wanted at the same time, and I was sure I had fallen for Jake a long time ago, but finally admitting that to myself made it even more scarier.

I had never been in a relationship before, but I could see Jake in my future, and I wanted that for us.

I remembered Dove’s words from a few days back.

‘I wanted a fututre with him because I love him, so I had to fight for it.’

I knew I wanted him in my future, and I would fight for it if it was necessary.

“This place is beautiful.” I commented, looking around the large mansion in awe that apprently belonged to Ace.

We headed to the kitchen where Dove and Nico were furiously making out and Jake scrunched his face up as we walked closer.

“Get a fucking room.” Jake grunted and Dove rolled her eyes before beaming at me when she saw me.

“Dove!” I exclaimed as we both hugged each other.

“How are you?” I asked her when she smiled wide, sticking her tongue out at Jake and making me giggle.

“Your girl friend likes me better than you, Jakey." She said smugly but he only rolled his eyes, pulling me towards him and pecked my temple while I blushed furiously.

Dove looked at us with a warm smile before tears fell down her cheeks.

“Shit, why are you crying baby?” Ace wiped her tears away with his thumb before glaring at poor Jake.

“What the fuck did you do now?” Ace glared daggers at Jake who looked at them surprised.

“I didn’t do anything! I swear!” He defended himself while I chuckled at them.

“It’s okay Nico, I’m just so happy for Jake.” Dove said wiping her tears while he sighed heavily and shook his head, making me giggle at the two.

They were absolutely adorable.

“I heard you were having twins, congradulations!” I said when she smiled.

“Thank you, I’m so excited! Although Nico had other thoughts because all he said was ‘two?! fucking two?!’ when the doctor told us.” She mocked in a deep tone and glared at said man who pursed his lips while Jake tried to stifle his laughter.

“I’m sorry baby, I didn’t mean it, I was just surprised. I’m very happy, and I can’t wait to hold them in my arms, si?” He asked, tenderly stroking her face when she sighed, leaning into him.

“SÌ.” She muttered as he kissed the top of her head before leaving with Jake.

Dove and I had a great time and later on, Ace’s cousin Adriana also joined us and she was really fun to talk with too.

She was also pregnant, and her husband, Stuart, was dealing with all her tantrums like a gentleman without complaining.

At least that’s what she said.

“We’re having a girl.” Adriana said proudly, rubbing her stomach affectionately.

“I’m so happy for you. Have you thought of any names yet?” Dove asked when she nodded.

“We want to name her Elena. How’s that?” She asked.

“It’s a beautiful name, She’ll be beautiful like her mother too.′ I said when she beamed at me.

“Thanks Lily. I’m happy Jake found someone for him too. I was starting to think he’d end up alone with lots of cats.” Adriana said and we all laughed, enjoying the summer sun out in the garden as we sipped on lemonade.

“Did you ask the gender of yours?” I asked Dove when she shook her head.

“We want it to be a surprise. But we have chosen names already. If it’s two boys, then we want to name them Cassian and Lucian, and if it’s girls, then Amelia and Celeste.” She said when both Aadriana and I smiled.

“Amelia? Like Ace’s sister?” I asked and she nodded.

“Yeah, I suggested it to him and he seemed pretty happy.” She said.

“But if it’s a girl and a boy, then it’s Cassian and Celeste.” She said proudly.

“Those are all beautiful names. What does Cassian mean, though?” Adriana asked.

“Cassian means ‘warrior’. Nico says he wants his son to be strong, a leader.” She said and we both nodded.

I mean, it made sense., since their child would be inheriting the mafia.

I knew Jake was the second in command, but I also knew he didn’t really like his job as much, which is why he managed all the legal businesses more than the illegal ones.

He said it was dangerous to involve someone you love in this world, but we were already far too deep in.

And I also found out the reason why he reuturned that day to Catania.

It was because of a promise he made to his mother during her last moments, to avenge her and come back home to her.

I was heartbroken by his story because Jake was such a wonderful man and deserved so much.

He had been hurt a lot in the past by his own family, and I know better than anyone how much that hurts.

I showed him all my scars, and he showed me his.

Now, we were too deeply intertwined in each other to simply get up and leave.

“Delilah, sweetheart, can you please help out Celeste!” I yelled for my daughter who turned sixteen just a few days back.

She and Celeste were joined at the hip, even though Celeste was three years older than her, they both were the best of friends.

“Coming mamma!” She walked in the kitchen, her jet black hair pulled up into a ponytail with curls at the bottom, just like mine and her grey eyes, like Jake’s, glimmering in the light.

“I need help with the icing, Del.” Celeste said handing her the icing bowl and both girls got to work as Jake entered the kitchen, smiling when he saw me.

He kissed my forehead and then our daughter’s before hugging Celeste.

“Where’s your papa?” He asked Celeste, leaning into my side when said man walked in the kitchen with Dove by his side, his son Lucian behind him and daughter Amelia in his arms.

“What is it?” He asked, handing over Amelia to Dove who came towards me and not a moment later, her eldest son, Cassian, walked in followded by mine.

“Lorenzo Knight! Look at your state!” I chastised and he smiled apologetically as Cassian’s eyes wandered around the kitchen before settling on one person only.

My daughter.

"Lilah." He greeted, dipping his finger into the icing and licking it off just to annoy her as a small smirk graced his lips.

I had to admit, the boy was pretty cunning and smart, just like his father. He looked like him too, with mischevious yet cold midnight blue eyes, and was a pain in the ass, like Jake said.

“Stop it, Cass.” Delilah said threateningly, pulling the icing bowl far from his reach.

“Or what?” He leaned towards her mockingly and I noticed my daughter’s face turn red, no doubt blushing.

“Or I’ll skin you alive if you don’t step away from my daughter.” Jake warned when Dove and I stifled a laugh as Cassian rolled his eyes and pulled away.

“Watch it, young man.” Jake said as Cassian turned to look at him.

“Or what?” He challenged. For a ninteen year old, he sure had some guts.

“Stai indietro, figliolo. Sembra che sia di cattivo umore oggi.” (Back off, son. He looks like he’s in a pissy mood today.) Ace said with a small smirk when Jake scowled.

“Right. Ne parleremo più tardi allora. Papà, ho preso gli uomini che ci hanno derubato. Sono nel seminterrato.” He said, completely ignoring Jake.

(We’ll talk about that later then. Papa, I caught the men who robbed us. They’re in the basement.)

“Buon lavoro. Li hai torturati?” (Good job. Did you torture them?) He asked when Cassian smirked.

I found my daughter’s eyes lingering on him before she looked away.

Hmm.

“Enough. They’ll be expecting you soon.” He said, throwing one last look to Delilah and then Jake before sauntering out with Enzo behind him as well as Lucian.

“God, that is one annoying boy. Takes that from you.” Jake muttered to Ace who grinned at him.

“It’s not my fault my son is devilishly good looking like me. Oh wait, it is.” Ace said jokingly.

Dove and I laughed at him while Jake scoweld, flipping him off before leaving the kitchen with a pout on his adorable face.

And as I looked around at my family and the people I loved, I couldn’t help but be thankful for the day I fell down and met the grey eyed boy who would forever change my life.

I never knew I’d find someone to chase away my demons until I looked in those sliver pools and knew there and then, he was the one would always protect me.

He was my Knight in shining armour.