Chapter 153
Aria’s POV
Ap
The sunlight streamed through the windows, gently nudging me awake. My eyes fluttered open, and for a moment, I just laid there, listening to Dante’s clean musk, Enzo’s cologne, Matteo’s earthy scent. I the birds singing outside. The bed was warm, soft, and it still smelled like them sighed, hugging the blanket tighter around me, feeling a slow smile form on my lips.
Last night replayed in my mind like a dream- full of fire, passion, and warmth. My body was still tingling, pleasantly sore in places, and my heart was full in a way I couldn’t explain. It was overwhelming… but good.
After a few minutes of lying there in that peaceful bubble, I forced myself to sit up. 1 freshened up quickly washed my face, brushed my teeth, ran a comb through my hair and then noticed something sitting on the nightstand. A small, folded piece of paper.
—
Curious, I picked it up. The handwriting was messy but rele
“Come downstairs. We’re waiting in the training room. Wo
Enzo’s. I unfolded it and smiled at the message inside:
Vou don’t mind sweating in- and prepare to be impressed. D, M & E
I let out a small laugh. Of course they would write something like that.
I pulled open the closet and found the gym wear Chiara had helped me unpack earlier. I grabbed a black sports bra and matching leggings that hugged my body perfectly. After slipping on my sneakers and tying my hair up into a high ponytail, I headed downstairs.
As I reached the bottom floor, the delicious smell of breakfast hit me. My stomach growled loudly, and I followed the scent toward the dining
room.
When I walked in, I was surprised to find Chiara and a beautiful older woman sitting at the table, chatting and laughing. The woman looked elegant, with warm eyes and soft features that reminded me of the triplets.
Chiara grinned as soon as she saw me. “Well, well. Look who finally joined the land of the living.”
I smiled shyly. “Good morning.”
The older woman stood up and came toward me. “Hiw are you Aria, I hope you slept well” she said warmly, taking both of my hands in hers. “Those boys didn’tstress you i hope.”
“Oh! No no, i slept good,” I said, trying not to sound too nervous. She me feel safe.
was
dutiful, graceful, and had this calm energy that instantly made
She pulled me into a soft hug. “Thank you for giving them another chance.”
I glanced at Chiara, who was trying not to laugh.
“We were just talking about you,” Chiara said, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Or should I say… about your very special night.”
My cheeks burned. “Chiara…”
She held up her hands. “Hey, I’m just saying. You walked in here glowing. That post–triplet glow is something serious.”
I choked on my laugh, and even Rita chuckled softly. “Chiara, don’t embarrass the girl.”
“Too late,” I muttered, sitting down at the table.
We all laughed, and it felt good–light and warm. Rita served me a plate with fluffy eggs, toast, and fruit. I thanked her and started eating. It was one of the best breakfasts I’d had in a while – maybe because it tasted like love and comfort.
1/3
Chapter 153
So, where’s this training room I was asked to be there?” I asked, wiping my mouth after we finished eating.
Chiara leaned in and smirked. “Oh, you’re gonna love it. Head down the hall, turn left at the wall full of scary knives, then follow the sound of grunting testosterone and overachieving.”
I snorted. “Thanks for the map.”
“Anytime.”
I said my goodbyes and headed toward the hallway she pointed out. The villa was beautiful
every corner held history, warmth, and elegance.
I paused for a moment, admiring the black–and–white family photos on the walls. Little versions of Dante, Enzo, and Matteo smiled back at me in suits, school uniforms, and birthday hats.
My heart squeezed. It was so cute
When I reached a thick door with a silver handle, I heard faint noises from inside and the thud of footsteps. I pushed the door open.
The training room was huge.
the sound of fists hitting something, the clink of weights,
It looked like a gym built for gods – polished floors, mirrors, equipment lined against the walls, punching bags, and even a boxing ring in the corner. But what caught my eye wasn’t the room. It was them.
Enzo, shirtless, stood at a long table, cleaning and loading a gun with careful precision. He looked focused, his arms flexing with every move. Matteo was on the pull–up bar, muscles tight and gleaming with sweat, veins bulging in his arms as he lifted himself effortlessly again and again. Dante was pounding into a punching bag, every movement strong and powerful. His body glistened under the lights, and his jaw was set in deep concentration.
I stood frozen at the door, mouth slightly open. My gaze moved from one brother to the next. They looked like warriors stupidly hot.
I didn’t realize how long I’d been staring until a voice called out.
–
deadly, graceful, and
“Well, well. If you’re gonna stare like that, you should at least bring popcorn,” Matteo said, dropping down from the bar with a grin.
I blinked, cheeks heating. “I wasn’t staring.”
“Oh, you were,” Enzo added without looking up from his gun. “Not that
complaining.”
Dante turned around, tossing a towel over his shoulder. “If that’s your reaction just from watching, bella, wait till we actually start teaching you.”
I rolled my eyes, but a smile tugged at my lips. “Big talk. Let’s see if your moves are as good as your mouths.”
They all laughed – deep, low, and sexy. And just like that, my nervousness melted away, replaced by playful excitement. I was ready for whatever they had planned.
Well… almost ready.
