#briccolo

"Have you even heard a word I said?!" Bri asked, delicate hands gripped the sides of his face and brought his attention to herself.

"... something about... I'm sorry, could you repeat that, " he admitted with an embarrassed grin. He didn't want to remove her hands from his face. She sighed with a smile and released him from her grip and walked to the large glass door in his study to catch the last rays of the setting sun.

"It's so beautiful..." Bri trailed off, those pretty eyes never leaving the scenic view. He responded in agreement, his eyes fixed on her and the way her golden brown skin absorbed the sunshine, and how the ochre flecks in her eyes danced in the light. Her shiny raven hair framed her delicate face in thick waves that stopped just above her shoulders and in that moment, she looked as though she was illuminated from within. She looked up at him with a soft smile, and his heart raced from that action alone. It had been a few months since she had moved to Sicily to live with her father and twin brother, and her life had finally begun to normalize after her exit from Passione.

"How are you, Bria? Honestly,"

"Honestly... I'm okay, it's been an adjustment but I can finally say I'm over everything... I miss Naples, but I feel like I'm home here... truly home,"

"Have you spoken to any of them since?" She shifted awkwardly and looked down, her hair concealed the pained expression on her face.

"Everyone... except him. It's okay though, I know he's probably very busy... and well, you know the rest..." Niccolo lifted her face by the chin, and gently coaxed her to face him, only to see her teary eyes.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to upset you... I-"

"It's okay," she said through a small laugh, " I don't even know why I'm reacting like this... I was stupid to think it'd last,"

"You weren't stupid, you were in love..."

"Same thing, no?" Another hollow laugh. It hurt him to see her this broken, trying to hold it in and keep her composure.

"Yes and no... we can do silly things when we fall for someone, but it's not stupidity..." Bria looked up at him and smiled politely before she paused to really look at him. The sun was in its last few moments and had cast a glow on everything in the room. Up until that point, she hadn't realised how strong his features were or how his eyes looked like molten gold. She had felt something effervescent in her chest which rose to heat up her cheeks when he turned to meet her stare.

"Is something wrong?" He asked, genuinely concerned by the way she shuffled beside him.

"I... no no, nothing... I just -"

Before she could finish her sentence, Bria was interrupted by Arturo, who had been set to join them for dinner. He had gaged the atmosphere in the room and tried to change the subject.

"Am I early?" Arturo had casually threw himself on the couch at the corner of Niccolos' study while Bria excused herself. Arturo waited until she was far enough before he spoke again.

"Be honest, what did I really walk in on?"

"Nothing. I was just asking how she was doing..." replied Niccolo, who couldn't help but laugh at Arturos' suspicious expression.

"Just... don't hurt my sister, it's hard enough watching her try to get over that freak with the weird hair-"

"By now, you should know I'd never hurt her, " Niccolo cut him off before he could continue. The tension hung in the air until Bri had returned, prompting the men to put their differences aside for the moment.

"Ava is making paella, so I hope you guys are hungry,"

"And I brought dessert- chocolate... something, I don't know, dad just asked Gabby to make it," Arturo got up from his seat and slung an arm around his twins shoulder, dwarfing her. Niccolo looked at the pair with a smile, for a pair of twins, they couldn't have been more different.

"All my favourites... I know what you guys are doing... you don't have to treat me with kid gloves... I'm okay," Bri had put on her most convincing smile and as the night had continued she found that her mood had eventually matched her expression. Niccolo had given Ava the rest of the night off and so when it came to putting the finishing touches on the desserts, Bri had taken the task upon herself.

"Would you like coffee or wine with your dessert? Niccolo asked, looking through his selection of wine when Bri and Arturo both answered that they had wanted coffee instead.

Niccolo chuckled and nodded. "Coffee it is, then. I'll prepare some fresh brew for all of us." He walked over to the kitchen counter and began grinding the coffee beans while Bri focused on the desserts. Arturo hovered nearby, offering occasional assistance and engaging in lighthearted banter.

As the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air, Niccolo poured it into mugs and brought them over to the dining table. The desserts were laid out beautifully, tempting anyone with a sweet tooth. Bri had done an excellent job, and she took pride in her creations as she joined Niccolo and Arturo at the table. They sat together, enjoying the warmth of the coffee and the company of one another. The conversation flowed effortlessly, filled with laughter and anecdotes. Bri found herself feeling at ease, basking in the comfort of this newfound family. It was a stark contrast to the tumultuous life she had left behind.

Niccolo watched Bri with a mixture of fondness and concern, his eyes never straying far from her. He knew that healing took time, but he was determined to be there for her every step of the way. As the evening progressed, he couldn't help but feel a growing connection between them, a sense of understanding and shared experiences.

After dessert, they lingered at the table, not quite ready to part ways for the night. Arturo excused himself to take care of some errands, leaving Niccolo and Bri alone. The soft glow of candlelight illuminated the room, casting a gentle ambiance.

Niccolo leaned back in his chair, studying Bri's face, which now held a hint of tranquility. "You know, Bria, I meant what I said earlier. You don't have to pretend to be okay all the time. It's alright to let yourself feel and heal. And I'll be here for you, no matter what."

Bri met his gaze, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of gratitude and vulnerability. "Thank you, Niccolo. It means a lot to me to have you and Arturo by my side. I don't think I could have made it this far without your support."

Niccolo reached across the table, taking Bri's hand in his. His touch was warm and comforting, grounding her in the present moment.

"You're stronger than you realize, Bria. And I believe in you. We all do. Together, we'll create new memories, ones that overshadow the pain of the past." Bri squeezed his hand, a small smile playing on her lips.

"I'm starting to believe that, too. And I'm grateful for this fresh start, for the chance to find happiness again."

As they sat there, hands intertwined, a newfound sense of hope and possibility filled the room. The journey ahead would not be without its challenges, but with the support and love they shared, Bri knew she had found her home, not just in Sicily but in the hearts of the people who cared for her. As the conversation lingered in the air, a gentle silence settled between Niccolo and Bri. The connection between them seemed to intensify, their eyes locked in a moment of shared understanding. It was as if the world around them faded away, leaving only the two of them in that intimate space.

Niccolo's heart raced in his chest as he leaned forward, his hand still holding Bri's. The anticipation hung in the air, a subtle tension building between them. He could feel the warmth of her hand against his, her presence enveloping him.

Bri's breath hitched, her eyes flickering between Niccolo's lips and his gaze. Her heart mirrored his rapid rhythm, a mix of anticipation and uncertainty. The vulnerability she saw in his eyes sparked something within her, a desire to let go of the pain and embrace the possibility of happiness.

In that suspended moment, Niccolo closed the distance between them, his lips gently brushing against Bri's. It was a soft, tender kiss, filled with unspoken emotions and a silent promise. Time seemed to stand still as they lost themselves in the sweetness of that connection. Bri's eyes fluttered closed, surrendering to the moment and allowing herself to be carried away by the tenderness of Niccolo's touch. Their kiss deepened, a shared longing and the unspoken words of affection passing between them.

The world outside their embrace ceased to exist as they became immersed in the depth of their emotions. It was a moment of solace and healing, a testament to the newfound love blossoming between them.

Eventually, they pulled away, their breaths mingling in the air. Niccolo rested his forehead against Bri's, his hand gently caressing her cheek. They both wore smiles that spoke volumes, conveying a mutual understanding of the significance of that moment.