Chapter 35 - 34

Ermanno entered the apartment at night and heard smooth jazz music playing. He entered more and saw Rose reading a book in the living room. She was sitting with her legs on the couch and a small pillow in her lap, a book in her hand and glasses on her eyes.

Ermanno looked at her and saw her wearing a low cut short puff sleeves slim bodycon red dress.

Ermanno liked what he was seeing.

Rose felt his presence and got up from the couch and was about to go to him but stopped and turned back and placed the pillow at its place and bent down to place the book giving Ermanno a perfect view to her butt.

Ermanno tilted his head a little and viewed her butt. All he could think about was whipping it till it bled.

Rose turned around and approached Ermanno and stood in front of him. She then moved forward and kissed his lips and said: "welcome home my hubby" with a smile.

"Is this how I will be welcomed every day?" Asked Ermanno.

Rose circled her hands around his waist and said "if you like it, then yes" and kissed his lips again.

"Hmm.. what were you reading?" Asked Ermanno.

"To kill the mockingbird by Harper Lee," said Rose.

"That a good read. What did you think about it?" asked Ermanno.

"How about we discuss that over dinner. And I have a surprise for you" said Rose.

Rose dragged Ermanno to the bedroom and then the closet and showed him the suits which were delivered just a few hours back.

"How did you get them?" Asked Ermanno looking at at least 15 sets of suits.

"Sabrina mom sent it when I told her that you may like to wear it if I asked you nicely." Said Rose.

"What makes you think I'll wear it?" asked Ermanno looking at Rose.

"Because you look handsome wearing them and I will ask you nicely," said Rose.

"Don't have too much of faith in yourself little girl. I do only what I want not what someone else wants me to do" said Ermanno.

"And look what it's led you to be. You had to marry an ugly girl to make your image better in the eyes of your family, friends and the world." Said Rose and moved further and held his blazer in his hands and continued "you didn't marry me because you loved me. You married me to help you make your image better and prove to everyone that you have moved on. Then let me help you. I have liked you, I have been threatened by you many times, I have been scared of you and I have hated you for abusing my sister. I too want to move on from all of that and start fresh. You help me out a little and I'll help you out a little. Together let's create a life Ermanno, for ourselves. Now come on I'll serve dinner hubby" said Rose and kissed his lips and walked out of the closet swaying her h.i.p.s which didn't go unnoticed by Ermanno.

Ermanno stood in his place for a minute and was more angry at Rose than ever.

'want to create life? I want to finish your life. Do you really think talking some sweet talk will change my mind for killing you? I am not falling for you games little girl. You will play by my rules not the other way around' said Ermanno to himself.

He looked back at the suits and then took hold of his sweats and changed.

He was about to leave the closet when he went to Rose's side of the closet and looked at her clothes.

He looked back if Rose was behind him and when he knew she was not, he held a dress in his hand and sniffed. He let go and walked out of the closet.

Both shared the dinner and of course he loved the food. It was his favourite and very delicious. Rose had made a Medium rare steak. Tangy Carrot and Cuc.u.mbers salad.  Smashed Sweet Potatoes with Cilantro Pesto and cheese onion rings. And paired it with bread and red wine.

"Do you like it?" Asked Rose.

"It's edible," said Ermanno enjoying the delicious speak.

Rose could see he liked it so she just smiled and had her dinner.

They discussed the current events and the book Rose was reading previously.

Ermanno was impressed by how well educated Rose was regarding politics, literature, art and loved how passionate she was about books.

"Did you study literature?" Asked Ermanno.

"Yes. That was my main subject. And maybe someday I wish to do major in it too, in of course art and literature." said Rose.

"Hmm. So what is the one place you would like to visit ever" asked Ermanno drinking his wine.

Rose took a sip of her own wine and said "I always wanted to visit Vatican City"

Ermanno laughed a little and said "let me guess, you want to see the Sistine Chapel. That is so cliche. A literature and art student wanting to see the greatest work of the great painter."

"Reading books about it and visualising, imagining how great it would be to see a masterpiece of history has it's own significant feel to it. Call it cliche or not. I like it and I know any person who has the slightest knowledge of it will not only be awed by its beauty but will definitely be taken by it. Art and literature student or not" said Rose and Ermanno smiled at how beautifully and maturely Rose explained it.

He smiled at Rose and she returned the smile.