Chapter 16 Punishment

Antonio strode toward the secluded garden behind the mansion, his private sanctuary. His sharp gaze swept the area until it landed on Rose. She was holding a flower, lost in its beauty, oblivious to his presence. “I don’t recall giving anyone permission to enter this space,” Antonio said, his voice low and stern. Rose startled, looking up at him. “I… I didn’t realize…” “You shouldn’t be here,” he continued, his tone firm. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean—” Before she could finish, Antonio raised a hand and gently cupped her cheek, his fingers grazing her skin softly. His intense gaze locked onto hers, and for a fleeting moment, the tension melted. “Next time, don’t come here unless I’m with you. Understand?” His voice softened, but his eyes remained serious. Rose blinked, her confusion obvious. “I… um…” “Do you understand?” he repeated, his tone turning sharper. “If you disobey again, I’ll have to punish you.” Rose took a step back, her cheeks flushing. “Yes, but… could you please step back a little?” Antonio ignored her words, stepping closer instead. His hand moved to grasp her arm, pulling her gently but firmly toward him. His other arm circled her waist, holding her in place. “Apologies,” he said, a playful smirk forming on his lips. “You should’ve told me sooner.” Rose tried to wiggle free, but his grip was firm. Her face grew hotter than his proximity became overwhelming. “Don’t struggle. Just stay like this for a moment,” he murmured, leaning in closer. “Let me admire you.” His breath brushed against her cheek, and Rose’s heart raced uncontrollably. Despite herself, she found she couldn’t push him away. Slowly, her eyes fluttered shut as she surrendered to the moment. “May I kiss you?” Antonio whispered in her ear, his voice sending shivers down her spine. “If you don’t answer, I’ll take that as a yes.” Rose’s eyes snapped open, her cheeks burning as she shook her head. Antonio sighed, pulling back slightly, his expression one of playful disappointment. “Fine, not this time,” he muttered under his breath. Next time, I won’t ask. I should’ve just kissed her, he thought, frustrated with himself. “Do you want to go out somewhere?” he asked, breaking the silence. “Can I?” Rose asked hesitantly. “Of course,” Antonio replied. “It’s my day off, and I’d like to spend it with you.” Though his words seemed casual, Antonio wanted nothing more than to spend the entire day with her. “I’ll wait for you in the lounge. Go change, and don’t take too long,” he said with a teasing smirk. “If you do, I might come up and help you.” Rose shot him a glare, her face flushing even redder as she turned and hurried back to the mansion. Antonio chuckled softly, watching her retreating figure with amusement before heading inside himself. Antonio’s sleek black car came to a stop in a quieter part of the city. Taking Rose’s hand, he led her through a narrow alley bustling with life. Tourists filled the streets, cameras in hand, while souvenir shops lined the sidewalks. Voices in multiple languages blended into a lively chorus. “They say that if you visit Italy, this is one place you must see,” Antonio said, gesturing ahead. Before them stood The Trevi Fountain, one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks. The magnificent Baroque structure, carved from marble, features a striking statue of Neptune on a chariot drawn by winged horses. “It’s beautiful,” Rose murmured, her eyes wide with wonder. “I’ve only ever seen it in pictures.” She turned to Antonio; her smile radiant. “Thank you.” “Don’t thank me yet,” Antonio said, his tone teasing. “How about thanking me differently?” Rose looked at him, puzzled. “Today, I want to spend time with you—not as your employer, but just as a man. Can you do that for me?” Antonio asked earnestly. Rose stared at him, startled by his directness. “I… I don’t know…” “Just for today,” he said, his gaze unwavering. Rose hesitated before nodding. “Alright.” Antonio’s smile widened, and he led her closer to the fountain, where tourists were busy taking photos and tossing coins. Rose reached into her pocket, pulling out a coin. Turning her back to the fountain, she closed her eyes and made a wish before tossing the coin over her shoulder. When she turned back, she found Antonio watching her with a small smile. “Why didn’t you toss two coins?” he asked as he approached her. “Two?” “If you toss two coins, they say you’ll fall in love with someone you meet in Rome,” he explained, his voice low. “And I’d like to be that someone.” Rose’s eyes widened, her cheeks reddening at his bold words. Antonio’s were feeling becoming, and the walls she had built around her heart It’s starting to breaking down. “Come on,” Antonio said, taking her hand once more. He guided her through the streets, past rows of quaint shops and cafes. His large hand enveloped hers, grounding her at the moment. For Antonio, the day felt fleeting, but he wished it could last forever. As they wandered, Antonio couldn’t help but glance at her. His thoughts conflicted. He had opened his heart again, letting her take the place of a love he thought he could never replace. Yet a part of him remained fearful—fearful of failing to protect her if she became a part of his world. Am I being selfish? He wondered. But as Rose smiled at him even fleetingly, Antonio knew he wouldn’t trade this moment for anything.