Taming Ricardo, The Italian Billionaire

Epilogue

Kyra couldn’t stop smiling as people stopped by to congratulate them on a successful project. The neighborhood where the new and improved apartment building stood had been blocked off for the grand opening of the building. It was like a parade, a huge block party as residents from neighboring buildings as well as the ones moving back into the renovated building celebrated. The new building was a beacon of hope that the neighborhood could be improved and less fortunate individuals all over the city could have better living conditions.

Kyra was attached to Ricardo’s side all night as he was attached to hers. She felt overwhelmed in the best way with the gratitude expressed by the building’s residents.

“Kyra, this is amazing! It looks like the entire neighborhood is here.”

Kyra turned to Chelsea who was shoving a hot dog into her mouth. Kyra chuckled. “Thanks, Chels, and take it easy on the food. Don’t make yourself sick.”

“I just have to try everything. It was rough being on chemo and not having any appetite. I appreciate food so much now.”

Kyra smiled and gave her a kiss on the forehead. “I totally get it. Eat away.”

Chelsea grinned. “Hey, Ricardo.”

“Chelsea, I’m glad you could make it.”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

She and Ricardo shared a conspiratorial look and Kyra eyed them suspiciously. When Chelsea skipped away, she asked, “What was that about?”

Ricardo pulled her close. “What was what about?”

“You two shared a look.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. Have I told you how much I love seeing you in red?” He leaned closer. “I hope you’re not wearing panties under that dress. I’d like easy access on our way home.”

She swatted his arm. “Behave yourself.” Even as she reprimanded him, excitement coursed through her. She wasn’t wearing underwear because she knew he would want to get touchy feely on their way home. “And no, I’m not wearing any,” she whispered.

He sucked in a breath and his eyes became molten pools. “You little vixen,” he murmured. “Let’s find somewhere private where I can punish you for teasing me.”

A delightful shiver ran through her. She would love for him to carry out any punishment he wished. “I do so love it when you punish me,” she drawled, “But you’re giving a speech in about a minute.”

He sighed. “I’m going to make you scream my name over and over when I get you alone tonight,” he promised.

Kyra had to clamp her thighs together. With a gulp she forced herself not to look at him. If she did, the sexy grin he knew he wore, would probably cause her to combust.

Ricardo chuckled knowingly beside her. Wicked, wicked man. And how she loved him. He still laughed when he was called up to the make-shift podium. Before he began his speech, he sent her a lascivious look that she hoped no one else picked up on. “Oh, my God,” she moaned as moisture she had been trying to hold back pooled between her legs.

Kyra scoffed and folded her arms when she realized that she wasn’t the only one drooling over the man giving the speech. She heard a few longing sighs and witnessed a few women fanning themselves. Women of every age eyed him like a piece of steak.  Were they even listening to what he was saying? Kyra rolled her eyes. It was official, Ricardo was dangerous to women everywhere. He should be banned.

When he made his way back to her side after a thunderous applaud, he peered down at her. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” she answered quickly. She wasn’t about to admit that she had turned into a green eyed monster because women were looking at him.

He tilted his head, not quite believing her, but didn’t push. “So, our development project was a success.” He glanced around the crowded street. “I’m proud of you, Ms. Fisher.”

“As I’m proud of you, Mr. Bianchi.”

“What’s next? Another apartment building? Houses? Maybe a school? Marriage?”

“Maybe we could- wait, what?” She could have sworn she just heard him say marriage. Her head whipped around to look at him in askance. She gasped, her hands flying to her chest. Ricardo was on one knee, looking up at her with adoration and wearing his usual grin.

“Oh, my God,” she squealed. He opened a small velvet box, revealing a yellow gold ring, studded with tiny diamonds and a huge marquise cut diamond in the center.

She gawked while whistles and applause sounded around her.  “Kyra Fisher, bellissima. Will you make me the happiest man alive and marry me?”

“Say yes!” Random people shouted. She swallowed, recovering from her shock. She nodded enthusiastically before being able to get the words out, “Yes! I will. Oh, my God,” she breathed as he slipped the ring on her finger.

A mixture of relief and satisfaction played across his features when he stood up and covered her mouth with his. For a second she forgot that they were standing in front of a crowd and got a bit too eager.  Catching up on herself, she pulled back, wearing a sheepish grin. Ricardo chuckled, his eyes promising that they would continue later.

“I can’t believe this. I love you,” she gushed.

“I love you too.”

“I told you she would say yes!” Chelsea ran to Ricardo and they high-fived.

“So you did.”

Kyra’s eyes narrowed. “So that was what that look was about.”

“Chelsea helped me pic out the ring. She said it’s almost as pretty as you are.”

Chelsea beamed proudly. “Do you like it?”

Kyra studied the ridiculously large rock on her finger. “I love it.”

The teenager squealed. “This is so exciting. Can I help you plan your wedding, please?”

Kyra nudged her chin with a finger. “You bet. You know you’re my favorite girl.”

Chelsea fist-pumped the air and ran off to boast to a few friends that she was now a wedding planner like Jennifer Lopez in The Wedding Planner.

Ricardo laughed. “I hope you know that you’ve just created a monster.”

“It’s okay. I love seeing her like that.” She turned to gaze at him, picturing a daughter of their own, with his charming smile and probably his mesmerizing eyes.

“Are you happy?”

“Very happy.”

“And now you have no choice but to move in with me because you are my fiancé and we’re supposed to live together. It’s a rule.”

“Really? How come I’ve never heard of that rule.”

“It’s new and widely practiced.”

Kyra let out a laugh. “Right. Well, I’ve always been one to follow the rules. I can’t break this one now, can I?”

He brushed his lips over hers. “You can’t.”

“It’s settled then. I’ll move in with you.”

She let out a content sigh when he pulled her to him and captured her mouth.  She was the happiest in that moment than she’d ever been and it was all thanks to him.

The end.