Everybody's just left. I'm closing the door behind them.

   I'm nervous, really, really nervous.

   I'm hectically recounting my life in my head.

   After two years and eight months of solitude and anxiety, I moved to a country, nine thousand kilometers in a straight line away from Japan, on another continent, with a language that I'd never learn. I came here alone, without my family, knowing only three people - my best friend Emma and her parents. I was scared that I'd be in a cultural shock, lonely and isolated.

   But I'm not.

   Despite all my fears, I have an apartment on my own, friends I adore and life, full of positive emotions.

   I also have a boyfriend.

   The amazing thing is that he's the kindest, most handsome, self-confident and sexy person I've ever met, and a rock star too. I'm still not sure if it's not just a dream.

   He's crazy about me. I can't understand why, but I'm sure he is.

   And he's waiting for me on the sofa in my living room.

   My hands are trembling. It's the first time we're together alone. I don't know what will happen. I dare not try to figure it out. All I know is that I trust him, but I'm still petrified. I've forgotten what one usually does in such situations. I'll surely mess up everything. I just hope he'll forgive me... again.

   I'm leaning on the door, my eyes closed, taking deep breaths to calm myself. I don't know how long I've been doing it, but suddenly, gentle fingers slide on my cheek.

   "Are you nervous, my lovely?" Em's voice is soft and sweet.

   I open my eyes and see him, smiling at me. The cobalt color of his irises will never cease to amaze me. His long lashes cast shadows on the milky white skin of his cheeks.

   "How can you be so handsome?" I whisper.

   "Well, it's not on purpose," he chuckles, "but I'm really glad you like what you see."

   His thumb slides on my lower lip and makes me gasp. He leans towards me as if to kiss me but only brushes the tip of my nose with his.

   "I don't like you because of your looks," I quickly add. "I mean, you're the most attractive person I've seen, but it's more important that you're so kind, and always seem to know how I feel. I just ..." I take a deep breath. "I'm sorry! I'm so nervous."

   Unlike him. He's completely relaxed, staring at my flushed face, without blinking.

   "I know, love. But you don't have to be."

   He takes my hand, intertwining our fingers and leads me to the living room.

   My Totoro backpack is lying on an armchair.

   Em points at it. "It's your favorite, isn't it? I see you, wearing it often. I wanted to ask you what this creature is. Another Pokémon?"

   I immediately grin. "No, not a Pokémon. This is Totoro. Haven't you watched the movie?"

   He shakes his head. "No, never heard of it. Tell me what it is about."

   "Well, it's a Japanese animation fantasy," I start, already feeling more relaxed while talking about something I like. "It's kind of a cultural icon, not only for kids. The name of the movie is 'となりのトトロ' (Tonari no Totoro)[1]. Totoro is 神 (Kami)[2], a holy spirit, The Master of the forest. It's about two girls who befriend him and he helps them overcome some difficult times in their lives."

   It seems he's quite interested, so I go on. "The movie is considered a masterpiece. Totoro is world famous. There's even an asteroid and an animal species, named after him."

   "Wow, I'm amazed how many things I don't know. It's like you're showing me another world and I wasn't aware of its existence." Em's eyes are shining with enthusiasm. "Do you have the movie in your collection? Can we watch it?"

   "Really? You want to watch it?" I squeak. 

   I would never ever have believed it, if someone had told me that I'd watch anime with The Dark Prince. My head just can't take it.

   "Of course, I do," Em beams. "Actually, I won't be able to sleep, if I don't see it."

   He suddenly pouts, "It's probably in Japanese. I won't be able to understand it."

   "I have it with subtitles. I always buy DVDs with translation. For me it's a way to improve my English all the time," I explain.

   "Perfect! Let's watch it then. Want some ice cream?" Em grabs his phone. "I know the place with the best Italian gelato in town and they can deliver it. My favorite is 'Biscotto Della Nonna'[3]. It's vanilla with chopped chocolate cookies and melted chocolate fondue."

   Oh, My God!

   Hearing him speak Italian with perfect pronunciation, sends immediate hot shiver down my spine. Could this man get even more sexy? I start wondering how people do not tear his clothes on the streets.

   He notices my sharp gasp and smirks. "My grandmother lives in Bologna. I was actually born there. If you like it, I can speak some more Italian."

   He slides his hand round my waist and pulls me on his chest.

   "I can also recommend to you 'Zuppa Inglese'[4]. It's a sponge cake with powdered sugar, covered in whipped cream and chocolate chips."

   Em's pushing me a step backwards with every sentence.

   "Another of my favorites is 'Panna Cotta'[5]. It's cream with nut caramel drizzle".

   My back touches the edge of the kitchen island. I have nowhere further back to go. He presses his body on me, so close that I feel his every contour.

   "Or I can order all of them," Em whispers in my ear, "and we can share and try every taste. But you have to give me something in exchange."

   I feel his lips, brushing my earlobe. My breath quickens.

   "What do you want me to give you?" I barely utter.

   "Voglio che tu mi permetta di leccarti come un gelato," he purrs. "Ovunque io voglio."[6]

   I have no idea what that means, but hearing it directly in my ear, makes me release a high-pitched whimper that I've never heard, coming out of my mouth before.

   "Didn't I tell you to be careful, kitten?" Em growls and nibbles the spot between my neck and my shoulder. "You'll destroy the little self-control I have and I'll make a real mess out of you."

   He kisses my shoulder and asks seductively, "So, what do you say to my proposal?"

   "I don't understand what it means. Tell me first," I faintly answer.

   "No, you'll have to trust me," he murmurs, sliding his tongue in my ear.

   I release the shameful sound again. My legs are like jelly. I have no choice, but to wrap my arms around his shoulders.

   "I agree," I sigh. "You don't even have to order gelato to make me do whatever you want."

   "I love it when you give in to me," he chuckles and gently kisses my lips, "my sweet, obedient kitten."

   Then pulls away, leaving me completely dazed, and starts dialing a number on his phone.

   I quickly go to the cupboard shelf and start digging in the piles of DVDs to find the movie we intend to watch, trying to hide my crimson face and uneven breathing.

   What did I get into?

   I'll have to learn some Italian. Whatever he said didn't sound innocent at all. The worst part is that I can't wait to see what it is.

___________________________________

[1] My Neighbor Totoro

[2] Spirits of nature in the religion of Shinto

[3] Grandmother's cookie

[4] Sponge cake with custard (type of Italian dessert)

[5] Cooked cream (type of Italian dessert)

[6] I want you to let me lick you like an ice cream. Wherever I want.

A/N

Hey everyone at the end of Chapter 35!

Thank you for reading, voting and, most of all, enjoying the story! ❤

So, Em is half Italian.

What do you think? Do you like this surprise? 😍

We'll learn much more about him soon.

What do you think about the way he handled Sunny's anxiety by asking him to talk about his favorite movie?

Share your thoughts, be free to express yourself and criticize, if you feel it's necessary.

And don't forget to vote, if you enjoyed the story.

Love: Anny