Page 22 of Inadmissible

Taj

Lake Como

A fter a sixteen hour travel day, we finally made it to Milan and then Lake Como.

From the literal second we took the boat to Lake Como, my nervous system appreciated the calm and quiet beauty of the change of scenery.

Everyone was tired and planned to do nothing but eat and rest today to adjust to the time change, but Tristan told me there was somewhere he wanted to take me.

So after we showered and had dinner, I let him guide me.

When we arrived at the Walk of Lovers, I almost died and went to Heaven, though this place was probably as close to Heaven on Earth that we could get.

The Varenna Lovers Walk was a small foot bridge that gave the most astonishing views of the lake, mountains, and colorful houses.

I was literally speechless and breathless.

It was a requirement to take pictures of a sight so beautiful, but as soon as I did, I put my phone away to truly enjoy the beauty of the moment.

In a setting like this, one could do nothing but marvel and worship God in awe.

I prayed and thanked Him because the beauty made me feel closer to Him than ever before, and it made me feel so much gratitude.

We ended up walking and staying for about thirty minutes before deciding to go back to our villa.

Tristan surprised me when he grabbed my hand in the middle of the bridge and said, “Hol’ up. Don’t rush off just yet.”

When he dropped to one knee I squeaked. He laughed and quickly told me, “I’m not proposing yet,” as he reached in his pocket.

Tristan lifted the round peach diamond ring and my eyes leaked instantly.

He knew peach was my favorite color. “I think a beautiful place is the perfect backdrop to ask the most beautiful woman, inside and out, if she would be my woman.”

“Yes,” I almost whispered as tears rolled down my cheeks. “I will.”

After sliding the ring onto my left ring finger, Tristan kissed it and stood. “Don’t take that shit off. I wanna make sure niggas know you ain’t single.”

I laughed, but it turned into a muffled moan when he kissed me. He had no idea. It didn’t matter if men approached me or not. I only wanted him.

The next day, I think we all were rested enough to really tour the villa and see what all it had to offer.

Our villa was big enough for twenty-eight people, and Kaos and Serenity also had the sister property on the side of the garden that was big enough for twelve more guests.

I loved that they kept it small and intimate, inviting only their immediate family and closest friends.

The villa was huge and beautiful. It had a gym, indoor spa, sauna, and Turkish bath.

The villa was also close to town, which was great for the activities we had planned.

I was surprised to hear they were getting married at a different villa because this one and its views of the lake were beautiful, but when Serenity showed me where they’d be getting married, I understood why.

We’d get an up-close and personal view for the welcome pool party this evening, and I couldn’t wait!

The Pool Party

“Wow. This has to be what the Garden of Eden looked like,” I said as Tristan and I walked hand in hand through the garden. We’d been at Villa del Balbi Anello long enough to grab drinks and tour the grounds.

“My boy definitely doing his big one for his wife. For real. This is true luxury, and I’m glad I get to experience it as a guest with you.”

“Same. I mean . . . I knew it would be beautiful here, but it’s the kind of beauty you can’t fully prepare for or put into words. I’m just happy to be here.”

We made our way back to the pool where everyone else was. It was far too cold to actually swim, but they had created an area of warmth for us to eat, drink, take pictures, and socialize. We didn’t plan to stay long since it was so cold, and we opted out of taking the boat ride they offered.

I wanted to do the three hour boat tour, but since I knew it was going to be cold, I’d only mentally prepared to be on the water once while we were here.

I mentioned wanting to come when it was warmer to truly experience all this wonderful place had to offer, and not to my surprise, Tristan pulled his phone out so we could schedule our trip back this summer.

I loved that about him. I loved how he used actions to show me how sincere he was.

Every time he did it, it made me crave him more.

By the time the sun set completely, we headed back to our villa.

I never thought I’d be the kind of woman that connected with friends attached to her man, because most often, I didn’t like my man’s friends. I should have taken that as a sign.

If I didn’t like his friends, there was a chance I wouldn’t like him as a friend if we weren’t dating.

But that was another red flag I was blind to in the past. Now, being attached to Tristan had attached me to his friends as well, and they were all cool.

Serenity and I talked daily, even outside of work, and I hung out with her and her best friend and sister as well.

This man was making my life better in so many unexpected ways, and I was excited to see what else was in store for us.

“Let me talk to you for a second, sis,” Carson said, wrapping his arm around me as he stepped between me and Tristan.

“Boy, I almost forgot you were my brother and knocked your ass out. You better warn me before you touch my woman,” Tristan scolded, making me laugh, even though I knew he was serious.

“You like a puppy that needs sensitivity training, brother. Let other people talk to this woman,” Carson teased.

“You can talk but you ain’t got to touch. And I ain’t a puppy; I’m a big dog, nigga. Don’t ever forget that.”

I bit down on my lip as I looked across Carson at my man. Most times the shit Tristan said was funny because he was so serious, and now was no different. It was also sexy. I couldn’t wait until we got back to the villa so I could ride his dick.

“What’s up, Car? You know you only have like thirty seconds before he tries to get rid of you.”

Carson laughed and nodded his agreement knowing there was a hell of a lot of truth to my words. “It’s been brought to my attention that my association with Destin may be an issue for you. I know you talked to Tristan about this, but I wanted you to hear it from me.”

I nodded and looked up at him briefly. “You don’t have to explain your association with him to me, Car, but I appreciate the concern. I can’t make you not be his friend, but I will warn you that he isn’t someone a man of your caliber should be associated with.”

“When I first met Destin, I felt bad for him. I didn’t have all the details about what happened, and the way he described it, he was the victim. Now that I know the complete truth and you and my brother are an official couple, I want you to know that I will no longer associate with him.”

That caused me to stop walking and turn to face him. “I truly appreciate the gesture, Carson, but are you sure?”

“Absolutely. Tristan means more to me than him, and by extension, you do too. I’m helpful and kind, but I’m loyal too.

You’re my sister now. I got you just as much as Tristan does, so it’s important to me that you know you can trust me, and that means having nothing to do with the man who hurt you. ”

“Aww thank you so much. That means more to me than you’ll ever know.

I love all y’all, man.” He and Tristan laughed as I pulled Carson in for a hug.

“I was literally just thinking about how comfortable I felt with y’all and how grateful I was for Tristan’s community .

. . how you all welcomed me in, and now you’re putting me even more in my feelings. ”

“Yeah, you’re one of us now, and it’ll always be love. We got you, sis,” Zander said from behind us.

“Always in all ways,” Kaos added, wrapping his arm around Serenity, who shot me a wink and smile.

“Aw hell. She’s about to cry,” Tristan said, pulling me into his side.

Even though they laughed at my expense, I didn’t even care. I groaned and laughed too before Tristan wiped my tears away. He gave me a kiss as I wrapped my arms around him from the side. I really, really loved this man and his friends.