The Prince's Duchess { Illyria Series 1 } - COMPLETED

Chapter 41: Back to Illyria

Samira's POV:

I was nervous for Leone. He has never cooked his entire life and to make him do it now as a challenge. My brother Kiel can really be a handful with his overprotective mood.

It started in college when Paul and his rumors traumatized me. When my brother found out about it while visiting me at school; I never knew that he beat my ex black and blue that day if my friends and classmates had not witnessed it.

Because of that, the rumors died down because Paul was scared I might sic Kiel on him should he open his big mouth. Ever since then whenever he sees a guy interested in me; he would intimidate him regardless of his status in life.

I love my brother but it is time for him to stop protecting me. I managed to stand up to my past at the resort when I was face to face with my dirty no-good ex and the bitch queen bee. I am sure that he would understand.

But first, we have to get through dinner. Leone has been quiet since yesterday but I saw his hands and could not help but worry because there were a few nicks and a bandaged area on his right arm.

"Sorella. Is he serious about you?" Kiel asked me, he had just came back from a small opening party so he was impeccably groomed and a formal casual ensemble of a polo shirt, slacks and a dinner jacket.

"Yes. There were moments when he could have done something that would make me insecure but....he cares for me brother. Please.....I want to be with him even if he fails to impress you." I blurted out.

"Even if I disapprove? Will you choose him over me?" his voice became very forbidding much like how Papa sounds like if I was being pigheaded and he was pressuring me. I shivered at his intense stare but I nodded, damn the consequences.

"Pl-Please don't make me choose. It is too much." I threw back at him. " I am no longer the scared young girl in college, give me some credit at least!"

"Rina....."my brother's eyes went wide at my outburst when Leone came on carrying plates of food, he was wearing my blue apron around his powerful waist.

The smell was.....good. At least I smelled no burnt garlic or anything charred at all as I saw the Agli Olio dish in front of me.

Then he put out a bowl of salad with some grilled chicken a dressing as his last dish and filled our glasses with wine.

"Hmmm looks fine....for now."Kiel picked up a fork and ate some of the pasta.

Leone and I waited with bated breath at his expression, I could see that my boyfriend was keeping a cool head but I could feel his tenseness in my head. When I touched his cold hand under the table, he flinched but grabbed on to my small hand and squeezed as Kiel went for another bite.

"....The garlic flavor is weak, there is not enough peperoncino for heat and you put too much cheese." came my brother's blunt opinion.

My heart sank, does that mean he does not like it?

My brother's eyes then travelled towards my lover's hands, there were healed cuts and fresh pan bruises marring his dark skin.

"However, pasta is cooked well and the parsley has been chopped evenly with no stalk parts seen anywhere. Not bad for your 13th try I guess....and this salad." he took some from the sharing bowl and tasted it. "Vegetables are cut perfectly, the chicken is a bit dry but seasoned well. Dressing is fine."

"T-Then....do-does that mean?" I looked at my brother and he sighed long and loud while fixing a reluctant stare at Leone.

"At least you have not burned anything this time. You pass the test. Sorella, you may eat this...It is edible enough." Kiel answered reluctantly.