Caught by Him

ARYA’S POV I just finished my third cup of gelato when the brain freeze hit me like an ice pick to the forehead. "Ow," I gasped, pressing my hand to my temple. Rosa, the gelato shop attendant, laughed from behind the counter. "You eat too fast, bella! You must savor it, not inhale it like a vacuum!" "But it's so good," I protested, even as my brain continued to protest the cold assault. "She has had three cups in twenty minutes," Rosa said to her coworker, shaking her head with amusement. "I think she likes our gelato." I grinned in amusement. "I love your gelato," I corrected. "This is the best thing I've ever tasted." They both beamed at me, and when I pulled out my father's black card to pay, Rosa waved it away. "No, no. You enjoy it so much, and it makes me happy.” She reached forward to pinch my cheeks. “This one is free." I shook my head firmly. "I can't let you do that for me." "I insist!" She pressed a small paper bag into my hands. "And here, some biscotti for later. You are t