AN: I have a confession. This wasn't the original seventh chapter. In fact, this chapter hadn't even existed until I started typing it after I uploaded chapter six. Originally, I wasn't going to write about them being in Italy, because I seriously didn't know what I can write. But when a reviewer said that she was looking forward to reading about them in Italy, it got me to thinking hat maybe all of you were feeling the same way.

So, here it is, the new chapter seven!

Enjoy!

(PS: There is going to be some Italian being written here. Translations are at the end of the chapter, k? )

Affairs of the Heart

Chapter Seven

(Sicily, Italy: Sunday)

"Oh, wow!" Sakura gushed, practically dragging him to the window.

"Sakura, must you drag me to every window of every store?" Syaoran asked, watching her as she leaned on the window and stared at the dress that was on display.

"That's the whole point of window shopping" she stated.

"Why not do the actual shopping?"

"Because. I love everything I see, and I have a philosophy that if I don't buy one thing, I won't turn into this shopping-crazed tourist."

He chuckled at her, and she gave him a tiny smile. She's been quite happy since coming here to Sicily, and he was glad. Her cheek, however, was still slightly bruised, and he clenched his hands to prevent himself from demanding who hit her. Many possibilities flashed across his mind, but he wanted to know for certain on who did the deed.

It surprised him to know how overprotective he has come when it involves her. He hadn't left her side for even a second since coming to this place, and he wasn't going to.

He studied the dress. It was green, his favorite color, with emeralds sewed to the hem of the dress. It had thin straps and a slit ran on one side of the dress.

He glanced at Sakura, who clearly loved it.

She'll look lovely in it . . .

With a nod, he took hold of her arm. "Come."

"Wha- to where?"

"We're going inside the store."

She objected but he dragged her inside. A woman walked up to them.

"Benvenuto. May I help you?"

She was speaking in Italian, but luckily, Syaoran knew the language fluently. "Yes. I want to see that dress." He pointed to the dress that was on display.

"Ah! sÌ. It was made by the best Italian designer." She called for one of the workers to retrieve the dress. "It's an original, and there are no others like it."

"How much?"

"Uni dollari di milione."

One million dollars.

He felt Sakura tugging on his sleeve.

"What are you guys talking about?" She demanded. "And how come you didn't tell me you spoke Italian?"

"We are discussing the dress."

"Amica?" The woman questioned.

He smiled and nodded. "Yeah. She's my girlfriend."

"È molto bella."

"Isn't she?"

Sakura frowned, not knowing what they are saying. Exactly how many languages does Syaoran speak? She would have to ask him later. But her attention got diverted when another walked up to them holding the dress. Her eyes sparkled at the site, her hands wanting to touch the fabric and see how soft it is. But she held back.

"Go try it on." Syaoran whispered in her ear. She blinked at him.

"Why?"

"Because I want to see how you look in it."

She hesitated and looked at the saleswoman, who began to giggle. "Non preoccuparsi. È perfettamente va bene."

"She says it's perfectly all right. Now go on and try on the dress."

With a smile she let the saleswoman take her to the back to try it on.

Syaoran had an amused expression as he waited for them to return, remembering the surprise look on Sakura's face when he began to talk in Italian. He was forced to learn the language as a child, and has never before appreciated it.

Until now.

Sakura had made him appreciate a lot of things, allowing him to use things he had learned just to impress her. From what he can tell, he was doing a damn good job of it. But she was also distracting, which, oddly, doesn't bother him. At work, at home, at meetings . . . It doesn't matter where he was. She would always pop into his mind, and then he would find himself wondering about where she was, if she was thinking of him.

That woman had a power over him that he couldn't shake, a power that he was glad she has. If she didn't have that power, then he probably wouldn't have had the nerve to walk up to her when they had first met.

Maybe this affair wouldn't be happening.

Ironically, that brought a frown to his face. He was damn glad this affair was happening, and wouldn't want to change anything at all.

Except maybe the timing. He desperately wished that he had met Sakura before ever meeting his wife. He loves Lydia, but Sakura . . . Well, he couldn't help but wonder what life would be like if he had met Sakura first. God knows he would have never cheated on her with any other woman.

Several minutes later Sakura walked out, and his heart sped up as she spun around, the dress showing off her curves.

"Well?" She asked, a little nervous.

Just as he thought. She looked absolutely stunning in it.

"Gorgeous" he said as she walked up to him.

"Do really think so?"

"Of course." He looked at the saleswoman and in Italian said "I'll take it."

(Later)

"You shouldn't have bought me the dress" Sakura complained, although is was obvious that she was glad. He could tell with the way she was clenching the bag in her hands.

"Why not? Don't you love it?"

"I do, but wasn't it expensive?"

"No. Not for me, at least."

She eyed him. "Exactly how many languages do you know?"

He thought about it. "Let's see . . . I know Japanese, Chinese, Italian, and French. Fluently."

She gaped at him. "Four languages? That's actually possible? I didn't know one person could know that many languages!"

He shrugged. Then he froze.

Sakura was holding his hand so when he stopped walking she was yanked back. "What's wrong?" She asked.

He looked at her and smiled. "I just want to hug you."

Before she could say anything he gathered her in his arms. She hugged him back, although she was confused as to why he suddenly wanted to hug her.

Syaoran closed his eyes and hoped that the man heading their way wasn't the same man he had met long ago. What if he doesn't remember? Syaoran prayed and prayed, involuntarily hugging Sakura tighter.

"Li?"

Damn!

He mentally cursed. It looks like the man does remember him.

Which means the man will remember that the woman in his arms isn't the same woman that he had announced as his wife a year ago.

He slowly opened his eyes and forced a smile. "Tanaka" Syaoran greeted the man.

Tanaka Keiji laughed joyously. "My, fancy seeing you here in Sicily. Are you on vacation?"

"Yes, something like that."

"Umm, Syaoran? Do you mind letting me go now? I can't really breathe."

Syaoran laughed nervously and lessened his hold on Sakura but didn't let go. "Syaoran, let me go!"

"Uh, why not just let me hold you like this?"

"Why not just let me go?"

Tanaka raised an eyebrow. "My, my, Li. Why not let the her go?" The man blinked. "Hey, wait a minute . . . Did she always have auburn hair?"

Syaoran gulped, Sakura struggling to get out of his embrace.

"What do you mean have I always have auburn hair?" Sakura questioned. Oh, why wasn't Syaoran letting her go? He seemed determined to keep her in his arms. "I've never met you. Syaoran!" She whined.

"I've course you've met me" Tanaka stated. "Aren't you Li's-"

"Tanaka!" Syaoran interrupted. "Why are you here in Sicily?" He questioned.

Tanaka blinked. "Business." He peered at the woman's back. "Wasn't she taller when I met her?"

Sakura knew she was short, but to have a stranger point it out was just plain rude. "That's it, Syaoran" she growled, and kicked him in the shin.

Syaoran yelped and immediately let her go to tend to his injured shin. Sakura spun around and glared at the man.

"You have no right to insult me! I know I'm short but you just can't announce it when you don't even know me. You have to be good friends with me or be a family member to make fun of my height!"

Tanaka blinked again. This wasn't the same woman he met a year ago. The other woman had silver eyes and blond hair. This one has green eyes and auburn hair. Did Syaoran divorce his wife? But they had seemed so happy!

"What happened to your wife?" He bluntly asked as Syaoran's face paled.

"Wife?" Sakura was confused. She looked at Syaoran. "You were married before?"

Syaoran bit his lip. He had to think of something fast.

"But you said you were never married before" Sakura continued. Then her eyebrows snapped together in anger. "You lied to me?"

"No, no" he babbled, shaking his head rapidly. He glared at Tanaka. "I was never married before in my life. Tanaka is referring to an old girlfriend who always announced herself as my wife, which annoyed me, because she always presumed that we would get married, but we were never married. Right, Tanaka?"

"But-" The glare Syaoran was giving him made him change his mind. "Yes, of course. Sorry." He looked at the woman. "Li was never married. I just got confused. After all, it's been a long time since I saw him." He laughed again, trying to lighten the mood. But he wasn't confused. He clearly remembers Syaoran announcing the woman he had met as his wife. Syaoran had been so proud, so happy.

What happened?

Sakura looked at Syaoran. "Is that true?"

Syaoran nodded.

"Oh, Syaoran, I'm sorry I got mad. I should know better."

"No that's okay."

He grasped her hand and squeezed it, and mentally sighed. That was just too close for comfort. "Why don't you go into that store while I talk to Tanaka?"

"Yes, of course." She kissed him on the lips. She then looked at the man. "Don't make fun of my height again" she snapped, and walked away.

"My, it seems I have given a bad impression" Tanaka muttered. Then he glared at the little wolf. "What the hell is going on Li? What happened to what's-her-name? Laci? Linda?"

"Lydia" Syaoran growled, "and next time keep your mouth shut."

"Well excuse me for wondering why you are here with someone else who isn't your wife."

"My wife is at home."

"So you're still married? And you're here with another woman?" The obvious was something Tanaka just couldn't ignore. "You're having an affair."

Syaoran knew he shouldn't be so surprised, knew he shouldn't get pale.

But his mouth dropped opened and his face turned white anyways.

Damn it! He doesn't have to say it so loud!

"Don't start, Tanaka" he warned when the other man opened his mouth, presumably to try and talk Syaoran out of it. "We are only acquaintances, not friends. Do not get involved. You almost screwed this up for me."

"Li, I am not getting involved. But really, an affair? Don't you love your wife?"

"Of course I do."

"Then what's up with having another woman? Lust?"

"No!"

"Oh, so you haven't slept with her?"

Syaoran's silence seemed to give away his answer.

Tanaka nodded. "It's lust. This is all because of lust."

"I said no! This isn't lust."

"Well it's certainly not love since you love your wife."

"Look, it's somewhere in between, okay?" He sighed and roughly ran a hand through his hair. "I don't know what's going on with me, but I like it, okay? I don't want to screw up my . . . My . . ."

"Affair?"

"Fine, if that's what it is to you."

"It's not 'what it is to me', Li. It's what it is period. You are having an affair. Plain and simple."

"It doesn't matter what you call it, okay? I refuse to let you screw it up. Now, Tanaka, do not tell anyone that you saw us here, got it? Do not even say a word. In fact, forget you ever saw me."

"Li-"

"Forget you ever saw me" Syaoran repeated.

Tanaka was torn. An affair was bad. His first instinct was to not cover for Syaoran. Any man who is having an affair doesn't deserve to be protected.

But he saw how happy they were, even if it was just a glimpse. When that woman kissed him, Syaoran's eyes literally shined. And so did hers. They have a connection. Tanaka's heart told him to cover for the young man who seemed happy, even though an affair sounds way to complicated for anyone to be happy.

He sighed as he decided. "Fine. I'll pretend I never saw you or her together. In fact, I never saw you at all."

Syaoran nodded. "I appreciated it."

"Yes, I bet you are." He eyed him. "Just to let you know, if by coincidence we see each other again and you are still having your affair, I won't cover for you again. You best end this. It was nice seeing you again."

Tanaka turned around and walked away.

Syaoran sighed. He barely got out of this one. What are the odds that an acquaintance would be here in the same place as he with Sakura? Moreover, what are the odds that the acquaintance in question remembers both Syaoran and his wife?

Was it a sign?

He hoped he wouldn't be put in this situation again.

He turned and went in search of Sakura.

(Sakura)

"Hmm . . ." She studied the postcards, wondering which ones to send to her brother. They were all in Italian, so her brother wouldn't understand what any of them are saying, but she'll have Syaoran translate it.

"Una bella donna, solo?"

Sakura stood up and looked at the man who was standing next to her, smiling. She gave him a confused look. "E-excuse me?"

The man smiled even more. "My apologizes" he stated as he spoke in Japanese. "I was wondering why a beautiful woman, such as yourself, was alone here."

"Oh, I'm not alone. I'm just waiting for my boyfriend to come and get me."

"What madman would leave you here alone?"

"He's not a madman" she stated, a little disgusted at the way he kept looking at her chest. "And if you don't mind I would very much appreciate it if you stop looking at my breasts."

"My, my, you are gorgeous" he whispered softly, and then, in Italian: "Dimentica il ragazzo ed essere con me? La mostrerò un tempo molto buono. Sono sicuro che lei piacerà il mio letto"

She wished she knew what he was saying, but she figured it was something she wouldn't like because he said it so slyly and licked his lips.

"Please, go away" she said angrily. "I don't appreciate you hitting on me."

"Neither do I" someone growled.

Sakura sighed with relief as Syaoran walked to her side. He glared at the man. "I find it quite repulsive when a man thinks that these sexual advances is what a woman wants."

"Bastardo. Who do you think you are?" The man demanded in Italian.

"You're worst nightmare" he snapped in the same language. "She's my girlfriend, and if I see you talking to her, even look at her, ever again I will personally mess up that face of yours."

Syaoran grabbed her arm and led her out of the store.

"Un momento."

With a glare he stopped walking and looked at the man again. "What?"

"You're face . . . I've seen such a face before on a magazine with someone by his side, an article written next to the photo."

Not again. Please, not again.

Syaoran couldn't believe that this was happening again. First Tanaka, and now an Italian man? All in a space of five minutes? What did he do to deserve this?

The answer was obvious, he knew, but that didn't erase the feeling of frustration of being recognized, especially if they know he's married.

Does this man know he is married?

Many articles were written of him in many different countries, and in almost all of them Lydia was mentioned as his wife. He doesn't know how many people actually read the articles, and, in the past, hadn't really cared. But now he realizes how being publicized can affect one person's life when they are trying to hide a secret. Especially when this secret was a beautiful woman who doesn't know he is married.

Did this man read the article? Or just glance at the photo?

The only way to make sure his secret wasn't found out was to leave, just in case.

"So?" He continued to walk. He was at least grateful that the man had spoken to him in Italian and not in Japanese.

"A face with an unfamiliar donna at his side. A donna who isn't his wife."

With another growl, this one more quiet, he continued walking. He could feel Sakura's gaze on him, and she was probably anxious to know what they were saying.

He wasn't about to translate.

"Un momento, un momento. Unless you would like for me to tell this young donna what we are saying."

With a tired sigh, Syaoran stopped walking and glanced back. He was somewhat surprised to know that the man was grinning.

"I think nothing wrong of a man having an affair." He placed a hand over where his heart lay. "In fact, an affair is . . . Like a sport to me, a passione. Fun, exciting, and quite entertaining." His grin grew. "But from a man who has had many donne at one time, it'll come out." He whistled. "Donne are feisty, and can get quite angry when deceived."

"You're point, please, so I can move on."

He shrugged. "All I'm saying is that stare attento. An affair can never remain secret for too long. And when it does come out . . . Well . . . Potere la sua anima è risparmiata dall'inferno." A glint appeared in his eye. "Although I quite doubt your soul will be saved."

"Coming from a man who has just admitted he has had many women at one time." Syaoran raised an eyebrow. "Although I'm sure you are exaggerating. I find it impossible for a man such as yourself to have one woman at any time." He grinned. "Arrivederci."

He left the man fuming, and led Sakura away from him. Although quite satisfied for having the last word, he knew he couldn't shake off the warning. He already knew the affair will eventually come out, but have someone confirm it made him nervous. More so when he just bumped into two different people from two different countries in Italy who recognized him and know he was married. How was that even possible? And why had it happen to him?

It surprised him to know that no one in Tomoeda noticed he was having an affair. That was more possible, more understandable.

Or maybe they did and just didn't want to say a word about it.

He was snapped out of his thoughts when Sakura poked him in the ribs.

She was looking at him curiously. "What, exactly, had he been saying?"

He frowned. "It's best I don't repeat it. Just know it was foul and that he's a jerk."

She smiled and wrapped her arms around his arm. He glanced down at her. "Thanks, little wolf."

"For what?"

"For rescuing me. You are my personal superman."

"And you're my kryptonite, making me weak when I should be strong."

Literally . . .

(Kiyo)

Kiyo walked back and fourth in his hotel room, wishing he had followed Sakura to Italy instead of being stuck here in the United States. He wanted to see her, make her listen to him as he explained himself.

But then, why should he explain himself?

He stopped pacing. Yes, he shouldn't have to explain himself. Did his father ever explain himself to his mother? No. His father had been a true man, took control of the household and took control over his woman.

Never let a woman walk all over you.

Kiyo smirked. He remembered when he first met Sakura he immediately concluded that she was a stubborn woman, with independency. He had promised himself that he would one day break her. But he had known that he would have to do it subtly, or she'll walk right out of his life, and he had wanted her, maybe even had loved her.

Even now he wasn't so sure if he loves her, or if it's just lust that he has always felt. Or maybe the sheer challenge of having to break her independency.

All he knew, though, was that he was slowly losing his control over her. He can't lose his control over her. It'll be a failure, and his father hated failure.

Determinedly, he picked up his phone and dialed Sakura's number. It only rang once before she picked up.

"Hello?"

He took a deep breathe. "Sakura-"

"Why are you calling me Kiyo?" She snapped.

His body shook with rage. She snapped at him. She has never snapped at him before. He was losing his control over her!

"Don't snap at me, Sakura" he hissed into the phone, clenching the phone in his hand. But then he sighed as he tried to control his rage. He forced his voice to become calm. If he uses anger, it'll be harder to get on her good side. "I'm sorry I hissed at you. I'm calling to explain-"

"Kiyo, I don't want to talk to you right now. You hurt me, both emotionally and physically. I need time to recover, and decide if I want to forgive you."

He sensed what she was going to do. "Don't hang up the phone!"

She did anyways. The next second he heard the dial tone, and with an angered yell threw the phone across the room. It hit against the wall, and fell into pieces on the ground. His breathing was labored as he paced the room again, running a hand through his hair quite roughly, his emotions running loose.

He grabbed a lamp and threw that as well.

That . . . That woman! She was the most stubborn woman he has ever met, and at this very moment he regretted marrying her. He should have broken her spirit before they got married, that way he wouldn't have to try and control himself from hitting her whenever he wants. But no, he had been a big fat, chicken. He hadn't wanted to risk losing her. He had thought marriage would be the best way of getting her, and then there would be less risk of losing her once he starts controlling her, openly and naturally.

That had been a mistake. Now he was stuck in a big mess, trying to get on her good side without losing his cool.

He stopped pacing. Maybe he should lose his cool. Maybe he should show her the type of man he truly was, show her that if she knew what's best for her, she would listen to him, and let him do whatever he pleases with her.

Yes. Maybe he should do that.

Maybe.

With a chuckle, he headed towards the bathroom.

(Sakura)

Sakura shivered. Hearing Kiyo's voice sent chills down her spine as she placed her cell phone back. Right at that moment Syaoran walked out of the bathroom, and she couldn't hide her scared expression in time. She turned away quickly, hoping he hadn't noticed her expression.

"What's wrong?"

She wished he wasn't so fast, or so perceptive.

"Nothing" she said quickly.

She heard him walk forward and sit on the bed, beside her. She was naked, the comforter being the only thing covering her body. They couldn't help themselves but get lost in their passion once they returned to their hotel room. She had been happy, and had been enjoying the peaceful aftermath of their lovemaking when Syaoran went to the bathroom.

That's when Kiyo called her.

She couldn't believe that man had the nerve to call her after what he did. But, she was at least grateful that he had called while Syaoran wasn't around.

Not that it mattered anyways. It seems that he noticed her scared state anyways.

He grabbed her chin and made her look at him.

"I saw you place your phone down. Who called you?"

"I . . ."

She didn't answer, and thinking of Kiyo made her shiver again, even though she tried to control it.

Because Syaoran was holding her chin, he felt the slight shudder than ran through her body. Her face was a mask of fear.

Again, his eyes looked at her bruised cheek.

"Did the guy who hit you just call you?"

She shook her head. She was too quick to deny the question.

She's lying.

He didn't want to get in a big argument, but he wanted to know why she was protecting this person. Why she was covering for him.

He thought of a way to get her to talk to him without making her raise her defenses, which will end up making him mad because she wasn't talking to him about it.

"Sakura" he stated out softly "I know you are lying."

Because he hadn't outright accused her the way he had before, she seemed to relax a bit from her rigid state, something he recognized in people when they were prepared for a fight, physically or verbally.

"Please don't make me talk . . ." she said softly and pulled away. He let her and watched with a frown as she lay back down and faced the other way, drawing the comforter around her shoulders.

No. He refused to let her pull back. If he couldn't get a name out of her, then he could at least get a reason on why she was protecting whoever it was that hit her.

He got under the covers as well and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer until her back was touching his bare chest. He placed a kiss on her bare shoulder before placing his chin on it.

"I know you are protecting him. But why?"

She shook her head. "I'm not protecting anyone" she said in denial.

"Sakura, talk to me. I can't- I can't help you if you don't open up to me. You don't have to give me a name, but at least give me a reason as to why you think protecting him is best." He was using a cajoling tone, hoping that she would let him in. Although they grew close, he still felt that there was a part of her that she wasn't letting him see. A part of her that she kept hidden away, hoping that he wouldn't notice.

But it had been obvious. Certain questions that he asked her, she would avoid, or she would shy away from it. Or she would give an aloof answer to it.

He remembers how he once asked if she ever wanted a family, and she just shrugged, giving him a blank face before changing the subject.

He nuzzled her neck, thinking that maybe if seduces her while asking questions she would have her guard down, and wouldn't be able to stop herself from answering. He knew it was manipulative, but he couldn't see any other way.

He moved his lips to her ear, nibbled on it, and felt her shiver again, only this time it was because of what he was doing. "Please tell me" he whispered.

"I-" Sakura closed her eyes, unable to concentrate. Damn it, she knew he was seducing her on purpose, and by God it was a very sneaky, very effective way of letting her confess what she knew. "It's not important" she whispered. No matter how sneaky it was, she was enjoying what he was doing to her body.

"To me it is."

After a few more minutes, she couldn't hold up her guard anymore. "I'm scared" she whispered again.

He paused from what he was doing and got up on one elbow, looking down at her. She turned her head so she could see his face. "I'm scared to say who it is, because I'm scared of what he'll do to me- and of what he might end up doing to you."

He shook his head slowly. "Sakura, you know he won't hurt me-"

"Do I, Syaoran? Do I really?" She sat up, giving him a concerned look. "This man, he's my-" She paused, unsure of what to name Kiyo. She surely couldn't say husband.

She must have stayed quiet a little too long because he asked "He's your what?"

"My friend." She then shrugged. "Or, at least, I thought he was. He has never abused me, never even spoke bad to me. He had been sweet, and cared for me. I know the slap was an accident, because he had grabbed my arm and when I grabbed his wrist he accidentally slapped me while trying to dislodges my fingers. But . . . Something inside me keeps saying that he enjoyed it. He enjoyed hurting me. This side of him is new, and . . . And I don't know what to do about it. Part of me wants to protect him, because I have known him for so long. But another part is just too scared to say anything about it. But mostly because I don't know if this side of him actually exists or if it's just my imagination. "

When she didn't continue, with a face filled with confusion and hurt, he pulled her back down into his arms, wrapping his arms around her as she lay her head on his bare chest. Syaoran stared at the ceiling, running his hand up and down her naked back as he digested what she said.

He could understand why she was scared. But he couldn't understand why she felt she needed to protect this 'friend'.

But it doesn't matter,

He glanced down at her. It doesn't matter if this 'friend' had accidentally slapped her. Abuse is abuse, no matter how minimal.

But what matters is that someone had abused his sweet, cherry blossom. No one should be hurting her, no one. An no one should place fear in her. And no one should have scared her enough to want to protect him. Sakura shouldn't have to be living this way, hiding this man's identity when she should charge him with abuse, or sue him, or put a retraining order on him. Hell, she shouldn't be getting calls from this 'friend', the bastard.

Or maybe, that's why she felt compelled to protect this person. Maybe this person threatened her just now, telling her not to speak a word of it, or he'll hurt her. That was certainly logical, considering that she had had a mask of fear when he had walked out of the bathroom.

That made him angry. And that made him more determined to get a name out of her. They needed to do something about the situation. They couldn't be cowards.

But would she tell him? Probably not. He remembers how she went as far as to breaking up with him when she met a butler who scared her enough to think he would do harm not only to her, but to Syaoran himself. Even then she stayed tight-lipped about the identity of the butler.

He didn't want her to break up with him again.

Syaoran was humbled to know that she was protecting him, but it scared him at the same time to know that she was going through this torture alone. He would rather be hurt then to let her go through this alone.

"What are you thinking?" she suddenly whispered.

"About lots of things." He felt how tense she was, probably waiting for him to continue the interrogation.

As much as he wanted to, he didn't want her to end things with him. He didn't want her to think that she brought him into danger just by mentioning this friend's name. If she breaks up with him, he'll never be able to protect her.

The best way would be to not mention it again, and stay close to her. Watch for any more bruises that might appear, and listen for any clues.

But he swears, if he does see any more bruises, he'll personally murder the bastard.

He rolled onto his elbows, making her roll on to her back. He scooted down a bit so that he could look into her eyes and grab her face between his hands.

"There's no reason for you to protect him" he felt compelled to say. "There's no need for you to think that this person is worth protecting, actually."

"I know but-"

"I know, I know. He's your friend. And you're scared of what he'll do to both you and me if you tell me who it is."

She nodded slowly.

"But I just want you to know" he continued "that I will always be here for you, if you ever want to tell me what's going on, okay?"

Sakura smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him to her. She closed her eyes.

Once he finds out about her husband, he'll never want to see her again. He won't be there for her anymore. He may not know it, but he lied. He won't always be here for her, because one day he'll leave, and the last thing she'll see would be his back walking away from her.

"You're still tense" he murmured.

She smiled again and pulled him a little away from her. "Maybe if you make love to me again, I'll be able to relax."

He smiled. "I'd like nothing better than to relax you."

And he kissed her.

AN: Please review!

Translations:

Benvenuto: Welcome.

sÌ: Yes.

Uni dollari di milione: One million dollars.

Amica: Girlfriend?

È molto bella: She's very beautiful

Non preoccuparsi, È perfettamente va bene: Don't worry. It's perfectly all right.

Una bella donna, solo: A beautiful woman, alone?

Dimentica il ragazzo ed essere con me? La mostrerò un tempo molto buono. Sono sicuro che lei piacerà il mio letto: Forget the boyfriend and be with me? I will show you a very good time. I am sure you'll enjoy my bed.

Bastardo: bastard.

Un momento: One moment

Donna: Woman

Passione: passion

Donne: Woman

stare attento: beware

Potere la sua anima è risparmiata dall'inferno: May your soul be saved from Hell.

Arrivederci: Good-Bye

Note: I don't know how accurate these translations are, but, from what I can tell, they are okay. If I missed an Italian word or sentence that you want me to translate really bad, tell me and I'll be happy to translate it for you.