The clock on the mantelpiece chimed midnight and Anny felt the shift in the room before either of them spoke. Adriano's arm tightened around her shoulders and Michele's hand stilled on her knee. The fire crackled, casting dancing shadows across the walls and outside the tall windows, the valley stretched into darkness, utterly silent and utterly private. "Happy birthday, darling," Adriano murmured, his lips brushing her temple. "Happy birthday, babygirl," Michele echoed, his voice a low, velvet rumble. Anny's heart swelled. She turned to look at each of them, her grey eyes glistening in the firelight. "Thanks a lot." Michele rose from the sofa and walked to the sideboard, where a small, elegant cake sat on a silver
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