Tainted

21

~Poppy~

"Pip, have you seen-" I stood up, flicking my hair back as Bash walked into our bedroom half dressed. Men love to give women stick for taking forever to get ready but here I am, ready to leave, dressed to the 9s and he doesn't even have a shirt on. Honestly. We were supposed to leave 10 minutes ago. "Jesus."

"What?" He smiles, dropping his hands to his sides, draping the shirt along the floor. "Bash-" He looked at his watch and dropped the shirt, stalking over to me slowly.

"You're the most beautiful girl in the room."

"I'm the only one in here." I raised an eyebrow at him as he smirked. I backed up until my back hit the wall, holding my hands out to stop him as I fought back the giggle.

"I'm starving."

"You ate an hour ago."

"Not that kind of hungry Pip." His lips press into my neck and I chuckle as he groans.

"Perfume."

"It doesn't taste great."

"Because you're not supposed to lick my neck when we should have left the house ten minutes ago."

"Can we just stay here? Take this dress off."

"Are you kidding? We've managed to avoid everyone for 5 months Bash." He grumbles as I thread my hand into his and push him back slightly. "You can take it off when we get back."

"I should fucking hope so." I rolled my eyes, pointed at his shirt and smiling sweetly as he bent down to pick it up. "No one else is taking it off."

"Hmm. I don't know, I was going to ask Steph-" Anger flashed in his eyes before I even got his name out and I smirked. "Aww. Jealous husband?"

"I'll put a bullet in him if you say that again."

"You wouldn't dare."

"I would."

"I'm sure you would Cupcake. What did you come in here looking for?"

"The tie I set out for tonight." I nodded, leaving him stood in the middle of the room to fasten his shirt as I pulled the tie off the bedframe where he'd tied it this morning. I held it between two fingers, walking over to him slowly and doing it for him. His hands sat light on my hips, slowly pressing a kiss to my forehead. "How are you feeling?"

"It's going to be fine." I've said it so many times but I'm not 100% convinced yet. "He's not going to do or say anything in front of all those people."

"Or me."

"Yes Bash. Or you." He nods and I pull the tie up. "Got the clip?" He held up the tie clip and I slipped it on, taking a step back to make sure he looked perfect. It wasn't hard. I probably didn't need to. He always looked flawless. But this was our first night out in public with everyone knowing we're married. It's been 5 months of me getting used to just being with Bash and being safe. Planning the wedding for summer and the house renovations have taken so much work I feel like I've got a full-time job which has helped when he's been away and has given me something to focus on.

This was our normality. We'd found it. Made it. Him coming home to me and telling me roughly about his day before diving into plans with me whilst we cooked. Eating and watching TV and so much sex. Healthy sex. Mind blowing sex. I can't believe there was a time where I knew anything else.

We drove in silence. Bash's hand on my thigh and when we got to the venue he rounded the car, refusing to let the guy paid to do this help me out of the car.

The building was huge. A manor a few miles out of town and it was covered in fairy lights that made even the dead of winter feel warm. He takes me inside and instantly; all eyes are on the two of us and my very flat stomach as people look for a reason as to why we've been in hiding since getting married.

The only reason was that no one else mattered. Nicky and Dorian's wives; Sarah and Emily, were over practically every day and for the first time ever I had friends. Actual friends. Not people from books. Friends I could trust, who weren't out to hurt me.

"Hm. Funny. You're still the most beautiful girl in the room." I looked up at him, blue eyes shimmering under all the lights. "No worrying tonight. You're a Di Leo. We don't worry"

"Of course, we don't." I pulled my shoulders back, looking back at the room and taking a step forward. "We make them worry." He chuckled, following behind me with his hand on my hip where it stayed most of the night. I stayed right there, middle of the same room I'd been in when I first found out who Sebastian was, in an entirely different mindset. The girls made jokes that had the boys begging to be set free and eventually I gave in, letting Bash save them by taking them to talk to some other guys across the room. His eyes never left me. I could feel them every passing second.

This is what he was most anxious about. These events. Him not being stood beside me and someone thinking they could try something. He'd had me learn how to shoot a gun; against my will I might add. Said he hoped I never needed to use it but wanted to know I could if I had to. The same with physical fighting. In heels. It was exhausting. For the same reason. I shouldn't need it but if I ever did, I could.

"Poppy." The hairs on the back of my neck rose to a salute, stomach churning in my stomach instantly. I turned quickly on my heels.

"Cian." I sipped on my drink and I swear I could feel the drop in atmosphere from across the room. I smiled at the idea of Bash now abandoning whatever conversation to push his way through the crowd. People would be outraged at him but he'd do it anyway.

"Your dad wants to see you."

"Good for him." His jaw clenched. He hated when I talked back. He liked the silent little girl who's life was in his hands. It's not now. I'll speak to him like the pile of shit he is. "He wants me, he can come over himself. Thanks for stopping by." I turned my back to him, gritting my teeth when he grabbed my wrist. He has a death wish. Clearly.

"Are you this disobedient for your husband Poppy? I taught you better than that." His voice is low, right by my ear and the girls are just staring at me. I lift my eyes slightly, catching them with Bash who's still across the room, grasping his whiskey glass with white knuckles. I smile at him. I've got this.

"I suggest you let go of me and take a few steps backwards Cian. Don't want to make a scene now do we?" He grabbed my hip, pressing his fingers in so tight I flinched. I tried to look back at Bash but he was gone. Then Cian's hold on me was. I turned around and Dorian was slapping Cian on the back so hard he shook, walking him away. It looked almost friendly but I know Dorian. I know Bash told him not to make a scene and I know he's walking Cian back to my dad before going back to whatever he was doing.

"Looking for me Princess?" He appears, takes my empty glass and replaces it with a full one. "What did he want?"

"My dad wants to see me apparently."

"Oh really?" A smirk flutters across his face and I nod. "I'd love to have a conversation with my father-in-law. Let's go."