Jewels (l.t.)

one.

My eyes open to the sunlight seeping in from the curtains and my body is trapped between two strong arms wrapped around my waist. I begin to stretch out my legs, a light grunt escaping my mouth as I stretch out the muscles from my fingers to my toes. I'm surprised when I feel his grasp tighten around my body, almost like he doesn't want me to go anywhere.

"Where do you think you're going?" his raspy morning voice sounds in my ear, his plump lips peppering soft kisses to my neck.

I let out a soft laugh as I allow myself to scoot closer to him, "Nowhere," I shake my head, "I just needed to stretch a bit." I turn my body to face him and I'm met with a pair of soft caramel eyes, his long eyelashes batting has he blinks the sleepiness away.

"Good," he smiles, his small dimples appearing in his cheeks, "I'm not ready for you to leave yet." His thumb traces circles into my lower back and his eyes pierce into mine. His other hand reaches up to my face and his fingers trace the outline of my lips before he leans in, his lips kissing mine.

His kiss is gentle and sweet, far from the rough and needy touches from last night. Now, his lips are gently melted to mine and I can feel him smiling throughout the kiss. He pulls away and my eyes flutter open, my heart slightly fluttering at his touch. I smile as his thumb continues to lightly trace my lips. "You're so beautiful, Opal," he whispers, and my heart sinks at the use of my name.

I'd almost forgotten where I was until now, which makes me force myself to pull a forced smile onto my lips before rolling back over, my eyes watching the birds outside as they fly freely through the trees. I wish I were a bird right now, free to fly; free to roam wherever I please.

"So, you have a birthday coming up," Vet says from behind me, his head now resting in the crook of my neck, "Anything special you want to do?"

I think for a moment before answering. The only thing that I could possibly want is to be free, but that question is useless. I know I'll never be free again; I'll always be a prisoner here. "My birthday isn't for another three weeks," I answer instead, trying to dodge the question.

"Exactly, we should start planning soon," he says, and I can practically hear the smirk on his lips, "The past three years you've been here you've only let us make you a big dinner. You're turning eighteen, Opal. Don't you want to do something special?"

I process his words and think for a moment, "I don't know. I'll think about it," I promise him.

"Opal," he sighs but is interrupted by the intercom beeping on the other side of the room. He looks at me and chuckles, "Saved by the bell." He smiles and plants a small kiss to my cheek before removing the sheets from his shirtless body.

Vet strides over to the intercom machine placed on the wall and presses down the button to speak, "Yes?"

"Good morning, Sir," I hear a soft voice come from the speaker, "Breakfast is about to be served."

"Thank you," Vet replies curtly before cutting the intercom off and walking towards the bathroom. "Time to get ready for breakfast, now," he smiles.

I nod my head and look down at my sheet covered body, eager for him to close the bathroom door so I can get dressed and get out of the suite. I end up disappointed when he peaks his head from around the door frame, that smug smile still playing on his lips, "Well, are you coming?"

I look at him with wide eyes, "Oh, um... no, that's okay. I'll ju-"

"Opal," he says sternly, cutting me off, "Come shower with me." His head gestures towards the shower, and I can't really decline now that he has spoken.

I nod my head and get out of bed, the sheet still wrapped tightly around my body.

"Do you plan on showering in that?" Vet asks, a light laugh lacing his question. I can tell that he's trying to make light of me trying to avoid being naked in front of him, but his small chuckle isn't enough to mask the slight irritation.