"If I want it, it's already mine."
* * *
Mumbling something incoherent, I groaned when I felt a feather like touch on the side of my face and tried swatting away whatever it was, but it didn't budge, and my eyes opened, squinting at the culprit.
Blue eyes.
That was the first thing I saw when I woke. I trailed my eyes further and noticed his black t-shirt and sweatpants, his arms tightly wound around me and my face buried in his chest, our legs tangled.
Even with the close proximity, I didn't have the energy in me to move away and just snuggled back into his chest.
"Someone's feeling affectionate." He chuckled, his chest rumbling as I clutched onto his shirt tightly when his lips made contact with my forehead.
I frowned when I noticed I was wearing sweatpants and looked back at Eros with furrowed eyebrows, and then the room which we were in.
This isn't the estate.
"Where are we?" I questioned.
"Home." He replied and my eyes widened.
"Home? H-how?" I asked when he shrugged.
"Flew back last night. You were asleep the whole time." He said and I slowly nodded in understanding.
My sleepy brain was not responding and clearly, he noticed that and chuckled, tucking my hair behind my ears.
"Sleep some more darling, you're still out of it. I'll wake you up for school." He said caressing my hair when a pout formed on my lips.
"Can I just stay home?" I whined when he shook his head before leaning down and pecking the pout on my lips and leaving me a flustered mess.
Well shit.
"As much as I want you all to myself, I can't compromise on your education. Si?" He said and I yawned, nodding sleepily.
"Si." I whispered, hearing his satisfied hum as my eyes closed once again while he whispered sweet nothings in Italian in my ear.
* * *
The next time I woke, it was with a jolt as a sudden coldness washed over me.
Startled, I looked round and noticed the bed was empty and the curtains were drawn. I glanced at the clock and realized I needed to get ready for school.
Since I slept more than I usually do, I was really fresh now and jogged towards my room after making Eros' bed and took a quick shower and dried my hair.
I walked into my closet in my bath gown and took out what I wanted to wear today. I wanted to dress up a little for no specific reason.
Or maybe I want to impress Eros.
I shook my head at my stupid thoughts and took out a nice outfit and slipped it on along with my shoes and looked in my full length mirror.
The shirt I wore revealed a bit of my chest, but I tried not to dwell much on it or the pants which were really skinny and showed a bit too much of my curves.
Yup, this definitely isn't me.
Trying to muster my confidence, I quickly applied gloss before grabbing my bag and walking downstairs, saying hi to all the staff I passed, but they only responded with a firm nod or bowed their head.
Guess I tried.
Walking into the kitchen, I picked up an apple from the fruit basket on the counter and just as I was about to take a bite, two large arms wrapped around me and lips were placed on my neck.
A small moan and a sigh of content left my lips as I gripped the apple with one hand and the other buried itself in his hair.
"E-Eros. Someone might see." I said, but still tilted my head to give him more access as his lips sucked on my neck.
"Good." He said huskily before continuing his assault, my eyes fluttering closed at the feel of his lips on my skin.
My god, what am I doing?
A throat being cleared made my eyes snap open as I looked forward and met the gaze of none other than Naya and two other maids who were gawking at us.
"Eros. S-stop." I tried pushing him away and knew he saw the people in front of us but still didn't stop. He growled lowly, swiftly turning me around and pressing my back into the kitchen island.
Whoops.
"Darling, next time you do such a thing, remember that I don't take well to orders, but I'll let it slide this once." He warned with a dark glint in his eye.
I nodded furiously as his eyes flitted to something behind me for a split second before he looked back at me with amusement dancing in his eyes and looked at the apple in my hand.
He reached for it, wrapping his hand around my wrist and lifting the apple to his mouth, he took a bite and nodded.
"Sweet. Tastes just like you, darling." He said with a mischievous smile when my eyes widened and my face grew red in an instant.
"Come, I'll take you to school today." He said before leaving while I stood there very flustered and confused as to what happened.
Slowly turning around, I nearly choked on my spit when I saw the three pairs of eyes still on me and even Naya was shocked this time.
"I-I better get going. Bye." I squeaked and grabbed my bag, scrambling towards the front door.
"Don't fucking run!" Eros yelled from outside and I slowed down quickly, noticing the numerous pairs of eyes now on me as I walked towards him with careful steps.
"What have I told you about running, hm?" He questioned and I looked down immediately, nervously biting my lip.
"To not run or I might get hurt." I said and he nodded, satisfied.
"Keep that in your pretty little head, darling." He tapped my forehead and I nodded, finally looking up at him, I noticed his frown.
"What are you wearing?" He looked into my eyes when I gulped.
"Clothes?" I questioned.
"I know that. Why the fuck are your pants so tight? And why is your shirt so revealing?" He ran his thumb over my collarbone, his other hand splayed on my waist and dangerously close to my bottom.
"I'm letting it go this once, darling. But I will not hesitate to rip these clothes off of you if you wear such things to school again." He was pressed up against me, his eyes dark and when I registered his words, my face turned red.
"Come on now. We don't want to be late." He said with an amused glint in his eye, knowing full well of the effect his words had on me as he opened my door and let me get in.
Just as I was getting in, I felt a sharp sting on my butt and gasped, looking behind shocked when I saw Eros looking at me amused and a brow raised in question.
With a face redder than a tomato when I saw the guards looking at us, trying hard to stifle their sly smiles and then Grant who didn't look at me but I saw the corner of his lips twitch.
I rubbed the spot before glaring as hard as I could at Eros, I scowled. But he laughed at me, a full on, melodious laugh that made his eyes glint when he looked at me, making me pout instead as I tried my best to stay angry at him.
Why does he have to be so cute?
"You look like a cute little angry kitten, darling. Wipe that pout away if you don't want me to kiss it away." He warned, but his voice definitely showed he was amused when I huffed and sat in, putting on my seat belt.
"Why did you do that?" I asked him once we were on the road.
"That was your punishment, darling." He said casually when I frowned.
"Punishment? For what?" I asked confused.
"Wearing those pants that barely hide your ass." He said.
"I-... It wasn't intentional. I just wanted to dress up a bit today." I mumbled but he heard me loud and clear and took my hand.
"You look beautiful darling, you really do. I just don't want other men or boys to look at you like that." He said.
"Like what?" I questioned when he looked at me meaningfully.
"Like I do. Like you're mine." He stated and I gulped.
"I'm sorry." I whispered.
"Are you really?" He asked in a bored tone and I had to bite my lip.
Am I?
"N-no?" I asked hesitant and saw his faint smirk.
"Good. Don't say things you don't mean." He stroked my knuckles softly.
"Okay." I said softly.
"Good girl. Just know the next time you wear things like these, I'll give you a good spanking." He said with a sly smile when I frowned.
"But I'm not a child." I pouted, proving his very fact wrong.
"I know." He said amused.
"Then why?" I countered and heard him sigh.
"Darling, shut up." He said and I immediately snapped my mouth shut.
Rude.
We spent the rest of the drive in silence until we reached my school where kids were running about.
I saw many look over to the entourage of cars that just arrived and sighed when I remembered I was now married, and people would ask a lot of questions.
"I'll pick you up as well today." Eros suddenly spoke and I nodded.
"Okay. I'll be going now." I hoisted my bag up my shoulder when a guard opened my door for me and I stepped out, noticing people staring at me and looked down to avoid everyone.
Just as I was about to walk away from the cars, a door opened and slammed shut behind me, causing me to turn around.
"Eros? What's wrong?" I asked confused.
Even more people stared at the insanely attractive man that was in front of me in two large strides, before he grabbed the back of my neck and crashed his lips on mine.
Definitely wasn't expecting that.
I gently kissed him back but pulled away just as quick so we wouldn't make a scene, although I was sure that wasn't possible anymore with literally everyone's eyes on us.
"Wh-what was that for?" I asked him wide eyed as he dropped another peck on my lips, his eyes going to my neck and lingering a moment before his gaze snapped to mine, satisfied and smug.
"You can't leave without a goodbye kiss darling. Remember that." He said and I nodded immediately when he let me go.
"Good bye and stay safe." He said and I waved to him while he stood in all his glory with his hands inside his pant pockets, no emotion on his face as I entered the school, all eyes on me.
Great.
The first half of my day went by alright, even if I was being stared at as if I was a dancing donkey wearing a fluffy pink princess dress.
Flattering, I know.
Grumbling under my breath, I walked into the cafeteria and surprisingly, spotted my friends sitting on our usual table. I grabbed a bag of chips and a pack of juice, plopping down on the seat next to Vanessa.
She looked at me once, then looked away only to turn her head back to me so fast I thought her neck would break.
"Em?" She said in disbelief and Noah finally looked up from his phone, looking me up and down in surprise.
"Why are you two looking at me like that?" I questioned, popping a chip into my mouth.
"Aren't you supposed to be like, on your honey moon or something?" Nessa asked me when I gave her a confused look.
"Ness, you know this isn't actually a marriage of love." I sighed when she rolled her eyes.
"Looked like it to me the way your husband couldn't keep his sticky paws to himself last night." She said when I swatted her hand away from my bag of chips.
"We're not actually a real couple, Van." I said and she shrugged.
"But you could've taken the day off today. Aren't you like, tired or something?" Noah asked me concerned when I shrugged.
"I slept for more than I usually do so I'm okay." I told them and they nodded when I heard a familiar voice behind me, causing both Elordi siblings to glance at me.
"Emerald?" Axel said from behind me before sitting down next to Noah.
"Axel, hi." I said with a small smile when he gave me an unsure one too, an awkward silence hung over the table.
"I didn't see you in class this morning." I said, trying to ease the tension when he scratched the back of his head in nervousness.
"Yeah I uh-... I actually had basketball practice. We have a match coming up." He said and I smiled at him.
"Really? That's so cool. I've always wanted to go to a basketball match but I've never been." I said pouting when Noah chuckled.
"True, she's been after us for a quite some time now to take her to one." Noah added and Axel smiled briefly.
"You could always come to ours." He said.
"If you want to, obviously." He added quickly and I nodded.
"I want to. When is it?" I asked when he gave me a warmer smile.
"This Wednesday." He said and I nodded.
"I'll definitely be there. You guys will come too, right?" I asked my friends.
"Sure, sounds good to me." Vanessa said when I beamed and bounced excitedly in my seat.
"Woah there sweet cheeks, calm down. You still have to ask your husband dearest for permission first." Noah said cheekily and my smile faltered as I glanced at Axel who averted his gaze quickly.
"Um... yeah, I don't think he'd mind as long as I'm safe." I said and saw Noah nod.
"I heard you got married. Congratulations." Axel said strained when I forced a smile to my face.
"Thank you." I said softly.
"Actually, she got married yesterday and the bastard sent her to school today." Vanessa said playfully when I glared at her.
"Yesterday?" Axel asked confused.
"Yeah, in Italy. It was all over media dude, how'd you miss it?" Noah asked him puzzled when Axel shrugged.
"I've been practising so I didn't have time to do anything else, really." He said and looked at me.
"Oh Em, I completely forgot to ask you, what'd you do about the problem last night?" Vanessa asked me when I looked at her confused.
"What problem?" I asked when she smirked and I knew it wasn't going to be anything good.
"The problem your husband got dancing with you, darling." She mocked Eros when my face reddened and Noah looked at us confused.
"What happened while dancing?" He asked and I pleaded with Nessa with my eyes to not say anything as she leaned closer to the boys with a sly smile.
"He got hard last night just dancing with her and she had a steamy make out session with him to cover it." She said when Noah started laughing hysterically while Axel just sat there wide eyed.
"Oh my god, sweet cheeks." He said in between laughs, clutching his stomach when Nessa turned to me.
"So, Em, did he fuck you like a winner last night?" She asked innocently and I gasped, placing my hand over her mouth when Noah fell from his seat laughing hysterically.
"Ooookay." Axel drawled out and I glared at Vanessa who just shrugged before removing my hand from her mouth.
"Vanessa, I love you, a lot, but please, for the love of god, can you not say stuff like that right now?" I said exasperated when she chuckled.
"Okay, but I can't promise I won't ask you about it later." She pointed her stiletto shaped finger nail at me and I sighed in relief.
"Yes, definitely, later." I said drinking the juice quickly and avoiding Axel's eyes who stood up from the table after checking his phone.
"I uh- I gotta go, coach is calling me. Congratulations again, Em." He said looking at me and I forced a weak smile and nodded as he walked away.
I turned to Vanessa immediately, pinning her with my gaze.
"Why'd you do that you idiot!" I whisper yelled at her.
"I wanted to see his reaction to check if he actually liked you or was just fooling around to try something new. Guess it was the former." She said and instantly I looked away.
"It doesn't matter now anyway Ness." I said softly when she sighed, wrapping her arms around me.
"It's okay Em. I don't really like Eros but I feel he's different with you. We can only hope for the best now." She said and I nodded in agreement.
"He's respectful and hasn't crossed any boundaries with me. He just kissed me last night and went a little further but he knew I wasn't ready and didn't even mention going all the way." I told her and she nodded with a smile.
"That's good. Don't do anything you're not comfortable with." She said.
"I won't." I confirmed.
"So, did you sleep in his bed last night?" She asked with a coy smile as my face heated up.
"Yes. I woke up in his bed today, but he asked me to stay just for last night." I said and she grinned.
"Okay, that's good. If he forces you or anything, tell me and I'll chop his balls off." She said and I gasped.
"Nessa!" I chastised like a mother does to her child when she shrugged.
"What? I'm trying to take your side here. What did he say in the morning?" She asked resting her chin on her palm when I sighed.
"He started kissing my neck and didn't stop even when two maids and a housekeeper came in the kitchen." I said and heard her chuckle.
"Damn, girl. I can totally see that he kissed your neck. And exactly where." She said and I frowned.
"What do you mean?" I asked confused when she took out her phone and turned the camera towards my neck. When I saw the mark, I nearly fainted.
He did not.
"Oh go, how long has that been there?" I asked when she took out a small pouch from her bag and took out some concealer, handing it to me.
"I noticed it forming when you were sitting here. It was just a little visible when you walked in." She said as I applied concealer on my neck, looking into her phone camera she held for me.
"That's why he was staring at my neck this morning." I muttered to myself before handing the concealer back to her and watched as she put it back.
"Thanks." I said and saw her smile.
"Anytime girl." She winked.
"He also-" I started but cut myself off as Vanessa raised an eyebrow for me to continue.
"He also what?" She asked.
"He slapped my butt this morning because he said my pants were too tight." I grumbled and saw Noah's eyes widen before he scrunched his face up while Vanessa laughed hysterically.
"He did not!" She exclaimed when I nodded.
"God, this guy gives me serious daddy vibes." She said when I gagged.
"Vanessa!" Both Noah and I exclaimed in horror while she just laughed at our faces.
"My god your expressions are priceless. Wait, I'll take a pic." She quickly snapped a photo of us before we could protest and stuffed her phone in her pocket.
"I have class." I quickly stood up, completely and utterly horrified and Noah stood up with me.
"I'll come with sweet cheeks, this sex starved animal is going to taint our innocence. Come on." He tugged at my hand when Vanessa cackled.
"Innocence my ass! You're not innocent anymore Em! You're married to the sex god! Literally." She said behind us while Noah and I scurried out of the café.
Both Noah and I burst into laughter when we reached my class, talking for a minute before we parted ways.
At the end of the day, I staggered back exhausted from dance class as Eros stepped out of the car when he saw me.
"Darling." He walked up to me when I noticed Vanessa and Noah coming our way and my eyes widened.
"We need to go, come on!" I quickly grabbed his hand and pulled him towards the car but he wouldn't budge an inch.
"Eros, please, let's go, I'm really tired." I said and watched his lips twitch upwards when he followed my gaze and saw my friends walking towards us.
"Oh? But I wanted to say hello to your friends." He said with a challenge and I paled when Nessa walked over to us with a smirk.
"Mr. Ricci, good to see you again." She said looking between the two of us with a grin.
"Ms. Elordi." He regarded her with a nod.
"No need to be formal, please, call me Vanessa. I guess you've earned that right." She said when Eros nodded once.
"Right." He said, looking between me and my friends with confusion.
"Just so you know, I think you were right about her pants being too tight. I swear all the boys were ogling at her ass." She said with a sly grin.
Eros gaze darkened immediately and Noah chuckled nervously as Eros turned his head to look at me.
"Oh, really?" He questioned with a raised eyebrow when I gulped.
"Thank you for informing me, Vanessa, I'll be sure to see to what she wears next time myself. Or she knows the consequences." He said calmly even though I knew he was anything but calm.
"See, I told you he gives off daddy vibes." Vanessa said and Noah chuckled, shaking his head.
Eros shot me a dark yet heated look, his hand splayed dangerously close to my bottom as he drew circles with his thumb on the small of my back.
"Oh and before I forget Em, if the three bitches come to you and ask you anything at all, tell them 'he did'." She said when I turned to her confused.
"What does that mean?" I asked her when Noah came forward with a smirk.
"That your husband fucked you like a winner on your wedding night." He said as casually as he could while I choked on air and looked at Eros horrified, but he shot me a wink, making my cheeks heat up.
"Alright, that's enough!" I raised my hands in the air in surrender before grabbing Eros arm and pulling him to the car immediately, leaving behind my laughing friends.
"Some friends." I grumbled under my breath, arms crossed over my chest when we were on the road, while Eros watched me with an amused smile.
"What was that all about, darling?" He mused when I shook my head.
"They were just teasing is all. Please don't take it seriously." I said embarrassed when he chuckled.
"And what if I want to take it seriously?" He asked leaned towards me and if possible, my blush grew even more and his eyes glinted with amusement before his gaze fell on my neck, brows furrowing.
"I covered it with make up. People were staring." I said fiddling with my thumbs when he smirked.
"That was the intention, darling." He said when I looked at him shocked.
"Why?" I asked.
"Because darling, those boys need to know you belong to some one. Me." He said with a dangerous undertone and I saw the possessiveness shimmer in his eyes while he looked at me like a work of art.
We didn't say anything after that until my phone chimed with a message and I took it out, opening the message from Vanessa and gasping with a hand on my mouth.
"What's wrong? Who is it?" He asked worried when he looked at my shocked face but I quickly shook my head.
"N-No one important." I chuckled nervously when he raised a dark brow and held out his hand.
"Hand it over." He said but I shook my head furiously when he glared at me.
"Hand. It. Over. Now." He commanded darkly and I gulped, mentally cursing Vanessa as I handed him my phone with shaky hands.
He opened it and read the message while I bit my lip in nervousness, staring at his emotionless face when his dark eyes flitted to me for a brief glance and he arched a perfect brow at me.
Wow, this man is gorgeous.
"Oh sì papà, proprio lì." (Oh yes daddy, right there) He read the message with as much of a straight face as he could while I was burning everywhere.
And then he chuckled, tossing the phone to me while I burned away in shame.
Damn you Vanessa.