Chapter 19
Nicleberry: Hey dickface... I'm sorry... Reception party, even though I didn't get married and I'm going to get turnt af because wtf, in Cantura?
I let out a nervous breath and bit my lip as I reread the message for the fifth time before sending it. The music from the ballroom was blindingly loud from the distance hallway that I ran away to. My parents didn't call off the reception, they had to give the guests some kind of satisfaction. All of the older folks left after dinner–which ended a couple of hours ago–and all of the 'young spirits', as Keller's father had called them, turned the ballroom into a night club.
I leaned against the cool marble column, my bare shoulders pressing against it–I changed out of that stupid dress into jeans and a tank top as soon as I could. Fifteen minutes passed and Mark still hadn't replied yet. I slid down the column and sat with my back against it and my knees to my chest.
I couldn't believe what I did. What Carmo did... What Keller did. I still can't believe how long they've been looking for her–my sister, Julinha. A smile crept to my face as an image of her face popped into my head. It was going to be hard on mother but we all know that she's the solution to our Cantura issue. Born and raised. What better alliance than having an heir who is a citizen of the country of interest?
I laughed at the irony of it all. This was a hell of a day. Keller hadn't said a word to me. The last I've seen him was a few minutes ago in the ballroom chatting up a storm with Carmo, Julinha and a few other girls. Quite the lady's man, I thought bitterly but dispelled it because he's free to do whatever pleases him.
"You're quite the social butterfly, princess," my heart leapt at the sound of his voice, I was surprised beyond my wits.
"And you're quite au courant prince," I tried to sound unbothered but I couldn't keep the bite out of the last word.
There was a sudden silence and I let out a breath through my nose.
"I know that saying sorry won't change anything..." I gazed up at him through my lashes, staring at the lines of his face concealed by the column's shadow, "But I am. Tremendously sorry."
His eyes weren't focused on me but on the space above my head. I just stared at him in silence, trying to get my breaths steady again.
"That's all I wanted to say," he let out a hesitant sigh, "I just... Wanted you to be happy... I didn't mean to hurt you. I hope you find it in your heart to forgive me someday."
He stooped in front of me. His breath tickling my face and making my skin tingle in a million different ways. I held back a whimper as his warm hand gripped mine and placed something shockingly cold in it. His eyes never met mine.
Not when he let go of my hand. Not when he when he got up. Not even when I gripped the hem of his pants.
"Keller..." I breathed pathetically.
"I'm sorry Nicola," his voice sounded hoarse and distant.
It knocked the breath out of me and my hand retracted swiftly. He walked away not looking back.
"I love you," I whispered the unspoken words to myself and pressed my palms to my forehead, "I fucking love you, you fucking asshole!"
I didn't mean to say that out loud. Much less shout it like a lovelorn banshee!
He stopped dead in his tracks, I clutched the bracelet tightly. It's familiar coolness soothing me a bit. He didn't move, he just stood there with his back facing me.
"Say something you idiot!" I managed to get out, "I just fucking confessed and am feeling like shit because you've been ignoring me all day and seemed to have taken a harem and... And..."
"You know it wasn't my idea to do this right," he was facing me now and making his way towards me, " I didn't chose to lie to you I did–
"Oh shut up I know!" I glared up at him as he starred me down with his brows narrowing, "I know it was my mother who banned you from even making contact with me... Of course I wouldn't remember what you looked like after ten years. I mean, how could I? I only saw you twice or three times each year. And when I did you we–
He was at eye level with me now, his deep, dark orbs silencing every thought I've ever had. My stomach fluttered as his fingertips grazed my chin and settled there, lifting my head gently.
"You're such an asshole," I said faintly and he just smiled at me, lips brushing mine and I whispered, "God, I love you even though you could seem to careless."
"I love you Princess Nicola Eucalyptus and don't you forget it," his lips met mine for a fraction of a second before my phone started vibrating.
Talk about timing. I groan and my forehead fell against his chin.
Incoming call:
Marksnota
"Hey Cocaina," I could hear the uncertainty in his voice, "I'm already here. I mean, do you really think that I'd leave because you told me to during your bitch-fit?"
I chuckled and lifted my head from Keller's chin, sitting back against the block of marble. I heard him let out a sigh on the other side of the line and couldn't help but feel like a building was lifted off of my chest. I could breathe again.
"So, where are you guys then?" My eyebrows narrowed, I haven't seen a hint of them.
"Well," he started slowly, "Ali and I sorta, may have gotten arrested and escaped."
"Phahahaha!" I choked on the laughter and Keller gave me a curious look and rested his head on my shoulder, "You dank assholes! I'm so proud, what'd you do?"
The line was silent for a bit and I thought we lost the connection and hung up when he muttered something I didn't catch.
"What'd you say?" I inquired.
He did the mutter thing again.
"Huh?!" I was getting frustrated.
"Public indecency! Gosh Nicola, we got caught didly-doing in public!" He exclaimed and I was pretty sure that Keller heard him.
I didn't notice because I was too busy laughing.
"D-did you just say 'didly-doing'," I stuttered through the laughter and I could hear Ali talking in the background.
"Shut up Nicleberry," I rolled my eyes at the name, "Anyway I was wondering if we could crash at your place since the hotel is not an option."
"Uh, sure," I glanced at Keller and a slow grin made its way across my face, "I was planning to stay here anyway. I'll just let the guards know. But anyway, bye and be safe kids."
"Your friends are such cock blocks," Keller smiled at me and my heart stuttered.
"You have no idea," I rolled my eyes and smiled back at him, "Up for secretly sharing a bed princeling?"
"Aren't you afraid that I'll steal your virtue fair maiden," he smirked at me and my stomach fluttered again.
"Who said anything about larceny, El Chapo?"
--
A/N
I don't really have anything to say but, thanks so much for reading and lemme know what you think :)
❤️