The sight of my dusky-colored home seemed welcoming and warm as I slid out of Alex's jeep and turned around to shut the door. I leaned in against the open window and smiled, "Thanks for the ride Blonds. I appreciate it"
A pout settled on Alex's face when I spoke the 'Blonds' part but he grinned only a mere minute afterward and giving me a mock salute and a hearty "anything for you Thi" shifted the gears into reverse before turning towards his driveway and driving in.
The winds picked up just as I turned towards my home, a golden leaf flying and colliding against my cheeks. I merely smiled as I brushed it away gently and moved towards the door, unable to wait another second.
Fishing out the keys from my bag I quickly pushed it into the keyhole and twisted the door open.
Everything was the same, a broken smile flashed itself on my lips as I slowly passed the living room and made my way towards the kitchen where I could hear my mum cooking, her famous lasagna's aroma wafting through my senses, my mouth salivating from the lack on the consumptions section today.
Turning around the corner a gasp escaped by lips when an arm grabbed hold of mine and pulled me back.
"Miss! What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be in the castle? His highness will be so very angry! Oh no miss you must go back! I thought Mr. and Mrs. Anderson were suppose to spend the weekend at the castle?"
I frowned at Agnus and shook my head, "Change of plans. I refuse to go back there if Bryce is going to be cowardly and run away from stupid misunderstanding! I feel like I'm the 24 year old one here Agnus!"
A small giggle left Agnus' lips and she shook her head in humor. "Oh yes, that does sound like Alexander. He loses his calm cool headed self whenever you are mentioned. Oh you should have seen him the very first time he smelt you."
Smelt Me?
My nose scrunched up in an awkward way as I looked at Agnus with bewildered confusion. "smelt. me? Like....a.... Okay sorry."
"No dear-" Agnus shook her head, almost rippling in laughter. "His highness, or master Alexander, as we the maids call him, smelt your scent, his mate, like a Lycan he is, from the castle the day you moved into this house. Broke into a spring mid sentence, he did! Almost broke Romanov's arms when he tried to stop master Wilhem for a chat! And afterwards, he was fuming thinking you had a boyfriend. It was a sight to see!"
I almost cried because it was so funny, I suppose I did because the tears milked out by intense laughter, slipped down my cheeks as I noticed Agnus had her own set of pearls running down her face while she continued to laugh uncontrollably.
*
It took us a while to calm down, but we got there, and when we did Agnus continued to coax me into returning, her fear for her king greater than her understanding for my peace. I suppose she couldn't help it, she knew his anger, and if she wished not to be at the blasting side of it because she was a housekeeper at mine, it was rightly proper that I not blame her for trying to coax me into going back.
And well at the end of the day, although she had tried her earnest best, I had relented. After all, what was the purpose of going back to the castle when Bryce had fled? All matters put, in actuality, with all due practicality it only seemed fitting I leave if he had left, too. I mean, it wasn't like it was permanent. I just needed to stay at home for a few weeks, maybe even have Casey over, before left for the castle. What harm could a week or two do, right?
Well, after the little chat with Agnus, I had merrily marched into the kitchen leaving the slightly scared and understanding woman behind, when I had been instantly engulfed into a large bear hug, only missing that my father was only just standing by the corner of the doorway, watching mum cook.
Mum like always, had her iPod plugged in as she cooked, her little head bobbing up and down to the beat, her eyes occasionally closing as she pretended to waltz with an invisible partner, and while it took her a while to notice me. Dad and I, meanwhile had found ourselves suddenly quite preoccupied with recording a secret video of her. Teasing mum was always fun.
When all was said and done and the fun had ended, well, things took a turn for the awkward.
And so after being berated about whether Bryce had hurt me while being pulled and pushed into hugs by both my parents, I had finally managed to sufficiently lie that Bryce and I were great and he just had some work to do in Italy and so I was here till he was gone because I missed home.
Well, it wasn't entirely a lie, I really was missing home, but truth still stood that Bryce and I were not great, and I had no idea where he had so cowardly disappeared to.
Thankfully though dad and mum believed me and after an amazing dinner, here I was now, in my room, lying on my bed trying to ignore my phone as Roman's ID flashed on the screen.
Romanov Calling...
I glanced at my phone slightly, but immediately looked away as his ID continued to call.
The slight trepidation in my chest made me feel like I was hiding in Marley's home again and I knew Bryce was going to get me any minute now. Only this time, I didn't know who would get me. Only this time though, I really wasn't hiding. This was my home after all!
I sighed as I saw the lights go off on my cell from the corner of my eyes, and quickly making a grab for the phone, jumped onto notifications.
4 Messages Recieved.
20 Missed Calls.
A slight shiver ran down my back when I tapped onto the missed calls tab.
Bryce (15)
Romanov (3)
Matthew (2)
I left the messages untouched.
A sigh slipped from my lips as I switched back to looking at my faintly lit room. And when the slight tinge of sweat caught my sense I quickly got up and marched towards the bathroom. A bath was in order. A much needed one at that.
***
I walked back into my room wearing Bryce's deep blue t-shirt and a pair of white boy-shorts, my hair made up in a loose French braid. Glancing towards the slightly rattling window, I padded my way towards it and pushed it open, breathing in the cool night breeze. A owl hooted somewhere in the distant forest and I almost smiled at how loud it sounded in the darkened silence.
The moon seemed almost full, slightly fuller than a crescent and I couldn't help but let a shiver pass me watching it. As if looking at it connected me to Bryce a slow pain settled into my chest. I missed him. I missed the him that was mine. Not the one who drove me away.
I let out a dejected breath as I turned towards the bed and stilled. The screen was alight again. Another notification.
I found myself padding towards my bed quite furiously but only stilled further when I saw the screen.
Bryce calling...
The tinge in my chest tightened as I slumped down into bed and pulled my iPhone towards me. A rash and quick decision purely made by the tightening tinge in my chest.
The feel of my heat beating a mile a second, loud enough to be heard around my silent room left me even more nervous.
If you can hear your frigging heart beat, he will too!
My eyes widened in alarm and turning to the left I quickly unlocked my laptop and tapped on the first music file I encountered. Turning back towards the still silently blaring phone, I tapped on the 'accept' tab.
Your fingertips across my skin
The palm trees swaying in the wind... Images.
My eyes widened as the song started to play, my free palm moved straight towards my forehead and smacked it with a 'I loose hope' manner. It just had to be a sad song!
It was just then I realized no one was speaking from the other side of the line, I frowned and pressed the phone closer.
"Hello?"
It sounded more a question than a greeting but I suppose it had to do. I missed him and although I knew he was going to be mad, I also knew he was too far away to do anything. So I was slightly less scared for the possibility of partial abduction. Partial because no matter how reluctant and disagreeing I could be to him turning beast mode, throwing me over his shoulder and then jumping from a two story building. I could never, really not want to go with him.
The silence on the other side broke, a controlled growl sounded through my cell and I moved closer towards my headboard, tugging the sheets above my knees. "Go back home Theia."
Despite myself I couldn't help but let the slightly amused smile shine through, leaning against the headboard I eased out. "I am home Bryce"
"OUR HOME DAMMIT!"
The pure lividness in his tone made me freeze for a second, the next however brought back the knowledge that he was in fact too far away to do anything. I relaxed a little, the grin flashing itself back on my face.
"We are yet to buy a home together babe" I replied as sweetly and innocently as I could. It wasn't hard to grasp that he was referring to the castle as our home, but although it made my heart tingle, home was where my parents or he was. And he wasn't at the castle. My parents however, were here.
I listened as Bryce let out a growl and the sound of something crash and break in the background followed after. He let in a deep breath, as if to control himself before he spoke again. "The castle. Go back to the fucking castle Theia!"
My smile disappeared and I found myself blank faced when I muttered back my reply, the anger from the previous hours rushing back in such force that I suddenly felt like sobbing. "No. I'm staying here. Since you've so kindly run off somewhere because you refuse to acknowledge what I am agreeing to, I have decided to postpone my castle stay until two weeks into the break, my best friend and her s-brother want to visit and I think I'm going to invite them over! You know I-I love you but I won't let you toy me like this. I have feelings too you know, and I can decide what they are for myself, I don't want you doing that for me and then pretending that staying away from me is the best thing because let's get real, you know as much as I do that it hurts. Being away hurts. I-just goodnight Bryce. I think I need some sleep and you do too."
Nothing.
Just pure silence.
So much so that I could almost hear the distant traffic sounds coming from his side of the line.
"G-goodnight then" I mumbled, almost whispered into my cellphone. Bryce obviously didn't want to talk about more. So I suppose it was goodnight for tonight.
"I'm coming. And you better be ready for what you've asked for Theia. Goodnight"
The line went dead.
I could only stare at the screen as it went dark.
'I'm coming....'
He's coming? Back? From where? Didn't he leave? What the fuck?!
The cell went off again and my palm shot to grasp it, accepting the call without even looking at the screen. I was hoping it was Bryce. I needed to know where he was.
"Open your damn window!"
"Rome?"
"The window Theia!"
My hearts beat pounding in my ears I quickly padded my way towards the larger window and slid it open. Almost instantly a fierce looking Roman jumped into my room, his eyes shon a bronze take on golden. In the next minute he pounced on me, pushing me onto time floor under him, he quickly started turning me over as if checking for an injury.
When he found none, he relaxed a bit and moved back. Seating himself against my bed, on the floor.
"He is coming."
I sighed, and got up to sit beside him, rubbing a sore ankle as I did. "He didn't leave?"
Roman frowned, and then shook his head. "Oh he left. New York. He's coming."
"Well then, I'll see him tomorrow or the other day I suppose"
Roman stilled for a second, his gaze hazy and locked on my rugs. I continued to watch him as he came back, his gaze brightening considerably. He blinked. Once. Twice. And then turned towards me. "Tomorrow morning. He's taking a private jet here."
I frowned. Then shook my head. Ohh right, multi-billionaire heir plus self made businessman.
"I'm still not coming back to Dovlore. I want to stay here for a week or two? My best friend and her br-"Rome growled suddenly, barring his teeth at me. Shocked, I moved back, but continued. "-b-brother are com-coming over for the h-holidays and I want to spend some t-time with them."
"Sorry. That growling bit was Bryce. I didn't know the connection was still open." Roman muttered, pressing the bridge of his nose as if trying to rid a headache.
This is all so confusing... What the hell is he talking about?
"W-what?"
Rome's eyes shot to mine, the steely gaze almost melting Into something more warm and comforting. I stilled as he seems to move forward until his hand slid along my shoulder and he pulled me towards him "All packs have a connection. Royals have a connection too. Where we can communicate mentally. Bryce, being the king can communicate to anyone he wants to. As long as the connection is strong and personal. A connection is like a mirror, or a sieve. He can hear what's going on around me because I think about it. That is, if I keep the connection open. It's complicated."
I blinked myself out of the haze and nodded slowly. I suppose that made sense. Well sort of.
"Can you hear what he is thinking right now?"
Roman's expression tightened and he nodded, pinching the bridge of his nose again. "I'd rather not say"
My eyes widened. "Tell me?"
Rome shook his head and got up, dusting himself off as if out of habit, he reached out his hand, grasping mine, he slowly pulled me up.
"Please" I repeated as he lead me towards bed and pushed on my shoulders gently so that I slumped onto it, he got to his knees in front of me.
"I punched the walls because I was angry. Alex behaves like he is saving you but he is hurting you instead. Sometimes... Sometimes I wish you were my mate instead Thi. I know I'm difficult and short tempered but I would treat you right. I'm sorry my cousin is such a mutt. I'm sorry I couldn't keep my promise. I let him hurt you. But I know, if someone can fix him. You can."
Leaning in Rome placed a ghost of a kiss on my forehead and before I could reply, moved towards the window and made leaped out.
'... I know, if someone can fix him. You can'
I stared at the window, the smell of him still lingering in around the room. Something spicy, something fresh.
'...Sometimes I wish you were my mate Thi...'
A sigh left my lips as I leaned against the headboard, going further down so I sunk into bed. I tugged the covers over me.
'...Couldn't keep my promise...'
"Fuck my life" I mumbled out sadly, watching the dark ceiling above me, the reflections from the string lights making it glow in certain places.
'...You can'
'...You can'
'...You...'
***
"Theia!! Come downstairs will you please?"
Oh god no!!! Not this early!! I don't want to go shopping!!
The thoughts of the last time mum took me shopping early at nine in the morning ran through my mind and I shuddered at the recollection of a dozen shades of lingerie I had been forced to bring back home."Coming mum!!"
I quickly walked out of the bathroom, freshly brushed but still in Bryce's shirt and my boy-shorts. It didn't seem like much of a task to just go downstairs and so the need to dress up didn't seem important. A sigh left my lips as I watched the me that was in the mirror, her brown almost black locks looking wavier than her normal light waves, even when they were pulled up in a messy bun.
"Theiiiia!" Mums voice drifted into the room in a sing song tune and I almost scoffed at her habit of pretending to be an opera singer. I think its important to put out the fact that my mother doesn't know the M to music.
"Coming!" I yelled back, pushing away a rebellious lock of hair as I turned towards the door.
Sleep had visited me almost instantly after Rome had left last night. I suppose it had been a long and tiring day, and although I had gone to sleep almost immediately after his departure, I had risen earlier than I was used to, as well. I suppose it was because of the gnawing in my tummy. Bryce could be here any time around today, but I knew I would continue with my plan. I would call Casey up and invite her over anyway. And then spend time with her and Anjelo.
With the last glance towards my cellphone I padded my way barefoot out of my room and downstairs.
"Oh darling there you are! Could you please help me get the table ready? Your dad must be getting up any minute now, and I really want to surprise him with a good hearty breakfast, lord knows he will miss it when I'll be gone all of next week. Business in Cali is blooming!" Mum quickly rushed out as she placed another amazing smelling pancake on a plate, quickly pouring another perfectly round batter on the pan.
"Sure mum" I smiled, and immediately started moving around the kitchen, setting to work at preparing the breakfast table.
I was only placing the packet of cereal when the doorbell went off and my heart skipped a beat before fastening to a maddening pace. I stared wide eyed at the front door, a nervous look etched on my face, the milk carton almost on its way to slipping from my suddenly sweaty palms.
"Theia darling could you please get the door?" Mum rushed out as she turned and bent towards the oven, pulling out what smelt like apple pie.
"Sure mum". I breathed out, my feet already making its way towards the door I stopped only when I held the crystal knob in my hand. 'I'm coming. And you better be ready for what you've asked for Theia...'
I gulped back a nervous breath and without much thought, turned the knob and pulled the door open.
'Well that's strange.' I thought as I looked around the empty driveway, it was a fact that the doorbell had rang, how could there be no one here though?
A frown etching itself on my face I moved slowly into the driveway and almost jumped when a foreign voice spoke up from behind me.
"Remember me?" The voice seemed deep, deeper than what I would seem normal 17 year old guys to have, his Romanian accent reminded me of someone but that could hardly be possible since I had yet to call them over! I turned towards the man in question sharply, almost falling back at his unearthly beauty. Platinum blonde hair which was shaved on his right side, lips as red as cherry, a lip ring to shine through the cherry. What caught my attention though were the stormy greyish-blue eyes. I froze. Suddenly realizing who the tall man in front of me was.
No. Fucking. Way.
"Angelo?"
"That's right!! We're here!!! Let us rejoice!!" Another happy voice called out from behind me, and I got only moments to turn around before being tumbled down onto the pavers, my boy-shorts, I'm sure, visible to the world to see.
"Casey. Too tight! . Can't breathe!" I managed to choke out as the platinum blond held me in a tight grip, her thick locks almost covering my face.
"Let her go Cass" An-Angelo's voice drifted through the air, his deep voice mixed with his knowing Romanian accent, curtesy to the boarding school, made him sound so foreign to my memories.
I looked away, feeling my face turn warm with embarassment when Angelo finally had had enough and ripping Casey away from me, pulled me up, his arms sliding around my waist.
I on the other hand wasn't even sure on how to react anymore, it had been a common occurrence when we were young. But now it felt weird. Afterall, we had grown older.
After a minute or two of debating, I only shrugged and let his hand rest there, also making way for Casey's when she decided to hug me again.
"Missed me?" Angelo whispered against my ear, his cold lip ring causing shivers to run through my hand as it touched my warm earlobes. The little voice in my head spoke up sarcastically, and I almost grinned at its remark. Even my conscious had lost its mental heart to Bryce.
"I missed you both" I smiled, pulling both of them closer, it was safe to say that I had noticed a change in Angelo's height. He had grown six inches taller and was now well beyond one and a half heads taller than I was.
"Babe?"
I froze.
Oh shit no. Not now! Shoot me! Just shoot me someone!
Slowly.
Almost too slowly, I managed to move out of the two embraces and turn towards the source of the voice.
The knowledge that the voice seemed like the definition of controlled barely passed me when my eyes locked on Bryce's bright blue ones, I could already detect shades of golden twirling the sea blue Iris.
"Bryce, these are my childhood best friends; Cassandria and Angelo. Guys this is Bryce, my-"
"Her boyfriend" Bryce smiled as he reached me and pulled me smoothly into his arms by his spare hand while the other extended smugly towards Angelo.
I watched sighing as Angelo's smile disappeared and shriveled up to bleak expression as he reached towards and grasped Bryce's hand into his, giving it a firm shake.
I suppose he saw too, how obviously pointless trying to rouse a fight with Bryce would be. Bryce and Romanov were almost a head taller than the rest of us in this room.
Casey on the other hand stood still, in blunt awe of Bryce, the only time she broke free of the haze was when Bryce waved an awkward hand in front of her face.
I leaned into Bryce's arms, feeling suddenly really possessive over him, I felt guilty because that was my best friend and I would never feel a need to be cautious of her, but I couldn't help it. I suppose it was just primal instinct with this bond between mates thing.
Bryce's arms tightened over my waist, standing behind me as I stood snuggly in front of him, he reached out a hand towards Casey, which she gleefully accepted. I couldn't help but frown but grinned when she turned towards me secretly and wiggled her eyebrows cheekily.
"Theia?! Oh dear lord if that Bryce has whisked her away to that castle of his again I'm going to literally ground him!"
I turned towards Bryce wide-eyed and flushed cheeks as mum rushed out of then front door muttering to herself looking slightly alarmed. She stopped when she saw us, her mouth slightly agape. Well, that was for a minute before she unleashed herself on Casey and Angelo. Pulling them into the home with her, worrying over how they must be hungry and how long a flight that must have been and how she was glad they were over.
Bryce and I stood still, on the driveway, I still being in his arms while he still had his hands firmly around me.
The knowledge of not having any audience anymore was slightly agitating because the anger and pain all came rushing back. Frowning suddenly at how at ease I felt in his arms, I tried to move away.
"Don't," Bryce growled slowly, pulling me smack against him again. I shivered as he dipped low and snuggled his nose against my neck, "You're so tempting when you're possessive. Especially while wearing my shirt. Tell me... are you nude inside?"
"Perve" I breathed, my hand grasping his just in time as it reached the edge of my shirt. When had he started talking like this?
Bryce chuckled against my neck, his warm breath fanning my sensitive skin, I almost did a double-take when he suddenly nipped a it before running his warm tongue over it, he repeated this action twice when he tugged on the skin slightly aggressively, nipping, biting, sucking, licking till he seemed satisfied and pulled back to view his masterpiece. Meanwhile, I was a puddle against him, I could barely feel my legs.
"There. Now he'll know who you belong to. You need to get out of these too, as much as this turns me on babe, I could have murdered the boy." Bryce growled, and I shivered as he tugged on the collar of my shirt.
"You're not even wearing a bra" he groaned shakily, nipping at my shoulder.
"Why are you so horny?"
Oh shit.
I smacked a palm against my mouth as soon as I blurted out that question. Bryce only stilled before he rolled his hips into my back, his arousal bluntly obvious. I blushed when he replied, "I'm always horny when you're around me. I just don't make it obvious."
"So you're not running away anymore, we're mating?"
Bryce stilled and moved away, coughing to clear his throat as he did, I almost sobbed at the loss.
"I don't want your pity sex Theia. I'll deal with it."
What. the. fuck. Kick him to the curb Thi! Mate or not, he's gone douche mode! Douches always get kicked to the curb! Do it I say!
"Fine. Deal with it. Goodbye." I muttered, shrugging as I started to move towards the door, not even trying to hold in the tears or hide the bruise on my neck. It was breaking my heart to say goodbye, even though I knew that he was it, my soul mate. I just needed a break. All this whirlpool of emotions were really overwhelming me and I didn't like it. I needed to get away for a second.
I didn't even still when a growl rang out around the drive way or when I got roughly pulled against a hard chest. "Fine babe, you can have it your way."
And then he was gone. I almost thought I heard a whispered 'for now' but the hurt of him actually agreeing to me hurt too much to actually ponder on that.
It must have been the wind.
The amount of minutes I lost standing there glaring at my creamy bare feet contrasting reds of the pavers, I do not know. But it felt like hours, and all the while I stood there glaring, I fought myself over trying not to cry.
The concept of crying suddenly disgusted me because that seemed like the only thing I kept doing now days. I was tired of feeling sad, tired of crying, I was tired of the brain wrecking headaches that followed after.
"Chubby?"
I glanced up to see a concerned looking Angelo standing holding the open front door, his navy blue sweatshirt over his buttoned up white shirt only made him look more mystical. He made a move to walk over to me but stopped when his eyes landed on something. I blushed knowing exactly what it was.
The anger on his face came and went just in a few seconds, I noticed that his fists were still clenched as he started to walk over again and upon reaching me pulled open my messy bun, wavering my hair over my shoulders. I could only watch dumbfounded as he then slid his arm around my shoulder and pulled me into the house.
"We need to get you fed" he muttered softly as he edged towards the kitchen. I found myself wondering, once again, just as I had done on numerous other previous occasions, just how easy it seemed for Angelo to memorize things and that too, so fast.
We walked into the room to find an enthusiastic Casey tucking into a pancake, my dad raised an eyebrow at me in question and I only shook my head in reply. I knew he was wondering what was up but that was the last thing I felt like talking about. Mum however quickly pulled me out of Angelos grip and pushed me onto an empty chair beside her and Casey. I raised an eyebrow at her but she only sheepishly shrugged back.
"So I heard Bryce lives in a castle, is it true?" Casey suddenly chirped up, biting over her pancake.
I suddenly felt awkward but I nodded and smiling softly replied, "Yes, it is"
"That is so cool, does he have any brothers?!" She replied, her eyes sparkling as she continued to feed herself.
A giggle slipped out of my lips seeing dads expression. But I shook my head, "He is the only child. But he does have a cousin, Roman"
"Omg you must introduce us!" Casey immediately jumped in her seat, giggling.
"Sure, but what about Leo?" I mumbled back, amused at her enthusiasm.
"Oh we broke up. Figures since he cheated on me" Casey muttered bitterly, her lips trembling slightly.
"You can't be sure about that Cass! For all you know Kira could be lying" Angelo suddenly snapped, my gaze went to his, he on the other hand was quite busy glaring at his sister.
"That's right dear, I think you should talk to Leo" mum chirped up after, dad and I however continued to stuff our mouths with pie while nodding awkwardly.
Cass looked at me expectantly but I shook my head, "They're right. You should talk to him."
Knowing she had lost, she finally nodded her head in defeat and moved onto the next topic, "Brian can't stop talking about you, you know? I think he's become a little obsessed"
"I did accept his request on Facebook though." I muttered, stuffing more pie into my mouth. Mum pat my back noticing my unhealthy amount of consumption.
"Yeah we know, actually I think the whole school knows" Casey replied.
"Well I'm done, thanks for the breakfast mum" I smiled, and gathering my plate and glass moved over to the kitchen sink.
As quickly as I could I washed my dishes and turned around to find both Cass and Angelo having finished and moving towards the sink.
When they seemed done with their dishes, all three of us moved towards my room, dragging their luggage upstairs.
"Sweety, Angelo and Cass can have the rooms beside yours." Mum called out as we made our way upstairs.
"Alright thanks mum!"
"Yeah thanks Mrs. A!"
*
"Woah! That's some view!" Casey gasped as she took in the view being presented by the large open glass windows.
I smiled as I took the view in, too. "Yeah. It is, isn't it?"
"Is that his castle?" Angelo drawled almost snidely as he slumped down on the bed.
I ignored the pang in my chest at the mention of Bryce again, but quickly avoided it as I took a seat on the bed, myself.
"Yes. That's his castle"
Angelo scoffed as he let himself fall flat against the bed, "Caught yourself your very first boyfriend and he just had to be a millionaire. I always knew you were special Theia."
"You're being mean Angelo. Stop being jealous" Casey blurted out rolling her eyes and she took a seat on the bed, herself.
Once again I ignored the bitter ends of his words and taking a deep breath, I switched the topic.
"So guys, what's the plan?" I chirped up, thankful that my voice sounded happier than I felt.
"Shopping, sightseeing, movies, all that shabang! But for now, let's stay in, I'm kind of tired." Casey giggled as she turned towards Angelo and I, now lying on her side.
"Alright alright" I giggled back and eased into the bed, lying flat beside Angelo.
The sound of the doorbell go caught my attention but I pushed and continued to lay down, my eyes closed. It seemed peaceful.
"Theia! Roman's here dear!!"
Rome?
"Roman!!? Oh it's my lucky day!" Casey almost shouted out excitedly as she shot out of bed, leaving me behind.
"She's ... mental." I managed to blurt out, still looking at the open door wide eyed.
"I always told you" Angelo murmured from beside me, I glanced towards him and quickly looked away.
"I should-you know-go" I quickly breathed out as I shot out of bed, myself, and rushed out the door and down the stairs.
I hadn't even stepped down the last stair when a worried looking Rome started walking towards me.
A wonderstruck Casey, who stood frozen beside me, watched almost in awe as Roman walked in front of me and stopped.
"Hey Rome, this is my best friend Casey" I grinned, knowing he was fully aware of the stunned girl beside me. I turned towards Casey, my grin widening at the blushing girl. "Casey, this is my one of my best guy friends, Rome"
"Hi" Casey murmured dreamily, and I almost let out a bark of laughter when Roman stilled and took a sniff around the air, his gaze then directed towards Casey.
"Nice to meet you." He muttered back, managed a small smile before pulling me into a hug. "I'm so hot your friend's horny just looking at me. I don't know if I should be flattered or shocked."
This time though I did let out a bark of laughter, almost instantly frowning and smacking Roman on his arm.
One glance at Casey showed that she was still oblivious to everything and was just as awestruck as she had been a few minutes ago.
"Shut up" I scolded Rome, he however blew me one of his rare grins.
"So he came?"
I stiffened. "Yes"
"Had a tiff?"
"Yes"
"Strange"
My eyes shot towards Rome's. Strange?
"How so?"
Rome shrugged, his brows still furrowed together. "He seemed pretty happy. Grinning and smirking."
I ignored the pang in my chest and shrugged. "I dunno"
Rome watched me curiously, and when I didn't falter in my expression he nodded and pulled me into a hug, before turning my towards the door. "Call me if you need anything okay? I don't know what he's up to but if I find out i'll let you know."
Turning towards Casey he let out an amused smile, "Goodbye. Have a nice stay here at Piedmont"
I could only help but stifle giggles as Casey continued to let out dreamy sighs all the while Roman walked towards and out the front door.
***
"Christians hotter!"
"No! His brother!"
"Christian!"
"Ladies Ladies! Let's admit it! I'm hotter!"
Both Casey and I glared at a grinning Angelo.
"Shut up!" We both shot at the same time.
Angelo put up his hand in defeat as he continued to grin, "Alright alright! Don't get your panties in a twist aye!"
"Christians hotter!" I declared in finality as I quickly got out of the bed and switched the tv off, yawning out tiredly as I marched towards the bathroom to brush.
The day had been filled with awkward conversations about Roman and Bryce, swimming and just lazing around checking each other's Facebook out after Rome had left.
Naturally getting a tan here didn't seem like a thing shortcoming so the sooner we got into the pool, the sooner we got out, it was barely summer and that meant that it was chilly all day round on 'bad days, today had been a 'bad day'.
I could still hear as Angelo and Casey continued to bicker amongst each other, I on the other hand only shook my head and gurgled all the foam out, scrubbing and washing my face, afterward.
Finally fresh-faced and minty breathed I marched right back into the room and bounced in between the two siblings, leaning more on Casey's side as I finally let the comfort of my bed seep into my bones.
The breeze from the open windows only helped calm me more but I couldn't help but miss a certain heavyweight of an arm on my waist. I sighed as I turned and chucked away his thoughts for the fiftieth time today.
"Truth or dare?" Angelo suddenly murmured beside me, both Casey and I turned our heads towards him and he repeated himself.
"Truth" Casey replied, slightly amused but all the more excited.
"What were you hiding under your bed last Wednesday?"
Casey groaned and muttered something that sounded like 'I knew it was going to be that question' before answering. "It was Leo. We er... Yeah well, we were making out. Okay, truth or dare Theia?!"
"Truth" I giggled, still not being able to get the image of Casey hiding a guy under her bed out of my head.
"Have you and Bryce had sex yet?"
My breath hitched and I'm sure I looked like a deer caught in red light. "No" I murmured back slowly, and I could almost swear I heard a relieved-sounding sigh slip from beside me.
I turned towards Angelo. "Truth or dare?"
"The truth"
"Every time you used to have those bloodied knuckles when you'd be over for the holidays, how'd you get them? We're you participating in illegal fights?"
"No" Angelo chuckled, bringing his head closer to mine, he looked at me directly in the eye when he answered. "I wasn't participating in fight clubs because I was too busy giving every guy who dared have a crush on you, a free plastic surgery."
"What the hell, why?!" Casey almost burst out from beside me.
Angelo, still looking into my eyes while I could only stare into his wide-eyed, replied, "Oh I think you know exactly why. I think you've known exactly why for ages."
***
A groan left my lips as I tried to smack away the persistent hands working on pulling me, I just wanted to sleep and all this pushing and pulling wasn't helping!
A strong pair of arms shot towards my waist again and hurled me up in a quick motion, the impression that the owner of the hands was trying to be careful baring only in my head as consciousness began to resurface.
As I felt myself being moved I peeked an eye open and almost squeaked when the sight of a lit castle in the distance met my gaze. The chilly night breeze smacking across my face as it passed me and danced into the room, where both my friends still slept.
I don't really know when sleep had taken over but I was sure it was somewhere between truth and dare and 5 questions. Five because we know each other so well.
The strong arms around me tightened and I looked up just in time to see a determined-looking Bryce looking straight ahead.
What the hell is he doing here?
As if deciding how to act Bryce took a forward all of a sudden and a squeak escaped my lips. His eyes immediately met my own wide ones.
"So you're awake" he drawled, a small grin surfacing on his lips. I don't know if it was the haziness from the sleep or the lack of illumination, but somehow the grin seemed bitter.
"What the hell are you doing sneaking me out while I'm unconscious, I thought you agreed to goodbye!" I hissed, smacking a palm against the bulge of his bicep.
Bryce only seemed to grin more, he lowered his face beside mine before replying, "No. I believe I told you, YOU could have it your way, I never said I will too. Right now though, babe, I'm having it my way. And that's to have you in my bed, in my arms, not his"
The next second seemed like a rush as Bryce's grip on me tightened, and with me still on tow, Bryce jumped off my second-story window, into the dark woods.