chapter 37

As soon as the device came in his hands he checked the cameras, two minutes later he found her behind the gazebo doing God knows what on the ground.

He cursed under his breath and ran out throwing his phone on the bed. She was in for an hour long lecture.

He walked fast to where she was and spoke in an angry voice

"What were you thinking?" his voice boomed through the heavy sound of the rain.

His heart was beating rapidly with all the negative thoughts invading his mind and this caused his anger to slip out.

She jumped badly from the sudden break of silence but even more so because of how angry and rude he sounded.

With her head hung low, wobbly lips and eyes that were turning red as she was trying hard to keep her tears in, she turned around very slowly.

She was looking like a wet kitten.

For a second his mind went blank, she looked that seductive. Only in his sweatshirt, untied and wet hair sticking to her face and her flushed face, especially her pink luscious lips called out his desires all at once.

He clenched his jaw and pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes for a moment in an attempt to calm himself down.

"Do you know what time it is? How fucking hard it is raining?" he said in an overly calm voice but she didn't dare meet his eyes that were piercing holes in her head.

"I asked you something." he said.

She flinched and a tiny sob escaped her mouth even though she was desperately trying to keep it in.

She took steps towards him till she was standing right in front of him and then it was like the dam has been broken and the sobs flew out of her body and she pressed her head firmly on his chest, crying hysterically and mumbling endless apologies.

He sighed again and picked her up and took her inside. He sat her down on the bathroom counter that was located on the ground floor and left.

Moments later he came back with different set of clothes and a towel in his hands. She didn't move but slowly stretched out her hands towards him.

He furrowed his eyebrows and looked down. When she removed her one hand from the other, there was a little frog sat on her palm with it's leg twisted weirdly.

"I did go-go out to enjoy the- the rain but when I-I was coming back after ten-ten minutes I found this froggy with his family but they-they abandoned him Zai and I-I couldn't leave him like that" she explained while crying and hiccuping badly.

His anger was already gone looking at her helpless face and it was replaced by worry for her well being. She could've gotten seriously hurt or sick.

He stepped between her spreaded legs and hugged her while stroking her head gently.

"Don't do it again. If you do then atleast inform me." he said in a low voice.

She nodded rapidly and pulled back.

" What about the froggy?" she asked sniffling.

" I'll take care of it" he said and took it from her hands and left her alone to change into warm clothes.

She chose to be wise this time and wore both sweater and pants even when they completely drowned her after folding three times.

She hesitantly left the bathroom and subtly looked for him.

"Done?" startled, she turned around and nodded.

He gently led her upstairs by her hand and left to change himself.

After changing into more comfortable clothes he approached her with a blow dryer and took care of her hair in silence. When he was done he loosely braided her hair and rested his chin on her shoulder and wrapped his arms around her waist from behind.

"I'm sorry" he said and closed his eyes with a deep inhale of her scent.

"I should be sorry" she said meekly.

"No Coco. No matter the reason I shouldn't have been rude."

She turned around in his embrace and cupped his face.

"It's ok-"

"It's not. Yes I was worried but it doesn't give me, or anyone for that matter, the right to talk to you like that."

" I was at fault too. It was very childish of me to go out in the rain like that even after knowing the dangers of it. It can snow anyday and I am not wearing much and it is an unknown place for me. There are just so many reasons why I shouldn't have done that. I made you worry and ruined our date" she rambled and started crying by the end of her little rant.

"It's alright Little baby. You're safe now. But take medicine before sleeping just in case okay?"

"Okay"

She went and lied down under the comforter while he left the room.

Fifteen minutes later the door slowly opened and in came a hesitant looking Xavier with a,

"Cake!" She gasped sitting up on the bed with a jolt.

"Our date isn't ruined alright?" he said and set the cake on the bed.

She gasped again looking at what was written on it and turned to look at him with tears in her big doe eyes but when she saw him he was holding an expensive velvet ring box.

The cake said:

                            So girlfriend?

She cried and said "yes yes yes"

He slid the ring on her middle finger as it was just a promise ring for now till they reach the engagement level.

"This cake is where it began from. It was supposed to be right after our dinner but I changed my mind and thought it was childish. But I brought it back in hopes of saving our date with this shit ass cake I somehow baked." He said with a red tint covering his cheeks.

" I loved it and it wasn't childish. Everything you do for me and for us is really really precious and meaningful to me Xavier. You need to give yourself some more credit."

" I told you I'd make up for that dry proposal but I don't think this one was any better"

" Hey that one and this one, both were perfect and hold a special place in my heart. Today was the most soft-romantic you've ever been Zai. It was the best date ever. From my favourite artist to my favourite food and to the absolutely gorgeous sights, everything was so dreamy."

He just silently crushed her in a warm hug because he wasn't sure his words would convey his feelings as well as hers did.

She yawned a little and he pulled back.

He was about to ask her to sleep when she spoke up herself,

"I will sleep in just five minutes let me have a slice" he nodded and let her have just one piece and made her brush her teeth again.

They both finally lied down in peace after a long and wonderful day.

"Thank you Zai" she spoke softly.

"Hmm but a simple thank you won't work. Maybe if you accompany it with something else I might reconsider it"

She slowly turned around and faced him as he was spooning her.

A light kiss followed her innocent and shy 'thank you'.

"Hmm you can do better" he said and moved his face closer.

She shyly pecked him on the lips and attempted to move back but he was quick enough to hold her back even before she could say thank you and hungrily moved his lips on hers.

His hands found their way to the bare skin of her stomach and she started giggling.

"It tickles Zai" she whined for him to stop and he did.

He buried his face in the crook of her neck and soon fell in a deep slumber.

___

Slow and warm kisses trailed her skin leaving a burning trace behind.

A soft smile graced her lips but she didn't make any move to wake up rather got more comfortable in the blanket and pillows.

A short laugh rumbled through his chest and he scooped her sleeping figure in his arms, cradling her like an infant.

"I think you should wake up"

"Noosjskskksnjddj" she mumbled and hugged him closer.

He sighed and lied down himself with her on top of him.

Déjà vu.

"Is this how it will be like when we'll live together?"

"Hmm?" she asked in her half asleep state.

"Me trying to wake you up but then sleeping extra two hours after failing to resist your cuddles." he replied remembering the previous time they ended up like that.

She gave a lazy laughter and dozed off again.

He browsed through his phone for a few minutes but fell asleep while doing so.

An hour later his phone vibrated in his hand and his eyes shot open. He looked around for a second but soon realised his surroundings and relaxed.

He carefully adjusted her on the bed, reluctantly, as she refused to let go of him. He went out in the balcony and called Jack to enquire him about the issue.

"Sir there's a termination of contract by DC enterprises. They have declined all the meetings demanded by our director. Shall I arrange a meeting for you with them?"

"What is the reason for stirring up this trouble for me?" he asked and sat on the loveseat near the railing.

" We highly doubt it's because of Mr Igor Romano" he replied hesitantly.

"Don't do anything till I confirm it." he said and ended the call.

He dialled Enzo's number and waited for him to pick up the call.

"Sir"

"Igor met someone from DC?" he asked getting straight to the point.

"He has. The son of the CEO has been very much involved with him lately."

" And when did you think it would be wise to inform me?"

" My apologies sir, it is included in this week's report"

" Hmm it better not be repeated"

" Ofcourse"

He called back Jack to give him the instructions,

" Do it. Close down all the warehouses in our country that had their stocks and make it known that whoever stays in their alliance, will be on our blacklist. No meetings with them either. Let them beg and suffer"

" But sir- a-alright"

He stood up and left to make them some breakfast.

He had planned to do many things today but the weather has decided to stay gloomy and now he only has limited options.

He made her choco chip pancakes with scoops of vanilla and chocolate ice-cream and went up to call her.

For a minute he stood there at the doorstep and admired her from afar. She looked ethereal. Her face reflects an abundance of innocence and she looks no less than a baby who is unaware of all the evils that roam around the surface of the earth.

He moved towards the bed, picked her up and carried her all the way to the kitchen. She was still very much wrapped in her blanket and now sat on his lap on the kitchen stool.

He squished her cheeks then her lips that turned into a full pout. He snapped her pictures and adjusted her hair out of her face to get a clearer view of his little piece of chocolate.

"Mmm the Chocolate pancakes are amazing" he said deliberately in her ears.

Her eyes started to flutter open and she tried to look around her in confusion

"Choco- pancakes?" she asked in between her yawns.

"Yes but unfortunately there's none left for you. Luka ate the rest." he said, absolutely enjoying her squinted eyes trying to assess her surroundings.

"Luka is bad" she replied and looked at the counter only to get excited at the sight of the sweet breakfast.

She wiggled out from his grip and ran to the opposite side of the island.

As soon as she picked up the fork, he reminded her to brush her teeth and she ran again to the bathroom downstairs and then finally was able to gobble up the food all the while staying in the warmth of the cozy blanket.

___

"What should we do now?" she asked plopping down next to him on the sofa after taking a warm bath.

"Whatever you want" he muttered.

"Ummmm ..... I don't-..... Mm mmm Riding? Do you have bycycles?" she asked squishing his cheeks.

" I do but there's only one"

" It'll do. We can take turns or you can just walk" she said and adjusted his pyjama on her waist that kept sliding down.

He led her to the garage where stood a mountain bike. It's looks alone intimidated her and now she wasn't too sure about this idea.

"Psstt psstt" she said gaining his attention.

"You think I would fit on it?"

He looked at her up and down and then nodded thoughtfully.

"With a little effort, Yes"

He grabbed her by the waist and sat her down on the vehicle while she held onto his arms as if her life depended on it.

"A little warning would be great, sir" she said and slowly started to pedal outside the garage. When she was almost at the gate he let her go and she was riding it all on her own.

"Woohhoooooo Come on Xavier Romano DeVinci. Catch me if you can" she said, increasing her speed and disappeared into the woods.

Thank God it was just a slightly rough terrain.

He grabbed a water bottle and followed her into the woods maintaining a little distance between them.

She hummed various songs and enjoyed the cool breeze grazing her soft skin and the overall weather.

Nature is indeed the best healer.

The green humongous trees, chirping of the bird, smell of the wilderness and the fresh air. It was truly refreshing.

She hopped off the bycycle and waited for Xavier to catch up to her.

"Why'd you stop?" he asked passing her the water bottle.

She thankfully gulped down a few sips and answered his question.

"Because I wanted to talk to you while walking around this beautiful place"

He nodded and took a hold of the bycycle from her and started walking.

"This place is amazing" she started with a smile.

"It is" he said, nodding.

"Were not you scared to live here alone?"

"No, the area doesn't have wild animals around. Atleast not the harmful ones."

"Oh..... but.... what about" she paused and looked around before continuing "Ghosts?"

"There are no" he repeated her actions and whispered "Ghosts here"

She scrunched her nose in a cute way and looked down while kicking small pebbles on the ground.

"Don't worry I would've surely befriended them had they been here in all these years." he said teasing her further.

"Yes you would've gotten along really well I bet"

she pursed her lips.

" The stars look amazing from here" he said after a moment's silence.

"Really?" she asked getting excited.

" Yeah"

" Too bad it's cloudy" she said slumping her shoulders.

" I'll bring you again when it's clear" he said and pecked her head.

It started to drizzle and they hurried their steps back to the villa.

___

"Let me help pleaseeee" she pleaded stretching the 'Please'

"Alright you make the sauce"

She happily nodded and started preparing the ingredients while he worked on the meatballs.

"Aaa" she said bringing the spoon closer to his mouth.

He wrapped his lips around the spoon and licked it clean.

"Mmmm that's super baby" he placed a kiss on her knuckles.

Heat rushed to her cheeks and she quickly turned around to busy herself with the boiling spaghetti.

When the food was almost done and she was setting out the plates, he came and stood right behind her, caging her in his arms.

"You cooking like this in my clothes and in my kitchen, is the hottest thing" he whispered near her ear as he rested his chin on her shoulder.

Her breathing quickened at their proximity and she blushed profusely.

"I-uh thanks?" she put away the utensils in her hand and turned around in his embrace, looking down.

"Hmm" his arms snaked around her waist and he picked her up without any warning and she squealed holding onto his shoulders.

He gently sat her down on the kitchen counter and stood between her legs.

He closed up the distance between them and kissed her gently. The soft and steady movements of his lips sent a shiver down her spine and she gripped his shoulders tightly. Her clumsy movements inorder to catch up to his plump lips made him smile between the kiss.

After two blissful minutes she tapped on his neck to let him know that she couldn't breathe.

But he wasn't done yet.

He started nibbling on her jaw and worked his way down to her neck and collar bones.

She squeezed her legs that were wrapped around his torso not knowing what to do about the heat she was feeling all over her body.

He grunted and pulled back from her neck, his chest moved rhythmically along with his heavy pants and his eyes drowning in a pool of lust. He clenched his jaws and rested his forehead on hers, taking deep breaths.

For a minute none of them spoke and just relished the feeling of togetherness.

He slowly caressed the side of her thighs to help her calm down as well.

"You make me go wild baby" he whispered dragging his index finger softly along her right cheek.

She couldn't meet his eyes and so kept fidgeting with the straps of his hoodie that hung loosely.

He smiled at her shyness that seem to consume her after each of their intimate moments and held her hands in his huge ones and placed kisses on both her little fists.

"Let's eat now" he said and carried her to the stool and served them food.

She quietly ate and stole glances at him every two minutes. He could feel her watching him but he didn't point it out to not add to her misery.

After they were done he brought the leftover cake from the previous night and put it infront of her eyes. Her gleaming eyes immediately looked up at him and gave him the best toothy smile before digging into it.

"Aren't you going to have some?" she asked after a bite.

" I already had my dessert" he said wiping his bottom lip with his thumb.

Her cheeks flushed and she scooped a big bite before bringing the spoon to his mouth. He chuckled and ate it.

She smiled and continued to feed him in between.

___

They were now on their way back to the city. The weather was still gloomy but before it gets worse, Xavier decided to drop her home safe.

They stopped by the Walmart to buy snacks and groceries for Xavier.

And he being the sweetest boyfriend, bought packets of chocolates and tubs of icecream for his little girlfriend, who refused to buy anything else.

When they reached her home, her family were standing outside, seemingly seeing someone off.

"Fuck"

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