Arya's POV -

Rome led us outside, holding the door open for me, making me blush for the thousandth time today.

We stood near the tables that were covered so they weren't soaking, and I pulled out my phone to call mama.

I hadn't realized how late it was becoming, it was already almost 4!

I tapped her name and put my phone to my ear, listening to the ringing as Rome watched me in silence.

After a few minutes of no response, I frowned and turned off my phone.

"Something wrong?" He asked.

"N-No, I just...I needed a ride home but my mama isn't picking up. So I guess I'll need to walk." I said making him shake his head.

"No need, I can drive you."

My eyes widened, "What no, you don't need to do that! I can walk! Besides it isn't too far and the rain has calmed down-"

"I said I'll drive you Arya, end of discussion." Rome said with a pointed look in his eye. Those eyes made me crumble and obey.

"Okay, thank you!" I replied to which he nodded.

"Come on, my car is just over here," We began walking and I stared in awe at the pretty black Ferrari.

"This is your car?!" I yelled as I examined it. It was so amazing and luxurious!

He chuckled and replied, "Yes, I have a few like this, but this is my favorite."

"A few?! How can you even afford one!" I said but then my heart stopped. Bad Arya! You don't know what he does for a living! You can't assume he's doing bad financially.

"I-I mean, I didn't mean it like that, I just-"

"Arya." He said, cutting me off.

He smiled, making a dimple show as I stared in absolute awe.

"It's okay, you've done nothing wrong. Now let's go so I can drive you home." He opened the door for me and helped me in before going to the drivers side.

The seats were made of leather and it smelled like it was brand new.

"How long have you had this car?"

"A few years."

"It smells brand new!"

"I don't normally have much in here, that's probably why."

I hummed in reply and looked around the car, admiring the pretty features. The Ferrari rumbled to life as Rome started it.

"Seatbelt." He stated to which I complied.

"Where do you live?"

I gave him my address and we were off, the radio was playing quietly in the background and the rain started to pour again. I'm very grateful Rome offered me a ride or I'd have to be walking right now.

"Thank you again, for driving me. I'm sure you have better things to do."

"It's no worries darling."

Darling...that one word made my heart beat quicker.

"You have a lot of tattoos!" I blurted to which he chuckled.

"I do."

"Did they hurt to get them?"

"Not really, it was more like a small pinch."

"Ew pinches, I don't like needles. I don't think I could ever get a tattoo. But you have so many. Which one hurt the most?"

"Hmm, I would say the ones on my neck most likely, but it wasn't really painful."

"It looks like it hurt, how long did it take for you to get them done?"

"I'm not really sure, I got them done a long long time ago. But it took multiple days."

"Wow..." I said in awe and he smirked at me before facing the road again.

"The rain is getting really bad." I mumbled.

"And you wanted to walk in it. I wasn't going to let you do that sweetheart."

My cheeks heated up at the new endearment. Why were words like that making my heart beat a million times per minute? Why did I like it so much? Why did he seem so interested in me all of a sudden?

"Why are you doing this?" I blurted out and then covered my mouth with my hands. I didn't mean to say it like that?

He turned to me with a confused face for a split second before looking at the road again.

"Doing what?"

"B-Being so nice to me. I mean didn't you want to talk to that man that went into the bathroom? You could have stayed back but you decided to drive me home..." I mumbled, playing with my fingers.

"Perché per qualche motivo mi togli il respiro." He said, more like to himself.

(Because for some reason you take my breath away.)

"Huh? I-I don't know Italian, you know that!" I said, pouting.

He chuckled. "Così fottutamente carino."

(So fucking cute.)

He cleared his throat before answering, flexing his ringed hands on the steering wheel as I watched in awe.

"I have someone who will go and see that man back at the café, don't worry." He said, but he ignored the second part of my question. Why he was doing this. He didn't seem like he wanted to answer, so I decided to leave it. For now...

The rest of the drive was met with silence, and I softly bobbed my head to the music on the radio.

We made it to my house after about 10 minutes, and I went to unbuckle my seatbelt.

"Thank you so much Rome, for paying for me and the drive. You really didn't have to."

He smiled before answering, "It's really no big deal, no need to thank me."

"I know, but thank you anyways." I replied softly, turning to open the door before his voice stopped me.

"When will you be at the café next?"

I turned back to him and plopped back in the seat. I tapped my chin.

"Maybe Friday? I don't know, I normally don't go on the same days except Monday's."

He seemed to be thinking to himself before nodding.

"Stay safe, yes?" He said to which I automatically agreed.

Throwing my backpack over my shoulder, I thanked the man once more before getting out of the car. My eyes widened at how badly it was pouring.

A big bolt of lightning flashed across the sky as I screamed and then laughed.

I watched as Rome's eyes widened slightly.

"Get inside your house Arya!" He yelled to me.

The winds were picking up, and as I looked up at the sky again he yelled, "Now Arya! I won't ask again!"

Thunder boomed and I squealed before turning and running to the doorstep.

"Don't fall!" I heard his voice behind me and I smiled to myself at his worrying.

I reached the door and quickly got my key out of my back, unlocking it.

I turned to see Rome's black Ferrari still sat in the same spot, he was most likely waiting for me to go inside.

Giving one last big wave and smile, I opened the door and got out of the crazy storm. I turned to the mirror and stared in horror. My hair was a mess! It was like Simba's mane!

"Arya? Is that you?" I heard my mama call from the kitchen.

"Yes mama! It's me!" I yelled, closing and locking the door before shivering slightly from the cold.

I padded my way to the kitchen to see mama cleaning. She turned to me before her eyes widened.

"Were you playing in the rain or something? You look like a mess." I felt a slight pinch in my heart but I ignored it.

"N-No, it was from just walking to the door."

Her eyes narrowed, "How did you get home if you didn't walk?"

I came up with a quick lie, "Izzy drove me home."

She seemed like she believed me as she stared at me for a few more moments. "I see, that's fine. As long as It's not a boy, they will ruin you."

Mama had something against all men, besides Papa for some reason. She always told me they'd destroy and use me. But, I didn't know what to believe.

"I-I need to go shower and change."

"Okay, make sure you get any homework done, all your grades matter."

I sighed, "Yes mama, I know." I whispered before turning to head for the stairs.

"Oh! What time will papa be home?" I asked

"Around 10pm most likely."

I nodded and made my way up the stairs, automatically heading for my closet to find a new change of clothes.

I desperately wanted to shower and clean my hair. My hair was the biggest problem right now.

As I started the shower and got out of my clothes and under the steaming water, my mind drifted back to a pair of emerald eyes.

Captivating eyes that could corner you with a single glance. There was something so alluring about him and I've only met him today! I couldn't get ahead of myself. What if mama was right about boys?

Was he using me? Did he want something? A million questions invaded my mind, yet I still wanted to see him again. He looked like he was full of so many secrets.

I smiled to myself as I washed my hair and got cleaned up. Stopping the shower and wrapping a towel around myself, I quickly dried off and got changed into some comfy clothes.

Even as I got started on my homework, images of Rome came back in my head.

Even as I ate dinner with mama, I couldn't stop picturing forest eyes.

And even as I slept, a beautiful tattooed man invaded my dreams.