✰ ✰

"𝐄𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐲"

Roman was the first to go, and I waited sixty seconds before following him.

The room was still brightly lit. When I returned to the main room, my parents had told me that we would be leaving in about an hour.

I groaned internally at that. If I didn't get to spend any more time with Roman, I was preferably ready to leave. The only time I seemed to enjoy myself was when I was with him.

My feelings for him grew stronger. And the long denial for the feelings I was developing for him had finally worn off.

Yes, I was scared. I was scared he'd hurt me, leave me, or worse, simply not want me. I was scared he wouldn't feel the same way I did, that he wouldn't match my feelings for him.

But I suppose I'd have to take that risk.

Risk the heartbreak I'd feel if he didn't want me or because he didn't feel the same way. I wasn't prepared for it, but at least I would know what was coming.

And I was willing to risk all the heartbreak and suffering, for him.

✰

That last hour went by painfully, slow. Somehow the constant eye contact I had with Roman managed to keep it somewhat interesting.

It wasn't anything significant; our eyes only met a few times, which only added to the butterflies I got whenever I'm around him.

My body physically breathed a sigh of relief at the anticipation of leaving. Before we could, my family and I had to say our goodbyes to Lucien and his son.

Dad shook Lucien's hand and said something about getting together for dinner in a few weeks.

I gave them both a sceptical look, but Dad simply gave me the 'look', if you want to call it that, that said he'd let me know later.

Nicolo and I were second to say our goodbyes after my parents. I shook Lucien's hand and noticed Roman approaching him from behind, his abnormally large form hovering over him.

For a brief moment, our gazes locked before he snapped them away to face my father in front of him.

They exchanged firm handshakes, followed by Nico, and then it was only myself left.

I glanced at my parent's and brother leaving, and instead of shaking his hand I reached my arms over his neck and pulled him into a light hug.

He delicately placed his hands on the sides of my waist, his head sneaking to my ear as his lips lightly brushed against my skin.

"I want to see you tomorrow," He said quietly while his hands browsed my waist.

"I'll text you later." With those last words, he backed away.

His gaze lingering on me before lightly patting my hip, a gesture that would typically shake me out of the stupor he put me.

I cleared my throat and moved away from him; he stepped to the side, shifting his gaze to someone else who had gone to say goodbye.

My bewildered mind and body turned away from the one and only person who had left me feeling these persistent sensations.

✰

My weary, fatigued body rested sluggishly on my beloved bed. Outside, the weather had taken an unusually significant change. From the sun's rays to a full-fledged storm.

It was a Sunday afternoon, and I was working on an essay for business class. When I say 'working' I'm referring to staring at a blank document with only my name written on it.

My fingers rubbed at my temples for the seventh time in the last hour, thoroughly drained by the pressure of turning in this essay on time and the words on my prior notes failing to provide me with any form of assistance for this essay.

Grumbling to myself, I stood up from my bed and strolled out of my room with the laptop tucked under my arm.

My feet wandered on their own towards my last resource, pulling open the office door my current hope dropped at my feet when I saw that the room was empty.

I retrieved my phone from my back pocket and dialled the number and shut the door behind me.

Plopping down on the couches armrest, I swing my hanging feet from below me.

I sighed and glanced at my feet.

"Hi, dad."

He asked coldly, I could hear brief shuffling in the background, though it was quiet.

"Where are you?" I asked him, silently hoping he was close.

I swore under my breath and bit my lip anxiously, I guess I'm screwed.

"Oh okay, when are you coming home? I need some help with my essay,"

I already knew the answer; he'd come home later tonight - but I was, unfortunately, unavailable tonight.

"It's fine, I'll ask Nico," I said defeatedly.

After saying my goodbyes, I hung up and groaned and slid back into the couch behind me.

When it came to school, Nico was a real pain in the neck. He'd make a fuss even if I copied his essay and rewrote it in my own words. As a result, he wasn't a viable option. Ever.

I was staring at the ceiling aimlessly, trying to figure out how I was supposed to do this.

I then stood up and walked over to the kitchen, where I started the coffee machine and leant against the counter while waiting for the cup to fill.

My thoughts drifted to the upcoming events tonight. Roman had sent me a message the night prior.

Oddly enough, I hadn't saved his phone number yet - though I remembered to at that moment.

My nerves were tingling with curiosity and excitement; I had no idea where we were going, but I was excited nevertheless.

I cup my hands around the mug and take a sip of the bitter bliss.

I had a distinct feeling I wasn't going to get any of my work done, but I had a better idea or a better person per se, to help me out with this essay.

✰

My fingers slipped the black straps over my shoulder and I huffed as I took my shoes into my empty hands, slipping my charged laptop into the handbag.

Earlier today, I had texted Nicolo, telling him I'd be in the art studio tonight in case he came looking for me.

I slipped into said room, locked the door behind me, and flung open the curtains.

My eyes pierced into the darkness - scanning over the lit street to see if anyone were visible or not.

The familiar black vehicle, parked across the street came into focus. And I smiled as I noticed the figure leaning against it.

His eyes flew down towards his phone while he donned shades on his head.

My phone beeped just as I was about to look away. Looking down at the device, I had received a message from Roman.

I stowed the phone in my pocket and cautiously climbed through the low window. After safely dropping to the ground, I closed the window and spun around.

Roman looked up at me and leant off the car while I stood in front of him.

Grinning, I threw my arms around his waist erupting a low chuckle to escape his lips.

His own arms came around me, pulling my body into him tightly.

"Hi," I muttered against his warm chest, feeling the familiar security and comfort of his tantalizing embrace.

I felt his lips press against the top of my hair, which gave me its usual tingles.

We stepped back, and I looked up at him, sheepishly. He responded by shaking his head and opening the passenger door for me. I climbed into the seat as he closed the door and nestled into his side with ease.

He pushed the ignition button while I adjusted the bag in my lap, and the car roared to life.

My eyes scanned the street as his foot pressed into the accelerator and he raced deeper down the road.

"What's in the bag?" He questioned, glancing towards it and then returning his gaze to the road.

"Well, um," I check inside the bag and then turn to him with silent hope.

"The business essay we had to finish, I was... struggling and no one would help me so I hoped you would..." I finish the last line in a quieter tone, which surprised me.

I maintained my sight on the side of his face, observing his reaction. His dark eyes remained fixed on the road, while his reddened lips tilted to the side.

"And what made you think I'd help?" He argued, his tone had been light and daunting.

"Well, I—

I cut myself off for no obvious cause. I just assumed he was super smart, well I didn't assume it; I knew he was.

I may or may not have looked at his previous work in class - and let me tell you, this man is a lot of things, but good lord, he is clever as fuck.

"I'm kidding, Ella," He deadpanned, I blushed slightly, remembering the last time he had called me Ella.

"I'll help," He clarified and I nodded in return, relief washing over me.

"Thanks, I was sort of panicking," I admitted, he shook his head amused as he rounded a corner.

With the effortless motion he made with his arm, the tightness of his biceps flexed.

I averted my sight and returned to staring out the window, my thoughts flowing in time with the passing vehicles.