I gasped in surprise when I felt a pair of strong arms wrap around my waist. I'm currently sitting on a bench at the garden, watching all the birds in the aviary.

"You smell so good, mi hermosa." He then buried his face on the crook of my neck, sniffing my scent. I bit my lower lip, doing everything I could to stifle my moans. Even though he's just embracing me and smelling my scent like that, it brought me an indescribable feeling.

Before I get totally drowned with his seductions, I gathered myself together.

"Maximus! Someone might see us!" I rebuked and was about to unwrap his arms from hugging me but he tightened them instead, didn't want to let go. He's really persistent and stubborn.

"I don't like this set-up of us. It feels like we're doing something wrong. We're not hurting other people with our relationship. We're both single and we share the same feelings for each other. I don't see the reason for us to hide our relationship like this." He complained and then planted a kiss on my neck.

It has been a week since I finally gave in and accepted my feelings towards Maximus. I couldn't believe it at first but I couldn't control myself anymore. Because of that, I finally became honest with myself and accepted him as my boyfriend.

This past one week, everything between us changed. He's been very affectionate and sensitive towards my needs. Each day with him felt like heaven and the happiness that I was feeling was overwhelming. I couldn't ask for more.

There was one problem though. I had to ask him not to tell anyone about our relationship yet because of the law in the Royal family. A law that I've loathed the most since I was old enough to understand everything.

"You know the reason why we have to hide it." I answered. He sighed and then let go of me before sitting next to me.

"I know. It's just that, I feel like I'm your dirty little secret." I noticed an unexplainable emotion that passed through his eyes upon saying that. He looked livid before his face softened again.

I released a breath then took his hand and intertwined our fingers together.

"Isn't our relationship enough for now? The important thing is we're together, right? We shouldn't think about things that could destroy what we have right now. Can we do that for now?" He stared at me for a couple of seconds.

"Please?"

He sighed in defeat. "How can I say no to that when you're looking at me like that?" I chuckled.

"Good. So, are we okay now?"

"Hmmm. It depends." I raised at eyebrow at him.

"And why's that?"

"Give me a kiss first." He asked teasingly. My eyes widened and then looked around us.

"Are you crazy?! We're outside! Someone might see us!"

"Everyone is busy at this time of day. C'mon, mi hermosa. Just one kiss." He even puckered his lips. I rolled my eyes.

"You're really naughty!" He laughed heartily. I looked around us once again and when I made sure that we're alone, I planted a kiss on his lips.

"That's it?" He sounded a little bit disappointed.

"Yes! That was a kiss, right?" I answered with an eyebrow cocked up. He scratched the back of his head.

"I couldn't even feel it." He complained even more. I huffed and was about to kiss him once again when we heard a series of footsteps coming to our direction. I instinctively pushed him away which made him grunt.

"Sorry." I whispered guiltily. He was about to speak but we heard a voice.

"Bella mia..." It was Lucca. He has a suitcase with him. It looked like he came straight here from the airport.

"Lucca!" I happily said and he quickly marched his way towards me for a hug. He even knelt on his knee because I was sitting on the bench.

"How have you been? I haven't seen you for almost two weeks and I already missed you so much." He said.

"I missed you too." I answered, forgetting that Maximus was just sitting next to me. Lucca was about to say something again when Maximus finally spoke.

"Hey, man. Get away from her. Now." He commanded with a hint of rage in his voice. Lucca let go of me and looked at Maximus with knitted eyebrows.

"Why would I do that? What's it to you?" Maximus' jaw flexed in anger. Before I could react, he already squeezed Lucca's wrist tightly. It was getting tighter with each passing second while twisting it which made the latter scream.

"Maximus! What do you think you're doing?! Let go of him!" I yelled in anger, worry and panic. Thankfully, he let go of him when he noticed the anger on my face.

"Damn! What's the matter with you?!" Lucca asked while rubbing his reddened wrist. Luckily, Maximus got a hold of himself and didn't break his arm.

"Are you out of your mind?! Why did you do that?!" I yelled in anger. Maximus remained silent as he raked his fingers through his hair in frustration. He stood up with an emotionless face.

"I'm sorry, mi hermosa." He voiced out in an almost inaudible voice before walking away. I wanted to follow him but I couldn't.

"Damn. That guy is not playing around. I really thought that he was going to break my arm." Lucca said while following Maximus with his gaze.

I released a breath.

"I'm sorry of what he did to you. Are you okay? Do you want me to ask someone to take you to the hospital?" I asked worriedly.

He smiled. "Don't worry about me. I'm fine. It hurts alright but it's not that bad. Thankfully, he didn't put all his strength. If not, my arm ended up broken for sure." He sounded relieved. "Damn. That guy is dangerous when he's jealous."

"W-What are you talking about?" I feigned ignorance. He rolled his eyes.

"Don't give me that. He would never have the guts to act like that if you two aren't together." I could feel my cheeks blushing, couldn't find any words to say.

"Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me." He assured me and I almost sighed in relief. "Anyway, I'll introduce you to someone. Wait for me here." He stood up and walked towards the direction of the gate. After about a minute or two, he came back with someone.

My forehead crinkled.

"This is Greco Riccio, Bella mia. Greco, this is Athena Emilia Romano, my best friend and one of the Princesses of Costavia." Lucca introduced us. Greco smiled at me. He then placed his palm on his chest and then bowed his head towards me.

"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Your Royal Highness." I nodded my head formally.

"The feeling is mutual, Mr. Riccio." I answered while looking at him. He was smiling at me friendlily but for some reason, I felt uncomfortable under his gaze. Somehow, he looked familiar. I felt like I've seen him before but no matter how hard I tried to recall it; I couldn't remember any incident that me met.

"What do you think of him, Ath? Isn't he handsome?" Lucca whispered to me and I almost elbowed him in irritation.

"Shut up." I whispered back which made him chuckle.

"Anyway, I met Greco in Nuevo Imperio. We clicked right away and became special to one another." Lucca said with a proud smile on his face while gazing at Greco lovingly.

Happiness rose in my heart for my best friend. At last, he finally found someone. Yes, Lucca is gay. His father couldn't accept his sexual orientation when he discovered about it that's why Lucca has been depressed about it for so long.

According to him, he tried to forget about him being gay just to please his father but now, this happened. Looked like he fell in love and determined to fight for his love no matter what.

"Really? You mean—"

"—Yes, Your Royal Highness. We're together now." Greco answered and then intertwined their fingers together. I emotionally smiled at Lucca.

"I'm so happy for you, bello mio." He smiled back at me. I could see the happiness in his eyes. He hugged me.

"Thank you, bella mia. I've never been this happy my whole life. I hope that you find the same happiness that I'm feeling right now because I want you to be happy too." After that, we talked for about 10 minutes and Lucca had nothing but good things whenever he talks about Greco.

According to him, Greco has been living alone since he was 16, after his parents met a terrible accident. I felt bad upon hearing about that because I knew how terrible it was to lose a loved one.

"Don't forget about my birthday party tomorrow, okay? I won't be able to forgive you if you wouldn't attend." Lucca reminded me.

"I already told you that I would surely to be there. When did I even break a promise?"

"Hmmm." He acted like thinking if I've already broken a promise.

"You're right. You always keep your word. Anyway, since your grandparents aren't here to accompany you, you can bring Maximus with you." He even winked at me which made my cheeks blush.

"O-Of course, he would come with me. He's my PRB, remember?" I tried to sound casual about it but I failed. Lucca laughed and then gently squeezed my cheek.

"You're so cute, bella mia. Okay, we'll be going now. See you tomorrow."

"Tomorrow then." I answered.

"See you tomorrow, Your Royal Highness." It was Greco. I nodded my head as a response. Shortly after that, they left. I then called Sita to help me go to my room.

"I can manage from here, Sita. You can go now. Thank you." I said when she was about to open the door. She looked surprised but then nodded her head without asking any question.

"You're welcome, Your Royal Highness." When I was left alone, I opened the door and I didn't even get surprise anymore when I saw Maximus inside, sitting on the edge of the bed. I could almost picture the dark cloud above his head because of the expression on his handsome face.

I silently maneuvered my wheelchair to enter inside and then closed the door. He was looking down on the floor as if he wasn't himself and didn't even bother looking at my direction.

I heaved a sigh and then approached him. He remained silent but I could tell that he has a lot of things that he wanted to say but I remained silent, waiting for him to say something first.

"Aren't you going to yell at me?" He then finally voiced out softly. My forehead wrinkled.

"Why would I do that?" He finally lifted his head and then met my gaze. He looked miserable. He took my hand and then kissed its back.

"I'm sorry, mi hermosa. I lost myself back there. I shouldn't've let my jealousy and anger get the best of me." I fought the urge to smile. He looked adorable looking at me like a kid who got caught doing something naughty. I cocked up an eyebrow instead.

"I'm glad, you know that what you did back there was wrong." He released a breath and then grunted. He looked like he was having a hard time.

"Are you mad at me?" He looked hesitant to ask that question. I didn't answer right away, intentionally making him think that I was indeed pissed off.

"C'mon, mi hermosa. You're killing me. Are you mad at me?" I could hint the fear in his voice. He even cupped my face and drew his face closer to mine while holding my gaze. I sighed.

"Why did you do that to Lucca anyway? He wasn't doing anything wrong." I reprimanded him and his jaw flexed tightly. He closed his eyes for good three seconds before opening them again.

"Do you really have to ask me that? Isn't it obvious?" He sounded frustrated as he raked his fingers through his hair again.

"I don't have time for a guessing game, Maximus." I answered even though I already knew the answer. I just wanted to hear it directly from him. He looked like he was having the hard time to accept that he was indeed jealous of Lucca.

"Because I got jealous, damn it!" I got startled a little bit of his sudden outburst.

"Y-You're really jealous?" I couldn't believe it. I already knew it but it felt different seeing and hearing it from him.

"I don't understand myself anymore. I feel like strangling that guy with all my might when I saw him being so close to you like that. This is my first time feeling this way and I am slowly losing control of myself each time I see you with him.

"Since he arrived, you were always with him and it was so hard for me watching you with him. I even had this crazy idea of kidnapping you and take you away from here before he could take you away from me." My jaw dropped because of his confession.

Maximus has always been confident but now, he looked so different. I bit my lower lip to stop myself from smiling but I couldn't. For some reason, my heart was jumping because of joy.

He groaned. "Now, you're smiling even though I'm having a hard time here." I chuckled.

"Because you're so silly. I wanted to get mad at you for doing that to Lucca but after hearing you say those things, my anger disappeared just like that." I admitted. His lips parted in surprise. Looked like he didn't expect my answer.

Then, I squealed when he suddenly scooped me up onto his arms and put me on top of the bed before getting on top of me, pinning me with his body. He propped his hands above my head and as he drew his face closer to mine.

"I want you, mi hermosa. Make these negative feelings go away." My lips parted in shock.

"W-what are you saying?" I answered with an almost inaudible voice. Somehow, my body instantly felt hot while looking at the intense desire and lust in his eyes.

"I want to make love with you right now, mi hermosa. Would you let me?" He drew his face even closer to mine until our lips were almost touching. It suddenly became hard to breath. I could smell his hot breath fanning my face.

My body went still when I noticed the look in his eyes. He was begging and scared over something. For some reason, I couldn't deny him. I slowly lifted up my right and then touched his face.

"Is this the only way for you to feel at ease and not get jealous anymore?" He swallowed hard before he slowly shook his head.

"I would only feel secure about this relationship if you tell me what you really feel about me."

"W-what are you saying?"

"You haven't told me how you really feel about me." I bit my lower lip. My heart was thumping like crazy again but it felt different now. I averted my gaze.

He chuckled humorlessly. "Looks like you're unsure of your feelings." He got off me and then sat on the edge of the bed, his back was on me. I sat up. I wanted to say something, anything but for some reason, I felt like I lost the capability to talk.

"After what happened a while ago, I realized something." He uttered, sounding so sad. "I've never felt like this before nor acted like that not because I got jealous but because I didn't even know how you really feel about me. Lucca has been with you as your best friend for many years now, but me on the other, have only known you for a year. I got scared that you might suddenly realize that he's the one you like." He drew a deep breath before continuing.

"I've known myself to be confident, tough and strong but when it comes to you, that side of me crumbles just like that. I thought, my feelings for you were caused by my strong desire for you but I was wrong. My reaction a while ago proved me wrong."

"What do you mean?" I felt my chest tighten painfully. What is he saying? Don't tell me, he doesn't actually like me? My eyes watered. "Did you suddenly realize that you actually don't like me that much?"

He chuckled bitterly. "Yes. I don't like you." I felt like my heart broke into pieces as my eyes brimmed with tears.

He faced me and then took my had. I was about to pull it back but he didn't let it go. "I don't like you because I love you, mi hermosa. My heart only screams for your name and no one else." My whole body went still. I was at a lost for words for a couple of seconds.

"Y-You love me?"

"Yes, and I don't have any plans of letting you slip through my fingers. You're mine, mi hermosa. Mine!" Before I could react, his lips already claimed mine for a passionate and sensual kiss.

Just like usual, upon feeling his soft lips conquering mine, I forgot everything just like that. The response of my body was automatic as I encircled my arms around his neck. Our lips clashed and our breaths mixed hotly.

The next thing I knew, I was already lying on my back while Maximus was on top of me, worshipping my body which made me lose my sanity.

😝😝