"Next time I want to take you to dinner."

I almost choked on my ice cream immediately Ethan said those words.

Since the day he took me out for coffee we've been meeting quite a lot.

It wasn't bad actually and he helped me take my mind off Dante even though it was just for a while.

At least I didn't think about him too much when I'm with Ethan.

"Dinner?"

"Yes dinner. Did the thought make you uncomfortable? You almost choked on your ice cream."

He chuckled lightly.

No boy. I didn't almost choke on my ice cream. I did choke.

"No it's fine actually. Dinner sounds good."

"So it's a date?"

Ah.

"Uhm I think we should just have dinner you know without putting a label on it."

I faked a laugh but I saw the hurt in his eyes.

The whole going out with Ethan for coffee, ice cream, games has been good so far but dinner? Date? That's too much.

I don't want to lead him on especially when I know I don't have any feelings for him. Dante may be MIA but he's still got my heart.

"It's okay."

He smiled but the smile didn't reach his eyes. I felt bad.

"What's your plan for Christmas? It's just a few days away."

"Uhm I'll probably just hang out with Kay and maybe visit Mr. Tim."

"Okay."

We finished our ice cream and he dropped me at Kay's place. I still haven't gotten my own place. I really hoped Kay didn't think I was a nuisance in her own personal space.

I waved Ethan bye and watched as he drove away. I was about to go in when I heard the voice of the one person that was capable of making my heart beat crazily like it was on hot pursuit.

Dante.

"How have you been?"

Really? How have I been?

"I think you should go figure that out yourself."

I told him before turning to go in but he held me back. My back pressed to his front with his arms wrapped around me.

I almost thought my heart would drop at the rate it was beating so fast.

"I missed you. So much it hurts. I don't think I can stay away from you any longer Ria. It will actually kill me."

I felt tears prickle my eyes the moment I heard him say those words. Those were the words I wanted to hear from him for so long. But he was gone for like a month and here he was telling me the things I wanted to hear. The things I wanted badly for him to say to me.

But why is my heart breaking?

Why does it still hurt?

"Say something Ria. Anything."

"What do you want me to say huh? You've been gone for so long and let me remind you Mr. Man."

I swatted his hold off me and turned to face him. He saw the tears in my eyes and I saw how he flinched. The hurt was evident in his eyes but I wouldn't stop. Not until I said my piece.

"Aren't you getting married? Did your crazy ex fiancée dump your stupid ass again?"

"You hurt me Dante. You hurt me really bad."

He swallowed the lump in his throat as if choosing his next words wisely and he better do that because I was trying so hard not to punch his extremely handsome face.

"I-I didn't mean to say those things to you Ria."

"Oh I know thanks to your lovely father."

The look in his eyes told me he knew what I meant.

"I heard you met him."

Met? Really?

"You mean you heard he kidnapped me?"

I scoffed. My temper was really about to take total control.

"I'm sorry about that. I'm sorry about everything Ria. Please."

I looked down for a minute when my mind drifted to all the troubles I went through. Losing my home, my job, him, everything was just so overwhelming I felt my heart would just break into pieces.

It's all just too much.

"Ssh! don't cry Ria. I'm deeply sorry. I really am."

He hugged me tightly to his body and I started sobbing even harder.

"I'm sorry for all the troubles you had to go through because of me but not anymore. I'll protect you Ria no matter what. I'm never letting you go again. I promise you."

My heart warmed as I listened to his words. I missed him so much without even realising it.

"You better keep your promise this time or I'll break your leg. I'm not kidding."

He laughed and I did too. I missed him so much. His beautiful grey eyes, his dimples, his scent, everything about him.

"I know."

We were sitting together in Kay's living room. Kay was away on a trip with Shawn. It was so obvious that they loved each other but they didn't even realise that.

It's a great feeling to know your amazing best friend is in capable hands. And that's Shawn. He cares deeply for Kayla and it makes me so happy.

"I heard about your apartment. Your jobs too."

Dante said as he played with my hair. He laid down on the couch and my body was on his with my head resting on his broad chest.

It feels so comfortable that I want to get used to this so badly.

"Do you think your dad is behind all these?"

"No. I asked him and I don't think he did it. But someone pulled a few strings, that I'm sure of."

I raised my head from his chest and looked into his eyes.

"But who would do something like that?"

"I'm still trying to figure that out so don't worry too much okay?"

He placed my hair behind my hair before smiling adoringly.

He looks so cute.

"Okay."

All of a sudden he wrapped his arms around me, pulling me up to a eye level.

The action caught me off guard and I knew I was blushing by now.

"I missed you so damn much Ria. But I missed this more."

"What?" my voice came out in a whisper.

His fingers caressed my cheeks and he wouldn't stop staring at me.

I felt butterflies in the pit of my stomach and I didn't want the moment to end.

Hell even if it was a dream I didn't wanna wake up.

We just looked at each other, hearts racing and beating as one. I felt beautiful, loved and cherished. It was a good feeling.

"This."

He closed the gap between us swiftly and locked his lips with mine.

I sighed in contention and relief. I was waiting the whole time for this. The time I would feel his lips on mine again.

He kissed me passionately and I kissed him back with the same pace. He bit down on my lips seeking for entrance and he slid his tongue in immediately he had the chance.

I moaned in satisfaction when he tightened his arms around me and deepened the kiss.

His tongue explored my mouth. Kissing, licking, biting my lips and I enjoyed it all. I enjoyed this moment with him.

Suddenly he flipped us over and I gasped when I felt his body weight on mine.

His lips left mine only to start placing kissing down my jaw then he stopped at my neck.

I moaned.

He bit down on my neck and I knew that it would leave mark. He did it intentionally. He wanted to leave his mark on me.

I like it.

My hands flew to his hair that I missed so much. I locked my legs around him and brought his lips back to mine.

We were kissing like our lives depended on it. My moans filled the room.

"If we don't stop now I can't guarantee my next actions."

I sighed before pushing him off me gently.

"You should get a new apartment."

"And I will. But I need to get a job first and then save up."

"I can always get you a place you know?"

He said before placing his head on my laps. My hands instinctively went to his hair.

"I know but I want to do that myself. I appreciate your intention though." I smiled, playing with his hair.

He closed his eyes when I started started massaging his temple. I laughed each time he pouted like a baby when I stopped.

"Move in with me."

My body stiffened and his eyes opened when he saw that I didn't move or speak.

He sat up and looked into my eyes, palming my face and caressing it with his fingers.

"Move in with me Ria."

"Okay."

"But when?"

"Now." he answered, flashing me his megawatt smile that made me feel like kissing his dimples.

"Okay."

"Okay that's settled then. Let's start packing."

Just when I thought Christmas was shitty.

I have a feeling that this is going to be a different Christmas.

--------------------------------------------------------

(CICI'S POV)

I got out of my Benz and made my way to the door. I pressed the doorbell and waited.

The game is on tonight.

The door opened and my target scrunched his eyebrow in confusion.

"How can I help you?"

Oh in many ways..

"Hello Ethan."

He raised a brow and looked at me like I was some alien from space. I rolled my eyes and plastered on a sweet smile.

"Can I come in?"

He still had the same look of confusion on his handsome face so I smiled and walked past him.

He shut the door and followed me to his living area. More like he was watching me.

I made myself comfortable on the sofa and waited until he took the seat opposite mine.

I must admit that he did have a good taste. But of course bad taste in women.

"I'm Ceilia Ferrari but please call me Cici."

"Cici how can I help you?"

I looked at him, studying his features and honestly he didn't look bad.

He's actually good the looks but of course not so good taste in women.

"I know you are Ria's ex and you want to win her back."

He looked taken aback for a minute but managed to compose himself.

"So?"

"And I'm Dante's fiancee."

"Who the fuck is Dante and who the hell are you? I don't understand."

"Dante and Ria have been playing around for a while even when we are supposed to be getting married. A little birdie informed me that they actually moved in together as we speak."

The anger on his face wasn't hidden and it made me smile.

Go on. Feed on the anger all you want because you are gonna need it.

"So what do you want?"

"It's simple. We work together, you end up with Ria and I with Dante."

He seemed to like the idea because he was smiling without even knowing it. When he realised I was looking at him the smile faded. I smirked.

Things are going the way I want and I'm loving it.

"So how am I playing in all these?"

I smirked and rose to my feet, making my way to him. He looked at me with that same confused look he seemed to do a lot.

"Don't worry I'll come up with a plan but not until I seek some inspiration."

"Inspiration?" he raised a brow.

I pushed his back against the sofa and straddled him. He was shocked but hell he hasn't seen shit.

Can't let this piece of art go to waste.

Not on my watch..

I kissed him hungrily and he didn't even put up a fight. I wondered the last time he got laid and by the look of things I knew he wasn't doing shit with Ria.

She is so into Dante and I hate it!

He started working on the belt of my coat and I undid the zipper of his trouser.

By now he was only in his briefs and I was standing in front of him naked with my high heels on.

His eyes were roaming my body hungrily and I knew he liked what he was seeing.

"Where is the bedroom?"

I asked seductively.

His mouth was wide open and if he wasn't careful he was gonna have some flies for dinner instead of fries.

He pointed to the bedroom and I smiled before strutting away.

I made myself comfortable on his bed and when I saw him walk in, he no longer had his briefs on.

Damn! He puts Jeff to shame.

I spread my legs wide open seductively and that was all the invitation he needed because next thing I knew he was thrusting in me very hard and fast.

The game is on!