FLORIAN'S P.O.V
I could taste her tears on her lips, but she wasn't stopping, and sure as hell, I wasn't going to. The next forty-five minutes that it took to get to the mansion was an absolute pain, and I hated that I had to drive. I wanted to give her all of the attention she wanted, all the things she was looking for by pushing herself on me like this, touch her in all of the places she never showed anyone else so she is never tempted to feel anyone else. We finally got home, and I pulled her into me, her body fitting right in my arms, her legs wrapping around my waist. I opened the door, then turned to the wall, her back softly hitting the wall. She adjusted her legs around me, and I chuckled to myself, my fingers holding on to her. She was breathing heavily, her eyes closed, her fingers holding on to my shirt. I let my hand slowly tuck her hair back in, my eyes looking down at her. I wanted to take it slow. Understand her grief. Maybe. "Do you still want this?" She swallowed, then looked up to me, those beautiful blue eyes, big and filled with tears. She bit down on her full, red lips, and it had been absolute torture seeing her do that in the rare times I got to see her after that day and knowing exactly how perfect they tasted. How did she even think a man like Damien was good for her? A weak coward who couldn't love her at her worst? How did she think he deserved her at her best? "Yes," she whispered, her fingers slowly moving to rest on my shoulders. "Yes, I still want to do this. I am sorry, Florian." I didn't need to listen to the rest of it as I covered the distance, my hands holding her tight, kissing her as softly as I could convince my mind to go. At some point, I lost control, but I had driven her wild too, with eyes closed and heightening need for her, I led us to my room upstairs. I loved how seamlessly her clothes came off and how she never called his name, not even once. I pulled away, watching her naked in my bed, my lips parted. I slowly leaned, kissing her lips. Her fingers dug into my back as my kisses stretched to her face, then to her neck, and then slowly, lower. Her skin slightly reddened with every kiss, and when I pulled away again, I had an artwork that I had carved only with my lips, naked, and in my bed. "I want a few photos," I said, kissing her earlobe. She nodded, her eyes closed. I grabbed the camera I always kept next to my bed, like I knew I would have this masterpiece tonight. I took a few photos before I kept it back, then returned to the warmth of her skin, shaping every bit of her to accommodate me. I wasn't surprised to find that I was her first, and I sure as hell will be the last. My eyes closed as the hot water pelted down on me, flattening my hair. I chuckled to myself as I felt the sting from the places where Roxanne had dug her nails last night, the places in my neck where she had bitten. I opened my eyes to the mirror, and sure enough, I had her marks all over me. My smile darkened as I let my fingers caress her cute little teeth marks, knowing I had left more than enough on her for her deadbeat ex fiance to know a real man had graced her. I grabbed a robe and wrapped it around me, then stepped out to the room. Sure enough, Roxanne had woken up and was picking up her clothes from the floor. I was pretty sure they were ripped, but sure. "What are you doing?" She gasped and turned to me, her eyes wide as she brought the clothes to her chest. "I... I was..." "Were you planning on leaving?" She blinked rapidly, then swallowed. "I need to go home." "I will take you." "No," she said, taking a step away. "I... I don't know what came over me last night, Florian." I met her eyes, and my hands went behind me. "You regret it?" "No, but... I am sorry. This... this isn't going anywhere. It was just for last night, and I was out of it and..." "You used me?" I asked, making sure my voice carried that tinge of hurt to make it more believable. "Yes. Yes, I am sorry." I bit down on my lips, then nodded. "Still. I will take you home." She seemed to feel bad, and I turned away to go to the closet. My smile returned once I was out of sight, and my eyes thinned. So she thought she was using me. A small laugh ripped through me, and I grabbed a shirt. Oh, baby girl...ROXANNE'S P.O.V I turned slowly to Florian. My hair fell on both sides of my face, so I was hoping he wouldn't see the glances I was stealing. His eyes were focused fully on the road, his hand, adorned with two rings, rested between his thigh and mine.His other hand navigated the steering wheel, his hair falling prettily on his face. I held my breath as my eyes took him in. I remembered just how I had always seen him at least one tier above every other man around. He was that beautiful. He had the stainless charisma that turned girls his way.That's how I knew I didn't have a chance.I shook my head and turned, my knees trembling a little as if to remind me of the very thing I didn't want to be reminded of. I wasn't even completely sure how it had happened, but I knew I wouldn't forget it.I had never expected that I had been waiting so long despite all the times I had come close, only to finally be taken by Florian. Florian. That one man I never thought I would ever be good enough
"What the fuck, Florian? How could you fucking do this?""What did I do?" Florian asked, his voice deep, dark, and smooth. "Drive her insane with pleasure when you were planning to drive her insane with pain?""What?" Damien countered, his eyes wide. "What the hell are you talking about?"I swallowed hard, pulling myself away from Florian. "You were at..." I trailed off, blinking the tears away. In as much as Florian was right about his ability to make me forget everything, at least for last night, seeing Damien, those pretty eyes I had loved so much, that face I saw in my happiest dreams...It hurt. All over again. "Fucking speak up, Roxanne! What is yoir excuse for being this bastard's little slut?""Don't you dare call me names. You are the one who went around and broke the vows we didn't even get to make. You are the one who...""Shut up, Roxanne. Shut up." It was my brother this time, and I could see the nervousness in his eyes as he looked towards Damien.My eyes filled even fa
I let out a small whimper as my eyes closed, my chest heaving hard. My face buried in my palm, and I let out a shaky breath. I was trying as hard as I could to not let Florian hear me, but I knew I had gotten loud at some point, and I was grateful that he hadn't bothered to say anything to me.I sighed, closing my eyes. Today would have been my wedding. Yet here I am. I have nowhere to go.I straightened slowly, sniffing hard as I tried to best to compose myself. I turned to Florian. His eyes were cold as he drove silently, his fingers resting between us, the other navigating the steering wheel."I... I will sleep at the office till I can...""You are coming home with me."I bit down on my lips. "That is hardly home, Florian."He turned to me, his brow lifting. "Okay? You have called the Roseville mansion home for twenty-six years. Surely it wouldn't hurt your soul to call my place home for now."I turned away, my eyes brimming with tears. He was right. I had never felt at home in the
I stood in front of the mansion where Florian apparently lived. It was at least twice that of my parent's, and was situated in a quaint, quiet place in the richest part of CA. I looked around. Nature was thriving here, and the mansion itself was victorian style and extremely beautiful."Let's go," Florian said finally as he came beside me. He had handed the keys to a man who had greeted me and said man was currently taking the car away."I..." I started to say, my eyes falling to my feet. I still couldn't shake off the heavy awareness of him that I felt. And the awareness of what we had done last night. "Are you sure this is okay? I could sleep in my office before I find a way to retrieve...""Stay here, Roxanne. Don't be stubborn."I nodded slowly, then swallowed as I felt his hand rest gently on the curve of my waist. Without another word, he pulled me into the massive entrance, his body heating mine up due to how close together we were.The interior was even more magnificent, and I
"Ma'am, please come with me to the bedroom. Sir has asked us to help you settle down before lunch."I tore my gaze away from the path where Florian had taken away from me and turned to the woman. She was young, probably around my age, and dressed in a very neat maid's uniform.I forced a small smile, then nodded. "Thank you."She smiled, then gestured with her hand towards the stairs. I took the path she directed me to, while she fell into step next to me, her fingers elegantly clasped in front of her.I looked around the house, as last night was a complete haze, and I could barely even remember that wr had climbed a stair case. There were dark pieces of art around the house and one on the wall at the very top of the stairs.It was a close-up of a hand. My brows furrowed. Those rings looked like Florian's, and the longer I looked at the painting, the more I saw.I could see the rest from what could have been there, and his fingers seemed to be wrapped around a... chin?I could see the
The bath took longer than I thought, and when I finally pulled myself out of it, the water had gone cold. I wrapped a robe around me and walked. The walk-in closet was just across from the bath, and I thought it was absolutely convenient.I braced myself for yet another discovery as I opened the door. This place had been a whole adventure all through. It made me wonder what else waited. What else could be in there.I opened up the doors, and my lips fell open. Rows after rows of comfortable clothes ranging from hoodies that looked at least two sizes too big, then shorts just like I loved to wear before the whole glow up thing.Now my wardrobe was filled with silk, and I wore them even when it got too hot or felt weird against my skin.I broke into a smile as I walked inside, running my hands on the clothes. This was an absolute dream. There was, for sure, an entire closet for formal dresses and shoes, but the comfortable clothes filled the entire space.I settled on a large Hoodie and
ROXANNE'S P.O.V I sat alone at the dining, my feet rapping slowly on the floor. My eyes roamed around the entire house, my chest heaving as I took in the space. Florian did have stellar taste. He always has. His clothes always stood out from my brother's and any other friends they had. He always stood out from all of them.Maybe that is why I still don't understand why he kissed me in that closet years ago.I shook off the thought as Florian appeared, carrying a white glass bowl in his hands. He was wearing an apron now, and I wondered if he had done the cooking himself.I bit down on my lips as he set it on the table and started to turn away without looking at me. My brows furrowed a little. He had brought me down here himself after complimenting this hoodie and all, but now he seemed distant. Aloof."Florian."He stopped, then turned to me. "Yes?""Maybe I should come help out?"He raised a brow. "The maids are here for that.""So why are you cooking?""Because I want to," he said
My lips parted, but no words could come out of it. I just sat there, my eyes fixed on Florian's smile, the TV in the background acting like some sort of reminder of what I had gotten myself into.I stood up slowly, then walked past Florian and towards the TV. It showed herds of reporters, and Damien tried his best to push through them. He was still wearing the suit I had seen him in earlier, and I wondered what my parents thought right now. What they would be feeling.Would they finally take me back? Would they believe everything I had said?I turned, and Florian was behind me, his hand tucked into his pockets, his eyes cold as he looked down at me."Did... did you do this?"He looked up to the TV, then to me. "I wish I had.""Florian.""Let's face it, Rox. He slept with prostitutes and then let them take explicit photos of him like that. What exactly was he expecting? Of course, one of them would end up blackmailing him or even leaking it. This was bound to happen."I swallowed hard.
I leaned away from Florian, my hands still loosely wrapped around his waist, my eyes looking up to his. "I meant every word.""Oh, I know," he said, gently stroking my face. "I know you did."I swallowed, then turned towards the room I had just come out of, my anger fuelling even more. I hated that he would have it so damn easy. That he wouldn't see his life flash in front of him like Florian's parents did. That he wouldn't feel the gruelling pain and humiliation that Ellinel felt before she died. That he would simply lie here and get away with everything."Let me treat you tonight," Florian whispered, causing me to turn back to him."Roast?" I asked, and he broke into his breathtaking smile that I knew for a fact that he reserved for just me."Roast, baby girl."He held my hand tight, and I felt my brain shut off as he led me out of the hospital towards his own car. The car that had driven me here was parked next to it, and Florian waved it away.We got into the car, and Florian lean
I walked down the long hallways that led to my father's hospital room. It was in the VIP section, hence it was much quieter than the rest of the hospital, and the only sound I could hear was the clinking of my heels against the tiled floor.I stopped in front of VIP room 8, my eyes cold as I examined the cold door. My fingers tightened around the printed will papers I was holding and all of the information Florian had regarding my father's mistress and her twenty year old son.It made me laugh just thinking about how I thought I was second favourite. I hadn't even been in the equation. Not even Ronan was, but he deserved that. He had been in the equation long enough."Hello?"I turned, and a nurse gave me a small smile. "Hello.""Who are you?" She asked, her voice polite. "I am his daughter," I said, a small smirk appearing on my lips. Of course, I was his daughter. Only one demon can take out another."Oh, sure, then. He has not had any visitors ever since he went into another card
The house was awfully quiet, and I lay in ned all alone, my eyes fixed on the chandelier hanging from it. My mind reeled with all of the inconsistencies that I hadn't noticed all these years.How I never realized just how bad these people were. How shameless they were, fighting for money that was never even theirs.I swallowed hard and turned on my stomach, burying my face in the pillow. It haunted me just how Florian had to stand by and watch it all happen. How he had to watch himself still want me despite everything.I gave a small grunt and sat up, my heart burning with anger. It all felt like it was happening right now for me. Like I was seeing my father threatening Florian's father for money that originally belonged to the latter. It haunted my soul that they could have spent that blood money in me, for something, and it felt like I owed Florian a bigger apology.I got out of bed and slowly went down the stairs. I stopped at the very foot of the stairs, however, as the sound of s
I held unto Florian's waist even as he gently parked the bike, then leaned back and removed his helmet. I reluctantly let go of him and got off the bike, and he got off too, taking my helmet from me as he gently balanced it on the bike. He turned, holding my hand as softly as the subset lights were resting in his hair, his eyes tender. "Is this alright?" I swallowed, my eyes slowly moving to the gate. "Will they want to see me?" He gave a small chuckle. "I am sure they will." I nodded, and he gently led me towards the gate. He pushed open and slowly started to lead me into the long rows of his family that have passed on. I held my breath throughout the short trip that took us to the side by side graves where his parents lay forever, and I immediately felt my heart drop. "Hi, Mum, Dad." Florian's voice was casual, and it reflected just how close he was with his parents, and it extended to even right now. "Sorry, I haven't been able to come around recently. I am all grown up, and I
I watched the sun as it set, while Florian lay in my lap, his body spread on the bed, his bare back tinted a warm light brown by the sun, his hair sprawled all over me. I had my fingers buried in his hair and my other hand running down his back.His fever had gone down after a few pills, and it seemed to have knocked him out. I leaned, kissing the top of his back, before I leaned away, just as a familiar ding reached my ears.I turned, and his phone that was sitting on the bedside drawer to my right was lit up, most probably with a message.I swallowed hard, looking down at him. I wasn't sure if he would have let me read the message had he been awake, but morbid curiosity haunted my mind, and I found myself reaching for the phone.I stopped, however, my chest heaving. Knowing how heavily involved with my family Florian was, there was a very good chance that it would be about them. I am not sure I want to ruin this evening with them. I am not sure I want to ruin this day by discovering
"I am sorry," I said to Florian, reaching to cup his face. "I wanted to make something for you."He nodded slowly. "So why are you fighting with a maid? You can just have her escorted out."I bit down on my lips. "I am sorry. I let my jealousy take over for a minute."He didn't reply but raised his eyes to the maid that was still standing behind us. I turned to her too, my eyes wide, my chest heaving hard as I watched her."You heard me the first time. Leave.""Sir, please. I beg of you. I was simply cooking porridge for you and...""Don't let me repeat myself, Savannah. Please leave."Florian turned to me. "Be careful."I nodded, and he started to turn away from both of us. "You know I can love you better, sir," came Savannah's strained voice, her breaths so loud that it made her voice sound a little muffled. "You know I would never remind you of the things you want to forget. You know I would never be selfish. You know I would never ever huet you. You know that, sir."Florian turn
I gently ran my fingers through Florian's hair, my eyes fixed on his sleeping frame. He was wearing a robe around him, his head resting on my lap, his lips slightly parted. His body was burning up, but he preferred having me sit right here than be Iver him, trying to bring down his temperature with a cold towel.I leaned, my eyes darting across both of his closed ones. He was slightly reddish, and against his layer judgement, I gently moved his sleeping frame, then got out of bed.I walked to the restroom and grabbed a small towel and his first aid kit. I dampened the towel, squeezed the excess water off, and then walked back to the room. Luckily for me, he wasn't awake, and I sat next to him, keeping the towel and the first aid box away.I gently loosened the knot of his robe, then pulled it down to his waist, leaving him shirtless upwards. I then slowly brought the damp towel to his body.The first I pressed it unto him, he gave a small shiver, but then slowly fell back asleep, his
The ride home was quiet, but at least Florian let me hold until his hand tight. I watched his profile, my eyes blurred with tears. I hated myself for pushing him to this point. I hated myself for the blood I carried in my veins. I hated the time I wasted without letting myself go for someone who I knew would absolutely do it for me.We finally got home, and Florian went out, then came around and opened the door for me. His eyes held mine for a long minute before he turned away, closing the car door, before he walked away.I stopped by the door, watching his back as he made his way up the stairs, letting go of the cat keys on one of the stairs and never even looking back.I blinked, my face dropping, the emotions heavy on my heart. I slowly followed him, wondering if he would still come to my room tonight, like he always did. I wouldn't even want him to. I wanted him to be selfish and not spend the night in the arms of the person who reminds him of everything he keeps trying to run aw
ROXANNE'S P.O.V It felt like the wind was knocked right out of my lungs. Ronan? Ronan was a little bitch but... I slowly looked up to Florian.Florian wouldn't lie to me, especially right now. Florian wouldn't make things up right now, and he definitely wouldn't do so much for an anger that wasn't justified."What's that look?" He asked, laughing slightly. "Why would you be surprised? I told you she was dead the other day.""I...""You guarded your heart a little too hard again, didn't you?" He gave a small pause, his brows raised. "You... we both know you asked now only because you still want to guard your heart. That's why you forgot that she wasn't even living competition. That's why everything passes for you like these rain clouds. Because you keep guarding your heart a little too hard. A little too selfishly, Roxanne.""Florian..""What are you going to say to me?" He asked, his voice breaking. I never thought I would see Florian reach this point, and fuck, it scared me. "That