I ran my mascara over my lashes for the umpteenth time, making sure it was just enough; I loved my mascara in between messy and just okay.And all those while he sat there looking at me."He was the one who came yesterday, then?" My father asked, and I rolled my eyes, "What? I'm just inquiring, don't act like I just told you he was a wimp.""Dad, when you came yesterday, you said he was a wimp.""Yeah, because only a wimp would be so scared not to come along with his usual flashy cars," my dad chuckled, "what is he scared off, robbers?"I dropped the mascara picking up my lip gloss, promising myself it would be the last touch; I turned to my father, "Dad, I promise you'll learn to love Nikolai if only you want to."He stood behind me as I checked myself in the mirror, "Just promise me one thing, Elena?""Anything, Dad""If he eventually leaves again, gets me right. I'm not saying he will, but if he does again," he held my hand turning me to face him, "That you won't lock us out too?"

"Can I have my panties back... "At that moment, the car turned cold; it was like time had stopped as I watched his face draw into something unreadable.His lashes flew open, and slowly he sat up from the car seat, turning to me, "You said something, Elena?"I nodded, feeling the heat spread on my cheeks and even my chest; I looked down at his chest, whispering, "I want my panties back."I shut my eyes, listening to him breathe, and then placing his hand under my chin, he raised my face to see a plastered smile on his lips.He leaned in and kissed me, his hand aiding me into him, pulling me in.In a flash, I was straddled on his hips as his hands traveled my body, zipping me down so he could access my nakedness."The beach house," he said to Noah, his thumb still caressing my cheeks, looking me in the eyes, daring me to back away, but instead, I wrapped my hands around his neck and breathed in the scent of his cologne.*****Now I'm on his bed, looking around at white painted walls, h

Elena's POV.He stood still, staring at the weapon-decked wardrobe, his face in awe as mine was filled with fear; the sheet around my chest and knotted under my armpits was the only thing covering me.It wasn't the guns that had my heart about to be ripped off my chest; it was the amount of it, and what's more, the way his face wove with amusement as if he had just bumped into a birthday present."It's not what you think, Elena."I wasn't even thinking; it was as if my brain had somehow shut down trying to make out what so many guns were doing in his beach house. He began to stride toward me, past me and then shut the wardrobe doors before turning, "I'll prefer not to have to explain that right now. Are you hungry?"Anything to get away from whoever this was, I nodded, walking away from him into the bathroom; I stayed under the shower, letting the water run down my head, trailing every part of my body, while I tried not to shiver.They were too many guns; what else was he hiding in t

The evening was buzzing, the bonfire razing in the air, children's voices filling every space, teenagers finding their age group, most in pairs, and the rest cackling loudly.My father sat with a group of men, drinking the locally made Ichnusa beer as they discussed what smelled like primary politics. I was surprised when I heard my father siding with President Nikolai against the others.What was wrong with men?The children and a few lovers were close to the fireplace, dancing to the tune of the gosos, played by a local band.My mum and I were pushing flowers into a strewn of ropes, then throwing them over people's heads, especially couples, as they walked into the live arena.I inhaled the air of happiness; this was how I remembered it, the fun, the laughter, the little kisses stolen under the moonlight by teenagers, then mothers throwing cautions at their daughters, suddenly deciding now was the time to teach them sex education.Mia was with my father, and Matteo stood in the midd

Author's POV.Despite Mia's protest, they found a way to snatch her up into the car, and after a hearty farewell with the grandparents, they drove to the airport.And all those while he watched her fiddle with her finger staring at the window, looking distant, he knew what was wrong, all thanks to Mr. Vero.He could still perceive the fish stank fighting with his cologne for dominance, dear God; he did need another shower; he couldn't even sniff himself. Not to trouble her with the stank on him, he left the seat and instead went to the back.He settled on his new position, staring at her back, his eyes catching the movement as she rubbed her arm; he knew it now; she was having double thoughts.Her confidence had blazed that morning, but now it was like the after ash from the bonfire of the night before.Precisely as Mr. Vero had said that morning on the sea."Did you ever live this life? You seem comfortable even with the mosquitos," he asked as Nico spread the net against the water'