Chapter 57

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Say something, I'm giving up on you, I'll be the one if you want me to, Anywhere I would've followed you, Say something, I'm giving up on you

And I... am feeling so small

It was over my head...I know nothing at all,

And I... will stumble and fall

I'm still learning to love, Just starting to crawl

Say something, I'm giving up on you.... I'm sorry that I couldn't get to you.... Anywhere I would've followed you

Say something, I'm giving up on you

Say something, by A Great Big World

Kara’s POV

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“No!” I screamed as the sound of gunshot penetrated through my ears. My hands flew to cover my mouth as I let out a high pitched scream. My eyes burned as I saw the blood slowly ooze out of his chest and soaked his black wife beater. His eyes went wide and so did mine. I watched his lips tremble and my hands shook, my sobs wracking through me. He’d been shot. Muffling my sobs as he stared ahead at the house of the thoughtless woman he was so very much in love with, I blinked as the tears flowed out.

Love was scam.

It was totally scam and I didn’t want to be a part of it anymore. After everything, Stephano had to leave me for a silly mistake I made like that stupid girl did to the man that gave her his all in this movie. I called him severally just like this man had done and waited for him to get back to me but the damn brute didn’t return my calls!

This was a bad idea. I shouldn’t have watched this movie. It was totally getting to me right now. Just as I was getting up to turn the damn television off, there was a knock on the door.

“Is she back so early...” I wondered rhetorically, not bothering to dry my tears. My emotions were all over the place right now.

Adrian had gone to get groceries and fruits because I’d not stopped eating since we got back from Stephano’s office this morning but I refused to go with her.

So here I was. Alone and single, with the miserable feeling that accompanied breaking up with the only person who’d ever loved me since I knew the word even existed. I broke up with the man that loved me like a man loved a woman, with all his heart.

Thank goodness today was Saturday and I didn’t have any exams till next week Wednesday. I don’t think I would be able to get any reading done, not with the constant rate of my heartbeat whenever I remembered the fight with Stephano.

I sauntered over to open the door.

“You’re back earl-”

My breath hitched as I stared at him, the tears now pouring out in full force. The man in suit eyed me from head to toe, his right hand raised up in a position that signified he was about to knock again.

His lips parted as his eyes softened. “Baby.”

“St-stephano.” I muttered and worried my lips, relief and panic battling inside me. He called me baby. This was a good sign, right? I merely stared, fumbling on my tippy toes. My eyes stayed glued to his handsome face and then I smiled. It was a bitter sweet one, but a smile that didn’t take that much effort.

I hadn’t smiled all day. What was there to smile about, anyway?

“Why are you crying? Fuck.” He reached for me with worried eyes but I took a step back.

I might have broken up with him but I could not lose him. He would probably wipe my tears and then remind me that we were still not good yet like he had done last night. Leaving me here and reminding him I had broken up with him.

I’d fucked up, and letting him touch me now...I wouldn’t be able to handle it. I would grovel at his feet if it came to it...or better yet, I would seduce him.

“I...I’m sorry.”

He shut the door and slowly came in, his eyes focused on me as I took two steps back again. He stretched out his hands but I shook my head. “Kara...”

“I know what I said was stupid and I didn’t mean a word-”

“Kara-” he tried to reach for me again.

“No, let me.” I raised a hand again, my chest hurting as he stared blankly. “I thought you left. You said you would go to Danielle and I know I was the cause, so I don’t blame you one bit but hell, if I don’t regret my words right now Stephano. I’m sorry. I love you...I.. I don’t want a breakup. But-”

I was flailing my hands around one second and the next, his cologne was all up in my nose and even choking me. Then I realized I was in his strong, comforting hold. He was pressing me tightly against himself.

“I missed you.” His voice was muffled as he planted his nose in my hair and I heaved a sigh of relief. “Stop rambling.”

“I fucked up.” Tears were still gushing but I didn’t care if I looked like a wuss right now.

“I got you baby.” He murmured hoarsely. I sincerely hoped he wasn’t sniffing my hair right now. “I got us. It’s okay.”

“Believe me Stephano, I didn’t me-”

His right index finger came to rest on my lips. “Shhh. Take deep breaths in honey. Deep breaths.” I nodded and repeated after him, filling my lungs with air as he nodded in encouragement. “Now come.”

I remembered one time he’d said that, when we’d been inside my room. The night I’d shattered in his hold, bare before him as he brought me to the heavens with his lips. The night things had been pretty much intimate between us. My lips parted at his hand reaching for mine and I took it. He was always the one ushering us to a seat in my dorm.

Sitting first, I was about to sit beside him when he pulled me on his laps and I sat backing him.

“Now where were we?” He nuzzled his nose in my neck and tingles erupted all over my skin as he casually rubbed lazy patterns on my left thigh.

My short dress had ridden up, and it now barely covered my thighs but I didn’t mind. “I was apologizi-”

“I heard you the first ten times and came here before you would start overreacting. I also read your texts.” He turned me around to face him and my legs settled on the chair as he rested his back. He looked terribly ravishing. Hair tousled, lips pink as if he’d worried them repeatedly, eyes intense as those icy blues bored into mine.

“You didn’t reply them.” My lips trembled as his words sunk in.

“You also didn’t reply my texts last night.” He said so casually. I knew he was still mad at me. His hands rested on my waist as he stared at me without revealing a single emotion on his handsome face.

“Yes. I was worried and...I didn’t know how to apologize for my spill up. I came home last night to the sight of you chasing me on TV and when you called later, I’d assumed so many things.... thinking you were going to yell at me or even tell me you never wanted to see me ever again. So I didn’t pick your calls.”

“So you couldn’t apologize? It’s just two words Kara. I’m sorry. That’s just it.”

“I...I didn’t know how you would react because we’ve never had so much as a slight argument before. So… So I-”

“So you ran.” He ended for me.

I cleared my throat. “So I ran.”

He settled his hands on my thighs again, looking at them for a few seconds with furrowed brows and then bringing his gaze back to me. “Kara. Everything I have ever done has always been in your best interest and you know it. Gonzalo is involved in some dangerous things and it would have done more harm than good if I didn’t take that action. You have to try and make conversation instead of just concluding on your own plans, and that’s what a relationship is all about.”

“I know now. I just...I wasn’t being considerate.”

“I didn’t leave. I was going to...but just for an impromptu meeting but I postponed it at the last minute. I couldn’t leave knowing things weren’t right between us.”

“Thank you for that. I feel so stupid.”

The ache in the pit of my belly was slowly beginning to fade. He wasn’t with any other woman, he couldn’t leave after having an unsettled issue to resolve with me. The thought was somewhat selfish but comforting, regardless.

“You aren’t stupid Kara. Inexperienced, yes. But not stupid.”

“Thanks...”

He leaned up and pecked me on the forehead, letting his lips linger there. “Don’t say that to me again Kara, that you’ll leave me. Never say such things.”

My eyes began to blur again. “I won’t. I can’t. I felt miserable.”

He pecked my lips but leaned back quickly, meeting my eyes. “Good. Because I was also kind of miserable without you too....” He trailed off. “Even though it was for a few hours we didn’t speak. I love you baby. Do you know what that means?”

My heart warmed as elephants stumped their feet in jubilation in my stomach. “Yes. I do.”

“No you don’t. Me loving you means I am somewhat vulnerable when you’re involved. I’ve never been vulnerable in my whole life baby, never.”

“I know...”

“But with you, I am.” The sincerity in his eyes tore at my heart slowly.

“You make me so vulnerable too. So open...I don’t ever have to be someone else or act so strong when I’m with you.”

He grabbed my waist and steadied me. Then he kissed me slowly. “I missed this. I miss your beautiful carton brown eyes, your fucking pretty lips, your legs wrapped around me, your voice panting my name when I do things to you. Never fight with me again Kara, especially over a man.” He reached for my neck and started nipping slowly on my lips while I tried to restrain a moan as he bit and sucked.

“Stephano...” I gripped his shirt tightly for support, panting softly. “I won’t ever do that again. I love you.”

“Don’t argue with me over men Kara. I know the male species better than you do and just like Diego, I know Paul has a little thing for you but I’m not sure if his intention is as friendly as your brother’s. He’s your best friend’s cousin but that doesn’t mean he isn’t a man and he’s still somewhat a threat to me. Also, all those men seem to be smitten by you.” He told me gruffly, suddenly scowling as if the thought of men being smitten by me was really upsetting to him.

“Paul doesn’t have feelings for me and most times we spend together, we’re usually talking about you.”

He narrowed his eyes. “Discussing what?”

“Well...he thinks you’re really hot and he compliments you. He even mentioned your butt twice. He has pictures of you on his PC.”

“What the fuck?! That’s stalker syndrome 101.” Stephano frowned with confusion but his brows were furrowed as if he was mortified or embarrassed. I kissed his lips, unable to help it.

“Relax. He doesn’t like you that way, and neither does he like me in the sexual way you might be thinking. He has a girlfriend but just sees me as someone he can talk freely with.” I tried to get up but he shook his head, his eyes still at alert.

“Fine. Why were you crying earlier? Did I make you cry?” The sides of his lips curved downward. The sight was sad to see, Stephano was never sad.

“No. I watched this movie called ‘The great Gatsby.” Remembering it alone brought tears to my eyes.

“Oh...cool. Let’s watch it again.”

“No. It’s too agonizing. The man watched the person he loved stay married to someone else for a long time all because she couldn’t wait for him to be rich...and...and she was so stupid and-”

He pulled me against his chest and caressed my hair. “If this movie makes you this upset then we won’t watch it. I’ve read the book though. It was great. Scott Fitzgerald will always be one of my best authors.”

“You read books?” I gasped.

“Not everyone is like you Kara, who’s only a bookworm in school. I read Harlequin, even erotica too when I can spare some time.” He looked into my eyes, not looking to be embarrassed a bit.

He was inching closer and my breath was coming out slowly, heavier as he moved closer with each breath he took. His hand was slowly snaking in-between my thighs. “I read romance, crime, action and fantasy genres mostly because they help to enhance my imagination. I believe in love and I believe in second chances...”

He moved swiftly but pressed his lips over my right ear instead, “I believe in falling in love and staying in love without doubt that you’ll get dumped.” He cupped my mound and I gasped again, softly shutting my eyes while awaiting that friction.

For him to snake that finger into my heat.

But that was it. It never came. The contact was gone as soon as it came. It left me trembling in anticipation of what could happen right this instant.

“You know all the things those reporters said are exaggerated, right? Don’t take it to heart baby. I’ve taken care of everything.” He was back to looking concerned as he stole a peck.

“I wasn’t even the least bit concerned about that. I just wanted to get back to you, and moreover, we’re dating so we’ll appear on the news frequently, with me by your side. I really didn’t care about all the rubbish they put out there.” I shrugged.

“Really? That’s good. I was worried the pressure would be too much for you.”

“Hm hmm. What else can we do then? I mean, we should be alone here for a while.” My voice came out whiny as I caressed his upper arm and felt his biceps.

He shrugged. “For one, you look too tempting in this shirt and I love the fact that you’re only wearing panties underneath. So how about we do something fun?” He suggested.

I knew his idea of fun. My body was already aching at the thought of what he could do to me. My breathing rate increased drastically.

“I...I want to please you Stephano.” My hands were already reaching for his pants and unbuckling his belt.

He released a groan and held my hands. “We can’t Kara.”

I gaped. “I want to. I’ve put you through so much stress and-” he grabbed my hands as I pulled them out of his hold again, his jaws gritting as his eyes hardened.

“That isn’t right. You can’t say such things. I didn’t make up with you just so you’d give me pleasure afterwards.” His voice came out strained.

I nodded. “I know...but I want to. I wanted to do it in that room last night…but anger clouded my better judgment. I mean, I wanted to take you in my mouth and blow you till your legs felt like jelly.” I looked down but raised my head to face him again, building my confidence while trying to ignore the blush that crept up my cheeks.

I fluttered my eyelashes ever so slowly, mopping my upper lip with my tongue.

He groaned. “When you bat your eyelashes at me that way, it gives me ideas baby. You don’t want to know them.” He grabbed my butt cheeks and instinctively, I rolled my core against him.

“Tell me. I want to know every fantasy of yours.”

“Fuck, Kara. Don’t do that. That act alone has killed greater men!”

Smiling in what I guessed to be seductive, I slowly kissed him and thrust my tongue into his mouth, making seductive love with his tongue while I felt his torso, roaming my hands all over him.

“Let me please you baby. Give me that chance.” I kissed my way down his shirt and slowly pulled one button open after the other, leaving lingering kisses. I intentionally did it slowly, to get his full attention and make him worked up. His breath came out in uneven pants, the sounds sent delight to my core.

“Fuck, you look so hot kneeling before me.”

“I know. And I’m all yours, yours alone.” I gritted out as with a smirk jealousy momentarily clouded my vision. The foolish girl in my thoughts from this morning wouldn’t stand a chance against me in this baggy shirt. I palmed him by his pants and watched him stare down at me with hooded eyes.

“Baby if you don-”

“I told you I would win-” Adrian shouted as she barged in, successfully cutting Stephano off. I scrambled off my knees back on the couch with rapid heartbeat, pulling on my baggy shirt as much as I could.

“You’re back early!” I squeaked and stylishly fixed Stephano’s shirt, fumbling with the buttons. He wasn’t even as panicked as I was, just staring at me with an indescribable expression.

“Uh...I’ve been gone for three solid hours. Did I miss something?” Her eyes danced with mischief at the very provoking position she had just caught myself and Stephano. “It’s good to see you again Mr. Stephano. I hope I didn’t embarrass myself last night when you were here. My apologies...just in case I did.” She gave a mock bow and dashed into the kitchen. Diego walked in casually after she went into the room, taking a seat beside myself and Stephano on our couch.

He cleared his throat. “Kara babe, we were just talking about you but of course there’s no need to worry... seeing as you’re all on your knees and ready to take my future brother-in-law’s golden coc-”

I slapped the back of his head, my cheeks flushed. “Finish that sentence and I’ll tell Adrian what you said two days ago.”

Adrian called from the room. “What the hell did you say Diego?!” And he stared at me with shock filled eyes. I and my twin hadn’t spoken in almost two days but I didn’t care. Diego darted into the room and they started bickering as usual. Like two fools. I looked at Stephano to find his eyes were already on me but his mind seemed to be far away.

“Are you okay?” I asked gently.

“Come here.” He gestured with opened arms. I moved into his hold, clumsily wrapping my arms around him. “Now I’m okay baby. I’m okay.”

He pecked the top of my head as we stayed in each other’s hold, not caring if anyone saw us being affectionate.

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