Eighty-Three

|Chapter 83|

🤍💞

"Baby, I'm nervous."

"Why, love?" He asks, smiling. "You're the one with the new diamond ring." He takes my left hand and brings it to his lips.

I blush and place my head on his chest. "Are you wearing a new cologne?"

"Yes, I am because I ran out of my regular scent. Do you like it?"

"Eh, it's ok. The other one was much better."

"Noted," he says, pulling out his phone.

"Let's take a picture since we're matching," I drag him to our full body mirror.

I'm wearing a dainty wine-colored midi dress with a pink floral pattern and he's wearing a plain wine-colored turtle neck with his usual black trousers.

"This will be my new wallpaper, so do a cute pose."

"Cute?" he chuckles.

"Yes, lovey," I smile.

He grips my waist, pulls me against him, and leans down kissing my cheek. I smile and snap the picture.

"You're getting better at this," I say impressed.

"No, I just really wanted to kiss you," he shrugs.

I giggle and say, "Yeah, right."

As I save the photo as my new lock screen, I receive a notification from Carson but I don't answer because I know Seb is right behind me.

"Give me your phone so I could change yours too," I tell him.

He hands me his phone silently and after a few moments he asks, "Can I see your messages with him?"

"Of course you can," I respond as I give him my unlocked phone. I know he trusts me but he doesn't trust his brother's intentions.

I believe Carson just wants the relationship between him and his brother mended, but Emilian knows him more than I do, so I could be wrong.

"Find anything interesting?" I ask him.

"Yes, actually."

"And that is?"

"My baby is ten times more loyal than I thought she was, but that's not the purpose of me looking at y'all messages."

"I know," I kiss his cheek. "What did he text me a few moments ago?"

"He wants recommendations for good food places here."

"Did you answer?"

"Hell no. You could leave him on read for all I care."

"Stop being mean, baby," I tell him as I wrap my arms around his torso. He's just so warm and cuddly, I love it.

I watch as he locks my phone, places it into his pocket and pulls me into him. "Not ready to leave?" he asks.

"No, I want to get back in bed with my man."

He grins and grips my hips.

"You're not making it any better, Seb."

"You aren't either."

"I'm not even doing anything," I reply, folding my arms.

"Got to the car," he instructs me and smacks my butt.

"Baby," I whine. "Why?"

He presses his lips against mine and mumbles, "I won't repeat myself, love."

"Fine," I pout.

"Fix your face, Elara."

I smile widely and say, "Is this what you want?"

He smirks mischievously and closes the gap between us. "Baby."

"Yes?" I bite my bottom lip innocently.

He lifts me swiftly, gripping my butt and I giggle, leaning into his neck. "Lovey, no, my dress!"

His hands slide up my thigh, checking for underwear, and his hand freezes.

"Don't worry, I'm wearing underwear. It's just very thin," I tell him.

"And too small," he pecks my lips.

"Shut up. I have to do the laundry."

"Don't worry about it, I'll do it."

"Okay. I want kisses," I say and peck his lips.

"Look how the tables have turned," he presses his lips onto mine for a few moments then kisses my cheek.

"Shhh," I smile.

"I love you."

"I love you too, my soon-to-be husband."

"Or you can just say husband," he suggests.

"Hmmm, I'll wait for that."

"That's fine. Are you ready to go now?"

"Nope," I hold on to him tighter.

"Babygirl," he groans. "What's wrong."

"We don't have to do this now."

He walks us over to the bed and he sits on the edge. He then pulls me onto him so that I'm straddling his waist.

"Talk to me."

I sigh, "I'm tired."

"You need some rest? I could push back the dinner time to allow you to rest."

"Not like that, Seb. My social battery is dead, I'm tired of being on high alert every time I go out to do something as simple as shopping, for the first time work is stressing me out, and I'm constantly worrying about you."

"How long have these things been on your mind."

"Not too long."

"I wish you would've told me before yesterday."

I furrow my eyebrows, "Baby, no! I wanted to take this step with you. That has nothing to do with this."

"I just hope it wasn't too overwhelming."

"Of course not, baby," I kiss his cheek.

"What do I need to do to make you feel safer, love?" he genuinely asks.

"Well, that's the problem, Seb. You do everything and at this point, it's just me."

"Elara, look at me." I turn to look into his eyes. "You went through multiple traumatic experiences because of my lifestyle and I completely understand if you feel a way about me. Whatever you need to feel confident or safe, I got you. Whether it's moving into a new home or even a new country."

"I know."

"So you'll tell me when you make that decision?"

"Yes, I will."

"Also, why do you worry about me so much, baby? I'm always armed and prepared for anything ."

"Really, Seb? Because last time I checked, you got shot in the back just a week ago," I fold my arms.

"But I'm handling it well," he tells me.

"I just hate seeing you hurt. You come home at least once a week covered with deep bruises and scratches that you try your best to hide from me, but I see it all. I sleep in the same bed with you, Seb."

"I try not to worry you."

"Well, I think I would rather you tell me about your eventful nights than for me to keep guessing."

"Are you sure?"

"I think so. For my sanity."

"I will do that moving forward then."

"Thank you," I peck his cheek.

"Now, what do I have to do to get this pretty little mouth of yours to tell me how you're feeling?"

"I was going to tell you sometime this week."

"And I appreciate that but I need you to tell me immediately after you feel these things. I know when something isn't right and I don't want to play guessing games for a week."

"Baby, it's not that bad. I just need a few days to figure out if it's how I truly feel."

"I don't care, Elara. I want you to tell me how you feel that day and if that changes the next day or even within the next hour then I still want you to tell me, love."

"Ok."

"Yeah?"

"Yes, Seb," I tell him as I nod my head.

"I love you," he mumbles sincerely.

"I love you too, baby. So, so much," I caress his cheek. "Thank you for making me feel better and reassuring me about everything."

"Anytime, baby. Do you still want to go out to dinner?"

"I'd rather we have it here, please. I don't want to waste a good outfit."

"That's fine."

"Thank you." I wrap my arms around his neck, bringing his face closer to mine. "You make me so happy," I whisper.

Before he can answer, my phone rings and it's Carson again. Emilian rolls his eyes and just places his head on my chest.

I giggle and tell him, "I'll be quick."

He kisses my chest and mumbles, "You better be."

I answer the phone, put it on speaker, and say, "Hi Carson, what's up?"

"Hey, Elara. I just wanted to ask a quick favor but if it's too much I understand."

"Ok, what is it?"

"Um, I wanted to know if you could give me Emilian's number? I've been wanting to speak to him for a while but it's been difficult to get a hold of him. I've been too ashamed to ask Mama or Elvira."

"I understand but you do know I have to speak with him first right?"

"Yes, I know."

"Alright, I'll see what I can do. Do you need anything else?"

"Uh, no actually. But thanks again."

"No problem, bye."

"Bye." He hangs up and I tilt Seb's chin up.

"So?"

"Yes, you can send him my number," he sighs.

"We love the change in attitude," I clap excitedly.

A smile appears on his face and he says, "Stop before I change my mind, woman."

"What?" I grin widely. "I want y'all relationship to be mended. Can't I be happy for you?"

"Of course, you can," he whispers into my ear and massages my waist.

"I love this love today," I tell him.

"I told you I would be more clingy once I realize that you love me, love me."

"Mhm, sure. You were just afraid to scare me off weren't you," I giggle.

"Because I know how you are with personal space, so I'm always cautious. But recently I've been doing better with sensing when you want my love, like right now," he smirks.

"Because you've been looking too good lately. I don't know what it is though," I tell him confidently.

"Don't look at me like that," he groans.

"I'm sorry I love you with all my heart and it's showing in my eyes," I squish his handsome face and he blushes. "You love me," I tease him.

"I do," he pecks my lips three times. "We need to tell everyone the change in time and location."

"Ugh, I forgot about that."

"I'll do that because I'm going to my office for a few minutes." He gently lays me on the bed and slaps my thigh. I glare at him and he just smirks.

"Pack a bag," he randomly says.

"What?"

"I'll tell you later, baby. Just pack a bag." He walks out of the bedroom.

AHHHHHH. Omg. Omg. I love my man.

I pull out my phone and immediately FaceTime Eliza. The phone rings for a while but Lucian answers.

"Hi Luci, where's my sister?"

"Right here." He points the camera at her sleeping peacefully on his bare chest.

"It's the middle of the day and y'all are still in bed," I roll my eyes.

"It's her fault," he replies tiredly. "Did you call for anything specific?"

"Yes, but I'll see you guys later at dinner."

"Is it still at the restaurant?"

"Nope, it's here at the house now."

"Alright, well we'll see you guys later, bye."

"See you soon!" I hang up.

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"Mmm," I take in the pungent aroma. "Everything smells amazing and looks delicious."

"I could say the same for you," he says as he wraps his arms around my waist from behind. Suddenly, there's a knock at the door.

I move away from him a little and tell him, "Keep those lips to yourself."

"Baby," he groans.

"Nope," I peck his lips quickly and go to answer the door.

When I open it, I see Dana standing with the widest smile, holding gifts and little Leona runs to hug me.

"Hi, Leona! I've missed you so much." I lift her into my arms and squeeze her tiny body.

"We got you gifts!" It's going to take so long to open t  these plus Seb's.

"Ooo, thank you." I put her down and she runs to Emilian.

"Hi, honey. Congratulations," she whispers excitedly.

"You know?!"

"Of course I do, sweety. And we bought gifts." She places the bags near the coffee table.

"Momma, I said no gifts," Seb speaks from the living room.

"Where's Elvira?" I ask Dana, ignoring him.

"She was with her fiancé earlier but she should be here soon."

"Now that I think about it, she texted me earlier. I'll ask when she's coming."

"Baby, Lucian said he's outside," Emilian says.

"Okay."

"You can leave the bags on the table if you want, Dana," I tell her. Going over to the front door, I open it to see Eliza and Lucian all dressed up like they have some kinda date planned.

"Hi cuties," I greet them. "Are y'all going on a date later or...?"

"Yes, because Lucian is unfortunately leaving tomorrow," she frowns.

Lucian groans, "Elara, please. I just got her to cheer up."

"I thought you guys were used to this now. It'll only be like three days right?"

She rolls her eyes and chuckles, "I wish." She brushes past me and walks into the house.

"I'm sorry," I apologize to Luci sincerely. "I'll talk to her."

"It's fine. I got her," he hands me a small bag. "Congrats by the way," he whispers

"Thank you."

I'm sitting on the bed in the guest, scrolling through social media and I hear the door softly open and shut.

"Babygirl," I hear Luci but keep my eyes on my phone.

All of a sudden, my phone is in his hand and a delicate kiss is placed on my lips.

"What?" I pout.

"How are we going to fix this?" he asks me.

"I don't know, Lucian. You tell me."

"I can't do more than what we already do, babygirl."

"I think I'm going to go on a vacation since kindergarten is closed for my students."

"Where and with whom?"

"I'm not sure where and I'll be going alone."

He sighs frustratingly, "For a few days, right?"

"Nope! Maybe a month... or two."

"You're joking," he chuckles deeply.

"I thought you were joking too when you told me you were leaving for two and a half months with no visits."

"Babygirl, you are not leaving the country alone for two months."

"We'll see," I shrug and stand up.

He holds me by my waist and tilts my head to look at him. "I'll figure something out, ok?"

I nod my head yes.

"Words."

"Ok, I understand."

"Promise me you won't travel alone for more than a week."

"I'm not making any promises, Lucian," I fold my arms.

"Dammit, Eliza. We'll finish this chat later," he kisses my forehead. "Please hold off your anger for a few hours."

"I'm not angry, but will do."

"Look at me, Eliza." I look into his eyes unwillingly.

"Can I at least see that beautiful smile," he cuffs my face.

"No," I roll my eyes.

"Stubborn are we?" he chuckles. "I love you, babygirl," he pecks my lips twice causing a small smile to appear on my face.

"I love you too," I whisper. "Let's go before you upset me anymore."

"Okay, okay, come in" he grins and takes my hand.

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