"Thank you for coming, I hope you guys enjoy this night"
I sat next to Cian who was distracted by his phone.
"Are you okay?" I asked, leaning closer so he could hear me.
"Yeah," he answered, putting his phone away. He grabs a glass of Veuve Clicquot and drinks it smoothly.
He looks agitated but controlled. It was as if he was annoyed.
"Easy on that or you might get drunk," I said while putting my hand on top of his. He nodded in response.
"Don't worry about me, Elle"
I just shrugged my shoulder and left my hand on his palm.
Samantha was eyeing me indistinctively, mouthing "flirt" which instantly made me disagree. I wouldn't want to indulge more in Samantha's naughty thoughts so I looked away and listened to Cian's older brother.
Claven was talking about his line of work proudly, earning giggles from my cousins. By the looks of it, Claven is probably impressing them and my loosely tied cousins were already drawn to him.
However, my sense of comfort vanished in thin air. I suddenly feel regret when his brother mentioned my name.
Everybody at the table stopped talking and looked at him, and so did I.
"What?" He asked in a deep thick voice full of arrogance.
He brought the glass to his lips, tasting the Armand de Brignac and confusing all of us with his action.
"She has a lovely name" he commented after taking a quick sip from the well-crafted champagne, making me blush in an instant.
Was he still referring to me?
It was an unexpected compliment if ever and no one thought about it. I bit my lips continuously since I don't know what to say or if I should even answer.
Yet, I don't want to be rude. Not in front of this crowd.
"Indeed, Pierre. Such a beautiful name" It was Cian who answered, agreeing with his brother.
I raised my brows at the two brothers.
Cian was smiling but it didn't even reach his ears while Pierre on the other hand was void of any reaction.
What the hell is happening here?
"Okay, that is quite intense" Claven barged in with a nervous laugh and looked at me with apologetic eyes.
I was still confused though but I agree that it was intense.
"Cian, why don't you tell us about how both of you met?" It was Brandon, weirdly emphasizing every word.
"Yeah, the both of you are "best friends" right? Cian here really talks about you all the time" Claven added.
I was taken aback. I looked at Cian right away and he was smiling shyly this time.
"Well...she's special"Cian started, placing his hand behind his neck.
Pierre didn't say anything and continued drinking. His lips formed an insulting discreet smile, so keen to the naked eye.
But I noticed it.
"So Justine, how long do you know each other?" He asked intimidatingly.
Every time he speaks, his brothers would just keep silent as if his word is a law, an important part of their life.
I looked at him, bewildered.
"Uhm, I knew him since my first years in college. But we were able to get close in the middle semester of our second year" I answered flatly.
He nodded.
"And you liked Cian, you wouldn't be with him this long if you don't" Pierre stated.
The feeling of being interrogated is the same feeling I have right now. I just don't know how to deal with the likes of him. He seems so mysterious and dangerous all at the same time.
"Of course she does Pierre" Herschel answered for me which I was so glad that he did. Because frankly, I don't want to answer his question.
Yes, I like Cian. Love him even. And I wanted to let him know about it first. Not because someone just asked me so.
Claven did steal the spotlight after that heated conversation. He could pass right away as a talk show host since he perfectly knew how to initiate a topic and ensure the table has something to talk about.
On the other, hand, I did my best not to be affected by his brother's presence. He shouldn't distract me, though it was hard to do.
I tried diverting my focus to Cian who was laughing at one of his brother's statements. I am glad that he was at ease now. It would be awkward if Cian's mood would turn sour just because I was surprised at the sudden distaste coming from his older brother.
The dinner was served at each of the tables so most of them were busy with the food.
I glanced at my wristwatch and it was 6:30 in the evening, the perfect time to execute my plan.
I looked at Cian nervously but I know I needed to do this. I took that chance to hold Lucian's hand under the table and he looked at me, surprised.
I saw how his cheeks turned red at my boldness.
"Can I borrow you?" I asked in a whisper, smiling sheepishly at him.
He gave me that boyish smile and scratch his brows. Oh, my cute Lucian.
He didn't ask me anything else instead he cleared his throat and we both excused ourselves from the group.
"Elle, is there something wrong?"
He asked nervously. Our intertwined hands swayed slowly as we walk our way to the garden.
I just shrugged at his questions. Making him more nervous and suppressing my mischievous smile at the same time.
"Did I do something wrong, Elle? Was it because of Pierre?" He asked once again.
I slowly stopped walking and found ourselves stopping in the middle of the garden.
I faced him with a frown on my face. Why would he mention his brother? Goodness him.
He shouldn't be the reason to distract us. The full moon was bright enough to light up the dark sky, blending well with the sparkling stars. The sound of the water flowing out of the fountain is like a tune humming to us to peacefulness. Ah, this is so romantic.
Too bad if this would just go to waste because of a little misunderstanding. I want this night to be memorable for us.
I pursed my lips and slowly smiled at him.
"Nothing is wrong, Cian. In fact, everything feels perfectly right". I said meaningly.
Then, suddenly, a look of relief transpired on his face, flashing his perfectly set teeth as he smiled amusingly at what I am saying.
"Yeah, you look so perfect, Elle. So perfect I want to keep you," he said which made me shiver.
My cheeks heated up instantly as if it was burning. Have I heard him right?
My lips parted open, I wanted to confirm my thoughts but I was too consumed by the happiness that I was lost for words.
"Can I give you my birthday present now Elle?" he asked, staring at my appalled self with so much passion and desire.
One thing I love about Lucian is the purity in his eyes. His eyes are so clear you can able to see through his soul. And right now, I know Lucian's feelings mirrored mine.
"Yes Cian" I responded with eyes wide open and an enormous grin from side to side of my face.
Then, after a while of staring, I felt his soft hand on my face as his mint fragrance breath fanned over my nose and lips. Gently, I closed my eyes and waited for the magical moment to happen.
Then, suddenly, his lips found mine moving delicately as if testing how my lips would taste on his. A moan gently escapes from my mouth when I felt his tongue seeking entrance. It was a slow union, guiding me to move my tongue in a similar way so I can taste the sweetness of his mouth. There was no rush, Cian was so patient to teach me how I should move.
This is my first kiss. I don't have any expectations of what my first kiss would be. But Lucian gave me a sweet memorable one.
Then, gently, Cian pulled away, his one hand still on the side of my face while his other hand was on my waist.
We were both gasping for air as if we had run a lot of miles. He smiled at me.
"Be mine Elle?" he asked with eyes lidded and dreamy at the same time.