Valeria Campbell
"What the hell am I supposed to do when I'm inside?" We got out of the car, Ivan and I were holding hands walking towards the entrance. I have never felt more stressed out by something. I'm honestly conflicted; on one hand, I'm enthusiastic that his dad invited me here, meaning he hopefully enjoyed my presence but on the other hand, I don't want to say or do anything dumb and messing it up, so fingers crossed.
"Don't worry angel, all you have to do is walk inside, smile at people, and stay next to me. And remember, if you feel uncomfortable, or fatigued, just say so, and we'll leave this party. I'm under your command malady." He replies squeezing my hand tighter to ensure me that everything is going to be fine, and try to make me feel better, and it worked. God, I adore him so much.
We step further and see a guy in a black suit standing at the door welcoming us
and inviting us to come inside. Once we were inside, my eyes landed on the spacious room decorated with refinement. It was simply breathtaking. They were a bar at the right, a huge table that was nearly as big as the room with a black throw on top coated with white rose petals, filled with different kinds of appetizers. I looked up and caught sight of the golden empire chandeliers hanging from the coved ceiling. I was shocked by the number of people who attended this party, I know he's a well-known businessman, but I guess he's way more popular than I thought he was, or maybe he had a lot of friends.
"I'm speechless," Ivan spoke my thoughts staring at the space like I am with widening his eyes at the sight in front of him.
"This is the most luxurious decoration I've ever laid my eyes on." I agree with him matching my voice tone with his. "And aren't you used to this kind of parties since I think your dad heeds to a lot of these?" I ask confused while looking in his direction instead. I didn't want to confess he attended them because he's rich since it came across as a bit weird to say out loud.
"I don't ever come to these events, I go to festivities with my friends where we're all half-naked drinking cheap beers until we can't see anything." He answers meeting his eyes with mine.
"Oh okay, it makes sense. I can't imagine you casually coming in here to have fun with bald middle-aged millionaires." I murmur continuing to walk inside.
"Yeah, you're right. But I'd gladly do it as long as you're with me." He mumbles leaning towards me. And at this moment, I wish I could just turn around and kiss him, but I can't. I don't want any unwanted glares.
After five minutes of discovering the area, Ivan's dad comes in our direction with a smile on his face.
"Hello, darling. How are you?" He says when he was standing in front of us.
"I'm great. How are you?" I smile back at him and answer being ridiculously happy that he decided to talk to me.
"I'm wonderful. I'm so glad you decided to accompany Ivan to this party. And you look gorgeous by the way." He is way nicer than I thought he was, he always seemed cold, and serious, but I guess first impressions can fool you.
"And you look extremely handsome as well. You ate Ivan up. And happy birthday by the way." I forgot it was his birthday, I was too focused on scanning the area, I ignored why I was even here. And I could feel Ivan glancing at me but I chose to avoid it for now, at least till his father leaves us alone.
"Oh, one of my friends arrived, I have to go. I hope you have a great time." He pats my shoulder, gives me a small smile, and goes in the other direction to salute one of his companions.
"So, my dad looks better than me, huh?" He whispers in my ear with a devilish tone. "We should probably break up so that you could date him. Since you seem to start liking him more than me."
"I'm into older mem, what can I say. I can't resist it." I answer sarcastically with a smirk curls on my lips.
"Well, it was nice loving you I guess. I hope we meet again. Bye." He replies taking a few steps away from me.
"Get your ass back here Ivan Knight, I can't handle your sass today." I grab his arm and pull him next to me again. If he leaves me, I'll just run away from the party. I already feel awkward.
"Fine, fine. But promise to not make me mad again." He chuckles and puts his hand on my waist.
"Okay, I promise." I roll my eyes at him ignoring the butterflies in my stomach at his touch.
/////
"Oh my god, Ivan you're here." A girl's voice interrupts our conversation. And the next thing I knew she was hugging him.
What the fuck?
"It's nice to see you again." He says awkwardly pulling away from the hug. "Valeria, this is Jennie, one of my old friends. And Jennie, this is Valeria, my girlfriend." Well, this Jennie girl better go away because her prettiness is irritating me. She had long straight brown hair, blue eyes, a small button nose, and full lips. As for her outfit, she was wearing a simple long off-shoulder black dress that fitted her perfectly.
"Oh." She first said looking in my direction, scanning me from head to toe. This wasn't the reaction I expected.
"Nice to meet you." I give her a fake smile not giving attention to her previous statement.
"Well, if you ever need anything, Ivan, call me." She winks and leaves not saying anything to me. What the hell is wrong with this girl?
"Did you hook up with her before?" I ask Ivan since it was pretty obvious. She was giving him those sex eyes and seemed annoyed by how he introduced me.
"Well...I wouldn't like to lie to you and say no." He answers scratching the back of his head.
"Is there any other girl in here you hooked up with as well?" I ask.
"You." He smirks and winks at me
"Ivan, answer my question," I say sternly.
"Just a few, I see them when my dad gets or gives an award to someone."
"And by few you mean..." I need him to clarify.
He thinks for a few moments then answers me "Five. No six."
"Good to know." I don't know what I'm supposed to say, I'm just glad he was honest with me."
"So, you're not mad at me?" He lowers one eyebrow.
"No, I'm not. Now, let's go eat something, I'm starving."
/////
"Why can't they make proper food? I don't want four different kinds of caviar, and I don't even like seafood, but that's all they have." I'm annoyed, this would've been perfect if the food was good. But they had to mess up with the buffet choice, which was the most important part about this.
"They'll serve cake in about two hours," Ivan says trying to be positive.
"But I'm starving." I pouch feeling my stomach growl because of my hunger. I haven't eaten since this morning.
"Do you want to get out and eat junk food?" He smirks raising his brows.
"Yes, please. And I honestly need an excuse to leave a room with six people who have seen you naked. I already have to deal with it at school." I probably shouldn't have said that, but my brain needs food to work.
"Well, let's go then." He smiles putting his arm on my shoulder and guiding me out of the room.
We get out, enter the car, and I don't waste any time before taking off my heels. God this felt so good.
"Where do you want to go?" I don't know where I want to go either but the first thing that went through my mind was my parents.
"Do you want to get burgers and go eat them at the beach?" I ask.
"Yes, we'll go to our spot. It will be perfect. My baby is smart." He puts his hand on my thigh and starts driving until he notices a local burger restaurant.
"Stay in the car, I'll be back in a few minutes." He says getting out of the vehicle.
*15 minutes later*
"Okay, I'm back." He hops in holding the paper bags filled with food in his hand and arranges them in the backseat.
The drive consisted of us singing along to the different songs playing on the radio, my favorite being "sweater weather". This song reminded me of when I snuck out of the house and stayed in the pouring rain.
"Here we are." I didn't notice how long Ivan has been driving, so I was surprised we were already here. We get out of the car and I don't bother to wear my heels, and he gets the food bags from the back. We pace ahead until we walking on the small rocks on the beach and spotting one that was big enough for us to sit on and enjoy the view. It would be slightly difficult to climb wearing this dress, but I didn't care. Ivan told me to go ahead first so that he could help me. I placed my leg on a smaller rock on the left, then kept going up till I was on top of it. Once he made sure I was safe, Ivan did the same as well, handing me the bags before ascending. He opens them, handing me my burger as well as fries and a medium coke, and taking his. I unwrap it and waste no time to start eating it, feeling relief as I bit into it. That will be a mental reminder to not skip lunch ever again.
"This is all I could ever ask for," I speak out my thoughts meaning every single word.
"What do you mean?" He asks.
"You and me, sitting together peacefully in a personal place to both of us," I explain and continue to eat my food. Suddenly, he turns me around surprises me when he kisses me.
"You taste like barbecue sauce," I state smirking and biting my bottom lip.
"I hope you don't mind." He keeps our foreheads pressed against each other.
"Not at all," I reply and kiss him again. It was gentle yet intense. It was the explosion of different emotions all at this very moment. I don't know what I did to deserve him, he was gifted and sent to me by the universe. God knew exactly what was missing in my life, and it was this amazing human being that switched my life for the better. I would never wish to share this instant with anyone else but him.
He pulled away from the kiss and I noticed how red and swollen his lips were. We were truly happy. And we deserved it after all we've been through.
We continued to devour our food, enjoying the silence and serenity of this place. It was getting cold, and I didn't have a jacket, yet I didn't want to leave. I ran my hands up and down my arms to try and warm them when suddenly Ivan took off his jacket and gave it to me, not commenting on what he did. This calmness was better than words.
Once I finished my food, I put the trash away and placed my head on his shoulder, but after that, it all went black.
/////
Ivan Knight
Valeria fell asleep and I had to carry her from the rock to my car which was a real challenge, but I somehow managed to do it. She must be exhausted, this day was tiring, and I would doze too if I could, but I needed to get her home safe. I was driving my car in the direction of her house, and I hope her dad was still awake to open the door. It seemed like she wasn't waking up anytime soon, and she looks so peaceful, I would feel bad to force her to get up.
While glancing at her, I couldn't stop thinking about the decision I had made. It will change our lives forever, but my destiny depended on it. I can't tell her yet.
After an hour of driving, I parked in front of her house and got out of my car to take her out. I carried her bridal style, and headed towards the door, ringing the bell and waiting for her dad to open it. Thankfully, it only took him a few seconds before he unlocked it and stared at me with a confused and worried look.
"What happened?" He whispered only loud enough for me to hear.
"She fell asleep in the car." I lied, but I can't explain right now. "Can I bring her to her room? I continue.
"Yes, come in." He moved aside, lead me to her chamber. I placed her on her bed rushing back to my car to get her heels and giving them to her dad.
"Thank you, Ivan." He says with gratitude.
"You don't have to thank me, it's my boyfriend's duty." I gave him a small smile. "I have to go, it's getting late. I need to go home." I add.
He takes me to the door and waves at me before closing it again. I go back to my car and begin driving to my house with only one thought running through my mind.
Valeria...