Sophia's POV

I flexed my hands feeling something soft and plush beneath my fingers, my eyes slowly opened taking in the white comforter beneath me and sat up, my eyes widened seeing I had actually slept in the bed, I hadn't slept in a bed once since I'd came here.

I didn't even remember falling asleep last night let alone being moved from in front of the fire, I got up noticing that Demetri wasn't in the room but that wasn't out of the ordinary given I knew he had tasks in the castle and that involved his position in this Volturi Guard even though I didn't know what that was for sure and was pretty sure I didn't really want to know which is why I never asked also because I knew he wouldn't tell me anyway.

I moved into the bathroom showering quickly dressing in pair of black jean shorts, a spaghetti strapped heart shaped top and pulled on my old worn in shoes before I got to work drying my air and styled it down today in soft waves pushing my long fringe behind my ear before I headed out into the living area just as there was a knock on the door.

"Uh...come in" I called hesitantly and the door opened and I watched the new secretary Bianca come in carrying the usual fancy silver tray, her hands shaking a little as she looked at me with a nervous look on her face.

"Mi scusi signorina, faccio colazione su richiesta di Sir Demetri " she said walking over to the coffee table.
(Translate: Excuse me miss, I have breakfast at Sir Demetri's request)

"Thank you" I nodded even though I had no idea what she'd said apart from 'Mi scusi' which was 'Pardon me', 'Signorina' was 'Miss' and of course Demetri so I sort of understood that she was apologizing for coming into my room but she'd brought me breakfast at Demetri's orders.

"Prego"...'You're welcome' she nodded before quicky leaving the room, Bianca didn't hesitate and seemed to be absolutely terrified of being here unlike Valentina had been, I actually missed the days when I went into the kitchen with Felix and I actually started to have conversations with her once I started to understand and learn Italian.

I was finished with breakfast fairly quickly since it was just poached eggs, breakfast sausages and buttered toast with the option of jam which I left not really a fan of it but Demetri must have noticed that I didn't like eating too much in the mornings and requested a smaller breakfast than my previous breakfast meals and I picked up the Italian dictionary to continue to teach myself since Felix had been busy lately and I haven't been able to see him much to continue our lessons.

"Sophia" I looked up smiling at the sound of his voice, it widening when I saw him standing there with a bouquet of blood red roses.

"What are these for?" I asked sitting up before I walked over to him taking note that the stems were tightly wrapped and the thorns had been removed, he wasn't taking any chances this time.

"We're celebrating" he announced and I raised an eyebrow in curiosity.

"We are?" he nodded placing the flowers in the vase on the coffee table before he turned back to me.

"It's been an entire month since I brought you here"

"It has?" I was shocked by that since I hadn't really been keeping track of dates. "What date is it today?"

"July 16th" my eyes went wide in shock, I hadn't thought I'd really been here this long or for the fact that today was the 16th of July. "What?" Demetri suddenly asked.

"Oh it's nothing-"

"Sophia" he spoke taking my hand. "Tell me?" he smiled tracing his hand over my cheek leaning close to my face, his breath fanning over my face.

"It's...my...birthday" I replied in between ragged breaths instantly placed under his spell, I wondered if vampires have the ability to hypnotize since it seemed like I was instantly putty in Demetri's hands whenever he leaned close like he was.

"Today?" he asked and I nodded my head. "How come you didn't tell me?"

"I didn't even know what today was until you told me, I don't exactly have a calendar on my person" I argued and he nodded with a small smile.

"We are definitely celebrating today"

"We really don't have to" I deniably argued since I wasn't all that big of a fan in celebrating my birthday seeing as I'd never really celebrated it in the past, none of my foster families ever gave to craps about it so I never did either.

"Of course we do, your birth is definitely something we have to celebrate"

"Demetri please-"

"Hey what's wrong?" he asked cupping my cheek.

"I've never..." I gulped shaking my head. "I don't celebrate my birthday"

"Ever?" he questioned, I shook my head. "Well your celebrating, it is after all you 20th birthday and you have a boyfriend that actually cares and wants to spoil you"

"Boyfriend?" I spat shocked and his grin grew. "I don't recall asking you to be my boyfriend"

"You didn't" he smirked and I rolled my eyes at him.

"Egocentric vampire"

"You love it" he quipped back taking both my hands in his before he smirked. "Will you Sophia Hart allow me to court you?" he asked and I couldn't help snigger a little.

"Why of course I will Demetri Volturi" I replied faking a southern bell accent and leaned down into a delicate curtsy as we shared a small laugh.

"Let me spoil you mi amore" he stroked my cheek, his cold skin causing goosebumps rise up on my skin.

"If you promise to tell me something first" I countered.

"Okay" he nodded with a smile.

"What does 'mi amore' mean?" I asked and he smirked shaking his head at me.

"My Heart" he replied right before placing a soft tender kiss to my lips which as usual didn't last as long as I would have liked it to. "What would you like to do?"

"Just stay here like this" I smiled my forehead pressed against his, my fingers wrapped around the lapels of his dark grey pea coat.

"If that is what you wish" he laughed suddenly sweeping me off my feet spinning me around making me laugh before he fell back onto the bed taking me with him shocking the hell out of me when he laid beneath me with me laid out on his chest. "Now what mi amore" I shrugged still shocked into place as this is the most intimate position we've ever been.

"I don't know" I shrugged, a smile playing at my lips as I crossed my arms underneath my chin looking over him as I laid against his chest, the cold didn't really bother me all that much.

"Well you better think of something because tonight, your all mine and you will not be getting out of what I have planned" my eyes widened a little as I focused my eyes on his taking note of the bright crimson red.

"Can't we just stay here" I groaned snuggling my head against his chest.

"Now why would we do that?"

"Because I'm comfortable" I argued peering up at him, he was looking towards the ceiling with both hands behind his head.

"Your shivering" he argued looking down at me and before I knew it he was pushing me away from his body.

"No" I whined and he laughed rolling onto his side propping himself up on one elbow reaching out with the other to brush my hair away from my face.

"Temptress" he scolded and I rolled my eyes at him.

"Tease" I shot back and his smile widened before he leaned in pressing his stone cold lips against mine for a couple seconds, I kissed back trying to draw it out a little longer but he was quickly pulling away and I frustratedly rolled onto my back.

"You'll be the death of me Sophia" he groaned, I furrowed my brows moving onto my side when he did the same so we were eye to eye with each other.

"I think that'll be the other way around considering you're an almighty immortal being"

"Not while I'm around" he countered making me roll my eyes at him.

"You know you can't actually be around all the time right, you have your duties and I'm human so eventually I'm going to grow old and I'm going to die"

"Now's not really the right time to talk about that and besides that's still a long way away mi amore"

"Don't be cute Demetri" I protested with a hard frown knowing that eventually we have to talk about this if we wanted any kind of future together, I decided to be brave and sat up moving towards him and placed myself to straddle his waist and his hands instantly came to rest on my thighs.

"What are you doing?" he asked, a smirk on his lips.

"I want a straight answer Demetri"

"That so?" he questioned quirking an eyebrow trying to be cocky.

"How long do you want me around?" I asked him.

"Is that a trick question?" I rolled my eyes with a quick shake of my head.

"No it's fairly simple, how long do want me around?"

"As long as possible" he replied sitting up wrapping his arms around my waist nuzzling his head into my neck. "Why do you ask?" he questioned.

"Just curious, weighing up my options for my future" I said meeting his eyes, taking in the fact that they were darkening to a rusty red meaning he was growing thirstier from being this close to my scent.

"Do tell me your options?"

"I don't think you're ready to hear my options" I smirked at him removing myself from his lap putting some distance between us to avoid any unnecessary accidents.

"Sophia-"

"Ah" I put my finger to his lips. "Now's not really the right time to talk about this" I smirked at him before I stood up off the bed. "So Mr Volturi, care to escort me to the library, I'd like to pick a new book to read" he groaned letting his head drop back to the bed.

"That was such a cruel move Sophia" I laughed at his reply watching as he got up though and headed for the door.

"You're the one that said we have to remain careful, I saw your eyes darken and know that's usually a cue that your thirst is getting to you" I explained laughing at his reaction but his face fell, his mood darkening the instant I brought up his struggling and I regretted saying anything.

"Let's go" I sighed scolding myself for my big mouth as I followed him wordlessly towards the castle library, as soon as we entered I moved towards the piano seemingly surprising him when I sat down at the bench.

"Do you know how to play anything?" I asked him curious.

"Not well enough not to make a fool out of myself, musical instruments have never really been an interest of mine" he replied moving over and took a seat beside me making my body tense a little but I quickly forced myself to relax since this was Demetri and I knew he wouldn't hurt me, not intentional anyway.

"Any requests then?" I asked offering him a small smile as I lifted the cover off the ivory keys.

"Anything you wish to play is fine with me" I smiled once more at him before I started playing the last piece that I knew off by heart without any sheet music, it was Beethoven's piece Fur Elise and as I played I saw Demetri smiling in the corner of my eyes, I don't know why he was so fascinated by me playing since I wasn't all that great, I'm sure he's seen better piano players throughout the centuries. "You're so beautiful" he spoke up making me blush and mess up.

"Thanks you ruined my concentration" I complained half-assed as the blush was too much of a giveaway.

"Oh really" he questioned as I went back and started from where I left off but before I knew what was happening, Demetri pulled my hair away from my neck exposing it to him and I felt my whole body react when his breath blew over my neck. "I bet I can really distract you if I wanted to" I fought hard not to react to his voice in my ear and continued playing desperately trying not to mess up and truly let him in on how much he affected me.

"I doubt it" I scoffed saying strong in this moment locking my eyes on my hands moving them over the keys keeping up with the tempo of the song, it's been so long since I played this number but I still remembered it quite well.

"I doubt you could resist my charms" he argued whispering close to my ear before I felt his lips on my neck and it made me extremely nervous but at the same time it felt incredibly erotic and I hated to admit that I liked it and if he was trusting himself than I had trust in him, I held my breath as his lips expertly moved over my neck leaving soft tantalizing kisses all over but I couldn't hold it in and regrettably let out a soft sigh/moan and felt his triumphant smirk.

"That's not fair" I muttered stopping my piece as I turned to him. "You didn't play fair"

"I never do" he smirked pulling me to my feet quickly cupping my cheeks. "Admit that you liked it though" I blushed and tried to hide it but he was holding my face between his hands.

"You better not have left any marks Mr Casanova" I told him stepping out of his grasp to actually find a new book to read being the reason we'd came in here.

"So what if I did, tells everyone that your mine" he argued making me roll my eyes.

"Yours?" I questioned knowing it was make him react.

"Yes mine" he spoke possessively.

"You do realize this is the 21st century right" his response was just a smirk as I began looking through the shelves for anything that looked interesting feeling his eyes on me before becoming aware of his presence behind me.

"Are you upset with that statement?" he suddenly asked making me stop and turn to him.

"No, it's just a little old fashioned don't you think?" he smiled reaching out running the back of his hand across my cheek.

"You forget that so am I" I scoffed rolling my eyes at him.

"Yeah I forgot your like 1000 years old" his hand moved to the back of my head and actually started massaging my scalp, again forcing my body to relax in his touch.

"No matter what century we're in Sophia, you are mine and I am yours, our fates now forever linked"

"You sound like a Shakespeare play" I smirked moving my head with his hands. "But I like the 'your mine' part" he smiled leaning forward and pressing his lips against my forehead.

"It's only fair that you have a claim on me, after all you already own my heart" I smiled fighting off a blush with that statement.

I finally picked a book ignoring Demetri's laughter when I ended up picking Emily Brontë's Wuthering Heights but I had always loved this book so I told him to shove off as we ended up returning to his room and I couldn't help the smile as we walked in as my eyes were met with the dark interior of his room in which I had grown to love during my month living here, the room I'd moved to after the 'incident' was too white for my liking but more importantly I loved this room just because it was Demetri's and that everywhere I looked I was reminded by him and now that I finally knew where I stood with him and we were 'courting' it made me love this room all the more.

We both sat down in the same couch which was a change from our previous interactions in this room and while I read starting my new book he had pulled out a sketch pad and was sitting on the opposite end of the couch with my feet across his lap sketching something but I chose not to ask and just enjoyed the quite yet intimate moment.

Demetri's POV

Things had definitely changed between me and Sophia, what happened in the library only an hour ago had really been a testament to my restraint on fighting against the alure of her blood but I had succeeded to a point, I still felt the burn in my throat as I had kissed along her neck but I had been able to fight against it and even before we'd gone to the library I had pulled her to lay against me which really was a test of my restraint for both my thirst and my...libido since this is the hardest and longest time I've ever had to restrain myself from seducing a woman into my bed.

I hated to think about them all now, the countless women I have had in the past but I had been foolish and thought that I was above what had been a false sense of distaste of the idea of love but the moment that Sophia had found her way into my life she changed my very way of thinking and feelings, I now knew what to love and be loved was worth waiting and I was determined to remain pure and sincere from now on until we were both ready.

I looked up over my sketch pad seeing the concentrated focus that her eyes had on the page, slowly moving side to side as she read the words, why she chose Wuthering Heights I'll never know but whatever made her happy I found myself wanting to give her besides seeing her natural beauty beside me was enough to please me as I got to watch her enjoy the story and it had inspired me to start a sketch of her...my beauty, my muse...my love.

I could see the small rays of the run through the curtains slowly fall as the sun outside began to set and suddenly frowned when I realised that she hasn't eaten lunch and her new eating habits were a tad concerning since her breakfast appetite wasn't very big, I pulled my phone out of my pocket without alerting Sophia that I'd even moved and texted Felix to organize some food with Bianca and have it brought to my room which of course I knew he would do since he was just as worried for Sophia, he'd grown close to care for her as friends during the time they've spent together whenever I was busy.

"Demetri?" I looked up startled a little by her voice and saw her looking at me. "Are you okay?"

"Of course" I smiled at her.

"Your brooding, which tells me differently" she argued making me smile a little more for the fact she notices more than the average human would.

"It's nothing, mi amore" she blushed at my usual nickname for her making her all the more beautiful.

"What are you working on?" she asked nodding towards my sketch pad which was turned away from her view.

"Nothing for you to see just yet" I smirked at her and she rolled her eyes but I could see her smile as she lifted the book and started reading again and I went back to trying to capture her beauty on paper, silence befalling the room once again as we each focused on our tasks but it didn't last long unfortunately as I heard Felix's approach not being one for quiet approaches...for a vampire anyway since he opened the door without even knocking and it started Sophia.

"Hey lovebirds" he smirked walking over placing a plate with a sandwich on the table next to Sophia. "Your lunch, M'lady"

"You ever heard of knocking" she shot at him with a small glare but you could see the amusement in her eyes.

"Why got something to hide, little kitten?" I scowled a little at the fact that another guy had a nickname for my Sophia but I knew Felix held no ill intentions towards her.

"You ever gonna stop calling me that?" she asked making my scowl disappear with the knowledge that she didn't like it.

"Probably not" he laughed taking a seat on the opposite couch putting his feet up on the table. "So what have you two been up to today?" he asked with a smirk and I rolled my eyes already knowing he was ready to tease her since the news of our courtship had no doubt already spread through the castle.

"Nothing much" she shrugged focusing back on her book.

"Really, cause a little bird heard some moans coming from the library earlier" I watched as her eyes widened instantly dropping the book before she started blushing, the blood rushing to her cheeks making them go a deep red color and I stopped breathing just in case it was too much.

"I don't...we weren't..." Felix cacked up at her rambling as she tried to deny and it made me even smile as I just continued on with my drawing seeing her turn for my help.

"Relax little kitten, we're all adults here" Felix stepped in before she had a heart attack.

"Some more than others" I spoke up laughing at Felix's face as he glared my way, he knew I was joking but it worked by calming Sophia down like I wanted since her heart was racing and it made it hard to ignore the sound of it pumping her blood faster and more appetizing for me.

"I heard it was your birthday as well" Felix spoke up getting her attention again.

"What...who told you?" she asked but glared towards me, I laughed and held up my hands in surrender.

"Don't look at me"

"We're vampires kid, not much is hidden from us" he laughed at her accusation. "I brought you a gift"

"You...you didn't have to" she muttered the sadness that her birthday brought her settling back in, it upset me how much she seemed to dislike her birthday and made me want to make it a happy day for her again since her birth to me deserved to be celebrated since without I wouldn't have her today.

"Of course I did, everyone deserves a gift for their birthday" he pulled out a square jewelry box and handed it to her, I frowned since the thought of someone else giving my girl jewelry unsettled me.

"Really you didn't have to" she argued but he thrusted the box at her forcing it into her hands and she sighed flipping the lid up and I watched as her eyes shot open so large I could see all the flecks of blue in her irises. "Oh my god, this...is this real?" she asked running her hand over the very large round ruby which was set in a vintage gold pendant necklace.

"Yep 100% real, little kitten"

"This...it's way too much" she tried to hand it back to him but he stood up and moved out of her way. "I'm serious I can't have this"

"Of course you can, you deserve it and I refuse to take it back" she frowned at him, her eyes fell back on the necklace before hesitating as she carefully took it from the box to get a better look at it. "Enjoy it princess" he laughed before leaving the room while Sophia continued to stare at the large jewel.

"You should eat" I spoke up to distract her from it.

"You need to give this back to him, I don't...I'd only ruin it" she carefully placed it back into the box and closed the lid placing it delicately on the table as if she'd break it.

"Not much will convince Felix to take it back, he cares for you and like me wants to spoil you since you haven't had much in life until now"

"I managed" she shrugged grabbing the plate and picked up the sandwich while I focused on my drawing knowing she didn't like being watched while she ate.

"I know but you don't have to anymore"

"Yeah but I'm pretty sure that necklace is expensive and would be wasted on me"

"Nothing is wasted on you Sophia, you'd look gorgeous in anything" I replied and saw the familiar blush rise up her cheeks.

"I think you're a little biased"

"Actually I'm not, your human eyes cannot fathom the natural beauty that I can see" I smirked over at her. "Your eyes only see what they are told to see, I however have a sharper and keener sense of sight which sees the natural beauty that you are mi amore"

"I have no need for a necklace that size anyway given I have nowhere I could possibly even wear it" she had me there but I doubt Felix really thought of that so I just shrugged.

"You never know"

Sophia's POV

Felix's gift had been way over the top but he absolutely refused to take it back no matter how much I told him to when he collected my plate and hung with us a little more meaning I was stuck with a necklace that I would never wear, it was beautiful don't get me wrong but I felt it wasted on me when it belonged on some rich heiress to show off and worship so when Demetri told me to get ready for what he had planned tonight I put the necklace in the jewelry draw of my side of the closet which still had a few of my clothes hung up.

I showered, washing and drying my hair letting it fall naturally down my back before I got ready as usual finding Demetri had already picked an outfit since he was refusing to tell me where we were going and I was even more confused when I saw the dress he'd laid out for me.

It was a short silver dress that would come to rest just mid-thigh and it had no back on it except for the crisscross straps in which would hold the bodice in piece, I slipped in on looking at myself in the mirror admiring how it hugged my curves in all the right places and had to admit that my boyfriend had immaculate taste...I found myself smiling since that was the first time I'd addressed Demetri as my boyfriend even if it was only in my head.

"You look stunning, mi amore" I smiled as Demetri appeared in the mirror directly behind me and his hands began running along the lengths of my arms.

"You're pretty handsome yourself" I smiled back at him taking in his appearance, he was dressed in black dress pants, a white button up shirt with the two buttons undone and his usual pointed black shoes it was nothing special really but damn he made it look good.

"I got you something" he suddenly said. "Close your eyes" I closed my eyes immediately waiting before I felt something touch my collarbone and my hand came up and touched what felt like a necklace which had me opening my eyes seeing him clasping a silver chain around my neck with a small intricate diamond hanging from it.

"Demetri-"

"I know it's nothing compared to what Felix got you but I felt this was more modern and your style" I rolled my eyes at him.

"You shouldn't have"

"I told you I was going to spoil you" he smirked not fazed by his actions one bit. "Let's go" he took my hand leading me out of the room, the matching silver heels I was wearing were clicking against the stone floors of the castle as we made our way out.

"The ancients allow you to take me out again?"

"Of course, they wanted to wish you happy birthday as well" I sighed at that news as it meant more people knew of my birthday but Demetri's excitement was enough to make me forget for a moment as he led me towards the garage, I smirked at the same car inside getting in eagerly when he opened the passenger side for me.

"So where exactly are you taking me?"

"You'll see" I rolled my eyes at the suspenseful answer, never being a fan of surprises.

"Rilassati, amore mio e goditi il viaggio" he smirked over at me.
(Translation: Relax my love and enjoy the ride)

"That's not fair, I have no idea what you're saying" his smirk grew as he pulled out of the garage and we were quickly leaving the city and driving through the great Italian landscape with the sun setting behind us creating an almost glow to the land, Demetri had the top up so I couldn't see him glitter like I would have liked but I knew it upset him for some reason so I just sat back and took in the scenery since Italy never failed to take my breath away.

We ended up driving for over at hour before my eyes fell on a sign as we passed it 'Versilia, Italy' and my eyes widened a little since we weren't in Volterra anymore and my curiosity was growing even more with what Demetri had planned, I turned to him the question burning in my eyes and he seemed to notice as he smiled over at me but his lips remained shut.

"Seriously Demetri" I whined like a child. "Just tell me where were going...please?" I pouted at him flashing the eyelashes for good measure hoping it was convince him to tell me.

"Now what fun would that be" he laughed and I huffed annoyed turning to look out the passenger window. "That makes you angry?"

"I'm not angry" I spat at him.

"That tone suggests otherwise mi amore" I blushed even though I didn't want to but that name always got to me and I think he knew that since I saw his smirk.

"I'm annoyed, I hate surprises"

"You'll like this one" he argued taking my hand in his and brought it to his lips kissing the back of it. "Trust me, my love"

"I hate you" I muttered with a defeated sigh as we continued to drive for about another 20 or so minutes until he was pulling to a stop in front of what looked like a restaurant. "What is this place?" I asked as he turned the engine off, he smiled over at me before getting out of the car coming around to my side and opened the door.

I took his hand as I got out of the car looking around noticing some guys and girls both staring at us making me a little self-conscious and pull down the skirt of the dress I was wearing while he closed the door and locked the car which I'm pretty sure was his considering we've taken it out twice now, I didn't really know my cars but I was pretty sure it was some kind of Maserati and of course it was in red which seemed to be in second favorite color, his first being black even though it's not really a color.

"What are you thinking about?" he suddenly asked me making me look up.

"Nothing" I replied before looking around as we entered the restaurant only it wasn't just a restaurant and looked like it was also set up as a dance club as I could hear music coming from the back.

"Liar" he smirked making me smile a little as I looked around following Demetri to the hostess desk. "Tavolo prenotato per due a nome Volturi" he smiled at the woman behind the desk, her eyes looked up at his voice and I watched as she smiled and took him in.
(Translation: Table booked for two in the name of Volturi)

" Sì, ti ho qui, seguimi per favore" she smiled picking up some menu's and started leading us through the restaurant and into a more secluded section seating us at a table that was set for two even though I was the only one going to be eating tonight. "Il tuo cameriere arriverà a breve"
(Translation: Yes, I have you here, please follow me) (Your waiter will be here shortly)

"Grazie" Demetri replied not even looking at her to notice the way she smiled at him as she set down the menus then walked off making a very clear display of shaking her hips and I found myself glaring at her retreating form. "Everything okay?" he asked snapping my attention back onto him.

"What?" I questioned.

"You look like you just ate a sour lemon" he pointed out, a smirk on his face clearly knowing that I was glaring at the disgusting display the hostess just partook in, why women thought it was okay to flirt with men when they clearly had company always disgusted me.

"I'm fine" I spat grabbing the pitcher of water that was on the table pouring some into my glass before I drank to calm myself down, I never thought of myself as a jealous person but when you have a god-like boyfriend like Demetri it was hard not to be intimidated especially after what Alec had said to me.

"You don't have to be jealous my love, you're the only woman I see in this room as far as I'm concerned" I tried to make that statement ease me but it didn't. "Soph" he grabbed my hand and I met his eyes taking note of the contacts in his eyes, it's funny that I never really remembered to even remember that he needed them in public until I was looking directly into his eyes and tried to recall seeing him even put them in since when we left the castle they were a bright crimson red. "Mi amore, you don't have to be jealous" he insinuated each word slowly making me smile and squeeze his hand.

"I don't like people staring at you" I replied and he smiled back.

"They can't help it, we both know I'm handsome" I rolled my eyes at his ego but it did its job in calming me down. "They're infatuation has nothing to do with me, our kind are naturally appealing to you humans as a way to draw in our prey" I raised an eye questioning that statement but the waiter came interrupting before I had a chance to ask and I ordered the first thing on the menu not really bothering with what it was. "Vesuvio al Ragù di Salsiccia" Demetri answered when the waiter asked him and I was surprised he'd ordered something but I guess he had to keep up appearances. "E il tuo miglior vino in bottiglia" he quickly added and the waiter nodded before taking our menu's and left.
(Translation: E il tuo miglior vino in bottiglia = And your best bottled wine)

"I really need to continue my lessons with Felix" I muttered to myself but knew he'd hear me. "I hate not knowing what you're saying and being clueless when you take me out to places like this"

"I don't, I love your frustration" he laughed making me roll my eyes with a scoff.

"You're a real nice boyfriend"

"I know" he smirked.

"That wasn't a compliment" I shot back but the grin never left his face.

"Come on Soph, it's your birthday you should be happy"

"I already told you my birthday has never been a happy day for me" he frowned and I hated dropping his good mood but it was true, my birthday has never been a day that I cared to celebrate.

"Can you tell me why?" he asked and I sighed shaking my head. "Please" he begged taking my hand again.

"There's not really a reason behind my hatred for my birthday, it's just never been a day that I've really celebrated since none of my foster families ever gave a damn about me to celebrate it, so long as they got their check that's all they cared about and growing up without so much as a present, a party or it even acknowledged I've just grown to hate my birthday since it had also been the countdown until I was inevitably kicked out of the child protection services" I explained lowering my eyes feeling unwanted tears pool in my eyes.

"I'm sorry, I never would have made you celebrate if I knew it was this bad" I sighed.

"The one time I ever even thought about celebrating was with the guy I told you about, he'd made up like he had plans for it after I told him my birthday but when the day came he got super drunk and by the end I was left once again disappointed and in pain since he'd beaten me and claimed that I was selfish for expecting anything from him beside the roof he'd put over my head"

"I'm glad he's dead, the more I hear about him the more I just want to kill him" he replied and I felt his hand cup my cheek lifting my face before his thumbs brushed away the tears that had run down my face. "I will never do that to you" I nodded my head believing him and forced a smile on my face knowing that I was safe with Demetri. "We can go back to the castle if you want to?"

"No, you planned this for us and I don't want to ruin a night out with you just because of the date" I told him and he smiled brushing his hand across my cheek before he pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead making me smile back.

"I'm glad you told me" I nodded actually feeling better and more in love with him since for the first time I felt safe to confide in someone, Demetri knew the darkest parts of my upbringings and he was still here which I couldn't say about anyone else in my life which is why I had become so dependent on him.

"I love you Demetri" I told him and watched him smile.

"And I you, mi amore"

"Il tuo vino e il tuo cibo" our waiter came back placing a bottle of wine down along with our plates and the moment my eyes fell onto my plate I felt sick seeing the large shrimp and cursed myself for not reading what I'd actually ordered since I hated seafood of any and all kind, I hadn't heard whatever passed between Demetri and our waiter until he'd walked away leaving me with this disgusting meal.
(Translation: Your wine and your food)

"You okay?" Demetri asked making me look up and I saw the smirk on his face as he quickly took the plate away and replaced it with the one he'd ordered, it was a pasta dish but I gave him a questioning eye. "I know you don't like seafood but I didn't want to say anything earlier, hence why I ordered that" he pointed to the pasta plate.

"I didn't read what I ordered"

"I gathered" he laughed even though it wasn't funny but I was impressed he knew I didn't like seafood since I'd never told him that, he really did just pay attention. "You're lucky I am an amazing boyfriend and ordered you a short pasta with tomato and sausage instead"

"You get a point" I smirked at him.

"I'm on a point system?" he questioned grabbing the wine and poured some into the deep red wine glasses the waiter had left, I nodded my head. "How many points do I have?"

"I can't tell you that" I told him picking up my fork.

"Why not?"

"You have your secrets, I have mine" I argued looking up at him, he shook his head before he leaned closer.

"But you hold my biggest of all, so fair is fair my love" he argued.

"You speak languages I can't understand, we're even" I smirked and he laughed shaking his head at me.

"Fine, I'll inevitably get it out of you anyway"

"Oh yeah?" I challenged and he nodded self-confidant as usual.

"Eat" he told me cutting off our banter and I rolled my eyes at him and his controlling tendencies but I was hungry and it was getting cold so I ate ignoring his eyes but looked up every now and then watching him playing around with the dish I'd ordered as if pretending he was eating.

"Why don't you just signal a waiter over and get rid of that?" I nodded towards it.

"It's better I actually pretend" he grabbed his wine glass and took a sip actually making a funny face that had me sniggering since it was actually quite comical.

"Just don't throw up on the table" I warned him as I finished off my dish wiping my mouth to avoid any embarrassment in case I'd split anywhere.

"You done, I want to show you something else" I nodded my head, he called over the waiter and settled the bill adding a pretty generous tip before taking my hand and leading me out but instead of walking towards the car he started walking towards the beach behind the restaurant.

"The beach?" I asked and he nodded his head, I rolled my eyes and quickly removed my heels since I'd likely fall and break my neck from sinking into the sand with them on and saw he'd actually done the same. "You realize how cliché this is right?" I asked him as he took our shoes and left them near the rocks before helping me down onto the sand.

"I know but it's romantic and I'm giving you every humanly possible experience while we're together" I looked up at him wondering the reason behind that statement but right now wasn't the time to ask and ruin this moment since it was kind of nice.

"I guess it's okay then" I smiled especially when he entwined our fingers as we walked closer to the water, I'd never been with a decent guy long enough to even think about stuff like this...romantic dinners, walks on the beach...it was all stuff out of movies but with Demetri I felt as if I was in one and honestly couldn't care. "It's beautiful" I pointed out since you could see the moon above the water highlighting it in soft tones making the water almost sparkle as it reflected the night sky.

"Yes quite" he replied, I looked up at him but he wasn't looking out at the water.

"Be any more of a cliché Demetri" I laughed when I saw he was looking at me before I smirked and kicked water at him watching as his eyes widened in shock.

"Did you really just do that?" I laughed quickly doing it again before taking off down the beach knowing and loving the fact he couldn't use his enhanced speed to catch me with the potential witnesses and had actually gotten a far enough way down the beach before I felt his arms wrap around my middle. "Do you know how expensive these clothes are?" he asked practically turning me upside down so I was headfirst near the water.

"Don't you dare!" I exclaimed knowing fully well what he intended to do. "You can afford new ones"

"That's not the point my dearest Sophia" he replied, I could hear the smile in his voice even though I couldn't see his face. "Say you're sorry"

"No" I protested and his response was to lower me a little further, the water near centimeters from my face. "No...no...okay I'm sorry, I'm sorry" I quickly yelled out and he lifted me upright before pulling me towards him and his lips were on mine, I smiled melting into his embrace wrapping my arms around his neck as he lifted me up. "You're an insufferable human Sophia Hart but you're lucky that I love you"

"Then your damn lucky that I love you back" I remarked running my fingers through the hair which met the nape of his neck before our lips met again and in this moment everything felt perfect and time had stopped as I fell more in love with Demetri, if that was even possible.