Chapter Four: Lucidity

The morning had been hectic. Emily hadn't been expecting Nathaniel to show up before she went to work, and when she and Stefano ran into him in the hallway, things hadn't went well. The two men glared at each other, Nathan, furious that she'd already been out and about with Stefano. Luckily, she'd straightened herself up at Stefano's place. She couldn't imagine the argument that would've gone down if she would've shown up with, not only, Stefano, but a case of bedhead. Ms. Ruthmere would have ended up calling the authorities.

Strangely, Stefano was quiet. He seemed alright being around Nathan, possibly because she'd spent the evening in his arms, and she'd been quite happy. The opposite of how she seemed to feel around her boyfriend. Stefano's smile did seem a bit too smug.

Emily asked Stefano to wait for her in the hall, which he agreed to, while she dragged Nathan in her apartment. She wanted to keep the two men separate.

"Why are you with him this early? Aren't you meeting with Veronica, today?" She was certain that Stefano could hear him from outside. Nathan was a little upset.

"Calm down, he took me out to breakfast for my birthday. That's all." Emily would tell Nathan the truth later, whenever they were alone. She was finally going to break up with him, and she was going to finally give Stefano a chance.

Nathan crossed his arms, he didn't quite believe what she was saying. "Emily, we need to talk."

She quickly changed her clothes, freshening up a little more, to avoid being letured by Veronica or Charles. Hopefully, the scent of alcohol didn't linger. At least, she hoped Nathan wouldn't notice. "Yeah, we really do. But, I have to go to work, it'll have to wait until later."

Emily returned to the living room, grabbing a set of spare keys, tossing them towards Nathan. "I'll be back around 6pm, you can let yourself in, okay?"

Nathan was irritated, watching her leave, stepping out into the hall, he decided to speak up. "I love you.."

Glancing back, she took a deep breath. There was no way she could tell him that she loved him back, when she planned on breaking up with him in 12 hours, so, before closing the door, she muttered a simple word: "Bye."

It hurt her to do so, but, her focus was getting Stefano out of the area, so she grabbed his hand, pulling him down the stairs and back out to his vehicle.

Stefano stopped, pulling against her force. "Emily, is something wrong?" Of course he'd be concerned, hearing her ignore, Nathan's confession so coldly. "No, I just don't want you two getting in a fight. We just made up, and it took nearly a week…" His smirk, even more conceited. Stefano liked knowing that he was the cause of their drama. He was winning.

"You needn't worry, dolce. That won't be happening again." He replied, opening her door for her, half-hoping that Nathan had been watching.

The second Veronica and Stefano locked eyes, the atmosphere of the room changed. Emily was usually uncomfortable, but, when Veronica snapped her head up, glaring at them, she started to think that maybe she shouldn't have brought him. And hearing Veronica hiss his name, made matters even worse. "Valentini!"

He only smiled. Ruining two people's mornings? He could get used to this.

"Have you come to see a true professional, work?" She growled, walking over, standing in front of him. Veronica was a bit shorter than him, it was almost comical, seeing her trying to stand against him.

Stefano hadn't even glanced at her, pretending she didn't exist. And obvious play on her height. "Listen here you pompous-"

"Nicky." Charles called out, raising an eyebrow. "We have more important things to do, than to argue with rudimentary asshole."

"Right… Let's go, Emily." She replied, turning, heading back into the studio.

Stefano stood triumphantly. "She still doesn't like me." He spoke softly, so that Emily would be the only one to hear. Emily let out a chuckle. "Well, you're kinda are an ass."

Forty minutes had passed, and Stefano watched from the sidelines. Those two really didn't know how to capture Emily's beauty. They put her in the wrong lighting, the wrong colors. They were clueless. But, he wasn't about to correct his rivals.

He was caught off guard, feeling someone grab his hand, throwing his arm over their shoulder. "Heeey, Steffy!" It was Tiffany, excited to see that the two were on good terms. "Nice to see you two made up!"

"She told you?" He gave Tiffany a curious glance, before pulling his arm away. "No, but, her phone was in her bag the entire day. Usually, she spends her breaks talking to you. Especially when you're in town. Dude, she was majorly upset."

Stefano felt a little bad, the days he spent with Diane were nice, but, while he was having fun, Emily was distressed. He'd have to make it up to her, later. "So, are you two still 'just friends'?" Judging by the glare she received from Stefano, they were in fact only friends.

Sighing, she grabbed his hand once again, pulling him out into the hall. "You've got to make a move on her!" Tiffany insisted. "Look, she told me something, and I probably shouldn't be relaying this information to you, but, she's crazy for you. She just doesn't want to admit it. "

Tiffany successfully piqued his curiosity. "W-What has she told you?"

"For starters, she's super worried about tainting your guys' friendship, or something. That's why she hasn't said anything. But, a few days ago, she told me about a rather sensual dream she had, guess who the star was?" Her smile beaming, as she leaned towards him.

Stefano seemed to grow a little bashful. Is that why she was just seconds away from kissing him, after their photo shoot? And, was that why she seemed perfectly alright with waking up in his arms?

A wicked grin lined Tiffany's face. "I can tell you how to win her over, if you want."

He didn't want to seem desperate, he carried himself far too proudly for that. But, if there was a way to win his beloved model's heart over, how could he deny himself?

"I'm listening."

"Well, in her dreams, you dominated her. Took what you wanted, all the while, keeping it classy. So, what you need to do is take control. Tell her to come sit on your lap or something. I'm betting she wouldn't hesitate."

Emily wanted someone dominate? It made sense with the type of guys she was in to. Brutes. They didn't have much intelligence, and most acted as bullies. She wasn't attracted to their muscles, but, they need to prove they were elite.

Finally, it made sense. The sudden lust resonating off her, after the photo shoot, it was because she enjoyed the demanding tone he'd used with her. He'd excited her. Each photo he'd taken was meant to capture a woman's longing, waiting for a man to have his way with her. Emily had gotten into her character, and admittedly, with the final photo, he had as well.

Tiffany was staring at Stefano, he seemed to be in his own world, lost in thought. "Well, hope you come up with some ideas. If she hasn't, been in your bed by the time you leave again, I'm going to be very disappointed." With that, the woman happily walked off, leaving Stefano to the many scenarios he was probably running through his head.

"By the time I leave…." He repeated to himself. That sounded like a good goal to set. Stefano bit his lip, imagining the thrill of finally being able to help her undress.

He pushed the thoughts to the back of his mind, ready to return to the studio. Tiffany quickly ran up, grabbing him again. "Wait!" She spoke, pulling out a piece of paper, scribbling her number on it. "I don't trust you, so, if you need help, go ahead and give me a call."

Stefano took the piece of paper, shoving it in his pocket. "I should be offended."

"Buuut, you know it's true!" She chimed in, giggling, before taking off again.

He sighed. It was true. He needed the help, but didn't want to admit it. He wanted to win Emily's heart by himself. Of course, he'd try again, one more time, and if he failed this time, he'd have assistance.

Walking back into the studio, Charles was working with Emily now, rather than, Veronica. Where could she have run off to? His eyes scanned the area, wondering if she'd been plotting against him, revenge for the joke against her height.

Emily was with Megan, another girl from the studio, they were swimsuit models, advertising product for a magazine called: 'Just add H20'. They were using a fake beach scene, which annoyed Stefano. The beach was only five minutes away. And there were area's you could rent, which were private. They could have easily taken the girls into the actual scenario. Natural lighting, and actual water would make the photos more appealing. These people didn't seem to care about the ambience, or quality of their work. Emily could definitely do better.

And then, Charles overstepped a line, reaching out for Emily, only to be grabbed and halted by Stefano. "I didn't hear you ask for permission." Charles yanked his arm free, turning to face him. "And what are you going to do about it, little man?"

Charles was taller than Stefano, and outweighed him. He was a little on the hefty side. Charles was also older, nearing his 40's where as Stefano was only 23. Looking at the two men, sizing each other up, it was pretty obvious, that, if bets were made, the majority would side with Charles taking the win.

But, being a war photographer had its perks. If you wanted to get good shots, show what the war was actually about, you couldn't be some weakling. There was strength hidden under his exorbitant suits.

Stefano smiled, before delivering a punch across Charles face, knocking him back, causing him to trip over the stool behind him, falling on his ass. Emily had to stifle a giggle, smiling sheepishly. Seeing Stefano stand up for her was a turn on.

Charles was angry, struggling to his feet, ready to fight, if that's what the wannabe photographer wanted. Before he could get a word out, Veronica hollered his name, telling him not to make a move. Making a pass at Stefano, saying: "If you hit him, he'll just have his families lawyers sue us." And that wasn't something either of them wanted to be involved with. Magazines would drop them quickly, hearing that a model's friend was assaulted, after he tried protecting her.

"You wouldn't have to worry, if you treated your models with a shred of respect."

Veronica took a deep breath. "Emily, I'm postponing your sessions for two weeks, as punishment for disobedience. Since Valentini is in town, you shouldn't be without work. If you bring him back, I will be terminating your contract." Her voice was unrelenting, she was serious about terminating her. "Now go change, leave the swimsuit at the front desk, and for the love of god, take Valentini with you."

Emily's hand slipped into his, tugging on his arm. He followed without a word, as they headed to the changing room. He waited just on the other side of the curtain. They were away from Charles and Veronica, which gave Stefano time to calm down. One of the golden rules of photography, was never to touch the model without their permission. Even then, it was best to avoid physical contact. But, Charles just ignored that rule. Originally Stefano though that Emily was exaggerating, when she said he would grab them with dirtied hands. Now, he wholeheartedly believed her.

"Hey…" Emily called out from behind the curtain. "Are you alright? Never seen you punch a guy before." She joked, trying to make light of the situation. "I'd fight anyone for you, dolcezza."

"Are you going to tell me what that means, or do I have to figure it out?" She questioned, slipping her boots back on, taking a little extra time. Stefano was always patient with her. "Sweetness." He replied, leaning against the wall, closing his eyes. "Sweetness? Did I get demoted?" Emily laughed, stepping out of the room, leaving the swimsuit on the hanger, in the changing room.

Stefano offered his arm. "Sei perfetto. Una singola parola non può definirti." Emily rolled her eyes, taking his hand. "I suppose you're not going to tell me what that means."

"Take an Italian course online, dolce." She laughed once again. "Nah, I'm gonna take German and really mess with you."

The two returned to Stefano's car, picking up lunch, before heading back to his apartment. Emily was quite attached to him, today. Holding his hand, along with clutching his arm tightly, with her other hand. She kept herself pulled close to him. And Stefano didn't mind one bit. Though he was curious, as to why he'd been awarded with the sudden affection. Was it because he hit Charles? Or, maybe, the snuggling from the night before? Would she tell him, if he asked?

They walked in the door, setting the bags down, on the table a few feet away. Stefano's heart was troubled, wanting to know if last night had meant anything to her. Waking with her in his arms, was a dream come true.

"About last night…" Stefano began, but, Emily cut him off. "I had a lot of fun. Honestly, I wouldn't mind having a couple drinks with you again, tonight." She faced him, smiling, curiosity written across her face. "You didn't mind?" He took a step closer, extending his hand, caressing her cheek. She leaned into him,, completely willing to let the moment take over.

This was exactly what he wanted. Emily in his arms, her lips, just inches away from his, but, it felt too wrong. She hadn't exactly broken up with Nathan, and had even given him the key to her apartment. Stefano hesitated, pulling away. As much as he wanted to steal Emily away from Nathan, he couldn't. If they were going to form a relationship, it couldn't be formed in the heat of the moment. He didn't want her to regret her decision.

Yet, maybe she needed the push? Tiffany said she liked aggressive men, right? Those who took what they wanted.. He had to make a move. If she pushed him away, he'd stop, until then, Stefano pulled her close, brushing her hair behind her shoulder, pressing his lips to her neck.

Leaving a mark such as a simple love bite, would tell people she was taken. And more importantly, Nathan would see that she was taken. He didn't want to start drama between the two, but, Emily needed to choose.

And, by the way she eased into his embrace, Emily was pretty accepting for the world to see, that she had a new man.

Her heart was fluttering, enjoying the feeling of his teeth grazing across her skin. Emily's hands desperately clinging to the back of his jacket. She was both aroused and nervous. Was it alright for her to let him do this? To leave a blemish on her, while she was still in a relationship? It's not like, Nathan really took their relationship seriously, he only seemed to show up for sex. That was probably his goal this morning, since he hadn't given her a gift, or wished her a happy birthday, he was more than likely going to surprise her with morning sex.

Yeah, it was alright to let Stefano kiss her. He just wouldn't be getting lucky, until she left Nathan. She respected him that much, at least.

"Stef…" She called, in a half groan. He stopped kissing her, pulling back, gazing into her eyes. "Yeah?" Her hand, immediately covering where his lips had just been. Emily sighed, quite happily, before pulling herself into him, returning the kiss against his neck. A sign that she accepted his actions. His arms wrapped around her waist, keeping her pinned against him.

"Does this mean….?" Stefano almost didn't want to ask, wanting the moment to last forever.

Emily halted, pressing her head against his chest, hearing his rapid heartbeat. He was also nervous. "I want to give you a chance. But, if we don't work out…. Promise me we can still be friends…" The poor girl loved him so much, it hurt her to think they might go separate ways. "Emily, I promise. If we don't work out, I still want you in my life. You're my best friend, and you've pulled me through some of my darkest days." Stefano sounded genuine. That was all the confirmation she needed.

"You'll have to give me a little while, though… Nathan deserves to be told, face to face. And, he doesn't deserve to be cheated on. He isn't perfect, but, he wouldn't do anything like that to me."

Stefano understood. They'd remain to be friends, for a day or so, longer.

Lunch wasn't as awkward as either expected it to be. They were still able to carry on fluent conversation. Neither of them bringing up the relationship again.

Emily's phone rang several times. She ignored each call, without bothering to look at the number. The next notification she received was a text. It must've been important. Finally, she pulled her phone out, checking the message.

It was from Nathan.

"Emily. We really need to talk. Please come back, it's really important…"

She sighed, standing up from the table. They already had a couple drinks, and Stefano was a bit of a light weight. "I've got to go. Nathan won't stop texting me."

"Do you want me to come with you?"

Emily shook her head. "No, I'd like to avoid you two trying to kill each other."

He laughed. "Be honest, who do you think would win?"

"Well, after how you treated, Charles, this morning, you might make him cry."

"You're teasing me." He joined her, taking her hand. "At least allow me to walk you out, amore."

He'd mentioned love again, Emily was ecstatic. It'd only been a few hours, and she already felt desired. Stefano's embrace was welcoming, and Nathan's was cold. "As if you'd let me walk out alone." Her lips pecked his cheek. "Well, darling, part of courting a woman, is making sure she's safely escorted, whenever she's around you."

For the first time, after all his waiting, Stefano was rewarded with a goodnight kiss, though quick, only lasting a second, he finally felt her lips on his own. Along with the promise of seeing her tomorrow. The day went rather well.

Emily reached her building. Reluctantly heading inside. She wasn't sure how he'd take the news. Maybe, he saw it coming, and was going to break up with her, this morning? But, that was only wishful thinking. She'd have to break his heart, and send him on his way.

Before heading up the stairs, she moved her hair over her shoulder, hiding the mark. Nathan didn't need to know that she'd already practically promised herself to Stefano.

Reaching the top of the stairs, she approached her door, hearing moans. Female. They sounded rather excited, increasing in intensity. The walls were rather thin. Emily was fairly certain these sounds were coming from the apartment in front of her. She glanced up at the numbers, making sure she hadn't drunkenly stumbled to the wrong place, she was certain she hadn't been that intoxicated, and seeing the number 1317, confirmed her suspicions. This was her apartment…

Taking a deep breath, she unlocked the door. The mounds were louder, coming from around the corner, in her own room. That bastard.

Anger grew in her heart, sure, she was coming home, with the intent to break up with him, but, he was so bold, so uncaring, to text her with urgency, asking her to come home, only for her to find him with another woman. Was he out of his mind?

Emily couldn't stop the pain from breaking out, she had loved him, at one point. She tried with every fiber of her being to love him wholeheartedly. She gave him everything she could offer, and he treated her like this?

She wasn't exactly heartbroken, but, agony still managed to rip through her, only to corrupt, adding itself to her indignation.

"Nathan!"

Her scream was loud. The neighbors would probably complain the next morning, she wasn't about to calm down.

A female voice gasped "Who's that!?" There was a chuckle from Nathan, knowing he'd been caught. "My girlfriend, and she sounds pretty pissed."

"Girlfriend!?" The strange woman inquired once again, bemused at his calm response.

When he'd finally come out, he was wearing only his pants and shoes, shirt and jacket slung over his right shoulder. "Don't worry, I was just leaving." He tossed her key on the counter, taking a step towards her.

Emily must've learned something from Stefano today. Her fist clenched, and once Nathan was close enough, she let him have it, striking him across his face. A mere slap wouldn't have done justice.

His hand held his cheek. "You fucking bitch!"

"What the fuck is your problem? I can't believe you have the audacity to bring a random girl to my apartment!" Cheating was one thing, but, doing it her home, rather than his own? "Hurt's doesn't it? Well, this isn't the first time." He growled in response.

The woman he was with hadn't come out yet. Having a panic attack, as far as she knew, Nathan was single. And she was used, just so he could get back at her.

"Get out." Her voice lower, than before. 'Wasn't the first time.' He'd been cheating for a while…

He scoffed. "What, you can fuck that pris, but, I can't have a little fun? Maybe you should've put out a little more. At least with me."

"I haven't slept with Stefano!" She protested. The truth was about to come out, she'd tell him exactly why she wasn't putting out. "Oh, really?" He rose his hand, causing her to flinch, not knowing if he was going to strike her back. He only moved her hair, revealing the mark Stefano left. The bruises were dark, he'd left three blemishes, close together. "Where did you get this? If you're not fucking him, who is it?"

Nathan retracted her hand. "And what about this morning? That bullshit about breakfast? I came over last night to see you. But, you weren't home. And, you came back with him, do you think I'm stupid?"

Emily opened her mouth to say something, only to be interrupted again, Nathan pushed her against the wall. "And now you smell like alcohol, were you planning on fucking him before coming home?"

The woman Nathan slept with was now out in the living room, watching in horror. "Nathan, let her go!" She shouted. He shoved Emily aside, picking up his shirt and jacket from the floor, reaching for the door knob.

"I let him kiss me, because I planned on breaking up with you tonight. But, that's all we did. The reason I never put out, is because you're terrible in bed, and I guarantee, that girl was faking it. Your dick is too small to satisfy anyone." Nathan glared back at her, and the blonde haired girl standing in the living room.

He decided just to walk away, opening the door, only to be met with a strong male voice shouting "Hands up!" Nathan immediately dropped everything in his hands, doing as the officer instructed.

Ms. Ruthmere standing just outside her door, phone in hand.

The blonde girl approached Emily, a sorrowful look on his face. "Hey…. I'm so sorry...I didn't-"

"You didn't know. It's fine." Emily's voice broke. She was upset. The officer approached, placing Nathan in handcuffs.

A female officer made her way around the men, into the apartment. "Are you ladies alright? Either of you hurt?"
Both women applied that they were fine, and the male officer yanked Nathan to his feet.

"Nathan." Emily called out, the offiicer halted, long enough for her to speak. "How long?"

Nathaniel smiled. "Heh, the entire time, babe."

Again, she clenched her fists, heat filling the brims of her eyes. "You fucking jerk." Both the blonde haired girl and the female officer moved to comfort her, as did Ms. Ruthmere, as she rounded the corner, once the officer with Nathan passed.

Emily had decided not to press charges against Nathan, even though the blonde haired woman, Janelle, and Ms. Ruthmere both said they'd be her witness. Nathan would be released the next day. It was only fair, since she'd hit him first, and he'd now wear a black eye for a few days.

Emily and Janelle both were invited over to Evelyn's for a cup of tea, and a light snack. They had a rather rough day, both believing that Nathan was a decent man. Emily had been with him for nearly a year, 10 months to be exact. And Janelle confessed that she'd been seeing him for nearly three. Neither were sure how many others there were.

While Evelyn was in the kitchen, Janelle casually brought up conversation about Stefano, asking who he was, how long she'd known him. Emily wasn't too uncomfortable answering, since she confessed that she'd kissed him.

"He sounds like a dream. I'm sure you'll be much happier with him." She replied, taking another drink of her tea. "What about you?" Emily asked. "Do you have someone else in mind?"

Janelle's cheeks flared up. "Well, kinda. I was really only with Nathan because my family didn't approve of him. Said he was too poor. My mom's been trying to set me up with a guy named, Chris. He's pretty cute, but, the guys got one hell of an attitude on him. Extremely pompous, snotty. Likes to look me up and down at company parties."

"May as well give him a shot, if anything, you might have a couple satisfying nights."

The two laughed, both agreeing that Nathan wasn't the best in bed. Which was probably why he felt the need to cheat. A woman had probably told him the truth and he vowed revenge against all women.

The rest of the night went alright. Emily returned home, later that evening. Stefano had sent a text, asking how things went, and because she didn't want him to worry, she told him everything went fine, but, she wasn't feeling well, so she was going to bed.

Emily changed all the sheets and sprayed her mattress down with sanitizer. She didn't want to be reminded. But, a bit of warmth came to her face when she remembered that the next man in her bed would be, Stefano. Her fantasy coming true.

She was sitting on the edge of the bed when Stefano's final text came in, saying he was also going to get some rest, and at the end of his text, were the words she'd been longing to hear.

"I love you."

Silent tears spilled from her eyes. This time, they were happy. Nathan had rarely said it, and every time he had, there was no emotion in his voice. He always said it whenever he was trying to gain something. Stefano had said it, because he actually felt the words. He knew their meaning. It was hard for her not to weep.

But, with her lack of response, due to her emotional outburst, he'd sent another text, worried.

"Is it to abrupt?"

She smiled, easily replying:

"Of course not. I love you, too."

To be continued...