Thanks for the reviews.
AUTHORS NOTE:
I'm sorry this took a while, my mom passed away. Of course, that was very recently and I haven't updated in months, but I've also been busy with school and friends and such.
I graduate June 3rd! Can't wait!
(I feel like I glossed over my mother passing away, but there is not much more I can say about it...it sucks. If your mom is still in your life, don't take her for granted. Please)
I also went through writer's block for the longest time, but I'm pushing through, finally!
Review please, I need a picker-upper!
"Mom, come on!" I followed her into the kitchen on Thursday night.
She shook her head. "I said no, Gabriella, so that is that," she responded as she continued to make dinner.
"I'm eighteen years old, legally I can do as I please," I told her, and then regretted it immediately once I saw the mean look on her face. Wrong move, speak now! "Mom, I'm responsible, I just got into NYU, I work at the restaurant whenever you need me to, I put up with the Italian guys you send to meet me, I help out around the house and do well in school, just give me this one weekend," I pleaded with my hands in the praying motion.
"No," she stated. "You are my child, living underneath my roof, and you still attend high school, you will do as I say eighteen or not. You cannot go," she told me.
I glared. "It will just be us, me, Martha, Kelsi, and Taylor, I swear," I promised.
"How do I know?" my mom demanded to know. "Kelsi has that boyfriend of hers, Taylor seems to go through the guys these days, and you have been texting that one boy so much. How do I know you four are not just going up there to party?" she questioned.
"What boy?" my father cut in, giving me a weird look.
"My best friend is not a slut!" I ignored him. "And, if you must know her business, she is getting into something serious with a guy she met. I do not like Kelsi's boyfriend, so why the hell would I agree to go anywhere with him. Martha doesn't think any guys are ever interested in her, so she never gets a boyfriend, which means there is a no on her part as well. And, do you really think I would invite a guy, whom I do like, but barely know, upstate to Kelsi's cabin with us? Really?" I retorted.
"What boy?" my dad repeated, confused. "And what are you two fighting about?" he wondered.
We ignored him some more. "Gabriella, I am not okay with you and your teenage friends going upstate by yourself to stay in a cabin for the weekend, I'm sorry," my mom apologized.
"I'll go out with him," I volunteered myself. "The guy I like. I'll go out on a date with him, you and Dad can meet him on the first date, hell Gino can too," I pleaded.
My mom was so beside herself with me liking a boy, let alone going out with him, she faltered for a moment. "It's not worth your safety," she stated firmly. Damn her parental instincts!
"I'll go too then," Julian volunteered as he came into the room. "I'll go with them, bring a friend, it'll be fun. I'll watch out for Gabriella and her friends, and get some awesome snowboarding in," he saved me.
I sent a thank you look to Julian. That will be so hard to pull off and I will so owe him forever, but he's totally saving my ass and I have to go with Troy this weekend. I've barely seen him this week; he had to go out West for meetings or something. Our mom thought about it for a few moments. "Fine," she answered. "Julian Montez, I swear to God if I hear that you or your friend flirted with any of those girls you will be so black and blue you will wish I let Gabi deal with you," she threatened.
"Me? Flirting? Not allowed? Mom, really?" Julian choked out. All Julian knows how to do with the opposite sex is flirt. This will be tough on him.
"I do not need those girls feeling uncomfortable with you around," she insisted, not budging on this stance, and never would.
He nodded sadly while sighing. "Yeah, okay, fine," he agreed softly.
"Hello!" Dad broke in. "What boy?" he questioned.
"And, that date is happening, Gabriella," my mom went on. "Soon, and we will meet him," she told me before continuing to make dinner.
So... I get to go with Troy where ever he is taking me this weekend, on a date with him at some point soon, and my friends do get to party upstate this weekend? I'll consider this fight a win on my part.
"It's going to be cold?" I questioned my boyfriend through my cell phone as I finished packing for my mystery trip. "It's almost February in New York City and you're taking me some where cold? You see, this is when you take me to the Bahamas so you can see me in a bikini," I told him.
He laughed. "Yes, that would be very practical of me, but another time, I promise. I'm taking you somewhere more important," he assured me.
"Mm-hm," I said into the phone. "Are we going to do this all the time? Jet off around the world?" I asked.
"From time to time, probably. My family does own a jet," he reminded me. "Two actually," he corrected himself.
It amazes me everything he can get his hands on. I was rich before, but I never had what he has now. Then again, I never used my wealth for things such as this. "Oh, we're going on a date, an official one that my parents will know about," I informed him.
"Really? How did this happen?" he wondered.
"You see, I was fighting with my mom and I thought it would be a deal breaker to throw in that I would go out on a date with you if she would let me go this weekend. It didn't work, but when we finally worked things out she said that I have to go out with you and she has to meet you," I explained.
"Does she know I am twenty two?" he questioned.
Well, someone is full of questions. "No, we'll leave that alone for a week or two. Let's wait until my dad likes you," I suggested. "I can't wait until tomorrow," I mentioned. He's on his way home right now from California.
"Yes, a long plane ride sounds like so much fun," Troy teased back at me.
I rolled my eyes. "It's with you, isn't it?" I replied. "Maybe we can join the mile high club!" I joked, kind of, maybe, I wish. Ugh, him and his 'we should get to know each other in this life before we have sex for days' thing!
"We wouldn't be the first ones to do so on the jet," he responded. Kinda gross, but I don't care. "But no, tomorrow we will not be joining anything," he insisted.
"You're not fun!" I whined as my door opened.
"Who isn't fun?" my father asked.
I cleared my throat. Why not be honest? "Um, it's not that he's not fun, but Troy," I answered. "We're talking, I told him we can go out on a date," I added in.
My dad nodded. "You mind hanging up the phone? I wanna talk before you go to bed," he told me. It is getting late, but I've missed being around Troy. Now that I've found him and he's across the country, there is this whole new ache when I can't see him. It's not like when I didn't even know if he was reincarnated, it's a whole new feeling of longing, a horrible ache within me that never dulls. Still, I can't say no to my dad.
"I have to go," I informed Troy. "But, uhm, I'll see you soon," I insisted. Why is it this awkward to talk to him in front of my dad? Probably because were just discussing sex and I've never been interested in a guy before to go through this with my father. How is he going to act? One date when I was fourteen is one thing, beginning a relationship with my soulmate is another.
"I'll be waiting outside of your school tomorrow. Love you, Brie, bye," he said, then we hung up. I hated not being able to say 'I love you too' in response, but my dad would get very confused and I would have a lot of explaining to do.
"What's up?" I questioned my dad as I closed my suitcase and sat on my bed.
He came to sit next to me. "Don't get worried, you've done nothing wrong," he assured me, causing me to chuckle. I figured. "Your mom told me you met a boy?" he wondered.
"I- yeah. Didn't you want me to?" I asked, wringing my hands in nerves.
"In a way, yes," he replied. "I just don't want you to feel like your mother and I pushed you into seeing someone," he admitted.
I shook my head. "You didn't, Dad, don't worry about it. I really like Troy," I told him. "I really, really like him and he likes me," I said.
"Does he like you, or does he really, really like you?" my dad joked in response.
I laughed. "I'd say it's even," I replied. "You don't have to worry about me, I know how to handle myself," I added to ease his worries. "I think you'll like him, Dad, he treats me so good and we've only hung out once," I lied. I hate lying to them, but it has to be this way. "We held hands, but he wouldn't kiss me because we aren't together," I kept up the charade.
"Tell me he won't have sex before marriage and he'll be my best friend," Dad stated. I didn't laugh, I actually got kinda embarrassed. "I was kidding, Gabi," he insisted.
"I know- I just," I stopped. "Honestly, that's not what I believe in," I confessed quietly. "But I won't do anything I know I'm not ready for, I promise," I quickly told him. "And, even if he would try to push me into something, which he wouldn't, I wouldn't let anything happen," I went on.
My dad nodded. "You know how to fight, I'm aware," he agreed. "Remember, boxing is different than a real-life fight. When you make a fist, keep your thumb on the outside," he instructed me.
I laughed. "Thanks, Dad," I said, then gave him a hug.
"Honestly Gabi, I don't expect you to be a virgin until marriage and we've always been open in this family," he began as we pulled away. "Now, I don't think you'll announce it at the dinner table, but around when it does happen, can you let your mother know? She loves that you two are so close and if she finds out some other way it will hurt her. I'd do just about anything to keep that from happening," he stated. "I hate seeing any of you hurt."
I nodded. "I can't promise I'll tell her the next day, but yeah, around when it happens," I lied again. 'Around' when it happens could be next week, I don't think my parents will approve of that. "She won't tell you, will she?" I questioned.
"After a while, maybe," my dad said honestly. "Just don't jump into anything and you've taken health class, don't be dumb," he pleaded.
"I won't," I agreed.
"In fact, I am going to go talk to your mom about putting you on birth control right now," he mentioned, standing up. "G'night, baby," my dad kissed my head. "See you in the morning."
I sighed as my dad left. My mom will agree to the birth control, I'll have a doctor's appointment next week, I know it. I'm not against it either, I want kids, but right now isn't the time, Troy and I both know that. We just better stock up on extra condoms. That'll be an interesting conversation.
-xoxo-
"So, I have a doctor's appointment on Wednesday," I informed Troy once we were leveled out in the air the next day. Right after school we came to the airport. I gave one last call to my mom saying goodbye and stuff since Kelsi's cabin has no cell reception which is exactly why we chose it.
Troy sat down next to me in the huge seats, bigger than First Class. I love this jet; the bathroom is pretty big too. When we first got on I ran around like a freak, looking around, using interjections like 'wow', which made Troy laugh. "Uh, why?" he questioned, handing me my coke.
"I was talking to my dad last night about sex before marriage and how I won't be waiting, obviously-" I began.
"Wait, you told your father that? The man I will have to meet and impress to date his daughter? Are you serious?" he asked, cutting me off.
"Mmhm," I hummed before swallowing. "We're an open family. Anyways, he was struck by the idea to get me on birth control, then left to talk to my mom. She called my doctor this morning," I finished.
My boyfriend chuckled. "Good to know, we'll need it in a month," he mentioned.
"A month?" I demanded. "We're waiting a month more?" I whined, putting my drink in the cup holder.
He laughed heartily this time. "I don't know, but it takes a month for it to work, to like kick in or something," he reminded me. "Which is what I was referring to," he said.
"Oh," I mumbled. "We're going to be on this flight for six some hours and you won't tell me where you are taking me," I stated.
"Precisely," Troy responded, pushing our middle arm rest up, and then wrapped an arm around me.
I suppressed a yawn as I leaned into his warmth. It's been a long week at school. "I'm going to nap on you," I warned, scooching closer.
"Here," he muttered, leaning forward and suddenly my legs rose so I could be more comfortable. It reclines. Awesome. "Go to sleep, I'll wake you up later," he assured me.
I burrowed into his body, wearing a comfy velvet sweat suit and my hair up in a messy bun with barely any make up on. I didn't put much effort in today, knowing I would be on a plane for a few hours. Kelsi said I was crazy for going somewhere on a plane with a guy I barely know, then to top it all off I look 'crappy' as I do it. Troy, however, called me beautiful as he took me into his arms in the school parking lot. He's kind of blinded by love if you ask me.
"Troy, where do your parents think you are going?" I wondered tiredly.
He moved himself so I was lying more comfortably against his body. "I told them exactly where I was going, I just didn't inform them of you," he admitted. "Don't worry, they won't find out, the pilot likes me more than he likes them. They're a little demanding," he added on. "Besides, I'm giving him a bonus to enjoy himself once we get there until we're leaving."
"You're taking me to Rome aren't you, baby?" I questioned against his chest.
"Sh, don't ruin the surprise," he replied, rubbing my back. After a minute, I fell asleep.
When I woke I found that we land in a little over an hour and that Troy napped for a little bit too, but not for nearly as long as I did. We quickly went to the bathroom and I ran a brush through my hair and splashed water onto my face. Troy gave me coffee when I came back out, plus a snack.
"We're gonna be eating when we get there, just so you know, Brie," Troy informed me as I tilted the chip bag into my mouth to catch all the crumbs.
"Oh, I figured," I said after swallowing. "I just really like food. I also like working out. And, I have a fantastic metabolism, thank you, Mom," I rambled.
Before Troy could respond the pilot announced we were approaching the landing strip and to strap in. "Can you try to look surprised?" Troy questioned as we began our decent.
"Huh?" I laughed to my boyfriend. Boyfriend doesn't seem like the appropriate term for Troy, we're so much more than that. Then again, it's not like there is 'soulmate' button on Facebook.
"We both know we're in Rome right now, but can you act like you're surprised?" he rephrased, taking my hand in his.
He was greeted by my toothy grin. "I'm excited, does that make up for it?" I asked. "I am so excited," I insisted, bouncing up and down in my chair.
Troy chuckled, then kissed the back of my hand. It was only a few more minutes before our wheels touched the ground with a thump and the whole plane shook. It was another few minutes before we reached the end of the landing strip, at the end of which stood a small structured building and some kind of hanger. Well, that is what it looked like from the window of the plane anyways. Is there a difference between a jet and a plane? The words are interchangeable to me.
When we exited the jet our bags were already being loaded into a car that was sitting right out in front of us. "Well, you're prepared, aren't you?" I teased up at Troy.
"We have things to do and places to see. Of course, it's very early in the morning here at the moment," he replied, catching keys that were thrown in his direction. He said something to the man in Italian that I could have understood if I cared enough to listen. "Welcome home, baby," he stated as he opened the passenger side door of the sleek, black car that was waiting for us.
"So, where are we off to?" I wondered as he drove into what was familiar territory to him, but foreign to me. I feel like I am at home, but it all seems so new. I don't have many memories of Rome other than when Annabelle visited which was only three times and during those flashbacks I wasn't exactly taking notes on the directions. Ethan was a little time-consuming. Then again, it was not like when we were in Rome we spent a lot of time outside of our bedroom.
"Our apartment. We're going to eat, relax, try to get some more sleep, and then I am showing you some things I think you should see," he explained as he navigated his way through the almost empty streets of Rome.
"What if I can't sleep?" I asked with a smile on my face.
Troy chuckled in response. "We aren't going to make love, Gabriella," he told me. "I know it will be hard for you sleep since you got about five hours on the plane, but you should try," he went on. "We have two full days ahead of us," he stated.
"In those two days is going around seeing the art a part of any of it?" I questioned, being completely serious. "I am dying to see Bernini's sculptures, especially the one of St. Teresa," I admitted excitedly.
He nodded. "Yes, tomorrow we can go see anything you would like, but I get today. I want to show you our Rome," he insisted.
"And, I want to see it," I agreed.
Troy's apartment was about twenty minutes or so away from the small airport we landed in, but he did drive fast as he always does. I was surprisingly tired as we went up the elevator and it showed as I leaned into Troy. The apartment was beautiful, of course. It was painted in warm colors and looked so homey; I loved it the moment I walked in.
"You were my inspiration for the decor," Troy commented, then tossed his keys down onto the coffee table and rolled our luggage in. "It's not huge, but it's not small, and it oddly feels like home, doesn't it?" he questioned, leaning against a wall.
I nodded as I looked around and breathed in Rome's air. "It does, it's kinda like déjà vu too," I mentioned.
"Centuries ago, there was a building in this same spot, but a very rich man owned it. Well, I own it now, but that is beside the point," he began to tell me. Oooh, story time! "And, he took an Italian beauty as his wife; she was so gorgeous he barely let her leave the home. Her name was Mara which in Italian means eternally beautiful and was extremely appropriate," he said. "Ricardo was a jealous man and a powerful one too, his influence in Rome was strong. It was how he got her to be his, her father thought he was perfect to take care of his daughter. The only men who came in contact with her were servants and even then most of them were women. When one of his older servant men died, he took on a new one. Salvatore was a young, trustworthy man who was born and raised in Rome. He was the same age as the man's wife, but Ricardo thought nothing of it."
As he spoke, I realized this was the story of us, the very beginning of us and hung onto every word.
"Salvatore was asked to go into the wife's quarters one day and that was when he saw Mara. The meaning of her name fit her to a T," Troy assured me with a remincent smile on his face. "Mara was happy to have the company, especially from a man to be honest. After a while, she began to hate her husband, which was understandable," he commented. "Anyways, they spoke for a few minutes and Salvatore was completely taken with her after only the first look. Mara was immediately attracted to him as well and it wasn't long before Salvatore made up reasons to go into the quarters to see her. Then, he began to sneak in to see her all together. They fell in love and what they had was a true love, unlike what she had with her husband," he went on.
Troy and I began to move closer to each other.
"It was unconditional and perfect, it was just theirs, and it was their secret to keep," he said, taking me into his arms. "It wasn't until they finally made love that they were found out. A female maid came upon them in the morning. As you can assume, it wasn't hard to guess what had gone on between them many, many times during the night. She told Ricardo of their affair. Salvatore found out before Ricardo, or the men he sent at least, could find him and ran. He fled Rome, but only for two days. He came back for Mara and they left together. Rome was home, but being together was more important. Ricardo looked for her all the rest of his days, but never found her. He shouldn't have worried so much, she was actually quite happy."
"Did they live happily ever after?" I asked in a whisper.
"Yes," Troy answered, then kissed me lightly. "Of course, they didn't live until their eighties or anything, but they lived about as long as the average Roman," he said.
"No children?" I mumbled quietly.
Troy nodded. "No children," he agreed. "But they did make love almost every day and look up at the stars every night in wonder of what else was out there. They had a life full of love and happiness which is what everyone really asks for," he reminded me. "As they got older and their bodies began to wear down, it worried Mara what was to become of them. They were very religious, of course, but she was still so worried, she couldn't live without Salvatore, and he couldn't live without her either. Mara died first, and then Salvatore died about two weeks later, mainly from a broken heart. It was a surprise in my next life when I knew all of this, you can imagine. I never doubted you or us or our love. It was real and I set out to look for you when I could. I found you, of course, and have in every single life since," he finished.
"What happened in that life?" I wondered curiously.
Troy kissed my forehead. "All in due time, my love, all in due time," he told me. I frowned. "Come on, let's get some food in you then get to bed," he suggested, bringing me into the kitchen.
I woke the next morning to warmth on my neck. "Mm," I moaned, snuggling into the comfy bed.
"Come on, baby, wake up," Troy urged as he nuzzled into the crook of my neck.
"What time is it?" I yawned, then stretched.
"New York time or Rome time?" he responded curiously with his hand rubbing the small of my bare back underneath my tank top.
"Rome time, I don't care about New York right now," I sighed, sleep laced in my voice.
Troy chuckled. "Almost twelve in the afternoon, I let you sleep in," he informed me. "Now, shower and I'll make you breakfast," he said.
I rolled over. "Wait, you're already showered and dressed and stuff?" I demanded to know.
"Mmhm, I'm an early riser," he replied before kissing my forehead.
"Would it kill you to just wake up with me for once?" I groaned as I sat up.
Troy chuckled again. "I don't think it would kill me, but it would be very unlike me," he answered. "Shower, Brie, now," he ordered once more while pushing me out of bed.
I got out in my underwear and tank top not caring that he could see me as I stretched more. "What's first on the agenda for today?" I wondered.
"You showering," he responded, getting out of bed as well. Oh, he's so funny, ya know. "I'll tell you more after that," he insisted. "And, wear comfy, warm clothes. We'll be back to change before dinner," he added.
I nodded and grabbed a towel on my way into the bathroom. I showered semi-quickly and did my hair just as fast. It was left down and curly per usual. Little make up went on my face, mainly just concealer, eyeliner, and mascara. Hey, it's Rome; I ain't walking around looking crappy, alright? I dressed in a pair of comfy jeans, a black long-sleeved cotton shirt that had a v-neck, black heel-less boots that came to my knees and a white knit jacket type thing over top. It's a really warm sweater that is also cute and soft. I made it, of course.
"Do I look Roman?" I joked as I came into the kitchen.
"Uhm, no," Troy honestly told me, but it only made me laugh.
He handed me a plate of food that included sausage so I was happy. "Gracias, novio," I said before biting into my meat.
"De nada," he replied.
"Can I know of our plans for today now, Sal?" I questioned curiously.
Troy laughed as he sat down next to me. He already ate, of course. "Sal?" he repeated.
"Salvatore, get with it, dude," I teased, sipping my orange juice.
He laughed more heartily. "To be honest, if you called me Salvatore I would answer," he admitted. "But, I prefer my given name now, I like the name Troy," he went on. "The Trojan war fascinates me."
"Why?" I wondered.
"Because I can relate to Paris, to his abduction of Helen," he answered. "There is some speculation on whether she went willingly or it was an abduction, in some stories it is said that Helen was victim to rape from him. I disagree, I believe it was willingly, but that could be because of my own beliefs in love. Love conquers all," he stated.
I smiled at him. "You're cute," I mentioned, nibbling on my food. "What would you do if in a future life I was happily married and didn't remember you and didn't believe in all of this so I didn't try to get to know you?" I questioned.
Troy leaned forward on the table and I followed his actions so we were close. "Your falling in love with me and remembering us is luck, this I know. If in a future life you're happy without me and don't want to remember me then..." he trailed off.
"Then what?" I whispered and pushed my food aside.
"Then I'll let you be. All I want for you is to be happy, Gabriella, whether that is with me or another man," he finished.
"No," I argued in a stern voice. "Make me remember because no matter what I feel for that guy it can't be as much as I feel for you," I insisted. "I am so in love with you Troy, the intensity of my love for you is something I know I will have with me always and you need to stir that within me, okay?" I said.
Troy pressed his lips to mine. "I'm so in love with you too, Gabriella," he murmured, and then kissed me again.
I moved from my chair to straddle him in his. We didn't say a word, we just kissed. Our lips moved together like they have for thousands of years, perfectly. Then his tongue entered my mouth slowly and played with mine. Everything was so gentle and soft and pure somehow. My center was already pulsating so much it was hard to think straight. I rocked into his bulge making him moan and help me grind down against him.
How is it possible to be this attracted to one person? To want them so much?
"Brie," Troy pulled his lips from mine. The way he said my name was like he was in pain, like he didn't want to stop.
"Why?" I croaked. He has the power to fix everything, to make us one and all that other cliché stuff. My vagina is literally throbbing for him and he does nothing, I don't understand it. How can he keep saying no?
He kissed me lightly. "Because," was his answer.
I groaned weakly. "It's so...frustrating," I admitted.
"I am sorry, Gabriella, but trust me, it's happening sooner than think," Troy told me. "And once it happens it will happen many, many, many times all in a row," he went on.
"Yeah, that doesn't help right now," I mumbled. "I don't understand how you can easily pull away from it, I guess. I know I can't," I sighed, scooching back on his knees and leaned against the table.
He chuckled. "It is not easy, Brie, I can assure you of that. It is very hard for me. I just know I want our first time to be special, not because we got horny during our breakfast," he went on.
"I just..." I trailed off. "I want to feel that closeness with you..." I said softly.
"You will," Troy stated. "Soon, you will. Trust me, it's unlike anything you've ever imagined, even better than memories," he told me.
"How do you know? You've never had sex," I teased with a small smile.
He smiled back at me. "I know because I remember holding you after making love with you each of those first times and thinking how much better it was than memories. I even remember holding you after our very first time as Salvatore and Mara," he confessed. "Neither of us were virgins then, but I sure wish we were," he commented.
"Was Sal a naughty boy?" I joked, wiggling my eyebrows.
"No, I thought I was in love with a woman in the village, a woman I thought I would marry. Then, I found her in bed with another man and that idea left my head real quick. I began to change my life around, grow up, you know and got a job at your at-the-time husband's estate and realized what I had for that woman was not love, it was lust. Even you brought lust to a whole new level," he continued. "Everything with you is heightened to the highest levels."
"Does your brain ever want to explode?" I laughed as I messed up his hair. "You have so many memories up there," I said.
Troy laughed. "No, my brain is quite fine, I love my memories," he replied.
"Yes, well, I do have memories of us making love," I admitted. "Even our first time. They were mostly during puberty, but I still get them. I remember being turned on for the first time when I was like fourteen after waking up from one of our dreams and I was so embarrassed," I thought back. "I didn't even know how to handle it, I was just, like, turned on," I rambled. "And I am telling you way too much," I muttered.
Troy laughed again. "No, you're not, but if you're done eating we should get going," he suggested.
And so we did.
Troy brought me all around Rome, to places we would sneak away to as Salvatore and Mara. Although that was rare, I was hardly allowed out in that life because of my creeper husband. He showed me the area where he grew up as Salvatore, right to the land his small house stood on. He told me stories about his childhood from that time and things he knew about me, which was more than I could have ever thought. Salvatore and Mara really did share everything, they formed an unconditional love I am part of today and could not be more thankful for.
Troy showed me where I grew up, told me about my parents and family. I asked him about Ricardo, what it was like for me to be married to him. It was easy to see he hated Ricardo to the highest degree and after what I heard about him, I did too. Even though he had me, he cheated. And, when he didn't want to cheat, he forced me. Heck, I didn't want to be with him willingly, so I wasn't going to do that willingly either. Troy hated telling me about that, but he wasn't going to keep it from me. Ricardo thought of me as a queen in his mind, but only because of my looks, he actually treated me rather badly because I never loved him back and he knew it.
To change the subject off of something he obviously wasn't comfortable with Troy spoke about Rome at the time, telling me things about how society worked and what it looked like. Rome is literally one of the most untouched cities in the world, but he still told me how things had changed. He took me to places he showed me as Annabelle as well, just small little areas we made memories at in the last life. We got lunch as well and I got to see how he speaks Italian fluently. I thought I was good, but damn, he's like a freakin' Roman walkin' around. I guess he is a Roman.
"And here," he said as we approached the Piazza Navona. "This is where the tour ends."
I smiled up at him. "Well, it took you about five or six hours," I joked, intertwining both of our hands. "Why is the Piazza Navona important, Troy?" I asked curiously. "I mean, we didn't meet here or anything," I mumbled.
"No, we didn't," he agreed. "We didn't meet here, first lay eyes on each other here, or even make love here, which I would love to actually do one day, but I don't think that's possible," he assured me. I laughed. "No, this is where you met me when you left Ricardo. I sent you word to meet me here if you wanted to runaway with me," he began to explain. "I remember it being the dead of night and I was just sitting here," he sat down on the edge of the fountain with a nostalgic smile on his face. "Waiting to see if you loved me enough to take the risk to be with me. I was about to leave when you came running towards me and called out my name," he went on. "And we met right here," he brought me to a spot many feet away from the fountain. "I caught you in my arms and we kissed and ran off together, a real happily ever after."
I couldn't help but smile wider. "Well," I began and walked away. "Stay there," I said.
"Brie," Troy called after me, probably knowing my intentions.
"Ready?" I questioned, matching his smile.
He shook his head at me in disbelief, but I ran for him anyways. Of course, he caught me in his arms and twirled me around before kissing me on the lips. I was laughing too much to keep kissing him. "You're crazy, you know," he mentioned.
"No, I just created a new memory for me in the next life," I stated as he set me down, but kept his arms around me. "I thought about that today, all these wonderful moments we're sharing, they'll be memories for me in the next life," I explained.
"They could be," Troy agreed. "I love you, Brie," he murmured while moving hair away from my face.
I grinned up at him. "I love you too, Troy, more than anyone will ever be able to comprehend," I responded.
He didn't reply, he simply kissed me on the lips. It was different than our small kisses shared throughout the day; this wasn't a kiss he wanted to end in a moment. So, I took full advantage and got a hold of his neck to bring him closer. Even if it was a cliché, his hands slipped into the back pockets of my jeans and made me smile. Before I could do what I really wanted, he broke away chuckling a little bit.
"You're really short," he explained after I looked at him strangely. "You've never been this short," he went on.
"Troy!" I exclaimed, not wanting to laugh, but couldn't help not to. "That is not what you should have been thinking about in that moment!" I informed him.
"I know I'm sorry, but-" he stopped to laugh with me.
"I'm never going to be able to seduce you!" I whined as I ran a hand through my hair.
Troy chuckled at me again. "If anyone is going to seduce anyone and be successful, its gonna be me," he replied.
"It's not seducing if I'm willing," I mumbled, only making him chuckle once more.
"No, I mean later, after we begin to have sex. In case you don't remember, seducing you when you're mad at me or just in a bad mood is one of my favorite pastimes," he mentioned with a smile, then leaned in and kissed me quickly. "Come on, we have to get back and dressed before dinner," he reminded me, and then began to lead me towards his apartment building. Well, I can't wait for those days.
"You know, they say all work and no play is a bad thing," I commented as we walked into our bedroom in the apartment. The Piazza Navona isn't far from the building, luckily.
"They do, do they?" he questioned in return, then grabbed me by the hips and threw me on the bed. I laughed as he crawled on top of me. "Do they also say I should take your virginity right now?" he wondered.
"Yes, yes they do," I stated. "And they are never wrong," I insisted.
Just then, my stomach rumbled. "Well, they also say you're hungry," Troy said matter-of-factly.
"I should just join a convent," I groaned against the pillows.
"Now, I wouldn't go that far," Troy responded, lifting my shirt up to kiss me. He kissed around my belly ring and up my torso. My shirt went up over my boobs, but it did not come off, of course. We don't do much because I know if we did he would give in and make love to me and he's all for waiting.
"You're so mean," I muttered, then surprised him by rolling us over. My shirt came off as well. "So where are we going for dinner?" I casually asked as I unbuttoned his shirt.
Instead of trying to not get into it like I expected, Troy grabbed me by the knees and pulled me closer, not to mention our crotches closer together. "Out. A nice Italian restaurant I know you'll love," he told me.
"No special memory? Just good food?" I asked; making him sit up so I could slide his shirt off, then take off his t-shirt quickly.
"Yep," he replied, winding his arms around my bare torso. "But you should dress up a little," he added.
My head bobbed in know. "I like this Troy, he's fun," I whispered, and then began to kiss his neck.
Troy chuckled and his neck rumbled against my lips. "I'm this Troy every time I see you, Brie, I just hold it in a little bit," he informed me.
"Well, let him out, he's the one who likes the play, huh?" I continued our banter.
He didn't answer. "You know, I think you'll be better at this whole seducing thing after we make love," he mentioned.
"Is that your covert way of saying I am a bad seducer, Bolton?" I demanded to know, pulling away to look him in the eyes.
He grinned. "No. What I am saying is that while you want to make love right now, you're also respecting my wishes of waiting, therefore you aren't doing everything you would normally do, and I am grateful. I'd be a goner pretty soon," he answered honestly.
I looped my arms around his neck. "You always talk like you're from a different time, it's sexy," I stated quietly.
Troy kissed my lips. "You're sexy," he told me. "So beautiful," he went on to kiss my neck. "But you have to get ready."
"Screw dinner," I half moaned in annoyance.
"Screw you, is more like it. See, I talk like I'm from this time as well," he insisted in a happy voice while pulling away from my neck. I gave him a mean look. "After dinner we'll 'play' I promise," he swore.
I got off of him and stood up. "Once we start having sex, you so owe me," I mumbled.
"Once we start having sex you'll never complain," he replied with a smile. "Now, get dressed, Brie, we're on a tight schedule," he insisted.
I spent about half an hour in the bathroom getting ready, mainly because I couldn't decide between dresses. I settled on a leopard print dress that was almost a naked tone and was long sleeved and went about mid-thigh. I matched it off with small-holed fishnet stockings and nude heels. I re-did my makeup a little, but kept my hair down.
When I came out of the bathroom Troy was in nice jeans and a dark button up and watching TV. In Italian. That would annoy the hell out of me, even if I can kind of speak the language.
"Is this good?" I asked in a twirl.
"You do realize I'd say yes to you in a paper bag, right?" he replied with a smile as the TV flipped off.
"Then why did you tell me to dress up!" I exclaimed, laughing a little as I did.
He made his way to me, his hands sliding around my hips and settling on my bum. "Because, if I didn't and you went in normal clothes, you'd kill me, I know you," he said.
"Touché, Bo," I agreed. "I'm working on nicknames for you, Bo as in Bolton or boyfriend, it really works both ways," I explained.
He kissed me rather than speaking. I like that. "We should get going, so we get you fed. I don't like knowing that you're hungry," he commented and linked our fingers together.
"Awh, you're so cute, Bo!"
Dinner was good, Troy was right, I loved the food. Of course, my mother's is better, which I told him, and he laughed. I wasn't as interested in the dinner as I was Troy. To be honest, we were all over each other, which surprised me. That is so unlike Troy, usually he holds back so that doesn't happen, so he we don't do it without his full willingness or something like that. He words things oddly.
"Troy," I gasped against the random building we were leaning on.
"Hm?" he grunted back, kissing my neck.
I didn't respond, I didn't know what to say. Before we could barely make out and he pulled away and now he is all over me with no indication of stopping. My hands were gripping his shirt when his own hand went underneath my dress and to the top of my fishnet stockings.
"Okay, Troy," I managed to push him away for some dumb reason.
"What?" he asked, moving back so our bodies were pressed together.
"I- we are in the middle of Rome, against some random building-" I began to say.
"Brie, this is the apartment building," he cut me off with a smile and pinned my hands against the stone.
Oh. "Oh," I mumbled.
"And, we are in the middle of Rome, the place where everything began, the reason we're here right now with each other. I don't give a shit who sees me with the love of my life," he stated. Awh. My Bo. "Besides, Brie, we are in Rome, they don't care much to see two people making out," he added.
"What's up with you tonight?" I questioned as he lead me into the building.
We stepped into the elevator. "Nothing out of the ordinary," he replied nonchalantly.
"Wait," I stopped holding his hand. "You weren't all over me tonight because that is considered the 'playing' your promised me earlier, is it?" I demanded to know. "You knew I wouldn't want to do anything in public, so you were-"
"Gabriella," Troy stopped me. Instead of trying to make any sort of reply, his arms slithered around my waist and he walked me backwards out of the elevator until I was pressed against the door. He kissed my lips gently as he unlocked it.
I almost fell into the room, but Troy held me up with his arm. "What are we doing, babe?" I asked, confused. First he's all over me, now he's barely speaking and he's acting...different. "Troy-"
"Gabriella," he repeated and cupped my face.
"What?" I whispered, feeling the atmosphere change. It wasn't just lust in his eyes or tone of voice, it was something different.
He smiled at me fondly. "Make love with me tonight," he said.
Oh damn. Is it finally happenin?
Haha, review please.
- Kayleigh