You are terrifying and strange and beautiful, something not
everyone knows how to love.
-
Warsan Shire

______________________

A smile tugs at the corner of my lips after seeing the balloons and red roses on my porch. Warmth blossoms, unfurls, spreads throughout me. I find that I like this feeling so much that another shiver moves up my spine that is pure fear.

Fear of letting another man inside.

I pick up the balloons and flowers and walk inside my house, closing the door behind me. I smile seeing the handwritten message on the card.

I want the part of you that you refuse to give.

I couldn't help but giggle after reading the message. Everyday, there's message attached to the flowers and that melts my heart.

"Ace," I call out and the puppy runs towards me. I place the flowers in the empty vase and place the balloons on the floor.

I pick up Ace and place him on my lap. I named him immediately after I came back from my first date with Tristian. A week has passed and I haven't seen him after our first date. He called him twice this week at night to tell me goodnight and then he would hang up. I wanted to bring up a conversation between us but I didn't know how.

I stare at my mother's photo which is hanged on the wall. I don't know why but I..I kind of miss him. The way he looked at me. Those eyes. I could get lost in them.

I felt comfortable with Troy, everything was calm but with Tristian, everything is intensified, and I am brilliant enough to know that comes from my feelings for him and the fact that he's such a good man. It increases my attraction to him and makes every part of my body super sensitive to just the barest touch from him.

It has been just a week since Tristian walked into my life. Is it weird that I like him already? I was in love with his brother just before a week and now I like him. Does that make me a bad girl? I don't know.

You should love the person who loves you, baby.

My mother's words rings in my mind. I don't know what to do. Maybe, I should just go with the flow instead worrying. All I know is I'm ready for Tristian. Last week was more than enough to prove that I like Tristian.

You're worth waiting, Love.

Tears form in my eyes when his words play in my mind. The way he stared at me, it made me feel like I'm the most beautiful woman in this world.

Love...

Oh God! I'm screwed!

A tone dances on my tongue as I walk towards my house after work. It's past seven and shift is done for today. It was a busy day as usual and I had tons of work.

I freeze when I notice a truck on my driveway.

Dad is here.

My thoughts immediately flew towards Ace. Will Dad hurt him? I slowly move towards my house. I smile when I see Ace running towards me. I immediately pick him up in my arms and hug him tightly.

Thank God! He's fine.

I freeze when I notice one of my father's friends staring at us from my house. "Mia," he shouts taking steps towards me.

I don't waste another second, I run.

Tears roll down my eyes as I walk furiously through the road. What is they come behind me? What will I do?

I stop walking when a car stops near me. The door opens and...Terry walks out with a bright smile. I sigh in relief when I realize that I'm safe. "You okay?" he asks, walking towards him and pulling me for a hug.

I nod my head. "I'm okay," I say, my voice breaking slightly.

He pulls away from the hug and smiles at me. "Do you want me to drop you at your house?" he asks and I freeze. Noooo.

I immediately shake my head in denial. He raises his brows at me but doesn't question me. "Okay then come with me. You can stay with us today. I don't want to abandon you in this road. Troy is not gonna be happy and I'm sure Tristian will kick my ass." At the mention of Tristian's name, my body instantly relaxes.

I nod my head because I don't know where to to go now. I just want to be safe right now, nothing more matters.

"Mia?" Troy looks at me in shock. It's evidently clear that he didn't expect me here. "What're you doing here?" he asks in a rough voice and I flinch slightly.

I turn my head towards Terry being tensed. He smiles at me. "Don't mind, he's an idiot," he mutters, wrapping his arm around my shoulder and walking towards the couch. "Sit down," he says and I sit on the couch. I hold Ace close to him.

"What is she doing here?" Troy asks and tears form in eyes when I hear the irritation in his voice.

Terry ignores him and turns towards me. "Do you want something to drink?" he asks and I shake my head immediately. My eyes move towards Stacy and Tessa who are staring at me in confusion.

Tears roll down my eyes and Terry winces slightly. "Come on, don't cry. Tristian will kill me," he mumbles and my lips tugs at the corner.

My eyes wander all over the house but there is no sign of Tristian. Is he not here? Will he be angry that I came here? What'll I say when he asks about what actually happened?

"Tristian is in his room sleeping. He was busy since last few days and hardly gets sleep," Terry answers my question and I blush slightly. A question immediately pops up in my mind. What is his job? We never talked about it?

"What's his name?" Terry query pointing at Ace. I smile widely.

"Ace," I mutter and he grins.

He slowly pats Ace's head and my shoulders relax slightly. "I didn't imagine you as a dog lover," he tells and I smile again.

"I'm not. Tristian gave Ace to him. I tried to get rid of him but it obviously didn't work," I respond and he looks at me in amusement.

"Tristian gifted a puppy to you?" Tessa asks and I nod my head.

"You never liked pets," Troy states and I sigh. He knows most of my likes and dislikes. "You certainly is not a dog lover," he says and the tension between us.

"You better shut that mouth of yours," Terry snaps at Troy and I give him a grateful smile. Right now, I certainly don't want to Troy's opinions.

"I'm sure you know where Tristian's room is. Go and talk to him. Give Ace to me," Terry says and I sigh in relief. I immediately get up and hand over Ace to Terry. I ignore the looks I got from everyone as I climbed the stairs.

I feel nervous when I reach Tristian's room. I slowly push the door and smiles when I see Tristian on the bed. I take slow steps towards the bed and memories flashes in front of me. Our first kiss.

Don't waste your time for the one who doesn't care about you.

I giggle slightly when I see Tristian sleeping. He's lying on the bed shirtless with a blanket covering his legs, his left hand above his eyes. I sit on the bed beside him and stare at him without making a noise. I slowly touch his arm and his stirrs in his sleep. I immediately remove my hand but it's too late because he's already awake.

He moves his hand from his face and opens his eyes, showing off his blue orbs. His eyes catch the sight of me and I see the the flicker of surprise on his face.

"Love," he mutters and I smile. He immediately sit up on the bed and my eyes scan his naked upper body which is well-fitted and in shape.

"How did you reach here?" he asks as he cups my face.

I don't know what I was thinking

I turn swiftly, my hands grabbing on to his shoulders, just below his neck. I only have a moment to see Tristian's eyes pop wide with surprise before I pull him down toward me.

Right down onto my mouth.

He doesn't hesitate or give any token resistance. His lips meet mine in a fiery clash of pent-up desire and yearning. My hands roam all over his naked back while his hand is placed firm on my waist. He finally lift his mouth from mine.

His solemn eyes hold me captive. "Looks like I can finally stop planning another strategy to persuade you," he says and I chuckle.

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