2 weeks later:

AZARIAH SERENE:

I traced every dip and curve of his toned abs and shuddered feeling them under my finger tips.

I looked up at the digital clock and found that it was still very early. I don't usually wake up so early but it feels like my fucked up world wanted to give me something more challenging and so it did. I woke up an hour ago due to a nightmare, I turned to my side and looked at him, silently asking myself if I should wake him up and ask him to calm down my thundering heart like he usually does.... But decided against it.

He was sleeping soundly while his eyes twitched once every minute making him look very baby like. There was no doubt that Zemen was a blanket hogger but also he likes to be the smaller spoon. Who would have thought?

Throughout the night all he did was snore and made me wrap my hands around him which didn't even fit around his broad torso. Still I enjoyed every bit of it.

My mind was transmitted from my nightmare to happy thoughts once I thought of how my life has changed. I couldn't figure out if for the better or for worse but one thing I knew was that I am not ever letting Zemen get away from me.

It's like finding a missing puzzle piece.

All my life I dreamt of like the teenager I was, that I'd find my knight in shining armor who would fight the world for me. Now I don't know about the world, but I sure as hell know that Zemen's definite aura will be more than enough to keep me safe and protected. Like my own safe haven.

You know you're in love, when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.

After putting the cards on the table of my situations before and after Zemen, I realized how accurate this statement was.

I know Iam probably going fast as Iam completely and utterly in love with Zemen, and Iam not complaining, but I can't help but feel as if Zemen is not ready for that type of commitment.

Looking through his childhood, I can see why Zemen has trust issues. I can see why he feels insecure in some fields. I saw how he was skeptical about us 'dating', he felt as if he would disappoint me and tried to keep a distance, but I was there for him throughout it all. And I will continue to be.

I know he is not ready and Iam not going to pressure him into something that he doesn't want. I know he likes me. I know. But Iam not going to manipulate or push him into something that he doesn't want. He'll tell me he loves me when he's ready.

I pecked his lips and hugged him sideways, mushing my face into his neck. Warmth and comfort was all I felt.

"Aera" his raspy voice mixed with his butterfly kiss on my cheek made me flutter open my eyes.

I snuggled into him more and he pushed me into him, kissing my neck and just like that I fell asleep with him soothing my hair.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I walked hand in hand with Zemen to the dining hall where everyone was already seated for breakfast. I skipped my steps while swinging our hands and winked at Levi pointing to our conjoined hands.

Jaw dropped. Wide eyes.

Yeah yeah. I smirked and made my way to sit on my seat.

"O'my my!! Congrats!" Levi jumped on me hugging the life out of me while I laughed uncontrollably.

"You HAVE to tell me EVERYTHING." I nodded and glanced at Santino who smirked at me and I rolled my eyes. Here we go.

"Sad to know you chose him over me, babygirl. I thought we were forever?" I smacked his head and sat down on my seat to see Zemen glaring at Santino.

"Not like I lied" he muttered and ate his french toast with his head down.

After eating and talking, we were back in his room where Iam spending half of my time these days.

"Where are you going?" His voice stopped me as I was opening the door to his room almost about to turn the knob.

"To my room....?"

"No you're not." He came forward and pulled me... Literally pulled me into his hard chest which made me almost break my nose.

I looked up at him while rubbing my nose and glaring at him. He mockingly pouted at me and rubbed my nose.

"This is your room.... The place you're going to is the guest room. Hmm?" A wide smile made it's way to my face and I tried to roll my lips trying to control it but it made it's way to my face.

"Oh yeah? What about my stuff?"

"I'll ask Quen to bring it all here." I nodded looking right into his eyes and he smirked, pecking my lips and disappeared into his closet. I followed him.

"When are we leaving for the ball?"

"At 8" he spoke while pushing the hangers which consisted of his expensive Custo Dalmau and Roberto Verino suits.

A Nigerian ally of Zemen invited us to a massive ball that will be held in the most expensive museum here in Madrid.

Excited? Excited would be a small world to describe my feelings. I was beyond excited with every inch of my body.

"Can I wear a red dress? Makeup? Heels?" Eagerness dripped from my voice making Zemen look at me.

"Of course. You can shop them online, my card should be in the top drawer..... Your welcome." He winked at me and my eyes widened.

"Thank you Zee!" I hugged him making him ruffle my hair.

I sat down on the counter in our walk-in closet and looked at him, picking out his outfit.

"Wear satin red and white." I pointed to the suit which he held in his hand and he looked at it and nodded absentmindedly and went to pick out some jewelry and that was my cue to get down from the counter.

I rushed to his side looking at his collection of silver rings, necklaces and earrings.

I gasped when I saw the most perfect silver ring I could ever.

"Can I have this?!" I exclaimed looking at it with absolute awe.

"No. They're mine." He snatched it from my hand and clutched it tightly under his palm.

"Zemen please! I love it!" I circled around him to get to open his palm, to take out the ring but he kept his hand over his head making it impossible for my 5'6 self to take it.

"Order it online. As many as you want. Don't take mine."

"I want this one" He shook his head and bent down to choose his shoes.

"Zemen please I wouldn't ask for anything else." He ignored me and I was almost on the verge to kick his arse to Barcelona.

I walked past him to look at his jewelry drawer and picked out a necklace which had the initial 'A' on it. A for 'Acétta'? Well not anymore. It's now 'A' for 'Aera'.

I wore it and looked in at the full body length mirror and squealed, finding out it looked and went perfect with my skin completion and turned to show Zemen who instantly smiled looking at me.

"Looks good..... But you can't have the ring." I rolled my eyes.

I went back to his jewelry drawer but no other ring captured my attention than that simple ring with "Rey de Reyes" engraved inside with small diamonds on top.

I found a silver snake ring and wore it on my thumb and it fit perfectly.

"Iam keeping this." He looked up and pursed his lips to stop his laughter.

"It goes on my little finger."

"Pinkie?" He nodded. I laughed.

"You can keep it."

"I was gonna keep it either way... But I want the Rey de Reyes one too."

"No. I like that one. You can keep any other." I almost pinched his cheeks because he sounded so adorable trying to keep a hard face but I saw a frowny pout form on his face.

"We can both wear it....K?" I asked him and he looked up and slammed the boot that was in his hand, on the carpeted floor and stood up.

"No."

I looked down, forming the best pout. "I thought we'd be like a cute couple but you don't want anything to do with me."

"It's not that." He opened his palm and wore the ring on his index finger.

"It's mine" I hurriedly said and took the ring of his finger but he clamped his index around mine and pulled me towards him.

"I said... No"

"But I want it. Please. I really like it."

He sighed and I felt giddy. Maybe he is thinking about it.

He took off the ring and slid it on my index finger but it didn't fit and slid off. So he smirked and wore it back.

"That's not fair!" I whined and tried to take the ring back from him but he once again put his hand over his head.

"It doesn't fit." He smirked.

I took the ring from his finger and wore it on my thumb, taking off the snake ring and smirked wiggling my fingers.

It fits!!

"You were saying?" I swayed my body around doing a little nae nae.

He chuckled and patted my hip. "Keep it. Looks better on you than me anyway." I squealed and patted his hips in return, hugging him and quickly rushing out to show my rings to Levi.

"Slow down or you'll fall down the stairs like last time-
*CRASH!*"

I heard Zemen call out after me and I was about to answer saying that he's just being overprotective when I lost my footing and yeeted myself down the stairs.

"I am fine. I am fine." I stood up dusting my dress and looked back to see Zemen looking at me with worried eyes.

"Are the stairs okay?"

"Haha. Funny..... Not." I looked back at Zemen to see him shaking his head and he went back inside to our room. I skipped steps, cursing my clumsy self and rushed to show Levi.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Zemen signalled for me to turn around and I did, twirling around in the process making my ball gown flow, bouncing.

"How do I look?" He smiled and nodded.

"Gorgeous." I knew Zemen was a man of few words and his actions always spoke louder than his words so even a little smile from him was appreciated.

"You look handsome.. As always." He smiled cockily and rolled his sleeves up till his elbows and draped his coat over me.

"After you." I bowed and walked forward, exiting our room.

I held my golden sheer gown which was see through from the stomach and arms and was filled with little stones all over it which were blinding and shining. I know I asked for a red dress but when I saw this dress nothing else came to my mind and upon asking Zemen, he gladly said yes and I ordered it.

My hair were curled perfectly and were as bouncy as the dress and I wore heels which acquainted perfectly with the dress.

Zemen led me to his Range Rover and seated me in, helping me with my dress in the process and when I awed seeing him, he rolled his eyes and left which made me snicker.

Soon we were on the road with Levi, Santino and Jade right behind us and our 30 guards following both our cars.

I fiddled with my fingers as I grew nervous thinking how many people there would be and how many people will be bombarding me with their questions and that's when paparazzi came in my mind.

"Wait. Will there be any paparazzi?"

"Of course. Those money hungry fuckers would be guarding and noticing each of our moves like the predators they are."

His mood did a complete 180 which had me asking my next question.

"What do I say? How do I act? A-are they allowed to touch me?"

Upon my last question, his head snapped to my direction and he clutched my hand tightly into his, squeezing it a little to calm down my nerves.

I felt a little exhausted and my breathing felt a little heavy.

"No one is allowed to touch you without your permission and hell will let loose before I let anyone even an inch close to you. And now calm down for me. Trust me."

I could only nod.

~~~~~~~~~~

"Just hold my hand and keep looking down if you don't want to get blinded by the lights."

I took a deep breath and exited the car clutching onto Zemen's arm with my dear life.

As expected, the questions were thrown at me and I closed my eyes tightly as the lights were VERY blinding.

When we finally entered inside the building, I blinked a few times but the yellow spots still appeared in front of my eyes.

"Are you okay?"

"Okay." I nodded and he nodded back and held my arm, tangling it with his arm and walked from the red carpet to the huge doors where the ball was held.

I'd lie if I said I didn't like the attention that was thrown at me but I knew it all came with perks and it wasn't me that acquired their interests. It was Zemen.

We looked like a sophisticated couple walking hand in hand towards the stage.

Zemen stopped and greeted an elderly couple that were smiling wide, not like any of those fake smiles that were thrown to us outside but instead, a genuine one.

"Mr. Acétta" the man bowed and Zemen nodded at the man.

"Long time no see, pal? Where were you?"

Zemen smiled sarcastically and changed the topic looking at the woman. "Looking beautiful, Abiona."

"Oh thank you, son. You look absolutely delectable." I laughed as the woman blushed.

Who wouldn't love compliments from this hunk?

"And who might you be?" The man asked me capturing my attention from the woman.

"Azariah Serene. Nice to meet you, sir." I bowed a little and he patted my shoulder as a sign of respect.

"Akin Abdullahi and this is my wife, Abiona."

"Oh my. You're such a pretty soul. So delicately beautiful." I blushed and side eyed Zemen who was looking at me.

"Are you his girlfriend? Please tell you are." I blushed more and nodded.

"Abiona and Akin, my girlfriend, Azariah." The woman took out an absolute horrendous squeal and hugged me.

"Oh how I have been waiting for this moment!"

"Ololufemi, calm down. Let the child breath." (Darling)

"Oh sorry, sorry. It's just lovely to see a beauty beside this man. Never thought I'd see the day, ya know?" She laughed and patted my shoulder and I looked at Zemen to see his ears slightly pink.

"So, when are you gonna be telling us the good news?" Abiona smiled at me but the color from my face drained.

Good news? She surely didn't mean babies... Right?

She did.

Zemen and I haven't ever talked about an addition to our little relationship and I know he isn't getting any young but a baby right now?

I mean, I could see myself marrying Zemen one day and having little ones around but I don't know about Zemen's aspect on this.

"Abiona" he spoke sternly but Akin interrupted.

"I am sure you would love a heir or heiress to take after you one day-"

"No I wouldn't, and I don't plan on changing my mind."

His answer shook me a bit and I looked up at him.

"And what does your girlfriend have to say about this?"

"I am sure she wouldn't love any interruptions right now or later in our lives. We're happy on our own. Now if you would excuse us."

With that said, he grabbed my hand walking away from the couple as I hurriedly bowed down to them and followed Zemen.

"I am sure she wouldn't love any interruptions right now or later in our lives."

"Right now or later in our lives."

His words rung in my head as I walked behind him.

What does he mean by interruptions later in our lives?

Does he not want a baby?

Or does he not want one with me?

A lot of questions ran through my mind as I did what I always do, overthink.

Soon, Zemen gave his speech which had everyone's attention gained in the room and then we met a whole lot of other people and even the president.

We ate dinner and soon left.

While in the car I couldn't help but think about what Zemen had said.

"Aera?" He glanced at me and then looked back on the road, taking a U-turn to our mansion.

"Why are you so quiet all of a sudden?"

"It's nothing. It was all just exhausting." I lied.

"It surely was but I can see something else disturbing you. Did something happen?"

I shook my head in denial and he said nothing just grasped my hand in his, putting both of our conjoined hands on the gear.

We got home and got ready for bed.

I mushed my face into Zemen's neck and he rubbed my back up and down.

"Okay what is it?" He asked and I looked up at him.

"What do you mean?"

"Ever since we met the couple you have been a little distance. Why is that?"

I sighed and mushed my face, once again into his neck but he didn't let me and firmly held my chin making me look at him.

"It's just that.... They asked you about us having babies and you denied. Straight up."

I heard him take a sharp intake of breath and he stopped rubbing my back.

"Do you not want kids... Or do you not want them with me?"

"Either way. I don't want kids. It's not about you. It's about the fact of their safety, I wouldn't be able to provide them that. My world wasn't meant for you too, and I am already skeptical and on high alert about your safety at all times. I can't have myself looking after some kids like that thinking about their safety all the time."

I felt a frown edging on my face.

All my life I had always dreamt of having the perfect family and having the best husband. Being a mom to some little ones who will run around the house calling the love of my life 'daddy', and now that I have found that love of my life, he doesn't want kids. As a matter of fact he abhors them.

"I know they are a huge responsibility but we can make it work if we tried. Don't you think?"

"Aera, you're only 22 right now, you have a lot to see in your life right now, not to be a mom looking after some kids who only puke and cry and depend on someone for their health and safety."

I don't know why but all I felt was disappointment that moment.

My dreams were shattered and I could feel tears coming to my eyes.

"And over all of that, why are we even discussing about this? It's not like we are trying for a baby anyway. Whenever we will feel safe to take our relationship to the next level, we will and that too with safety on. Don't stress about it."

He kissed my crown and pulled me up on his chest, soothing my hair as I buried my face in his neck.

I for sure was contradicting over his valley of thoughts but maybe I am just stressing over it. It's not like I am going to be pregnant any time soon now. Maybe when I am a little older he would change his mind? Maybe he sees me as a clumsy irresponsible girl and only wants me to himself?

It's probably that. Nothing to worry about.

I inhaled Zemen's fragrance and closed my eyes tight, pushing back my nerves and fell asleep within the arms of the only person whom I love with all my being.