Raffy's POV

Several weeks passed, and all I did was caving inside my parent's mansion. Though I missed my old room and hanging out with them, I also missed my own privacy, my freedom, and well, the parties.

Shaking the thoughts off, I spoke grimly. "I can't get out of this goddamn mansion." Letting out a harsh sighed, I continued. "Mom has been tailing me up and checking me out in like every minute," I unconsciously growled over the phone. I heard GP let out a low chuckle. I'm so frustrated right now and he's not really helping at all. I fell like I'm living in a hell these past weeks.

GP seems to enjoy his sentiments, taunting me instead of helping. "I'm throwing a party, are you coming?" he asked, his serious tone were back. "It's actually Luc's birthday, though he hated celebrating it, I'll just pretend it's my party," GP explained further but I care less. I have no doubt mom wouldn't let me go unless GP would ask mom and dad, personally. They trusted him because they thought he's better than me or anyone else they knew. Well, they didn't know he's just as manslut as I am.

Pfft..

"I'm sure mom won't let me go. I'm grounded man," I whined. I sat down on the bench inside dad's gym, sitting in one corner as I scanned the room, complete with gym amenities. Remembering my situation, it really put me in a sour mood. "I'm twenty-seven for fuck sake, turning twenty-eight soon, but mom and dad were treating me like a five-year-old boy!" I shut my eyes off to lessen the anger that's starting to bubbles up in my system, with my jaws tightening.

GP loud laughter didn't help at all. "Not funny, man. I'm like a prisoner here!" I growled in frustrations, scowling in oblivion.

"You know what? You need a new environment to blow off some steam." Finally, he said something nice. I felt like a sun shone brightly over my head. "I'll call aunt Tati and ask for her permission. I'm sure they trust me enough to let you attend my party," GP proclaimed and I felt better.

"Of course, they do. They trust you more than they trust me, Giovanni Pierce. You don't need to slap it in my face, smartypants!" I hissed playfully and I heard his annoying chuckle again.

"I don't blame them Raffy. You have a girlfriend and yet you are—"

"Come on, GP. You're no better than me," I mocked playfully and I scoffed.

He chuckled again and I could literally see his cocky grin. "Our difference Raffy bro, I don't have a girlfriend." I could literally taste the mockery in his tone. He is sounding so sure and arrogant.

I fell into silence. He was right. And speaking of my ex-girlfriend. I miss her text, her voice, her sweetness, and most of all, I missed her nagging me all the time.

"Natalia Petropoulis isn't it?" GP's curious voice drags me back to him.

"Yes," I replied shortly, and now I'm regretting talking to him.

"She looks actually the girl that I would marry and treasure until my last breath. She could be the mother of my chi—"

"SHE'S MINE, SANTORINI!" I growled gruffly, my voice increases an octave, cutting his words. I suddenly felt a tick in my blood. I felt alarmed.

"Woah, woah, Valiente!" GP sounded offended or he was just playing, and his tone a bit darker this time.

I unconsciously scowled at the new machine dad just acquired. Natalia is mine and we will get back together. I'm sure she's just taking a break.

"You broke up already, so if I'm not mistaken, she's single," GP stressed out to my annoyance, and at the moment, I lost my tongue. The thought stung a bit. My heart sunk, feeling heavier each passing second, and thinking that he's interested in her, it felt unnerving.

I thought it was just my ego, but hearing GP's interest in her, it hit me right in my heart. I want her back, not because my parents told me so, or because I need her to clean my reputation. I want her back for myself. I want her back because she has my heart, and I would never be complete without her. And I only realized that when she's gone.

Dad and mom were right. I'm an asshole.

You sure do realize the importance of someone if they are gone.

"Chill, Valiente. Natalia is single and I am single," GP repeated between chuckles, to my chagrin, and if I thought he's going to stop pestering me, I was completely wrong. "The way you acted so possessive over her just only triggered my interest." The other line soon filled with his annoying laughter.

I clenched my jaws, my knuckles felt rooted as my hands clenched tightly around my phone. I pulled the phone away and hang up on him vehemently. I stood up and clenched my hands tightly. I felt like my nerve were going popped out as my muscles tensed up.

I threw the phone to the wall seething, and it smashed hard against the wall, uttering strings of profanities in anger, as I watched the small machine break into pieces. I stalked towards the boxing bag and started punching it, venting all out my pent up frustrations.

I felt the stinging sensation in my knuckles yet I ignored it, executing more blows, harder than the previous ones. The stinging realization stung more than the bruises in my knuckles.

I only stopped when I couldn't even raise my hands from exhaustion. My knuckles were bleeding incessantly, and I cringed as I look at it. I didn't put it back on the gloves out of frustrations, just kept on pounding that bag oblivious on everything.

I plopped down on the floor limply, still feeling empty, with one foot flat on the floor, the other on bend knee, elbow props on my bended knee, and other palm resting on the floor, with my head hung low. Beads of sweats trickled down my back and chest, and on my forehead, but I didn't bother wiping it off. The sleeveless white top is soaked with sweat, and it is sticking in my skin, but I care less.

I never felt so empty in my whole life. I thought I had everything. I thought I'm invincible.

I lay flat on the floor and stared at the tall ceiling of the gym. It's my dad's favorite room and now my favorite place to vent out my anger, my frustrations.

"What happened?" I quickly look up and saw my mom hovering over me. Her eyes trained on my knuckles, and I quickly pulled myself up and hides it behind me.

"It's just mild bruises mom," I coaxed as I smiled tightly.

Mom glared at me. "GP called. You can go to his party, and I trust you this time. I hope you will not make another mistake, Raffy." Mom widens her eyes at me with a warning, and I nodded my head though I wanted to say something instead, I kept it in my head. I felt burn out to argue with my mother. "Let's go cure those bruises before you can have a shower," mom's sweet voice is back, like the royal honey. She crinkled her nose and I let out a small smile.

"Why did you picked dad, mom?" I asked her as we both walk side by side along the hallway.

"I didn't pick him, honey. It's my heart that picks him." Mom flashed me a contented smile, and I nodded. I heard lots of unpleasant story about my father. He was known as a philanderer just as GP's father. He was very infamous not just for being a shrewd businessman, but also as a heart ripper during their time. Though he kept on telling me, he always reminded them before entering into a casual sex. They knew what they were in for, and he was always blunt about just into sex, and nothing more. He didn't promise them anything other than pleasure in the bed.

"He cheated on you," the words came out unconsciously, almost mumbling.

Mom stops, and faces me, though her smile didn't alter, "he never cheated on me, Raffy. Yes, your dad was a manwhore, women were his weakness until he met me, but during our time together, he was loyal to me. He did try, because he was frustrated, and that because he is impulsive. Very impulsive." Mom shook her head in disbelief. "I hated to say that his dick talks first before his head," mom and I chuckled. "When I left him, he admitted he bedded some, to prove to himself that he's over me, but he failed miserably." Mom grinned smugly. "So when we are back together, he never touches anyone. He changed, a lot. He became a better man. He was a husband and a father. He spent most of his time with us. We are his priority and he would kill for us to protect," mom proudly proclaimed, and I caught her wiping the stray tear that escapes her eyes.

I was touched, dad is really a nice guy. Everybody loves him and respect him highly. Even when he became a duke for only a few years, the people of Russia loves him.

Mom led me to their bedroom. It's been a while since I last entered their room. It's the biggest room in the whole mansion.

I was welcomed with purple, and it's everywhere. I don't know how dad could sleep with all the vibrant colors inside their room, too girly and I unconsciously grimaced. The upholstered headboard was made of lace, delicately designed by a very famous designer, and was customized personally for my mom's taste.

I decided to wait for my mother at their living room, slash entertainment room as she retrieves their medicine kit. I pick up the controller and turned on the one hundred inches LED TV, mounted flush to the surface of the custom designed cultured stone wall, above the fireplace.

"Raffy?" mom called out and I heard her footsteps.

"I'm here, mom," I responded shortly, then I heard her footstep coming towards my direction.

"I thought it was your dad watching," she chuckled. Your head sure look like your dad," she commented, and fondness is clear in her voice.

"Let me clean your bruises before treating it," mom said as she sat beside me, then she places the medicine box on the coffee table. She took my injured hand and inspects it before she started. I focused my attention on the show as mom cleaned my cuts with fixed attention. Wincing occasionally, and grunts profanities as the alcohol sink into my cuts, stinging a damn lot.

Hissing occasionally, mom finally puts cream and wrap it with the biggest bandage I've ever seen.

"Done," she said looking satisfied and stood up, taking the box.

"Go get ready, freshen up, dinner will be soon served. Clara Bell is coming home. Your dad is so excited," mom ordered me, and I nodded. My sister is coming, and I missed her, too. I turned the TV off, and followed mom, then headed to the door while mom strutted to their ensuite bathroom.

.

.

"I'm glad you came," GP gave me a brief hug. The room wasn't too busy when I arrived. Lucas Angelo was talking to Alexander since the two were talking about racing while I talk to GP. I love cars, but I love my life to risk it.

"So how's the dukedom?" GP asked as he handed me a rum. We were standing on one corner of the room, our eyes scanning the crowd while chatting. It looks like they moved most of their furniture to accommodate a lot of guests tonight. Just a few couches and chairs, which made the room looks way bigger than I remember. People were clustered in groups, talking animatedly while drinking. The party was just starting by the looks of it.

"I left it, and grandpa was taking over for the meantime. I think you know what happened," I glared at him, and he just chuckled cockily. I hated his cocky remarks, but I love this guy to bits. He was a brother to me. He may be annoying, but I knew he will give his life without a doubt to protect me, just as I would.

I have witnessed that multiple times. My fight is his, and so his was mine. We went to the same school, until University. We were inseparable until I was crowned the next duke of Pushkin.

"Well, I'm glad, though, I haven't seen you for a while!" He patted my shoulder, then let his hand rested on my shoulder as he talks. "You've been busy ruling, and I wonder how the hell could you avoid those long legged vixen fluttering around you, and then you have a girlfriend. Then mom told me, you're back in town because you were brokenhearted, is that so?" He looks gullible, but I know him more than anyone knew him.

Man, some things never changed. And he's one of it.

I chuckled and made a gulp of the rum. "You just never leave this topic, aren't you?" I nodded my head incredulously. He laughed louder this time, causing us to get more attention. Well, we surely get a lot of attention especially from the ladies department, but we just ignored them.

I've been ignoring the intense stare most of the ladies in the room that's directed at me. I knew those kinds of stares. Something sinful.

"You should get laid tonight," GP suddenly blurted out, his eyes scanning the room. Three girls from a distance were staring at us, openly ravishing us with their wicked eyes, and when GP raises his glass gesturing a toast, the girls giggles giddily as they all raise their flutes following GP. GP winks at them before he downed the last content of his rum.

I shook my head. GP can get any woman begging on his knees, with just his stare. He is a very charming wicked man. I don't understand why he looks mysterious to the people. He isn't, if I was to be ask. He was no mysterious to me.

Temperamental?

Yes, he is. A hundred percent.

Snob?

No.

Detached?

No, but he hated limelight. He hated being exposed. He likes to keep his life, private.

Magazines never got it right. They always assume.

"Not tonight, bro." Nodding my head, I place the glass close to my mouth and made a sip.

"How is Clara Bell?" he asked randomly, shifting the topic.

I paused for a bit, staring at his face like I've got the answer written on his face. I let out a frustrated sighed upon remembering my sister. My poor sister. "She's coping. She has to resign modeling and stay out of the limelight until the topic died down," my eyes suddenly darted to Alexander James Demakis. He doesn't look a bit of the happy-go-lucky guy I knew. I know he's been fighting for my sister, but my sister was too stubborn.

"I think Alex loves her too much. He was actually more mature this time than I remember. I think what happened to Bell made him changed." GP commented and I nodded. He looks haggard and I think he also lost weight.

"The case is close, is it?"

"Yes. Dad was really pissed. My family was trying to forget it," I said as I downed the rum. Thinking what my sister had gone through, I wanted to kill that guy and that bitch.

I had already five glasses of rum when I saw Max, Angelik, and Natalia walks in. I drew in a sharp breath as I took in her presence. It seems like all the people around us dissipated, and all I could see was her.

"Well, well, well, look who's here? I'm glad Maximillian brought her as I requested," I scowled at GP in tight lips. "She looks hotter in person. Those media pictures didn't do justice." GP kept on commenting ignoring the deadly stare I threw him.

"I'm serious, Santorini. Stay the fuck out of this," I warned gruffly and then I averted my attention to her. She looks so stunning in her white mini-dress, and I unconsciously scowled at her when my eyes landed on her long, flawless legs. She always looks classy, always carries this timeless looks, and it made me want to take her away from all the eyes raking her, especially from the sight of my annoying friend, GP.

Our eyes met and I felt like the world stops. My heart sounded so loud in my ears, and I never experienced this since the beginning of our relationship. It felt like butterflies just erupted in my belly. Why does it feel weird yet good? The longing to hold her grew incessantly in my chest. My heart felt heavier as the realization dawns on me. She broke up with me, and she looks like she's been doing fine, yet here I am, had never had the best sleep since that break-up.

She's single, I'm single. GP's words rang in my ears like a mantra.

When she smirks, it didn't escape my eyes. I felt like I was kicked right in the chest. Her smiles that weren't directed at me, made me feel rebellious. I want her to smile but only for me, but was directed at GP and hell, GP smiled like a fool. I've never seen him smile like that to a girl.

No! A part of me screaming in disapproval.

I suddenly felt a burning sensation in my jaws. I realized, I was clenching my jaw too tightly. My lips pursed, and I was staring hard at her, burning holes in her face.

Then, I found myself narrowing our distance, too eager to get close to her. I'm not leaving this place tonight without telling her how I truly feel. I want her back, come what may!

"Hi," I greeted, making sure my husky voice reach her ears, as soon as I planted myself in front of her. Without asking for her permission, I leaned in and kissed her cheeks, taking in her scent that I just suddenly realized, I missed so much. I'm so tempted to pull her into my arms, and hug her tight, but I held the urge. I don't want to upset her.

She drew in a sharp breath, and I felt her stiffened.

I smirk.

I'm glad that I still affect her as much as she affects me. And I felt so happy, hope rises within me.

She steps back a little and then faces me with a smile playing on her lips. The smile on my face withered. "Hi," she greeted back, her voice sounds so composed and unaffected.

"Hey, Raf," Angelik smiled at me and I greeted her. Pulling her to me for a brief hug and then kissed her cheeks briefly. I just patted Max's shoulder, and he nodded in acknowledgment.

"How's going?" Max asked.

"Nothing much," I answered briefly.

I stood beside Natalia. My eyes morph into one thin line when I saw GP making his way towards us. My hands inside my pocket curled into balls, frustrations slowly building up in my system.

"Hey, everyone," he smiled warmly. He gave Max a brief hug before facing Angelik. Angelik was smiling at him sweetly.

"Angelik Mailov, we meet again?" he brought Angelik's hand to his lips, and Max glared at him deadly. GP ignored Max's reaction, then turns charmingly and faces Natalia, flashing her his megawatts smile, I unconsciously clenched my jaw.

"Natalia Petropoulis," he drawled huskily, and I drew in a frustrated breath, my eyes twitched in annoyance. I just so want to wipe that arrogant grin out of his face. "Giovanni Pierce Santorini, your next boyfriend, at your service," he tips his head that made Natalia chuckles in amusement and then took her dainty hand and brought it to his lips.

Anger bubbles up in my system, feeling like I'm going to explode any second. I grab a flute of champagne when a waiter passes by and downed it continuously, holding the empty flute tightly as I watch him charmingly talking to her.

GP look at me, challenging me. "Not funny!" I hissed at him inaudibly.

"Would you like me to tour you around?" GP offered her and I suddenly butted in.

"No. I'll do it," I said, stopping him by the shoulder. "Guests are pouring in, you better go entertain them," I grinned, but underneath that smile, were a warning.

"I would love, too, Giovanni," Iya piped in, her attention was given to him and it irritates me even more. I snapped my head at her incredulously, and I never saw her, so calm, so composed until tonight. She smiled at me, patting my forearm like telling me, it's-okay-I'm-fine, then she stared at Giovanni like an ice cream with a cherry on top.

I gulped inaudibly, feeling the stinging kick in my heart at the subtle rejection.

I nodded my head and smiled bitterly.

I felt like I totally lost her. She's moved on and I'm still stuck, hoping to resumed where we left off. I didn't even notice the stray tear fell on my cheeks. I hastily turned around and left the place.

I ended at Long Beach bar, mopping with the company of Scotch.

.................................

A/N: Hope you like it. I'm sorry for the slow updates.