Late in the night, Zadia and Roman remained half-naked in bed talking.

That's all they did as the world around them spun, both too stubborn to get any rest. They sheepishly kissed occasionally, not being able to hold the urge of wanting to feel one another. But still, it was the talking that mattered, there was something about hearing one's voice that filled them both intensely.

Zadia smiled in a daze, her arms around the fluffy pillow while she used it to prop her head up. To her coroner the lamp was on, the light dimmed to match the mood of the room. She followed along to the story Roman was telling her, listening to every detail he spoke. "And then what happened?" She asked eagerly, wanting to hear the rest of it. "Did you win?"

Roman matched her smile. The corner of his eyes crinkled, while he chuckled at her eagerness. "Well, eventually Eliśa and Dario gave up and got out of the pool. I was the last man standing, being able to hold my breath for a total of ten minutes and three seconds."

Zadia's eyes widened. "You're freaking lying. Seriously?"

"Yeah. I was thirteen at the time and unlike those two, I spent my days practicing up until the very moment. Passed with flying colors."

She shook her head. "Two minutes max, that's how long I can hold my breath. Anything past that and I'll literally die." She expressed. "I can't believe your dad had you guys training for stuff like that." 

Roman shrugged, his voice low. "Azul was a survivalist... Be prepared for anything, that's what he taught us." Zadia could see the hurt that flashed through his eyes, she moved closer, her hand resting on the side of his face. "He had the right intentions... his parenting was just... different."

"I get that." She whispered. From under the sheet, she could feel him place his hand on her hip, pulling her closer. "Are you trying to kiss me again?" Roman moved her hair out of her face, nodding slowly. "I like when you kiss me." She admitted, feeling the hair on her body rise.

His eyes found her warm plushy lips and he could feel his heart beat faster. "Me too." He whispered, pressing his lips against hers. Zadia's parted willingly, feeling her stomach twist as they kissed. She was so hot, her mind swirling while she enjoyed every second of it. Her hand rested on his chest, kissing him back just as sensual. She nipped him, making Roman pull away. "Ouch." He groaned.

"I'm sorry." She breathed. "Maybe we should give your lips a break. Let it heal, you know."

"Fuck that." He pecked her lips. "I'm fine." He said and pecked her lips a final time, before backing away. "It's your turn to tell me about something."

Zadia turned over on her back, trying to think of something. "You wanna hear the story of me losing my virginity?" She asked.

He quickly shook his head. "No, I do not. You can talk about anything else, just not that."

"Oh come on." She whined. "You said we can talk about anything." She propped her head on his chest, looking over at him. "I'll give you the PG version."

He looked up at the ceiling. "Zadia, I don't wanna hear about you and some other guy shagging."

Zadia laughed, burying her head in his chest. "Shagging? Seriously, shagging?" She laughed some more, her stomach cramping. "Your age is starting to show."

He rolled his eyes, while she continued to laugh. "Yours is too." He resorted, pushing her head off him. "You're so damn goofy, it wasn't even that funny."

She placed her head back on him, chucking. "Yes it was, just say sex. No one says shagging anymore." She used her fingers to outline his left nipple. "I'll tell you something else then." She hummed, thinking. "I was six years old when I got on a plane for the very first time... I've never been on one ever since because I hate being in the sky. It makes me paranoid."

Roman touched her ear, flicking her ear lobe with his finger. "Where'd you go?"

"To the Bahamas. We were vacationing there for the spring and had to take a cruise to get back home. That's how much I couldn't stand being on a plane." She raised her head to smile at him. "What's your worst fear?"

Roman instantly groaned. "That's a stupid question, ask me something else."

"But I wanna know." Zadia countered. "I'll tell you mine if you tell me yours." Zadia gave him a quick kiss, on his cheek. "Please."

His eyes looked to the window and he huffed. "The future." He answered. "Because it's filled with endless possibilities."

"Hmm, I would've never thought that, to be honest." She playfully bit his chest. "Being left behind is my worst fear." Her voice grew faint. "I don't want to ever be left behind again."

Roman held onto her closer, causing her exposed breast to press against him. "I understand that." He told her. "I understand that a lot." His fingers began slowly trailing down to her thighs. "Tell me about your first heartbreak."

Zadia's face scrunched up. "Oh, man." Her lips curved as she thought about it, her thumb resting on his chin. "I had my first heartbreak after starting my job at Starbucks. I was sorta obsessed with this guy that went to my old school. I had a crush on him for the longest because... he was the only person who didn't treat me differently after moving out of my parents. He apparently liked me and somewhere down the road, we got closer and slept together. After that, he never spoke to me again."

"He's a fucking idiot," Roman grumbled, grabbing her big thighs. "What's his full name?"

Zadia chuckled, moving on top to straddle him. "Leave him be, it's in the past." She leaned down and kissed him, fast yet gentle. "He's not worth it." She sat up, Roman's hands on her waist firmly. "What about you?"

"Never had one."

Zadia's eyebrows raised. "Really?"

"Yes."

Zadia hummed, touching the large animated cat tattoo on his rib cage. "Is this Luna from that old show?" She snapped her fingers, trying to recall the name. "Sailor moon right?"

He nodded. "Mmh. It was the only thing my sister would watch when we were younger. I fell in love with it because of the cat." He paused. "Luna... I've always liked that name. It's always stuck out to me."

Zadia admired how beautiful his other tattoos were. Each of them stood out, telling stories that she had yet to know about. Her hand ran up and down his bare chest. "Give the name to your kid." Roman coughed, a sudden tightness in his chest. Zadia's eyebrows raised slightly. "What? You don't want kids?"

"Next question."

Zadia tilted forward, pressing her lips to his. "That's perfectly fine." She whispered, pulling away.

"What about you?"

Zadia pointed at herself. "Me? A mom?" She scoffed. "I can barely handle myself, let alone kids. I'd fuck up a lot."

"I don't think so." He poked at her stomach, making her stir on top of him. "You'd be a pretty badass mom."

She chuckled. "You think I'm a badass?"

"You're annoying." He started and she smacked his hand off her. Roman laughed. "Nonetheless, pretty badass." He laughed harder because of the look on her face. "I'm kidding, you're not annoying."

Zadia rolled her eyes, shaking her head. "You're lucky I like hearing you laugh."

"Well, in that case, you're lucky I like when you smile." He resorted. "I could've been sling you off of this bed, because of that age comment."

Zadia burst out into laughter. "I must've hit a nerve if you're still going on about that."

Roman rolled his eyes, his hands squeezing her hips, touching her backside. "You didn't. Bring it up all you want, just don't expect me to be quick to answer."

Zadia squinted and sighed. "Okay, the suspense is killing me. I'm about to start yelling out random numbers, till I get to the right answer."

Roman chuckled, smacking her butt. They both laughed. "Quit. Ask me something else."

"How come you waited this long... to you know... have sex?" She asked him. "I understand if you don't want to answer."

"No, I'll answer." Roman sat up with her still straddling him. He looked over at her lips, before looking into her eyes. "I've never been in a rush to do it. I'm not a peoples person, never have been. So I've never desired for sex until recently it seems." He smiled slightly. "I know the basics, though."

Zadia's eyes widened. "From porn?"

A deep rumble came from Roman as he threw his head back in laughter. "No, of course not. That type of stuff doesn't interest me. I meant the basics, like Sex Ed type of stuff... word to mouth."

"Got it." She laid her forehead against his. "And you're positive you want to go that far... with me?"

He chuckled, looking down at the evidence of his arousal. "Isn't it obvious enough?"

"Just making sure." She chuckled, pushing the sheet off her naked body. "Do you think you'll regret this someday? Everything that's happening in this room," She grabbed his hand, placing it on her breast. "Everything in this moment."

"No." He answered, really trusting in his answer. "I won't." She leaned down, her face so close that their nose nearly touched. "Kiss me." He demanded softly, his hand coming up to her neck, gripping it.

"Make me."

"Zadia." He called her name in a warning tone. "Kiss me." He demanded again, looking into her alluring brown eyes.

"Make me." She whispered once more, daring to see what he'd do next.

Roman tugged on her breast harsher than intended, making her gasp. He sat himself up, his other hand at the bottom of her chin, drawing her in as her breathing escalated. With their lips now inches apart, they both stared at one another. "Kiss me." He told her, more firmly this time and before Zadia had a chance to shake her head no, he flicked her right nipple with his fingers. "I said kiss me."

"Fuck." Zadia whimpered once she felt him flick the other one. "That's not fair." She mumbled, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. She hungrily lashed onto his lips, her tongue sliding into his mouth as she gave him a sultry kiss. Her toes curled, the taste of him intoxicating. "Condoms." She moaned out, her voice was barely audible. "We need condoms."

Roman pulled away, kissing and sucking on her neck. "Check the nightstand." He muttered, moving to her collarbone.

Zadia leaned over and reached for the drawer, her fingers barely touching it. She pried it open and began looking inside. "There's none in here." She told him after a while. "Go check in the bathroom." Roman's hands fell to his side as Zadia moved off him, laying on her back. "Hurry back." She told him, watching as he stood up, his hard-on pressing against his boxers.

He walked into the bathroom and turned on the lights, quickly rummaging through the things in there. "There's none in here!"

"Go asks Dario, then!"

Roman scoffed, walking back into the room. "Zadia, I'm not asking my little brother for condoms."

"Why not?"

"It's... it's weird."

Zadia rolled her eyes. "Roman you're being ridiculous. It's not weird, just go ask."

He crossed his arm. "I'm not."

Zadia sent him a disapproving look, before smirking to herself. She shrugged. "Fine. If you won't ask, then I will." She got off the bed, her breast slapping against her stomach. "I'll go ask him looking just like this since you don't want to." She moved to open the door, but Roman quickly grabbed her by the waist, pushing her towards him.

"That's not very funny, Zadia." He let out, breathing her in.
With her back against his chest, he leaned closer, whispering in her ear. "I'll go, you stay here... far away from my brother."

Zadia smiled, turning on her toes to place a kiss on the side of his lips. "Go."  She pushed him towards the door before he could wrap his arms around her. "Don't get into a fight out there."

Roman grabbed a towel and tied it around his waist before opening the room door. "I won't." He sighed deeply, stepping out into the hallway. Each time his legs moved, he could feel the space in his boxers become limited. He marched towards his brother's bedroom, knocking on the black door with his knuckles.

It was late into the night, so he was sorta surprised when Dario opened up. He thought he'd be asleep by now. "What?" He questioned with his arms crossed, a cream-colored robe wrapped around him, while he leaned on his door.

"You look ridiculous." Roman felt the need to say.

"Not as ridiculous as you." Dario shot back, his eyebrows raising with confusion. "Why are you sweating? Are you inside my gym, Jesus it's almost four in the morning Romulus?"

"Shut up and stop calling me that," Roman told him, he hated being called by his real name. Only a few people still called him that. He liked the name Roman better, it was... simpler. Scratching the back of his head, Roman suddenly felt embarrassed. "Umm." He cleared his throat. "You wouldn't happen to have a pack of... condoms?"

Dario's eye widened a bit. "Seriously? You're about to get laid." He blurted out. "Dang... you must really like this girl."

"Could you be any louder?" Roman groaned, clutching the towel. "Condoms, do you have them or not?"

Dario raised his hand in surrender. "I do, hold on." He shut the door and started to rummage through his stuff. A few seconds later, he opened the door with a box of condoms in hand. "Here." He passed them over.

"Thanks," Roman muttered, taking the box, quick to turn around and leave.

"Hold on, I can practically smell your nervousness from here." He told his older brother. "This is awkward no doubt, but I'd be a capullo (dickhead) if I didn't tell you to relax." He told him. "Just go along with the ride."

"Okay,"

"Also, let her know I'm always here if she reconsiders." He joked, quickly slamming his door before Roman could throw something at him.

"So fucking immature!" Roman cursed, going back in the direction of his room. He took a deep breath, before opening the room door and stepping back into the same space as Zadia. A chill ran down his spine while he looked ahead, hypnotized by the fully naked woman who laid in his bed with her eyes trained on him. "You're so damn beautiful." He said to her, stopping in his tracks to shut and lock the bedroom door.

Even if he tried, he couldn't take his eyes off her. Her breast, curves, and sex kept him captivated, her skin soft and smooth urging him to touch.

"How beautiful?" She asked softly, a bit nervous. Sex was something that she always took seriously which is why she'd only ever done it twice, both times with a guy she thought she could trust.

"Out of this world, beautiful."

Zadia wanted this to happen. There wasn't a doubt in mind when it came down to trusting in Roman. "Come here," Zadia instructed, beckoning him over with her pointer finger. "Touch me." She whispered at the edge of the bed, urgently waiting for him to do so.

Roman's hand rested on her stomach, inches above her belly button before he moved it down. He noticed how her shapely breast moved each time she inhaled, her body trembling with anticipation. "Zadia." He choked, fingertips brushing lightly against the inside of her thigh.

Zadia spread her legs open as a reaction, her back arching off the bed. "Ah." She moaned, squeezing her eyes shut. He cupped her sex for the first time, leaning forward to kiss her gently while his fingers slowly started to rub against her clit. Zadia could feel the goosebumps forming on her skin, the familiar heat spreading to her body. She moaned louder as he increased his pace, holding her face with his other hand to kiss her more.

Her own hands began to wander, exploring his biceps and abs. She reached for him as their kiss deepened, her fingers instinctively began pulling down on the side of his boxers. The towel around his waist dropped to his feet, and she pulled on the boxers some more. Her head tilted back, when his lips moved to her chin, tickling her skin the more he traveled. "Breathe, Zadia." He said to her, his voice husky and determined. His fingers slid in and out of her wet folds, drenching the sheets and increasing the desire to have him inside her.

Letting out a ragged breath, Zadia leaned back pulling him closer so he could fall on top of her. Roman shifted slightly, kicking his boxers away. She began stroking his thick erection, feeling him throb, as they held each other's gaze.
Roman reached for the box of condoms, taking one out and ripping it open with his teeth.

"I've got you," Zadia whispered, taking it from him. She grinned, rolling the slippery packet onto him, admiring the length of his erection. 

Still holding each other's gaze, Roman's hand traveled back to her sides, grazing her breasts lightly before he reached for her neck again. She liked when he did that. It felt like it was his way of telling her that although he was inexperienced, he was still in charge. She liked him being in charge. "Tell me what you want." He said, moving in between her, kissing her nose.

"You." Zadia gasped for air, feeling his hard-on press against her core. "I want you." She nearly cried out, gripping his shoulders as he pushed into her. Their eyes shut momentarily, both obvious of the created pressure underneath them. Zadia couldn't find the words to describe what it felt like to feel herself stretch around his length. She moaned loudly when Roman moved his hand, slightly pushing inside her more. She focused on the sensation, the discomfort, and the pleasure while he paused halfway through. "Are you alright?" Zadia questioned.

"Processing," Roman muttered with his eyes shut. There were so many things that he was feeling all at once and it was almost unreal to him how natural this all felt. He loved the small noises Zadia made when he pushed forward, even more, his erection filling her up fully.

Zadia moaned in his ear while he continued, pressing forward then back, and repeating the process over again. She tilted her back, soft pants leaving her mouth as she stared at their joined bodies. "Roman." She sighed happily when he dipped his head forward and captured her warm lips. His slow rhythm was slowly building up into something more, his arms by her shoulders, supporting most of his weight.

He kissed her some more, treating her body delicately as he could. "Dios mío. (My god.)" He muttered softly when she spread her legs wider, squeezing his shoulders for support. Roman moved his head to the side, burying his face against her neck. He grunted moving deeper inside, their skin slapping against one another. His teeth grazed her neck, kissing and then sucking on it before he raised his head and made a low animalistic sound with his throat. "Look at me." He told Zadia and she did.

Her eyes bore into his and like a magnet, each time he thrust into her, she thrust back. Her legs wrapped around his waist, encouraging him to go deeper. "Right there." She whimpered, scratching at his back because of the sudden jolt to his hips. "Don't... stop." A wave of pleasure filled her, causing her skin to prickle with delight. Her breasts bounced slightly against his chest each time he reeled back and buried himself inside of her.

Roman's breath was hot against her skin as he thrust harder, he placed his hands under her knees, pushing her leg up higher than she could handle. Zadia's lips tightened and she moaned because of the pain and pleasure she felt. "Fuck." He grumbled as she cried out, her hands pulling at the sheet. Roman could feel her tightening around him and it drove him insane.

Zadia raised her head, kissing him all while she shook beneath him. When Roman moved his hand between them and his fingers vigorously began rubbing her clit, Zadia nearly passed out. This was an overload and she couldn't take it. "I... I can't." She panted and moaned all at once.

Roman's drive became more intense, faster even. "You can." He told her and continued massaging her clit with his fingers. "Tómalo (Take it)." He said, his teeth grazing her lips, the air around them hot. Zadia's fingernails were digging into his back now and he squeezed his eyes shut for a moment, breathing uncontrollably. "Zadia." He moaned and she screamed a fire sparked in her stomach, she was so close. He gripped her waist, pushing her legs further. "Breathe." He reminded her, noticing her eyes rolling back.

"Ungh." That was the only thing Zadia could say before her entire body began trembling. She lost control, an orgasm washing through her. Her world became flooded, everything around her growing distant. Although she was trembling underneath him, Roman's fingers never stopped moving, as her body clenched. "Yes." She whispered, air filling up her lungs.

Roman looked her in the eyes and cursed, his thrust became erratic. "Shit." He said, lips parted while he felt himself quake. Zadia kissed him and he cried against her lips, experiencing his very first orgasm. He held onto her tightly, thrusting into her a few more times, before his face twisted in pleasure and he stopped.

"You alright?" Zadia questioned him, slowly starting to regain herself. She winced when he released her leg and groaned deeply, slowly pulling himself out of her.

"I'm fine." He whispered. "More than fine as a matter of fact." Zadia laughed, rolling to her side while he stood up. "Are you alright?" He sincerely asked, looking her over. "I didn't hurt you, did I?"

Zadia shook her head, giggling like a schoolgirl. "You didn't." She told him, moving towards the pillows and wrapping the sheet around herself. She watched as he disappeared into the bathroom to get rid of the condom and took that as her chance to breathe. Zadia could feel her muscles tense up and she smiled, knowing that she'd be sore in the morning.

"You're smiling like a weirdo," Roman announced, walking back into the room. Zadia's smile widened and she raised the sheet, feeling the bed dip beside her. "What is it?" He asked, hugging her side tightly, his heavy arm around her waist.

"Spend the day with me." Said Zadia. She faced him, resting her hand on his chest.

"We just spent the day together." He pointed out.

Zadia shook her head. "We did... but not like this. All those other days were regular and I don't want today to just be a regular day. Today feels special... So let's make it special. Spend today with me."

"We've got to get back to the others."

"And we will, just a day later than planned." She told him. It wasn't that she didn't miss the others, she did but Zadia knew things weren't going to be the same after today. "It'll just be you and me... and your brother but we can pretend he's not even here."

Roman chuckled. "It's his house, Zadia." He took her hand and placed a light kiss on her palm. "We'll take today off," He agreed, watching her eyes light up. "but if I feel something off or if anything changes on the news, we're leaving."

Zadia squealed. "Understood! Thank you!"

Leaning forward, Roman kissed her unexpectedly. She kissed him back with the same amount of force, melting in his strong arms. They parted after a few seconds and he stroked the side of her face. "What was that for?" She asked him.

He shrugged. "I like the way you make me feel."

A chill ran through Zadia's body and she grinned. "Is that so?"

He chuckled. "Yeah, don't tell anyone."

"Your secret is safe with me." She whispered.

___\\___\\___\\___

Zadia could hear the pounding of Roman's heart. It was a steady rhythm, strong and vast. With her eyes shut, she stayed in her spot listening to it. The sound it made fascinated her, which was confusing because it was just an ordinary heart.

Perhaps it was because this heart in particular belonged to him.

She opened her eyes and Roman was the first thing she saw. Her brows knitted into a frown as she looked at him. He didn't look like he was in peace like most folks did when sleeping, he looked odd.

Rigid even.

Zadia glanced over at the time on the wall, nibbling on her bottom lip. It was only seven in the morning, meaning she didn't sleep that much because she and Roman had woken up in the middle of the night again and things had escalated from thereon.

She moved Roman's hand off her thigh and placed it on the pillow before standing up.

Walking into the bathroom, she closed the door shut and turned on the lights, staring at her reflection. There was a warmth that washed over her when she saw the love bites Roman left on her body. She flushed, heat rising to her cheeks when she stumbled upon the one on her lower back.

Her posture straightened, and she looked at herself seriously. "Act like you have some sense, girl." She inhaled. "Morning routine, shower, and clothes." She repeated, listing all the things she needed to do.

Some time passed when she finally stepped out of the bathroom. She dressed in the shirt Dario had lent her and slipped on some brand new briefs from him too. When she told Roman about the briefs, he laughed and told her he'd get her some panties as soon as they were on the road again.

"Roman." She called his name, trying to wake him up from his sleep. "Roman." She called again, a bit louder this time. She couldn't believe how much of a heavy sleeper he was. Realizing that it was going to take a lot more to wake him up, she jumped on his back, hugging him annoyingly. "Roman, Roman wake up." She shook him. "It's time to wake up, come on, wake up."

Roman stirred in his sleep, groaning in annoyance. The moment he finally slept in a long while, it was cut short by the same person who helped him sleep. "Zadiaaa." He dragged out, tiredly. "I swear to God I'm gonna push you off this bed if you don't quit."

"Wake up." She shook him some more. "I wanna make breakfast."

Roman groaned louder, placing the pillow over his head. "Go make breakfast then." He resorted.

"I want you to help me." She poked at his side. "There's so much we've got to do today." She smacked his butt and smiled, wiggling her eyebrows. "Catch my drift."

Roman craned his neck, tiredly looking at her. "Are you trying to seduce me into waking up?"

Zadia let out a dramatic gasp, moving off of him. "What? Me? Of course not." Her smile widened. "I'm just stating that we've got much to do today and if we want to do those things, eating breakfast is the best place to start."

Roman propped his pillow up. "Fine, I'm up but I need to see some motivation first before I can get out of this bed."

Zadia laughed, throwing her head back. She made a sound as she laughed, one that made Roman chuckle deeply. "Who knew you could be both corny and a pervert." Roman threw his pillow at her, hitting her directly in her face. "Ouch! Roman you asshole!"

He smirked, lifting his head some more. "My aim is always perfect." He laughed as she glared at him. "Remember that the next time you wanna call me something besides my name. Moving forward she pinched his side and then frowned when she didn't receive the reaction she was hoping for. Roman slapped her hand away. "You pinch like a child."

"And you," she started to say but stopped realizing she didn't have a comeback. "Ughh." She groaned. "Just shut up and get out of bed. We're running out of time." 

"It's seven thirty-seven in the morning, we've got enough time." He reassured her. "Where's my motivation?"

Smiling at him seductively, Zadia slowly began raising the hem of her shirt. Roman watched her intently, flashes of last night coming to mind. Just as Zadia was about to flash her breast, she dropped her shirt and stuck the middle finger at him. "That's your motivation, asshole." She laughed, louder than intended. "Be ready in fifteen, or I'll find a way to hurt you." She threatened him, before walking out of the room.

Zadia began her journey to the kitchen, walking through the silent halls of the house. She liked being here, everything from the atmosphere to the small details of the house fascinated her.

Flicking the lights on in the kitchen, she let out a surprised gasp noticing Dario. He was eating a bowl of freshly cut fruits on the countertop. "Morning." He greeted her, casually. "I didn't expect you guys to be up so early."

"Morning. I couldn't sleep much, so I decided to start the day off now. I just woke Roman up, so hopefully, he's out here in a few." She took a couple of steps in his direction. "Would you mind if I cooked breakfast today? I know I'm sorta up in your space and stuff."

Dario shook his head, smiling at her kindly. "It's fine. Mi casa es su casa. I don't even remember the last time I cooked, fridge is packed with food though." He stood up and placed the empty bowl in the sink. "I'm gonna head out and do some... investigating on my own. You two horny kids have fun, I'll be back later in the day."

"Really?" Zadia piped up, frowning. She thought they'd have more time to talk and stuff. Dario was pretty cool to be around. "Let me at least cook you breakfast first, those fruits can only do so much."

"I'm good, seriously. I'll grab something to eat while I'm out." He grabbed his car keys. "Tell Roman my couch is off-limits, he'll know what I mean. Also, I took the courtesy of putting condoms in the guest bathroom so I won't have to be asked again in the middle of the night."

Zadia's face heated up. "I'm so sorry about that." She was quick to say.

Dario chuckled. "Don't be, it happens." He moved to walk away but stopped midway to glance at her. He scratched the back of his head, looking at her seriously. "Zadia... Roman and I don't have the best relationship but I care about the bastard... sometimes. You seem like good people, therefore I say... be careful with him. He may look tough as shit, but he's sensitive underneath it all."

Zadia nodded. "Got it."

"Cool... I'll be on my way then. You guys, have fun."

"You too." She whispered.

Once he left Zadia quickly got to work, looking through the fridge for the stuff she needed.

Finding the cooking board, she rinsed off some onion and bell peppers and began chopping them. The sharp knife in her hand moved swiftly against the board, her lips pressed together in a fine line while she hummed some J.Cole lyrics.

She was in her element now and she enjoyed it.

Roman quietly stood in the doorway of the kitchen, watching her have at it. He was shirtless, his boxers and shorts being the only two things that he had on. His eyes couldn't take themselves off of Zadia, she looked free the way she moved around in the kitchen. He uncrossed his arms and sighed deeply, wondering how it was possible for him to like someone who annoyed him to death. "Witchcraft." He said to himself. "It's gotta be."

"What was that?" She piped up, her head snapping in his direction.

"You look like a chef." He told her, his hands falling to his side.

"I do?"

He nodded, walking towards her. "Yeah. A good one too."

Zadia rolled her eyes. "You haven't even tasted the food yet."

Roman waved her off. "I don't need to, I know a good chef when I see one."

"I'm not a chef though." She stated. "I'm an artist."

He smirked. "You're both."

Zadia groaned, cracking some eggs. "Stop giving me ideas and help me with this. It's supposed to be a group activity."

When he was close enough, he stood behind her and placed both his hands on her shoulders. "Alright, where do you want me?"

"You're on avocado toast duty." She passed him two fresh avocados. "All you have to do is cut it open, put it in a bowl, and season it... lightly." She explained. "Make sure to use garlic powder."

Roman hummed. "What about the toast?"

"Slap a little bit of butter on it and sprinkle some cinnamon."

"Yes, chef." He responded teasingly, before bending his head down to kiss the top of her forehead.

"Shut up." She chuckled, adding spices to the eggs. "Your brother left for the day, he told me to tell you something about his couch being off-limits." Roman chuckled from behind her, he hadn't moved yet. "Now I'm curious to know what he means."

"Dario has the tendency of fucking on people's couches. It's something he did as a teenager and I think that he thinks that I plan on doing the same to his couch as revenge or some shit."

Zadia paused what she was doing and turned to look at him. Her eyebrows were raised, questionably. "Well, do you?"

Roman stared at her confused. "Do I what?"

"Plan on fucking on his couch?" She asked, her tone suggestive.

Roman paused for a moment, standing tall in front of her. He leaned and Zadia took a step back, her hips bumping the side of the counter. "Do you want me to fuck you on his couch?" He asked her instead.

A nervous chuckle came from her.

She didn't expect him to be so blunt about the topic, but then again this was Roman she was talking to. The majority of the time he said what he want without a care. "Absolutely not." She told him, wrapping her arms around his shoulders, bringing him down towards her. "I want you to fuck me on his marble counters."

Roman laughed hard. "Oh, you're nasty," He pecked her lips, his arms around her hips, picking her up. "I like the way you think." He said, kissing her neck.

Zadia giggled, wrapping her legs around him. "Breakfast." She reminded him as he walked them over to an empty counter.

"We have time." He assured her, before bringing his lips down to hers and kissing her passionately.

___\\___\\___\\___

"What's something you can do, that people find weird?" Roman asked her, before biting into his crunchy toast. When the both of them finished they got dressed and washed up together. Eventually, they finished cooking breakfast. They sat in the dining room, across from one another at the small dining table. With the blinds open, the sunlight shines throughout the home.

"Don't laugh, okay."

He smiled. "I won't."

"Roman, I'm serious. Don't laugh." Zadia whined.

He rolled his eyes, "I won't, just tell me."

"Okay so... I can bend my thumb backward."

His eyebrows furrowed. "Seriously?" He didn't know if he should be freaked out or impressed. Zadia raised her left hand for him to see and bent her thumb backward. "Wow." He said, trying to hold in his laughter. "That's... just wow."

Zadia threw her napkin at him, and he dogged it before bursting out laughing. "I knew you were gonna laugh." She grumbled.

Roman clenched his stomach, laughing more. "I'm sorry, I've just never seen something like that. It's so damn... random."

Sticking the middle finger at him, she took a sip of her water. "Don't be jealous because you can't do it." She resorted.

"Trust me." He chuckled, continuing to eat his food. "I'm not. I can wiggle my ears and flare my nose at the same time, that beats," he motioned at her thumb. "whatever the fuck that even is."

"You most definitely have a way with words." She sarcastically said. "Who's the funniest person you know?" She questioned, bringing the fork towards her mouth. "You better not name yourself."

"Fine, Adam."

Zadia scoffed. "Adam? I have you laughing more than he does."

"That's because you're corny."

Zadia gasped, stunned. "Shit, tell me how you really feel then. I'll just save my corniness for another man then. I'm sure they'd appreciate it."

Roman tilted his head, nearly finished with his plate of food. "We'll see."

"Anyways, how old are you?"

"Not this again. You said you wouldn't ask again" Roman groaned. "It's confidential?"

"Confidential my ass." Zadia laughed. "Just tell me."

He shook his head. "My lips are sealed."

She huffed. "I'll just guess." She told him. "You said you haven't been in your twenties for a while now and seeing as you don't look old enough to be my father, I know you're not in your fifties."

"I look far too good to be in my fifties."

"Don't get ahead of yourself now." She joked and both of them laughed. "I'm gonna rule forties out because people in their forties tend to start developing dark edges around their iris. I don't see that when looking in your eyes."

"How very attentive of you." He said, finishing his food. His plate was now empty. "How old am I then?"

"You are," she paused to think. "Definitely in your thirties... early thirties to be exact. Am I right?"

"You are." He nodded. "I'm impressed. Now guess my actual age."

Zadia hummed softly. "Thirty-two?" She guessed.

He shook his head no. "So close." He told her. "I'm thirty-three."

Zadia smiled at this new information. "Thirty-three?" She repeated. "You're only ten years older than me." She stopped to calculate. "Ten years, five months, and twenty-seven days to be exact. You're not that old."

"I like to think so."

"How come?"

He shrugged. "Just feels like it."

Zadia looked down at his plate, noticing he finished before her. "I think this is the first time I've ever seen you eat something fully." She blurted out, soon regretting it. "I didn't mean t—." She tried to say, but he cut her off.

"But you did!" Roman said, his tone serious. Zadia scooted back on the wooden chair, finding his current demeanor somewhat shocking. She gulped and Roman quickly noticed. He sighed, his hand coming up to his face. "Fuck." He whispered, apologizing. "I'm sorry... I...I." He paused, taking a moment to gather his thoughts. "It's... it's hard for me to talk about certain things and I get it, you wanna know me but some things... some things I can't tell you about. It's very," he looked away. "Triggering."

Zadia nodded. "No, I completely understand, it's my fault. I shouldn't have said anything."

Roman shook his head. "Don't apologize, it's not your fault. Everything about me is either... troubling or complicated, no way is that your fault." He cleared his throat, his voice low. "I like popsicles, not the fancy kind that they sell in stores nowadays, but the old ones that you can still find at the Caribbean market. When something is on my mind, I listen to Selena's music because she was my first celebrity crush and her music is comforting. I do burpees every morning, except for the past few days because it helps with my headaches. I tend to get morning headaches, that sometimes last until noon..." he took a deep breath. "And for some odd reason, I've recently discovered that I like the smell of cocoa butter."

Zadia laughed. "I knew you liked it!" She shrieked.

"It grew on me." He admitted, chuckling.

Pushing her chair back, she stood up and walked over to him. "We've gotta get you your own cocoa butter set."

Roman pushed his chair back and pulled her down to his lap. "Not gonna happen." He kissed her chin. "I'm sorry." He apologized once more. "I'm a fucking mess."

"Aren't we all." She whispered, taking his hand. "Wanna dance to some Selena music? I'm not the best dancer, but I sure do have some moves."

"In a minute." He held onto her tighter, pulling her onto his chest. "Let's just stay here for a moment. That's okay?"

Zadia smiled, listening to his heart pounding. "Definitely okay." She whispered, listening closely. There was a feeling that settled in her chest, one that came with realization.

There was no place she'd rather be, other than there with him in his arms.

She was hooked.

Fun fact: This was supposed to be a Valentine's Day chapter, but I
got caught up in homework.

Happy, belated Valentine's Day 🌹 I hope you all had fun❤️

Lightly edited. Point any errors out.

Any thoughts?