^^Lara

Lara's POV

I was shuffled into a bedroom and left alone. I looked over my shoulder as I heard the door slam closed. I rolled my eyes and walked to the windows to see the beautiful view of the Amalfi coast. I held out my hand and used magic to bring me a random book. An intrigued look crossed my face as I scanned the summary. Well, this should keep me thoroughly entertained. I leaned against the window frame and silently read the novel.

I was halfway through the book when a knock resounded on my door. I ignored it and focused on the fascinating words of Paolo Giordano. I smelt a familiar scent, which easily beat my fascination for the novel. Mila had her arms crossed as she leaned against the doorframe. I marked my page and tossed the book on the bed, so that I could give her my undivided attention.

"I'm having dinner, would you like to join?"

"Nothing better to do... actually, the book is quite entertaining." Mila rolled her eyes and walked away.

I chuckled and followed her to the dining room. The table was set for two in a dimly lit room. How romantic, Amelia. I shook my head in amusement and sat next to her while she sat at the head. Nothing different from how we sat back in our realm. The waiters removed the cloches to show a devious pasta meal. I watched the man pour my wine to the acceptable height. I subtly sniffed the air and realized he was human. He stepped back, so I reached out and grabbed his wrist. Everyone, including Mila was on high alert. I smiled and allowed my fangs to elongate, making him slightly shake whilst glaring at me.

"Mind filling it to the brim, mate?" I smiled and released him.

The man poured the glass, but his arm slightly shook. He tried his best to make it not noticeable, but my eyes could detect even the slightest of shakes. I cleared my throat, making him glance at me.

"Just leave the bottle." I smiled and sat back.

He nodded and placed the bottle on the table before leaving. I smugly flitted my eyes at Mila to find her not amused in the slightest. Mila raised her fingers to usher everyone out the room. They were hesitant, but didn't defy her.

"Don't touch my staff again." She spoke before placing a forkful of pasta in her mouth.

"But where's the fun in that?" I smiled and drank some wine. "Delicious. That's the only thing the Italians may edge the French out in." I smirked while she arched a brow.

"You do understand where you are." Mila spoke in a way that made me realize it wasn't a question. "Yet have the audacity to-"

"More wine?" I asked since I finished my glass. Mila's mouth opened in offense that I'd interrupt. "I'll take much, much more." I poured myself a hefty amount.

"Have you no table manners? Or manners in general?"

"I'm actually quite well-mannered and detest people who lack table manners. However, I'm doing this to get a rise out of you. I'm hoping your wolf is beating against you to release her. Allow me to speak with Chiara." I placed the glass down.

"How do you know her name?" Mila hissed.

"Because we're mates and I'm the one who helped you unlock her. Seriously, Mila. This whole memory wiping thing is highly annoying." I rolled my eyes. "Now, can I speak with Chiara?"

"Fuck off." She menacingly whispered.

"Alrighty then." I smiled and took a massive gulp of wine.

"Are you not going to eat?" She gestured to the uneaten pasta.

"I'm on a no carb diet." I stood and walked around. "Where's this portrait from?" I stopped underneath a painting.

"A Michelangelo piece." Mila looked confused.

"Incorrect. It's inspired by Michelangelo, but lacks his-"

"I really don't give a fuck." Mila slapped her hands on the table and stood up. "Sit down and eat your food." She cocked her head to the uneaten plate.

"You were always hot when authoritative." I chuckled while she glared. "But I'd prefer circling this room and-"

I was cut off by Mila speeding to me and backing me into a wall. I impishly smirked while she narrowed her eyes. I reached my hand out to caress her face, but she caught my wrist. I snickered and attempted to break her hold, but to no avail. She noticed my confusion and smirked.

"Something wrong?" She cutely titled her head.

"Yes, where we come from... I'm much stronger." I stared in confusion at her hand wrapped around my wrist. "I can't overpower you here."

"Such a weak thing to say." Mila mused and dragged me to the chair. She forcibly shoved me into it and returned to her seat. "Not used to people looking down on you when you can't match their strength?" She ate her food.

"What?" I shook my head in confusion. "Absolutely not. I never once thought you to be below me simply because I was stronger. I always thought of you as at least my equal... most of the time you were on a pedestal, but the very few times when you came down... you were never below me." I took a long sip while Mila stared at me in complete bewilderment. "If anything, you being stronger than me means that you must protect me!" I laughed.

"Keep dreaming." She muttered.

"Only if I'll see your smiling face when I close my eyes." I gave her a lovesick expression.

I elegantly sat and stared out the massive window. I could hear the soft clatter of silverware on the plate. It sounds weird, but I considered her chewing to be comforting. It's obvious that I missed her a lot if something as disgusting as chewing makes me into a lovesick puppy. I eventually heard her chewing halt and the soft clang of silverware on the table.

"Are you seriously not going to eat?"

"I'm a vampire, my love. What do you think I eat?" I gave her a teasing smile before returning my gaze out the window.

"You'll be shown to your room." Mila stood and left the room.

A few men approached me, so I gave them an innocent smile and held my hands out. They shook their heads and motioned for me to follow. A smile adorned my face as I followed suit. The lustful stares from the staffers were obvious. I felt a singe of anger, so I turned to my right and saw Mila at the end of the hall.

She attempted to be stealthy based on her hanging in the shadows. When our eyes connected, she cleared her throat and walked away for good. I smirked, knowing that I still had it. I made a show of giving the staffers my signature, dashing smile. It didn't take long to reach my room. I slammed the doors in the men's faces and walked to the window.

I'm not sure how long I stood, staring at the moon. With my enhanced vision, I could see the grooves on the moon's surface and properly observe the craters. I then watched as a shooting star flew across the sky. The comet looked immaculate with its bright blue hue.

My focus then shifted when I heard Mila's even breaths. I assume she finally fell asleep. I placed my hands on the window frame as I pondered how to retrieve Mila's suppressed memories. Oh, well. That's a problem for another day.

The sun was coming up and I was hella bored. Hell, I spent the entire night staring at the constellations and failing miserably on a plan. Operation Make Mila Remember is failing catastrophically. I missed Mila and desperately wanted to be near her. I pushed myself off the window frame and walked out my room.

Immediately, a swarm of security approached me. I gave them a wicked smile and easily subdued them. I locked them in a closet, so I wouldn't be sounding off any alarms. I caught Mila's scent and walked in that direction. I disposed of a few more security personnel before making it to her room.

I entered her room to find the beauty fast asleep. I sat on the side of the bed and drank in her peaceful features. She looked incredibly vulnerable, beautiful, and perfect. I subconsciously raised a finger and traced her face. I released a sigh since I missed the woman who claimed my heart. I just wanted to have her in my arms again, where I could kiss her and fuck her into oblivion.

My thumb had a mind of its own and caressed her cheek. Mila smiled and snuggled against my hand. The temptation to bend down and kiss her was overwhelming, but I controlled myself. The last thing I wanted was for her to feel violated. She already demonstrated what she'd do if further violated... flashback to the claws in abdomen.

Mila's eyes slowly fluttered open. A smile graced her face before she closed her eyes again. Her eyes then shot open and the smile was replaced with a frown. She then swiftly sat up.

"How the fuck did you get in here?!"

"Disposed of a few of your detail." The palm of my hand cradled my cheek. "Good morning, my love."

"Stop calling me that! And-"

"I understand the whole I'm a vampire and you're a wolf and we're forbidden to fall in love. Believe me, I know." I inched closer to her. "But can you please put those societal pressures on pause and listen to your heart. You know I'm your mate, so can you try to accept it?"

"Leave my room, Lara." She coldly spoke.

"I'm so going to use this later when you beg me to stay." I moved my face inches from hers.

"Keep living in your fantasies." She blew air against my lips. "You'll be waiting a lifetime."

"Good thing I'm immortal." I stared at her lips. "You sure are strong since girls normally can't resist my allure."

"Guess those girls are drawn to bad taste." My breath hitched when she positioned herself on my lap. Mila then sensually wrapped her arms around my neck. She stared deeply into my eyes with that sly smirk on her face. "So tell me, Lara..." I bit back a moan when she rolled her hips on my lap. "How do you think this will go?" She whispered into my ear.

"I've been told that I'm great on my back." I stared into her eyes. "Or my talented tong-"

I coughed and looked down to see her nails embedded in me. She then slightly turned her hand, making me wince. Mila placed her hand at the base of my neck to hold me in place. She then continued to contort her hand to make me feel as much pain as possible. I gritted my teeth and locked eyes with her sadistic ones.

"Still think this will go your desired way?" She taunted.

"Oh, l'amour... since when aren't you rough with me?" I risked it all and pecked her lips.

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My punishment was being thrown through a window.