Kara’s POV

*

          “Serve the woman over there, the one in a strapless blue gown.” I hushed to the new house help and puffed air through my lips. The restlessness was heavy around me and deep within me, I knew it.

I needed to do something, to keep afar from wandering thoughts, anything at all.

My mind was still reeling, my thoughts sucking me in though I smiled at everyone who passed me a greeting and some women already introduced themselves as the wives of Stephano’s business partners. As well, they were eager to know how we met and how I had him wrapped around my pinkie, stating that he wouldn’t take his eyes off me all night. Hmph, as if!

My smile was blinding all through, I didn’t allow the pessimism that was struggling within me to take over. The thoughts of whether I would be secure, if I would meet anyone’s expectations, if I would be as beautiful and confident as these rich women that were hanging around.

One thing I grasped onto as if it was my lifeline; because it was, was the fact that I was doing this as a contract. Either ways, I didn’t have to please anyone.

I refused to feel intimidated about myself for any reason. I was unique and special, if to no one, then at least to myself and my mother.
As well, I didn’t bother thinking back to what happened few minutes ago, I just decided to act rather nonchalant.

Just keeping mute and keep yourself busy to stop anyone from approaching you; that was the only signal mama and Adrian ever needed to leave me by myself all these years.

I would brood about life and the challenges it threw my way when I was supposed to be sleeping but enjoy the moment while it lasted, just like I was currently facing one now.

I kept mute.

When he confessed his fake undying gratitude for having me in his life and his mom interrupted, I had kept mute.

When he said all those cheesy things that still managed to thrust their way into my heart like the sharp edge of a knife even though I hadn’t wanted it to feel that way, I’d still kept mute.

He managed to sweep me off my feet during the kiss, staring straight into my surprised filled eyes when his lips touched mine and when he claimed me before thousands of thousands of people. It was now all over the news.

After the kiss, he’d still managed to sweep me off my feet once again and what did I do? Oh yes, I kept mute!

Right now, his hand still hadn’t left my side and his arm was still securely wrapped around my waist in a rather possessive manner.

“I need to see you right now.” Paul told me with a stern expression immediately Stephano turned to shake hands with someone. I did an eye roll and matched his stare, wondering why the usually playful Paul was staring at me with a reprimanding gaze.

We had just escorted Stephano’s two African business partners who came for this event to their car a few seconds ago. I was still dazed about the introduction that had been made earlier on but instead of allowing myself to dwell so much on it, I didn’t bother thinking about it at all, just shutting all thoughts out so they would keep me awake at night.

The investors had immediately given him the contract immediately he finished addressing the guests. They were really pleased that Stephano was serious about me and this had also convinced them that he would also be serious with their deal.

“Kara...” Paul drawled in a frustrated tone, earning a blink from me.

“Uh...yeah, what’s that?” I asked unsurely.
He looked really disturbed with frown lines on his forehead; I had never seen him this way before. He looked around and shook his head.

“Not here.”

“Okay. Let’s go... outside?”

“Fine.” He stated with a harsh expression. I stared at him with a frown of my own as he grabbed my hand and began pulling me towards the door.

“Can you like, slow down a bit?’ I hissed as I had almost bumped into a couple who speaking to each other in low tones.

“No.” I could’ve swore he actually snapped.
I felt sudden rush of pain and winced, realizing my head just collided with something and the person let out a hiss. I also brought my hand up to massage my forehead quickly.

“Sorry.” Mimi rasped quickly as she tried to run past me. Her eyes were blotchy. My hand swiftly moved against her wrist as I held it on a tight grasp before she could take the corner that led to the pantry.

“Mimi, are you okay?”

She nodded.

“You don’t look good.” My brows creased and I observed her tensed features.

“I’m fine Kara. Just let go...” She avoided my eyes, only glancing behind me as her eyes turned glossy once again. She gasped all of a sudden, her eyes still staring behind me, before wrenching her hand free and dashing through the other entrance instead.
Confused and worried, I took a glance behind me but the only people there were...Stephano and his secretary, Andre. Did she do something to anger Stephano or did he scold her? Why would she be running from him?

Shrugging, I followed a tensed Paul out.

“What was that about?” He yelled, getting into my face the moment I pulled my hand out of his. We were in a secluded part of the house and no one would hear us yelling. But first and foremost, why was he yelling at me?

“What are you talking about?”

“The whole stunt you pulled with Stephano?” His voice visibly dripped of sarcasm.

“I didn’t pull any stunt.”

“Sure, and the president of Italy is gay.”

A horrified gasp escaped my lips. “Is he, really?”

“Cut the crap Kara and tell me what I need to know. That was a sarcastic remark.” He situated a hand on his hip as the hot glare returned.

“I played along.” I shrugged in nonchalance.

“But that didn’t give me my answer, did it? No. So start talking.”

“I don’t even know what you’re talking about Paul and for the life of me, please can you stop glaring?”

“Tell that to someone who doesn’t really know you, huh?”

“Look. I’m leaving this instant if you do-”

“I’m disappointed in you Kara. If anyone else had done it, I would’ve just let it go, but you? I’m very disappointed.”

I raised my hand and met his cheek in a scolding manner, hating the disgust that dripped from his tone as he regarded me with a disapproving expression.

“I don’t know who you think you are Paul, but I see you as a friend and you can’t treat me otherwise. We talk things out, not blame each other like five year olds!” I turned around in an attempt to stomp out of there when a malicious scoff stops me.

“Was that what you also did to Stephano? Did you hit him when he ridiculed you?”

I turned around, muscles tense and mouth now drier than the Sahara desert. My chest started to heave and I stared at him with sudden rush of anger in my veins. “What did you just say?” My eyes narrowed at him but he wasn’t even fazed.

“You heard me. And I’m sure you know what I was talking about, judging from the look you’re giving me.”

My tongue slowly wet my lower lip.

“Stephano didn’t ridicule me. He has never done that.” Except when he was being the cold young master.

“Oh yeah, miss ‘I’m so oblivious and need to run around and bawl my eyes out’. Pray, tell me, what he did, then? Why did he pull that stunt earlier on?” He raised a questioning brow.

I shook my head in dejection. “You don’t know anything Paulie.”

“No. You’re the oblivious one here. Why do you allow him use you?”

“He’s not using me!”

“The hell he’s not Kara, the hell! Oh, yes he’s truly not using you but you aren’t giving him a better option.”

I shook my head at him in utter disbelief. “What does that even mean?”

“Can’t you see Kara? You are degrading yourself.”

“How did I even do that?” I flailed my hands around.

“I saw what happened with the woman that made the announcement. When she did, why did you run out like a dumb brat?”

I raised my hand to hit him again but he was faster than the first time, grabbing my hand and hissing in my face. “Tell me. Why do you act like a dumb fuckin brat?”

All fight left me as his words settled. It was degrading but he was also right. I acted like a brat earlier this evening, running out like a damsel in distress and not bothering to stick up for myself.

But...what could I have done? What other option did I have?

A soft touch on my cheek had me blinking. “Speak to me Kara.” Paul demanded softly.

“I had no option. That woman...I saw her with Stephano before today and they were all lovey-dovey and all over each other. Why can’t I just-” The words died on my tongue. Paul released my cheek and straightened in his stance, his eyes once again narrowed at me.

“Just what did you want to say Kara? Just end what is between you two and run away like a coward like you did before, just because a woman he doesn’t have interest in was seen with him?”

“How did you know he has no interest in her? I’ve seen how he looks at her.” I narrowed my eyes back at him.

“Then have you seen how he looks at you? Like a fuckin’ goddess Kara! That’s aside the point though...” He trailed off. Giggles erupted around us.

I scanned his whole frame through blurry eyes, doubling over as I clutched over my stomach and laughed my nervousness away. Now I knew and fully accepted that this guy was indeed crazy. Did he just say that?

“Paulie...I’m heading inside. Was this why you called me here? To tell me this?”

“I’m serious Kara. Stephano...I think Stephano loves you.”

I stumbled over my breath as I stared at him with wide eyes, noting how serious he stared back at me. How could he conveniently put Stephano, Kara and love, in the same sentence?

No. I highly doubted such.

“Uhm, thanks for telling me that. I think we should head inside now.” I mumbled.

This talk was tiring me out already and of course the butterflies in my stomach would begin another celebratory fit over Paul’s ridiculous statement.

“Alright Kara. But have what I just told you in mind and for the love of everything pizza, stop ridiculing yourself for no apparent reason. Stephano is into you. Claim that assurance while you can!”

“Don’t start.” I commanded with a raised palm but he dragged the hand back to my side.

“No, you don’t start Kara. When somebody claims Stephano, tell them they’re wrong. That’s what he wants from you, not some boring girl who just goes runs around, crying pathetically when someone claims him as theirs.” He further scolded.

“Paul!” I shrieked. His words stabbing me in places I liked keeping away from just anyone, deep in my chest. “Stop it already.”

“Whatever. Be a gentle lady but also bold bitch who can’t be trodden upon. Take some steps, that guy in there is yours. So secure him. Okay?”

My cheeks began to hurt from how well I was gritting my teeth and my inflamed face sold me out. “Thanks. I’ll do just that. Okay?”

“You’re sure?”

“Yes, I’m sure.” I nodded.

“Alright. Let’s go get some kisses.” He grazed a tooth on the tip of my ear and I giggled again, entangling our fingers.

I heaved a comforting sigh. Things were good between us once again.

“Where have you been Kar- who’s that?” Stephano, who just exited the hall, questioned calmly, approaching us.

My eyes roamed over his attractive face, his piercing blue eyes and outstanding cheekbones, his pink lips. He was also eyeing Paul as if he was some sort of puzzle that needed to be solved.

“Paul and I were having a conversation.”

“Oh... Paul...” He drawled.

“Yeah. Good evening.” Paul stretched out his hand and Stephano gave a handshake.

“The evening is good.” Stephano replied and I couldn’t help but appreciate the beautiful view when he pocketed his hands and raised a brow. It was so drool worthy an- Woah! I shouldn’t think this way.

And maybe I should. He was my temporary boyfriend after all.

Paul pecked me on the cheek and whispered ‘take advantage. This ass is yours’ in my ear before nodding to Stephano and heading inside. I stifled a giggle and watched him leave.

“What were you doing outside with him?” Stephano asked, taking a step closer to me. His hands were quick to hold me by the waist as if I would make a dash if they didn’t.

“We were talking.” I pressed my palms on his chest, feeling his masculine strength.

“About what, Caro mio?” He nuzzled his chin in my hair and I wrapped my hands around his shoulders.

My legs slightly trembled as I sucked a harsh breath in, eagerly accepting the familiar sensation I usually got whenever he held me so intimately. I couldn’t trace a single emotion in his tone. Curiosity, anger or relief...nothing.

“I missed you.” He leaned down and pecked me on the lips. I drew back instantly.

“Let’s go in.”

“No. I need to spend time with my woman. She’s too beautiful to leave for even a few seconds more.”

I gasped softly. If he was faking this possessiveness which I sensed in his tone, then he was doing it quite well. And it was affecting me.

“We’ll do that when the guests have left.”

“No Kara. Let me kiss you. I miss you.” He told me in a huskier voice. I matched his gaze as Paul’s words came back and I once again appreciated his gorgeous and oh, so manly feature.

He was beautiful. And he was mine as well. At least for a year, but still!

“I missed you too. And I also want to kiss you.”

My eyes didn’t widen, my lips didn’t warn me that I was probably taking it too far and my heartbeat didn’t increase its pace. I just stayed still, calm and witness myself confess such things.

But it was Stephano’s eyes that widened instead. His lips parted and he pulled me very closely against him, not before connecting our lips in a passionate love exchange.

“Cazzo, Kara!” He sucked on my lower lip. I jumped and wrapped my legs around his waist, our lips conversing in the language we desperately needed.

“I missed this so much. I don’t think I can ever get enough of you Kara.” He hissed with hands exploring my waist with me still in his hold, fondling my back and even squishing my backside. I grinded against him with a cloudy head and released a soft moan; which would have been louder if I hadn’t muffled it.

He let out a groan so manly that the effect reached my core.

I wriggled against him and felt his hand on my inner thigh. Reaching down, I grabbed it so as to take it off my leg but Stephano let out another groan.

“Kara...no, cazzo!” He growled. With fear coursing through my bones, I stilled instantly.

I pulled away with a confused expression and slowly got back on my feet, smoothening invisible creases on my dress. “What?”

“Uh..nothing. I need to ease myself but I can’t go in. Let’s head to the cottage back there.” He pointed towards the farm. Grabbing my hand, he led us there and we walked in complete silence.

“Your guests-”

“We’ll be quick.” He interrupted with his tone still husky and deep. With widened eyes, I followed him and mentally scolded myself for having dirty thoughts when he said ‘we’ll be quick’ and not himself alone. As if we were going there to do something hot and dirty. The cottage was clean as always, consisting of two white long cushions, a table and television on the left part, red rug and a small dining.

He took a front tendril of my hair and twirled it between his fingers. “I’ll do my business. Wait for me here.”

He turned around but then faced me once again. “Just have your seat there.”

“Oka-” my breath caught in my throat when I tried to look away but my eyes landed on something huge. It was sitting calmly in his pants and my eyes instantly widened at the sight of the dent. That couldn’t have been...

“Yes Kara. You must have mistakenly woken up the sleeping dragon when we were having that passionate lip eating session but don’t worry, I enjoyed it.” He winked the second I looked up at him, my cheeks as red as a tomato, “I’ll be right back.” He didn’t just admit to that ... did he? Oh goodness.

“Uh.. Err.. Yeah. I’ll be waiting.” I stuttered. The beautiful sounds of his laughter floated across the cottage as he left for the inner room and they bounced against the walls while I just stared in a frozen state.

“What the hell just happened?” I had just grabbed Stephano’s dingly dingly.