Exclusively Yours – Episode 10

                              

Olivia’s POV

I was starting to feel incredibly nervous about the surprise he had mentioned. He said, and I quote, “I want you to be a good little perfect princess that you most definitely are and eat before I show you the surprise I have for you.”

Firstly, I really don’t like it when he calls me ‘little’. I mean, I understand the ‘princess’ part because I am attractive as f+ck, but why ‘little’? It just doesn’t make sense to me. Secondly, I can’t stand the sound of his voice and the way he leaves no room for argument.

Riccardo Torrence, you’re such an idíot.

No matter how many times I tried to escape his firm grip, I failed each time, and he would just smile.

He just keeps fueling my hatréd for him.

After some time of walking, he finally stops, claiming we have arrived at a place in his so-called “quiet haven” in the jungle. And I hate to admit it, but he was right; it was beautiful at night. But that doesn’t mean I have to like it.

I search the surroundings for the surprise, and my lips part as I gasp. “Wow, it’s so beautiful.” I mutter softly, my eyes fixated on the stunning halo lights created by the fireflies.

They gracefully hover above the ground in a group, creating an awe-inspiring sight. I’m sure there must be a sparkle in my eyes as I continue to stare at them.

“I knew you would like it,” he says, almost succeeding in diverting my attention from the fireflies.

“It’s beautiful. Actually, I don’t just like it, I love it.”

“Thank God.”

I nod in agreement, and before I know it, I find myself drifting closer and closer to the fireflies. The breeze is gentle but eerie, night animals continue to sing their songs, and the moon and stars provide the only source of light. Surprisingly, I don’t feel scared anymore. All I want right now is to catch one firefly in my palm and make a wish.

With each cautious step, I make sure not to startle them. It works. I extend my hand, hoping to catch one firefly, just one, as I have loved fireflies since I was a child. Despite my attempts, none of them land on my palm, and my happiness quickly fades.

“Wait, let me help,” Riccardo, my soon-to-be husband, says in his usual calm and collected voice as he approaches me. I feel him stop behind me, and he gently guides my back against his front. He stretches out his hand and places mine on it. “Relax and don’t forget to breathe.”

Immediately, I exhale and take a deep breath. My heart races against my ribcage, and my body feels hot. Not because I’m attracted to him or anything, but because when he held my neck and chokéd me, I saw excitement in his eyes, as if he enjoyed seeing me in paín.

Yes, I had previously called him a psychopàth, but now I genuinely mean it.

I shouldn’t be scared of him, though. Or at least, I can’t let him see that I am, otherwise he’ll just use it against me.

“See?” He whispers, his breath tickling my neck. I freeze as I notice a firefly perching on my palm. “Now that’s the smile.”

I quickly make my wish and release the firefly. We stand there together for a while, watching the fireflies.

I don’t want this moment to end.

I turn my head to look at Riccardo, only to find him already staring at me. I quickly avert my gaze.

Ugh, seriously?

“How did you find this place?” I ask, attempting to make conversation.

“Long story.”

“Okay.”

I won’t push him to share if he doesn’t want to. Judging from the change in his tone, I don’t think it’s going to be a pleasant story.

Oh well, I’d rather watch the fireflies than talk to him anyway.

Wait a minute, I just remembered something.

I fully face him and purse my lips. “Can I ask you a question?”

“You already did.”

Jérk.

I roll my eyes. “Can I ask you another question?”

“You just did.” His nonchalant response truly irritates me.

Príck.

“Riccardo,” I wince. “I’m being serious.”

He finally looks at me, his eyes locked with mine. His dark orbs refuse to break eye contact. “Fine, go ahead.”

“The person who brought me here…”

“Norman. Did he do something to you?” His concern and worry darken his eyes. They truly darken.

“No, not technically,” I bite my bottom lip. “But he said something I didn’t appreciate.”

“Norman is usually a quiet person. Are you sure about that?”

“Are you accusing me of lying? Why would I lie about him?”

Riccardo sighs, seemingly tired of my complaints. “What did he say?”

“He called me a parrot and addressed me as ‘ma’am’. Why?!” I reply, throwing my hands up in the air. He chuckles.

He actually laughs.

“I hàte you.”

                              ✯✯✯✯

The entire ride back home is quiet, and I spend the entire time staring out the window since my obnoxious soon-to-be husband decided to laugh at me instead of consoling me.

You know, sometimes I feel like he’s purposely rubbing it in my face that he has a beautiful smile. I just don’t understand why he has dimples.

He doesn’t deserve them.

I notice that we have arrived outside my apartment complex and unbuckle my seatbelt, ready to leave. However, he grabs my wrist.

“What?” I ask, slightly annoyed and hungry and tired.

Riccardo reaches into his pocket, pulls out a flash drive, and places it in my hand. “Here…”

“What is it?”

“A flash drive.”

I roll my eyes at his feeble attempt at a joke. Of course, I know it’s a flash drive. I want to know what’s on it.

“Oh, really? I can’t believe it. I’ve never seen one in my entire f+ckíng life.” Sarcasm and sass are my specialties. 

He simply stares at me, his eyes piercing into mine, making me feel smaller by the second.

“Now what?”

“Nothing, I’m just a little surprised by your mouth.”

“What? You want to call me a parrot too?”

“No, not at all.” He shakes his head. “I actually want to squeeze you, and watch every last drop of all the fóul language disappear.”

Ignoring his words, I hold the flash drive between my thumb and index finger in the air. “What’s on it?”

“Information about me,” he explains. “Take some time tonight to learn it and think about the lie we’ll tell our families about how we met. They will most definitely ask.”

Oh, for crying out loud!

“Do you need my information as well?” I ask, pausing for a moment. “Oh, wait. You already have it, stalkér.” I huff and open the car door. “I hope the bed bugs bite. Good night.” I step out, slam the door shut, and face him again. “Actually, no, bad night.”

Lord, I need your help. Please help your daughter.

TBC 📖✍️