CALIX

"What the hell is going on here, Calix?"

I looked at my mother with annoyance on my face. "I should ask you the same question, mother."

"You and Cassie Vitalis? Really?" There was visible disbelief in her voice as she demanded an answer for me.

I couldn't help the scowl showing on my face while staring at my mother. I had to fight back my irritation when she pulled me to the side and started talking nonsense as soon as she arrived at the art gallery.

"What's wrong with her?" I asked in a low tone in case some of the guests could hear us arguing. "I thought you liked her?"

"Yes, I like her. She's a nice girl." My mother admitted, her eyes never leaving mine.

"Then, what is your problem?!" I hissed, minding the people who were throwing us curious stares.

She gave me a disbelieving look. "Don't you feel shameful going after Cassie? Why do you always settle for your cousin's leftovers?"

"What?!" Anger rose inside me. Cass was never been Loukas' leftover. I would not allow anyone even my mother to describe her in such a way. "Mind your words, mother. I will not allow you to insult the woman I love like this even if you are my mother."

She scoffed, shaking her head in disbelief. "Good Lord! Do you hear yourself, Calix? You dare to say that to your mother for a mere woman?"

"Mother..." I gave her a severe look while I happened to glance at my Cass who was giving us a worried look. I smiled in her direction silently reassuring her that everything was okay when it was far from the truth.

"And what about this exhibit of yours? Do you need to announce to the world that you are so in love with this woman that your entire exhibit is all about her?"

I shrugged nonchalantly, glancing proudly at the portraits of Cass hanging around the hall. "I don't see anything wrong with it. People will just assume that she's my muse for this exhibit." I glanced at her sideways. "Only a few people would give malice."

She sighed deeply, looking at me with unreadable eyes. "You need to end this madness before it's too late."

"Why?" This time the frustration was already visible on my face. I couldn't hide it the longer I chatted with my mother it was getting hard to act like this was a pleasant conversation.

She looked at me with pleading eyes. "Do you think Spiro will accept you?"

"Why not? He's a nice man besides we used to chat when we had the chance to bump at parties."

"Yeah, he might be nice to you but that is before he learns that you are courting his daughter." My mother reminded me harshly. "Everyone knew how he treasures his only daughter. Leave Cassie alone, son. There are so many eligible ladies available around. Go find someone else."

I laughed sardonically at my mother's face. "You don't know what you are talking about. For future harmony between us, I suggest never speaking of this nonsense again or else..."

"Or else what?" She gave me a wounded expression. I felt an ass at the moment but I would not heed her bidding that easily. We were talking about my relationship with the woman I love here. "I can't believe you can say such words to your mother because of a mere woman."

I exhaled deeply as my frustration was already reaching the top scale. "I told you, Cass is not just a mere woman for me. She's the woman I love for a long time. Do you think I will let her go easily after finally winning her over?"

"Your relationship with her will just end in heartache. Better to end it now before it goes way deeper."

"I will not do that, mother. Come hell or high water, I will not give her up."

My mother gazed at me with a sorrowful expression. "I hate to you see getting hurt when the truth--"

My brows drew together. "What truth?"

She shook her head as she appeared to be nervous out of the blue. "U-Uh...nothing. Forget what I said." She suddenly caressed my cheek with a smile on her face. "I know you are mad at me now but soon you'll know that I only want what's best for you. Also, despite our disagreement now I want to say how proud for this exhibit."

Before I had the chance to say anything she already left me staring at her and wondered what the hell she meant with her cryptic words. I wanted to come after her and demand what she meant but I was already swarmed by guests who were eager to talk to me.

I was stuck with these people and I didn't have a choice but to chat with them. I got a flute of champagne from the passing waiter. I took the bubbles in one swig to ease my frustration since this exhibit wasn't turning the way how I imagined it.

I noticed how my Cass was chatting to a group of people discussing some of the portraits. I could also notice the shy smile on her face while glancing at her portraits. I wanted to come to her side in this instant but I also wanted to give her space to watch her work and flourish in her career.

She is the curator of this art gallery, after all. A very proud boyfriend, here. The thought warmed my heart and it felt like it was about to explode due to intense happiness.

I forced myself to wait until she was alone before approaching her. I amused myself looking at the photographs I had taken of Cass hanging proudly in the hall.

My very own goddess.

"Beautiful, isn't she?" I said when someone stood beside me.

He was silent for a moment while he was also looking at the portrait of Cass in front of us. "You are a very talented man."

I gave my full attention while giving him an amused look. "You think so?"

"Of course," he answered. "I have already been asking several times about the price of your work. Many had expressed their desire to buy some--"

I gave the owner of the gallery a warning look. I didn't care if he was Cass's boss. "I thought I already made it clear that any of my works that will be on display tonight aren't going for sale at any price."

"You might want to reconsider after hearing their offer, they are willing to pay--"

"My terms are non-negotiable." I threw a hard look in his direction making sure that understood my instruction. "I will not sell these at any amount. I will not allow some bastards to own a photograph of Cass."

His mouth curved with a knowing smile. "So the rumors proved to be true, then? You are being proprietorial when it comes to my employee."

"Ah, I think I have the right to being possessive and all, don't you think?" I asked maddeningly. "I am her boyfriend, after all."

"Cassie is a nice girl. I hope you will not hurt her and you are serious with your intention."

Something snapped inside me. I glowered at him darkly. "You do not have the right to comment on my relationship with my girlfriend. I don't need your opinion."

He cleared his throat as he slightly looked away from my thunderous glare. "I only mean--"

"At least, I am a single man. I can pursue Cass all I want, unlike some other men..."

He gave me a foul look. "Are you implying that... Oh, you are mistaken. Cassie is only an employee and a dear friend to me and nothing more."

I smiled coldly while eyeing him intensely. "For the sake of harmony, I hope you are correct and I am wrong. Trust me, you don't want to be on the bad side of me. I will not hesitate to eliminate those swarming insects who hang around my woman."

He swallowed hard and paled visibly. "I-I don't have such thought. I am a married man, Mr. Spiridakou."

I smirked ruthlessly, noticing that Cass was already walking in our direction. I gave Sebastian Braizen a hard stare. "Let this be a warning in the future for those who will try to steal her away from me. Cassandra Vitalis is mine. I will not hesitate to send anyone to hell for trying to win her affection."

Just in time, Cass reached my side. "Hi."

I snaked my arm around her waist and drew her closer to me. I also dropped a kiss on her temple making sure the possessive gesture would sink into the brain of her boss. "I miss you, moro mou. Don't leave my side anymore."

Her boss cleared his throat and excused himself. "I need to leave the two of you. It was nice talking with you, Mr. Spiridakou."

I watched him walk away from us to talk to other people in the gallery. Good riddance.

"What's that all about?" My Cass queried curiously.

"Hmm?" I asked almost absently, still watching her boss from the distance. I still don't trust that man around Cass.

She looked at me with inquisitive eyes. "What are you talking about with Mr. Braizen before I arrived?"

I smiled at her, seeing her made my heart pound so loudly in my chest. "Oh, nothing important. He just tells me that some people want to buy my works that are on display tonight."

"Really?" Her beautiful eyes widened considerably. "Are you going to sell your works then?"

I eyed her dryly. "No way! I will not let other men own portraits of you, moro mou. These are mine and so are you."

Pink stains colored her cheeks and looked away. I found it cute when she was shy and all. It made me remember the time I first fell for her.

"Calix?"

"Hmm?"

She looked at me with worried eyes. "What about your mother? She seemed not pleased for some reason moments ago. Is this about us?"

There was no way in hell that I would admit that to her. "Oh, don't mind her. It was just our normal conversation. We usually don't agree on almost everything. Don't worry about it, okay?"

"Are you sure? She looked upset after talking to you." She bit her lower lip warily. "I think she doesn't approve me as your girlfriend not that I blame her--"

"Shh..." I silenced her gently. "I don't care if they accept our relationship or not. We are already grown adults who can decide for ourselves. We don't need anyone's approval."

She smiled sadly at me. Cass was an intelligent woman so she already understood the meaning behind my words. "Of course."

I decided to change the topic so she would be back to her old lively self. I leaned down and whispered something in her ear with a devious grin on my face. "Don't bite your lip that much. I am tempted to bite them myself."

She pushed me away from her abruptly while she was looking scandalized. "You naughty, man!"

I chuckled enjoying the reaction I got from her. "I'm serious, my love. How I wish this would be over soon so I could take you home and have our party in my bed."

She looked sideways, seeing if someone was within hearing distance from us before she gave me a chided look. "Hold your tongue and keep your naughty thoughts to yourself, Mister."

I grinned evilly before pulling her even closer to me. I knew I must make a spectacle in the middle of my exhibit but I didn't care. I would prefer if these people would know that this woman is mine. I also got a glimpse of my mother looking at us with disapproving eyes. I merely smile goadingly in return.

"Calix!" The woman in my arms protested at our scandalous position. "People are staring."

I glanced down at her worried eyes. "Let them stare. I want them to know that we are officially dating now and I don't have any plans of hiding our relationship."

She took a deep breath, still conscious of the look we were receiving from the other people. "Understand. But can you try and behave like a gentleman tonight? This is your exhibit, after all."

I leaned down and whispered something in her ear again. "Too bad. Your boyfriend is not a gentleman, Cass, and I never claimed to be. And right now, I am tempted to ditch this thing and go home."

"You will not dare..." she stared at me with a horrified expression.

Later that night, we were lying on my bed naked. Cass rested her head on my chest while I was playing with the strands of her long hair.

"Calix...?"

"Hmm?" I asked while waiting for my breath to come back to normal.

"I think your mom doesn't approve of our relationship. I can see on her face during the exhibit."

I could hear the sadness in her voice and I felt exasperated because the reason for her sadness was my mother! I kissed the top of her head. "She is just worried that your father might not approve of me as your boyfriend."

"My father?" She tilted her head upward so he could look me in the eye. "I'm sure my father will accept us."

I gave her an amused look. "You think so?"

Her brows knitted together. I used my finger to gently smooth the frown lines on her forehead. "What makes you think that he will not accept you?"

I smiled ruefully. "Well, let's face it. I have my fair share of gossip columns in Greece with my...err, past escapades. Do you think he will accept such a man for his beloved only daughter?"

"Dad likes you, darling." She reassured me, wrapping her arm around my waist. "You are just worrying for nothing."

I hugged her tightly as my heart was blissfully content with what we had right now. Safe in each other's arms. "I hope you are right, moro mou."

I wasn't still convinced until I talked to Spiro and formally asked his permission to date his daughter. Until then, the anxiety in my heart wouldn't go away.

"That reminds me," she said after a moment. "I talked to Dad the other day and informed him that I want to celebrate my birthday here in New York instead of the original plan in Greece. I want to have a simple celebration with family and my friends from work." She looked at me expectantly. "You will attend, right?" 

I kissed her forehead lovingly. "Of course. I will be there for your special day."

She giggled. "This is the first time I will celebrate my birthday with my boyfriend so I am pretty much excited."

"What kind of gift do you want for your birthday except for my body--that is?"

She hit me on the shoulder lightly. "I will just pretend that I didn't hear that. As for the gift...how about just r the butterfly hair clamp you stole the other day?"

I glared darkly at her. "No. Anything but that. I will never return the damned hair accessory to you. You know what? Never mind. I will just think of a suitable gift for you myself."

She was still chuckling softly while lying in my arms until I heard him yawn. "Calix?"

"Yes, love?"

"I'm already sleepy."

I hugged her even tighter. "Then, sleep."

She looked at me with a scowl. "How can I sleep when your arousal is poking my belly?"

I let out an unashamed grin while rubbing my stiff member in her belly even more. "How about another round before we sleep?"

She groaned in protest but she still climbed between my legs and position my hard length in the entrance of her vagina.

I watched in satisfaction as my cock slowly slide inside her wetness taking all of me. My Cass is getting good in this position. I savored the sensation as she started to grind her hip and took control of our lovemaking.

Oh, yes, this is heaven. No, she is my heaven on this earth. My angel. My everything...