T/W: Minor innuendo.

****

I wake up, Sunday morning, completely forgetting where I am. Until I shift around and remember that I'm sleeping in Pedro's hotel room bed. I look over. Pedro's still asleep, snoring lightly, one of his arms draped across me. I chuckle softly. I shift again, carefully curling up against his chest, simply admiring him. He's so attractive, it makes my chest ache.

Pedro stirs and I freeze, hoping he won't wake up just yet. He immediately relaxes once again, his snores resuming. I smile, just admiring the view beside me. Who would have thought I'd end up dating THE Pedro Pascal? Not in a million years.

I think about Mel and I's little conference yesterday on the plane. I know she's concerned that if Pedro uncovers my less than stellar past, he'd cut and run, leaving in an emotional shambles. And believe me; it's not like that hasn't crossed my mind, multiple times since I gave in to my feelings for him.

I sigh, mentally picturing the discussion between Pedro and myself as I explain why I made the decisions that I made, all those years ago. He stirs again, only this time, he wakes up. He smiles sleepily, reaching out for my hand and kisses it.

"'Morning, hermòsa," Pedro murmurs, his lips kissing each other of my fingers. I squirm, getting slightly aroused.

"'Morning." Pedro grins at my movements. "You sleep okay?"

"I did. Considering I had this little temptress lying next to me." I yank my hand free, smirking. Pedro wordlessly protests, but I sit up, tossing the blankets aside, swinging my legs to the floor.

"And where do you think you're going?" Pedro's gaze darkens.

"Bathroom." I swipe my phone up, unlocking it as I disappear into the bathroom, peeing and checking my notifications. Nothing of importance. And not a word from Mel. I'm surprised.

"Hurry back," Pedro says, a hint of desire teasing in his tone. I look over my shoulder, smirking and blowing him a kiss before flipping him off. He rolls his eyes at me.

"Spicy little senorita." I laugh, slipping into the bathroom and using the toilet, washing my hands, grabbing my phone and as I do, it buzzes in my hand. It's from Mel. There's an attachment. I sigh, already figuring that it's probably another news article about Pedro and myself.

I return to the bed and instantly, Pedro is reaching for me, tugging me flush against him while I scroll through the article. Pedro is doing his damnest to distract me, by nibbling on my neck and shoulder.

"Quit reading that shit." Pedro's voice is low, in my ear, his breath tickling. I ignore him. His hand shoots out, grasping my phone and slipping it away, tossing it at the end of the bed.

"Hey!" I turn, glaring. Pedro just grins, kissing my forehead. I squirm away, leaning over and grabbing my phone. I don't continue reading the article, though. I set the phone on the nightstand.

"You allow that shit to consume you," Pedro continues. I roll my eyes.

"Like you weren't once curious about what the media says about you?" Pedro shrugs.

"Sure. But what's the point in allowing it to control your emotions?"

"Yeah, yeah! I'm ordering us breakfast." I get up again, searching for the room service menu before climbing back into the bed, asking Pedro what he wants to eat. His lips curve into a wicked grin.

"You."

"Pedro!" He laughs, curling his arm around me. "I'll just order coffee, fruit and pancakes."

"Ordering carbs?" Pedro's fingers are getting dangerously close to my nether regions. I shiver. "You trying to get some proper energy, mi amor?"

Squirming out of his grasp, I quickly put in our order, while Pedro keeps miming inappropriate things, trying to get me to slip up. I hang up, scowling, though I'm not really upset.

"You're such an asshole sometimes, you know that?" I say, smacking his ass. Pedro yelps, more in surprise than pain and I grin.

"Was that necessary?" Pedro narrows his eyes at me.

"Yes." He reaches out, snagging my arm, tugging me closer. I start struggling lightly, giggling as he tries to hold me still.

"And you're a menace." His lips crash over mine and I'm a goner. We kiss for several minutes until we're abruptly interrupted by a sharp knock on the hotel room door and the call of: "Room service!"

We spring apart, breathless and somewhat embarrassed. I get up, moving to open the door and a man wheels in a tray. I go grab some cash, tipping him. He smiles, leaving. I close the door and move to lift off the silver lids from the dishes, grabbing a strawberry and biting into it.

"Sure," Pedro grumbles. "Stuff your face while I sit here and starve." I roll my eyes, grabbing another strawberry and lobbing it at him. He ducks and it strikes the pristine, white pillowcase, leaving a faint pink mark.

"Oops." Pedro just shakes his head, getting up.

"Troublemaker." I laugh.

"You don't know the half of it."

****
After breakfast, we shower together. As I'm getting dressed, there's another knock on the door.

"Char? Open up. It's Mel." Rolling my eyes, I open the door.

"I know the sound of your voice," I snipe as she bustles in. Pedro exits the bathroom, wearing only a tshirt and his boxers while he towel dries his hair.

"'Morning, Mel," Pedro greets her.

"Yeah, morning." Mel turns her attention back to me. "Did you see that article I texted you?"

"Part of it," I reply. "Pedro was bitching because I was."

"It's unnecessary for Charley to read that crap," Pedro says, pulling on a pair of jeans. Mel scowls.

"For your information, Pedro, the media is really having a field day with you."

Pedro shrugs, unbothered by Mel's proclamation. He pulls in his shoes before standing up, facing her. I open my mouth to protest, but nothing comes out.

"Let them say what they want to," Pedro says evenly. "I won't play their games. It only adds fuel to the fire, by disagreeing with them."

Mel crosses her arms over her chest, glowering. I don't know what's gotten into her. She usually isn't this stubborn. Besides, how many times has she said those words to me herself?

"You should care," Mel snaps. "Whatever stories the media spins, that's what people start to believe."

"People are fickle," Pedro concedes. "But I know enough to just let shit slide, too. If people choose to believe that shit, that's on them. I have better things to do than repair damage control."

"What about your agent?" Mel presses. "How does she feel about these stories and accusations?"

"She knows enough to let it be," Pedro responds. Mel just scowls.

"Was that all you wanted?" I ask. Mel's gaze flickers over to me.

"For now." She heads out, but I decide to follow her, closing the door behind us. I glare.

"What is your problem?" I demand. "Ever since I've gotten involved with Pedro, you've become frigging Hitler!"

Mel narrows her eyes, anger flashing in them. "Wow. What a lovely comparison! Saying I'm turning into one of history's most notorious dictators!"

"Okay, so that's a little extreme. But I still don't understand what the hell is going on with you?" I study her. "Are you jealous that I'm with Pedro?"

Mel quickly averts her gaze, suddenly more interested in the pattern of the wallpaper than me. My jaw drops. No. I cannot believe this. Mel is jealous of me dating Pedro. Hurt fills my chest.

"I.." I can't even think of the words to say. Instead, I softly turn the doorknob, slipping back into the room, leaning against the door.

"Charley?" Pedro is by me in a flash. I stare blankly at him before moving to collapse against his chest, as the tears start flowing. His arms come up around me as I sob softly against him. Never would I thought I'd live to see the day when my best friend was jealous of me.

***
I'm moody and silent most of the remainder of the day. Pedro tries consoling me, but eventually gives up when he sees he's getting nowhere. Mostly we just watch movies and sit there. Saying I'm hurt doesn't cover half of what I'm feeling. Betrayed would likely fit better.

"Maybe you should consider dropping Mel as your agent," Pedro suggests while we're taking a walk behind the hotel, where there's a little walking trail, surrounded by trees.

"Drop Mel?" I stop, staring at him. "She's my best friend. I can't just drop her."

"She's being a jealous bitch, Charley. It's not fair to you." I glower, resuming my steps. Does nobody give a shit about my feelings here? Pedro hurries to catch up, reaching for my hand. I snatch it back. Hurt flashes across his face, but he remains quiet. We walk in silence for several minutes.

"I thought.." My voice is soft. "I thought  Mel would be happy for me. Instead, she's jealous. I feel like I'm doing something wrong by wanting this. By wanting you."

Pedro stops, grabbing my hand. I can't look at him. He doesn't force me to. He just holds my hand. "If Mel was really your friend, she'd care about you. She would be happy that you've found someone who loves you."

My head whips forward, shock filling me. Pedro loves me? He can't be serious. We've only been dating a few weeks.

"You love..me?" Pedro blushes but nods.

"I do." I tug my hand free, throwing my arms around him, squeezing tightly. He chuckles, hugging me back before kissing the top of my head.

"But please don't feel pressured into reciprocating, okay? I can wait until you're ready to say it back."

For the first time since I found out Mel was jealous of Pedro and I's relationship, I smile, gently kissing him.

"You're the best, Pedro Pascal."
He grins and winks.

"Only for my beautiful girlfriend."