Vengeance is mine, I will repay. - Leo Tolstoy

Love is madness, and lust is poison. - George R. R. Martin.

Chapter 8

I was awoken by kisses being planted on my face. I let out a soft chuckle realizing who the culprit was. Mateo was leaning against my body, his arms, and legs on both sides of me, acting like a puppy eager for a cuddle, though I wasn't sure if he would appreciate my comparison. I tried to get him off me, but he was way too strong. He stopped for a second seeing my reaction and softly kissed my lips. Not able to deny him, I wrapped my arms around his neck. He let out a satisfied sigh and his hands moved down my body, stopping at my hips. He slipped his hand under my shirt without any warning and I let out a gasp. He took that as a chance to stick his tongue in my mouth. I moaned in pleasure as he swirled his tongue around in my mouth taking dominance. The kisses got hotter as his lips trailed down my neck. Realizing where this could lead to, I put my hands on his face, stopping him from what he was doing and bringing it closer to mine.

"Mateo, we have to stop, I gotta go soon," I told him with a smile on my face.

"No," he said, shaking his head.

"What do you mean no?" I furrowed my eyebrows, getting annoyed.

"I don't want you to go," He pursed his lips, looking like a cute little baby. My face softened a bit seeing him like that.

"But I really have to, I'll be back before you know it."

"Yeah, like that could happen," He rolled his eyes.

"Stop acting so childish," I remarked

"Yeah, you're the one to say it."

"Grow up."

"You should listen to your own advice," He pecked me on the lips and got off the bed, his perfect body on full display.

"Asshole," I murmured checking him out while he was on his way to the bathroom.

"What did you say?" he turned around and raised his eyebrow.

"You have a nice ass." I bit my lip, suppressing a smile. He chuckled and rolled his eyes.

"That's what I thought," He gave me a knowing look and went into the bathroom. Seconds later, I heard the water running in the shower.

Deciding that I had nothing better to do, I took my phone that I somehow found on the nightstand, even though I couldn't recall putting it there. I saw that I had a couple of missed calls, both from Sarah and Emma. Feeling guilty because I had totally forgotten about them, I immediately called them back.

"I'm shocked you realized we exist, bitch," Emma said the moment she answered. I could hear Sarah sighing in the background. I could literally picture her rolling her eyes.

"Oh good, you guys are together," I started, but Emma interrupted me.

"Yeah, we are, compare to you, we actually stick to the plan," She said annoyed.

"It's not like I had a choice," I countered. Apparently, I was supposed to spend the night with them and then they would take me to the airport in the morning. Somehow I only now remembered that little fact, but they didn't really need to know that, Emma would have my head otherwise.

"While we are at it, who the hell was that guy from last night?" Sarah barged in on the conversation, although I wasn't sure if that was a good thing. I didn't really want to talk about what had happened with Mateo.

"Um, well-" I had no idea what to say.

"Well?" she was too persistent so there was no point in trying to act oblivious.

"A friend?" That sounded more like a question than anything else. Truthfully, I still had no idea what we were. We didn't really discuss it last night.

"Do we look stupid to you?" Emma asked, still annoyed.

"I mean, you don't want me to answer that." Someone should start to prepare my funeral.

"I'll bitch slap you."

"Aren't you a sweetheart?" I asked in an innocent voice.

"Stop avoiding the subject!" Sarah stopped us from continuing with our little bickering.

"I'm not avoiding it, I just don't know what to say!" I said sounding desperate.

There was a long pause before Sarah started speaking again.

"Are you dating?" she asked slowly.

"No. I mean yes. Look, I have no clue, okay?" the whole situation was getting so irritating, it was just a matter of time before I snapped. It was a good thing that Mateo was a sucker for a long shower.

"It sure looked like that," Emma said, now sounding more curious than annoyed. We couldn't really stay mad at each other for long, we were basically soulmates.

"I know," I let out a sigh, tired of the whole situation.

"He's a crazy motherfucker, tho," Sarah said, making me laugh.

"Yeah, I mean, it wasn't enough that he stole my girlfriend, he had to beat the shit out of that guy," It was weird hearing Emma curse, that was mostly Sarah's thing.

"Can we please change the subject?" I pleaded, suddenly feeling sick. Mateo could make me forget everything, even his awful behavior, and I didn't like that, moreover, I hated that fact with the passion I didn't know I had in me.

"Sure. We actually called you, among other things, to ask you if you are coming on the trip," Emma quickly said, probably understanding that I wasn't in the mood to discuss Mateo's actions.

"What trip?"

"Did you really forget?" Sara asked me in disbelief.

"Duh," I rolled my eyes.

"Annual student's trip," Emma said, sounding annoyed yet again. The fact that I had the ability to change her mood so quickly was kind of cute.

My eyes widened. I had totally forgotten that that even exists. Every year, our university would organize a trip for students from each year. We would spend a whole weekend in some of the destinations they had in mind. It was a kind of tradition. This year, sophomores were supposed to go camping near some lake that was apparently a sight to be seen. Our whole squad had been on the trip last year and we had a lot of fun. Although back then we had been taken to the beach, we were sure that we would make a great time out of camping too. However, I was doubting it. Before this whole drama, I would've agreed to go without thinking it through, however, something told me that now it wouldn't be as easy for me to decide as I originally deemed.

"Oh," I said.

"Yeah, oh." I could practically hear Sarah rolling her eyes.

Before I could respond to them, I heard that water stopped running in the shower, signifying that Mateo had finished with his business. Remembering what he had told me about not wanting anything to interrupt our time together, I quickly cut the call, telling them that I would call them later.

I put the phone back on the nightstand and stood upright in time so Mateo wouldn't realize what I was doing. However, the moment he appeared, I felt my jaw dropping to the floor. He was almost completely naked. He only had a towel wrapped dangerously low around his waist. The droplets of water were trailing down his chest. He looked ravishing. From his toned chest, defined muscles, sharp jawline, everything was perfect and inviting. I couldn't help but wonder how would It feel to touch every single part of his body, or how would he react to my touch. I had such sinful thoughts I almost suggested him to get a restraining order against me.

"You done or should I change pose?" I jumped a little when I heard him say that, frightening me in the process.

Blushing like never before, I sheepishly looked him in the eyes, trying to keep my gaze there as long as possible, not wanting to get caught again.

"You hungry?" he asked after a few moments. I let out a sigh of relief, glad that he decided not to tease me, I wouldn't know what to say otherwise.

"Um yeah, but I don't have time. I should really get going," I told him honestly.

"You have to eat first," He said sternly.

"Are we really going to go through this again?" I asked him, getting tired of him constantly ordering me around.

"Yes. Now, let's put something in your stomach."

-

Mateo got what he wanted, yet again. I shouldn't be surprised, but I was. It wasn't just that though, I was getting seriously pissed at his behavior. He seemed to think that he was some divine creature and that his opinion was the only one to matter. It got on my nerves so much I was about to start a serious argument and inform him that I was an atheist therefore that approach wouldn't work on me. To be fair, I loved dominant men, but everything had Its limits, and he seemed to not be aware of any of those.

Right after he had made me eat pasta, he decided that I should change from the clothes I had on last night to something his, because apparently, the dress was too revealing. He graciously ignored me when I pointed out that he would be driving me home and then when we arrive, I would change into something else, so no one would even be able to see me. He got on my nerves so much so that I was surprised with how I was able to control myself because, frankly, I wanted to strangle him. At that point, going to jail didn't even sound half as bad as it should.

Furthermore, he was a complete ass when he was driving me back home. The tension became so thick I needed to do anything to ease it a bit, so I turned on the radio. He literally yelled at me to turn it off because he didn't feel like it. I didn't know what had gotten into him, nor did I care, I was way too angry to pay attention to his tantrums.

When we arrived at my flat, I didn't spare him a glance, I went straight to my bedroom to get my things and get ready. I quickly strip down and put away the shirt and sweatpants he gave me, making a mental note to wash them when I get back. I took a quick shower which didn't sit well with me because I was the one for extremely long ones. I put on some jeans and a pink hoodie, rapidly packed my suitcase, and was about to get back to my living room where Mateo was still seated, when I heard him yell.

"What the hell are you talking about?!" I frowned, not understanding what was he talking about. I slowly walked to the door and peaked a bit, hoping that he wouldn't notice me. I knew that it was extremely rude to eavesdrop, but I couldn't help myself, he sounded furious.

"I should've known you idiots couldn't do anything on your own."

"I don't fucking care you imbecile!" I flinched hearing him say that. He said it with such venom in his voice it made me feel terrified, I couldn't even imagine how would a person on the receiving end feel.

"Listen to me, and listen to me carefully, you cunt. I have more important things to do right now, but," He started, his voice low, like a predator. "If I come back after I take my girl to the airport, and you still haven't solved the problem, you better run. And run fast." Immediately after that he ended the call and let out a frustrated growl.

Did he just call me his girl? I was way too shocked to even process what he was saying.

Why is that the only thing that matters right now?

"Your parents never told you that It's rude to eavesdrop?" the door was suddenly opened, revealing a furious looking Mateo. I jumped a little due to his actions and gulped when I realized that he found out I was listening in on his conversation. I also had a strange feeling of déjà vu due to his choice of words.

"Um-" I was nervous, extremely. I was scared to say something that might provoke him even further.

"I'm not mad," he sighed. I raised my head and looked him in the eyes. He seemed honest and a bit tired. He was still flushed, anger visible on his face, but his expression softened a bit.

"Okay," I said quietly, still careful to not do something that I would regret.

He let out another sigh and, surprising me, took my hand and brought it to his lips, leaving a lingering kiss on my palm.

"Babe, it's fine," I literally melted when he called me that, anger I should feel towards him erased by his sweet words and tiny pieces of affection, yet again. I smiled the biggest smile ever which made him chuckle. He wrapped his arms around my body and I had to stand on my tiptoe so I could wrap mine around his neck. He lifted me and I immediately put my legs around his waist and buried my head in his neck. We stood like that for a while, hugging and enjoying each other's presence.

Yup, now It's certain, we both are bipolar.

-

"Whom were you speaking to, earlier?" I asked him five minutes into the car ride to the airport. Since it wasn't really near my apartment, we had a long road ahead of us so I thought I could use that as a chance to interrogate him a little, seeing as he had nowhere to escape.

"I knew you wouldn't let it go," he said with a sigh, not moving his gaze from a highway.

"I guess you know me then, even though you met me only a week ago," I chuckled, trying to light up the mood.

"If only you knew," He said with a mysterious smile. I frowned, trying to decipher what that meant, but I quickly realized that there was no point in doing that. I rolled my eyes and tried again.

"Stop avoiding the topic."

"I'm not avoiding the topic, I'm just choosing to ignore it," he said with slight annoyance.

"But why though?" I whined like a little child. I had a tendency to act like a brat when I didn't get what I wanted.

"Tara," He warned. "Don't push it."

I immediately shut up. I was way too familiar with that tone of the voice to do otherwise. He was serious, and serious Mateo is dangerous Mateo.

We were yet again surrounded by silence. I wasn't someone who was comfortable with that, I was a rather talkative person, so it was hard for me to keep quiet when I was in the company. I glanced at Mateo. He was a very attractive man, there was no denying that, but he was also too much. His dominance, his mysteriousness, the darkness he held within him, it was all too much and I wasn't sure if I could handle it. However, I had no idea if I even had to. Not knowing what we were was killing me, but my pride would never let me ask him directly. I knew that he had already called me his girl, but that meant nothing to me. I was still insecure. I was someone who needed vocal and official confirmation or I would overthink everything and probably put myself down until I actually get it.

I was pulled out of my thoughts by a firm touch on my thigh. My nervousness instantly increased and I stopped breathing for a second. My heart was beating like crazy, and I started to sweat. I felt tingles all over my body, even though he didn't directly touch my skin, that didn't matter at all, I was already hyperventilating and I couldn't do anything about it.

"So, how long will you stay there?" Mateo asked me, though I couldn't even concentrate, his hand felt too heavy, casually resting on my thigh. I gulped. I was sure that he had noticed how my body reacted to his touch, but he said nothing. He was surely enjoying this and I didn't want to give him such satisfaction so I decided to answer him nonetheless.

"I'm not sure, I have classes on Monday, but you never know with my father," I said, not being able to hide the annoyance and a bit of fear in my tone.

"You never call him dad," I furrowed my eyebrows when he said that.

"Huh?"

"I mean I've never heard you using some endearment for him."

"Well, yeah," I said, I didn't want to continue that conversation and it seemed like he understood. For what felt like the first time, he decided to respect my wishes and didn't push me to give him the answers he clearly wanted.

After a while, we had arrived at our destination. Mateo opened the door for me and helped me get out of the car, additionally taking my luggage out of his trunk He didn't let go of my hand even when I was safely standing on my legs, not that I complained. It felt nice, almost too nice. His hold was firm and warm. I feared that I would start sweating and making him uncomfortable, but he didn't seem to care. He pulled me inside, glaring at the group of guys that looked in my direction. Seeing him in that condition, they immediately run out of our sight. Interesting.

Surprisingly, there weren't as many people at the airport as I thought there would be. We located my airline and, unfortunately, it was time for us to say goodbye.

Right before I was supposed to go through security, Mateo pulled me in his arms hugging me tightly. It was rather sweet of him to do that, but it was also odd. I didn't take him for a hugger, but that just meant that I still had a lot to learn about him. I didn't know how I felt about that. I did want to get to know him better, but there was some warning bell going off in my head. I wasn't stupid, I could clearly see that he screamed danger, but there was something more, I refused to judge him just because of a couple of situation that happened. Compared to the way constantly made me feel like my body was on fire, that was nothing, or so I hoped. I believed that I should give him a chance, just one, and see where it could lead to.

"Come back soon, okay?" he almost begged, pecking me on the lips.

"I'll try to."

"No, not try. I want you here by Monday," and there went the good mood. I let out a sigh and attempted to back away a bit, but he wasn't having it. He tightened his hold and looked me directly in my eyes.

"I'm not playing, Tara, I'm serious."

"I've already told you, that depends..." I tried to explain to him, but he interrupted me.

"I don't give a fuck, You are going to be here Sunday night or Monday morning, I don't care. You'll tell me the exact time of your arrival so I could pick you up and drive you home afterward." He gave me a pointed look. I wanted to snap at him and tell him what had been on my mind this whole time, but I somehow managed to stay silent. I was too tired, and way too grateful for my life, to get into yet another argument with him so I just simply nodded my head.

"Good," he said sounding satisfied. "Now, one more thing," I practically stared at him, confused as to what more could he possibly want. "Watch what you're doing, if you do something stupid, I'll know. So be smart and use that pretty, little head of yours. Don't even tried to fight me on this, babe. Like I said, I would know If something I wouldn't approve happened. So, I'll say it one more time: be a good girl and don't make me do things neither of us would like."

Right after he subtly threatened me, he passionately kissed me on the lips, and then turned around and walked back in the direction we came from. And me? I just stood where he had left me, shocked due to what he had told me, with my mouth hanging open.

What the hell did I get myself into?

-

The flight wasn't supposed to take too long, however, my mind was rather so much so occupied with Mateo's words constantly repeating like a broken tape, that I wouldn't notice even if we took a whole day to land. I couldn't shake the thought that I had maybe made a mistake getting so intimate with him. On the other hand, he made me feel so good. I spent a whole year with Stephan and he had never made me remotely happy and excited as Mateo did in just a week of knowing him. I wanted him. Bad. In any way possible. I hated the fact that he gave himself the right to order me around without even considering that I was my own person, I really did. Nonetheless, I loved the way he showed me affection, the way he claimed me. I knew it was probably contradictory, but I wasn't in the right mind to think, in the first place-

After a while, the plane landed. It was like I wasn't aware of my situation before. The fact that I was about to face my parents absolutely slipped my mind. Only now, when I was back in my hometown, did I realized what was going on. My anxiety level instantly increased, and I feared It was only a matter of time before I fainted.

I spotted my father's personal driver the minute I got off the plane. He was a middle-aged man who worked for my family for as long as I could remember. He didn't really change since the last time I saw him. He stayed slim and tall, with a proud posture. He had always amazed me with how he, seemingly effortlessly, looked like a real gentleman. We weren't really close, however, we were civil enough so I didn't exactly feel uncomfortable around him.

"Miss, fancy seeing you again," he formally said.

"Mark, likewise," I responded with the same tone of voice. I wasn't thrilled to be here, and he knew that. Everybody knew that, so there wasn't a point for me to pretend that I cared when I just wanted to get this over with.

Mark opened the door for me and it reminded me of Mateo, he would always do that. However, I didn't want to dwell on my thoughts about him yet again, so I somehow pushed him to the back of my mind, I had more important things to deal with.

The car ride was pretty uncomfortable. Mark and I didn't really speak to each other, so we were surrounded by deafening silence. However, we didn't really take too long to reach my parent's house. After no more than 20 minutes, I found myself standing in front of my old home, nervous to even knock on the door. It even looked like the house was mocking me. I had always thought It was way too big for two or three people to live there alone if we don't count the staff that wasn't really seated inside, to begin with. It looked more like a mansion and it was built in the probably richest neighborhood in the town. My family was kind of wealthy thus they could afford that. My father owned a big company that invested in many different aspects of business. My mother majored in marketing, but she spent most of her time and energy in the said firm. I was supposed to take over my father when I was of age, however, I chose a different path. They didn't really like my choice, but bother no one in particular, which would be surprising if I wasn't aware of the fact that they thought that I would come back anyway. That wasn't the case though. I had no intention to run my family business, nor did I want to spend more time than necessary in this city. Yet, I had a bad feeling that that wasn't completely my choice. Therefore, that was probably the major reason why I was so reluctant to visit them in the first place. My parents had a way to manipulate things, and I wasn't sure if I was strong enough to oppose them. I couldn't shake the feeling that I would much rather be in any other situation, even in one's where Mateo would lose common sense.

Somehow mustering courage, I was about to knock, but before I could even take a step further, the door opened reviling my always serious looking father. He stared right at me with his piercing blue eyes, his face completely void of emotions. I visibly gulped, already regretting my decision.

This is going to be fun.

Note:

I'm not really satisfied with how this chapter turned out, but whatever. Hope you guys like it, stay healthy<3