A soft breeze blew into the room from the open window, and I glanced at it for a second, seriously contemplating if I should just make a jump for it.

I glanced at Bryce again and shuddered with disgust as the fact that he was actually smirking, registered in my head.

He was laughing at me.

As I watched Bryce smirk, all of the hurt I had felt the past two weeks came rushing back. The waiting by the patio, sitting on the swing till the first signs of darkness decided to show. Staring at my phone waiting for a call, a text... wondering if I should text him instead. Finally sending him a text, and then waiting for a reply. Never getting a reply.

I could practically feel my heart building up a wall around it. I still felt for him, badly, but looking at him standing there smirking at me, not an ounce of guilt on his face made me determined not to fall into his arms again.

So I did the only thing I could do... I painted on a poke-face and turned towards the door.However, not failing to notice the fall in Bryce's smirk before I did.

"Theia?"

I shivered as his deep husky voice called out my name uncertainly, but kept walking towards the door. If I stopped now, I would never be able to walk away.

Each step I took made me feel bolder, more confident. A smile touched my lips as I reached out and grasped onto the door knob, turning it.

You're winning Thi!

I could only hear the sudden rustle of sweatpants before an arm slipped around my waist, turned me around and pushed me against the wall. A whole lot of weight crushing me into it. I couldn't even push him away, he had my hands held against his, rendering me completely helpless.

Bryce's warm breath fanned the side of my cheeks as I managed to keep my eyes fixed on the small amount of wooden floor visible to my view. I refused to look anywhere near his naked chest.

"Why are you mad?" Bryce mumbled warmly, placing a ghost of a kiss on my cheek.

You lied that's why, you jerk! You lied and then you left.

I remained silent. My posture stiff. I continued to stare at the floor.

Bryce placed a kiss on my cheek again, he seemed to sigh contently, "God I missed you so much,"

My view became blurry as he pushed my hair away, exposing the fading bruise just on the base of my neck.

I had forgotten to hide it with foundation. Dammit.

"You're not hiding it," he whispered, sounding a little surprised, before placing a soft kiss on the same spot.

I remained stiff, but my facade was crumbling. I could not hold much longer, I needed to escape.

"Why aren't you talking to me?" Bryce mumbled, moving back to get a proper look at me.

I raised my gaze to his. His expression changed from soft to that of concerned as he looked at me.

"What's wrong?" He asked, his voice holding a bit of steely edge in them.

The atmosphere around the room suddenly turned tense as he looked me over, as if looking for a wound. I barely managed to hide the whisper of a smile that threatened to form on my lips.

If only he knew He would never find the wound I bore.

"Why aren't you replying!?" I flinched at Bryce's sudden growl, his fist banged the wall just beside my head.

I returned my gaze to the floor. It was much safer.

"Look at me dammit!"

Bryce held my chin with his thumb and tilted my head so I looked at him.

"Let me go,"

It was more a request than an order, but I thanked God that I didn't stutter. The last thing I wanted to show him was weakness.

Bryce's eyes widened before he clenched his jaw and landed his fist on the brick wall once more.

"What did I do wrong?" He asked coldly. The dangerous gleam in his eyes as if challenging me to defy him. To not answer.

I didn't.

The sound of the door lock resonated around the room. Bryce removed his hands from mine and moved away, the key, now in his hand.

With one last look in my direction he moved towards the bathroom, got in and shut the door.

As if I were a ticking time bomb and my time were up, a whimper fell off my lips as I bit back a sob,the cursed tears already slipping down my cheeks. Why did this have to be so damn hard!?

Bryce was guilty! He had.. He had disappeared for gods sake!

Somehow saying it in my mind now made it all seem trivial but I knew, It wasn't. It only seemed little when spoken of out loud but only someone who went through it knew the pain.

The pain of being promised love and being left deserted.

Like a husband kissing his wife at the doorway, promising he would return home early but never showing up... Then hearing he was in fact in the same town, but in a different house... A new life. It sucked.

I could feel goosebumps rising along my arm, the cool breeze from the window felt icy on my now blotchy, warm face. The sound of the door being pulled open alerted me of Bryce's return, and I quickly wiped away any signs of tears before fixing my gaze on the floor again.

As much as I felt like making a run for it and jumping off of the 1st floor window, I knew better... It would only cause me more embarrassment and pain.

"Let's go," Bryce muttered, his voice steely as he grabbed hold of my arm with one hand and with the other unlocked the door and marched out, pulling me behind him, He was now dressed in a suit.

Where is he even taking me?

"Leave me!" I hissed, tugging on my hand. I was no damsel in distress. Bryce's head snapped towards me.

"What the hell is your deal?" He hissed back.

Suddenly it felt like there wasn't enough room around us. Bryce's nose brushed mine, his eyes glaring into my brown orbs.

"My fucking problem is that you won't quit getting up in my personal space!" I snapped back, pushing him back with my free hand. "Move away!"

"No!"

A startled yelp escaped my lips as my back hit the wall again and Bryce's lips landed on mine. His kiss was urgent, like he thought this, this moment would just disappear... and yet somehow it felt like he was trying, he was pleading. But whether it was to be kissed back or to entertain his lie, his fake feelings for me, I wasn't sure.

Bryce nibbled onto my lower lip. His arms were now tightly wounded around my waist. He intended no escape. As much as I wanted to do both, to kiss him back and forget how I felt for the past 14 days... I did neither.

Placing both palms flat against his chest I pushed. As hard as I could.

There was no moving him, after all I was tiny compared to him. But I couldn't give up, I was about to break, about to kiss him back, but I couldn't do that to myself, I couldn't feel rejected again. It hurt.

So I tried once more. I pushed. And this time, I succeeded.

Bryce moved back, but his arms were still around me as he stared at me looking helpless, and pissed. Very pissed.

I didn't get why he couldn't just leave me alone. Spare me. I mean, wasn't there some other girl to act upon as a conquest? I cringed when the thought of him with some other girl hurt a lot more than I was hurting right now.

Only when a traitor tear slipped down onto my cheeks did I realize I had finally crumbled. Cursing inwardly I reached a hand to wipe it away but Bryce was quick to reach for and grab onto my hand, before I could.

He grabbed my chin with his finger and tilted it until I stood looking at him. The tear now slipping down my jaw and falling to its fate, the wooden floor.

Bryce seemed to change from pissed off to downright furious in a matter of seconds as his eyes narrowed on my face.

"What happened?!" He asked, his voice low and deadly.

"Nothing," I mumbled back, biting onto my lower lip , cussing myself for quivering seeing him so angry.

"Nothing?? NOTHING?! YOU'RE CRY-"

"Master Wilhem, please, let go of the girl!!" A soft voice pleaded loudly, but I couldn't look away from Bryce's face.

It wasn't his face staring back at me. Well, it was, but this Bryce, this Bryce couldn't exist. Because this Bryce had dark eyes instead of blue. I blinked. How was that even possible?

Our eye contact broke as Bryce turned towards the woman, who now that I was looking at too, I saw, was staring at the scene before her with terror.

"It's okay Melly, she's mine." Bryce muttered gruffly, his arms tightening around me.

Melly's eyes softened at that and she nodded happily before she turned towards me and whispered, "She truly is a beauty. Just like Madam had predicted!" And then, turned around and walked away.

What was that about?

I could feel Bryce's stare on me so I turned towards him, barely escaping from brushing noses while at it. He was that close.

His eyes were still dark. That one prominent vein running up his forehead was now ready to bulge out of his skin.

"Your eyes..." I whispered, temporarily forgetting why it was that I was not talking to him.

Bryce stiffened. "That happens when I'm mad or..."

I lifted an eyebrow up. "Or..."

"Aroused,"

Flashes of memories I had tried hard to avoid for the past days came rushing back. I nodded and turned away, not looking at him anymore.

Just hug him Theia. You know you want to. Desperately. Maybe he has a reason? Maybe he has a very good explanation. Just ask him! A tiny voice whispered in my head, she made sense. I did want to. But I couldn't. He would just hurt me.

He played you. He doesn't like you. He doesn't even want you! He looks like god and you expect him to give you his time of a day for affections? No Theia, he thinks you're an easy fuck. That's all you're good for according to him' Another voice spoke up, sounding much more sure of herself. Like she knew she was right. She made more sense.

"Why are you mad at me?" Bryce suddenly grumbled, dipping his face into my neck and placing a warm kiss on the base.

"Master Wilhem, it is time. The students are waiting," a deep gruff male voice spoke up awkwardly from behind Bryce.

And that's when it hit me. Everyone was addressing him as Master Wilhem, He was being called because the students were waiting . Where I was supposed to be waiting.

Oh my god. Bryce is... Alexander Wilhem? That means... He lied to me!?

"Oh god Thi! You're such a fool!" I scolded myself loudly, as I tried to push him away once more, but he wouldn't budge.

I turned to look for help when my eyes met the middle aged man who was staring at us, his eyes wide, as if he couldn't believe what he was seeing.

I couldn't take it anymore. I exploded.

"You're Alexander Wilhem! The Alexander Wilhem! So you lied to me again! Your name isn't even Bryce!— Oh my god can you just let go already! And stop nipping at my neck for god's sake!" I yelled, all the while trying to push him away, with all my might.

He moved away and looked at me, his expression that of regret.

Yes you jerk! You should regret! Just like I regret the day I set eyes on your blue ones!

"I'm sorry," he mumbled, looking at the floor, but didn't let me go. "I'm sorry for whatever it is that I've done. Please. Don't be mad at me,"

From the side of my eyes I could feel the man's eyes widen. Clearly he wasn't accustomed to seeing Br-Alexander saying sorry. I sighed. "You lied to me. And then left. And now you expect me to forgive you? Listen, Bryce— Alexander whoever you are, Just leave me alone, okay?Please."

He moved closer, as if to hold me again but I stopped him. That's when his eyes traveled to the hands I had in front of us. His eyes narrowed before it turned into a glare, one he then directed upon me.

"You're engaged," he seethed.

"What!?" I exclaimed. What the heck is he talking ab-oh my god this is getting ridiculous!

I glanced towards my grandma's engagement ring, apparently today I had worn it on the left hand rather than my usual right.

Bryce— Alexander whoever he was, was clearly misinterpreting this.

"N— "

"Save it!" Bryce snapped. I stared stunned at the sudden change in his mood.

Without another word he grasped onto my hand and pulled me forward as he stormed down the hall. The man behind us still stood on his spot, staring as if unbelieving what had just occurred in front of his eyes.

I could understand his plight. After all, even I couldn't believe what had just happened.

*

Bryce took a turn around another hall and that was when I saw my classmates, Mr. Bishop looked at me alarmed as Bryce proceeded to pull me towards them. In fact everyone had become extremely quiet.

On my part, I was humiliated.

My eyes found Marley's as she looked at me frantically, her eyes wide. I guess she was shocked to see that my Bryce was actually 'The' Alexander Wilhem.

I wanted to rush to her and weep my eyes out, but I couldn't, Bryce didn't seem to want to let go of my hand anytime soon.

Mathew stood beside Marley, but unlike her he had a soft smile on his face. As if he understood what was happening. What exactly was happening?

I did a room sweep when I finally found Rome. Standing on the corner of the room, looking as deadly as Bryce did right now. His eyes found mine and I grimaced, he was that crazy kind of mad again.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, may I present to you Alexander Bryce Wilhem." Mr. Buckwood announced happily when finally, Bryce stopped and stood in front of the whole crowd. I stole a glance towards him, his rage was now masked. His face blank.

He produced a small smile as he looked around the room. His eyes hardening as he gazed at Roman but then lightening when he smiled slightly at the boy standing in front of him.

"Hi guys, I hope all of you had an eventful time today? Okay, so as much as I know all of you are excited at what I am about to announce, I want those who do not get neither the scholarship not the invitation to stay at the castle to know that there are many more opportunities in life. You just have to wait for them, and when you get the one that belongs to you, you grasp them— "

Bryce's hold on my arm tightened slightly before he continued.

"— the student who will get the scholarship will receive a letter at the end of the year. I wish you all, the best of luck. However, the invite is to be extended to Miss. Anderson here, who I happened to have stumbled upon when she had gotten lost. There is one last part of this tour that is yet to be completed, the library visit. Now, even though the library is extremely large, there are just as extremely valuable books and literature there. Hence, there will be two groups for this tour. Mr. Harway could you please distribute the students into two groups accordingly?"

While I stood gaping at him, his grip on my arm never loosened. He had just announced that I was to stay over at the castle! Me! Theia Anderson! I looked around for Marley but she was being ushered away. I caught sight of Matthew as he still stood in the room, smiling softly at me. I groaned under my breath, wildly wondering why he even was smiling. I couldn't bring myself to glance at Rome though. I could practically feel his icy stare. Over the past days I had realized how to calm that crazy anger of his but as much as I wanted to move to him and give him a hug, Bryce's grip on my arm still had me restrained.

I watched as Mr.Bishop and Mr. Buckwood lead the small group down the hall and turned towards the left. The rest of the class now stood in front us, their heads bowing low, everyone except Roman that is, he still stood glaring in our direction.

What the heck is happening?

The bowing stopped and everyone looked back at us. I could see Diandra glaring in my direction, Alex like most of the people in the crowd though, stood staring at us.

I felt as Bryce left my arm and moved behind me. Thank god!

A loud gasp left my lips when Bryce reached for my hair and moved it away from my neck. Exposing the lightening bruise.

Loud gasps were heard around the room as people stared at my neck, then at Bryce, before most of them broke into grins. Some however, stood glaring at me. Like, Rome. And Diandra, and a couple of other folks who I had never paid heed to.

Mr. Harways eyes met mine as I looked around frantically. And he smiled warmly at me before quietening down the apparently happy lot of students. What the hell was even going on?

I turned round, hoping to demand why Bryce had shown everybody the bruise, why everyone had bowed! But when I turned I stared at an empty spot behind me, Bryce was nowhere to be found.

"We need to get out of here," a deep voice muttered beside me. His voice sounding urgent.

I turned and bumped nose first into a hard chest. Instantly an arm went around my waist.

"Let's get you out of here, Thi."

Glancing up at Rome, I nodded. I really did need to get away.

I didn't know why he wanted to help me, hell, I was hoping he did it for the friendship we had developed in the days since we got paired for the project. But since he was helping me, I was going to take it. So, when he clasped his hand onto mine and dragged me towards what I believed to be the entrance, I followed.

*

We managed to escape, I had no clue how Rome just happened to have his car parked in the garage unless he lived there, but it was there, and we had fled.

The fact that Rome had in fact traveled to the castle in the bus and yet his car had been parked in the private garage seemed remarkably strange to me. How could it be there, unless, like I said, unless he lived there?

Still confused and ever so curious I glanced towards Roman, who was currently driving me home. His lips were set in a thin line and his eyes were narrowed. As if he was in deep thought, as if he was pissed. On the latter's account, when wasn't he?

"How come your car was parked in the garage?"

I saw as Roman stiffened for a second and his grip on the wheel tightened, so much that his knuckles turned white. I wasn't scared of him anymore though, I just wanted to know.

"Because I live there," he replied.

I stared at him.

"Excuse me! You live where!?" I exclaimed, smacking my palm against my thighs in response.

Roman's knuckles turned a shade whiter. "I live at the castle. Alexander is my first cousin, from my mother's side,"

I sat stunned in the car. While he remained quiet as he drove, towards home.

Another turn and I would be there.

I really couldn't wait to be there.

The fact that Roman Naight was Bryce's cousin was an information my brain was refusing to accept. It just could not be.

Roman took a turn before driving into my driveway. He parked the car just beyond the gateway and looked down at his palm, silent. I remained silent as well. How was I supposed to converse with him now? He hadn't known, but surely he couldn't know anything. Suddenly , his strong arms reached and pulled me towards him, startling me as I landed against his chest and he hugged me. Strangely, I hugged back.

"Sorry, You know it calms me down. Listen Theia, Everything will be alright, okay? I know everything that happened back there must have seemed crazy to you and I know that you and I didn't start of great, and I kind of still hate you sometimes, but I like you, you're the only person who stood up to my bullshit, Just trust me." Roman whispered as he hugged me, placed a soft kiss on the side of my head and slowly let me go.

I nodded meekly and unlocked the door getting out. I really did need to clear my head. Today was just too much to process, but at least Romanov didn't hate me that much anymore. At least that was progress.

As I opened the front door and got in, I turned around and gave Roman a soft smile and a wave. He waved back.

I closed the door, and made my way to my room.

*

"Thiea dear, would you like something to drink?" Agnus' voice spoke out softly and I raised my gaze towards her before smiling softly and nodding. She smiled back and proceeded towards the kitchen leaving me to complete the task at hand.

Unlocking my bedroom door, I walked in.

On my way home, while in Rome's car, I had imagined walking into my room and leaping onto my bed. Pulling the covers up high so they covered me whole, and just sleeping the day away.

But nothing of that sort happened In actuality, for when I opened the door and walked in, I was welcomed by the view of Bryce sitting on my bed, sending daggers at the floor.

My eyes widened as I realized how ballistic he looked, so I decided to do the one thing I could think of. He had not seen me, and if I were to escape, I would, So I decided to do just that.

I turned towards the door, my side— swinging bag still clutched to my chest as I slowly opened the door and took a step towards freedom.

"Escaping will not help Theia. I will always find you. Always."

I nearly had a heart attack.

Bryce's sudden warning caught me off guard. But the deadly tone of his voice forewarned me that he was extremely angry right now, and that messing with him would do no good.

So releasing a deep sigh I turned towards the room and closed shut the door. There was no need to get poor Agnus and Lilly into this.

But how did he get here so fast?

"What do you want?" I muttered cautiously. Shifting further into the room terrified that Bryce would move from his position and ruin everything for me. I didn't want to give in.

For the first time in the five minutes of standing in front of Bryce, he finally lifted up his head and looked at me.

I nearly gasped at the look of his face. He looked livid.

"Escaped with your fiancé I see," Bryce sneered, getting up on his two feet. His eyes as dark as nightfall. "And you smell just like him."

He took a step forward, and unconsciously, I took one back.

I frowned. What was he even talking about? What fiancé!

"What the hell are you even talking about?" I snapped, folding my arms in front of me, his eyes went straight to my arms. He glared.

I looked down curious and my eyes widened with realization. He was talking about my Grandma's ring again. Dammit.

I didn't even get time to register what happened next but my breath rushed off of me as, in a matter of seconds, Bryce whisked me into his arms and onto the bed, slamming me underneath him.

"You're engaged to my fucking cousin Roman! For fuck's sake, don't lie to my face! I can smell him all over you!" Bryce hissed, anger lacing his eyes as his fingers found my Grandma's ring and began tugging it off.

"What the hell are you doing?" I screamed, trying to push him away. He was clearly losing it! I mean, I was the one who was supposed to be mad here. Not him! ME!

"Removing the damned ring! I told you, you are mi— " Bryce growled but I cut him off. At this point, I was as mad as he was.

"Yours? Yeah yeah, whatever!! You have no right to tell me that after avoiding me for two weeks! And as for the ring, it's my grandmas for god's sake! I wear it because it reminds me I have a piece of her! I am not engaged!!!! But you know what! Rome is hot! And heck if he proposed I would say ye—"

I couldn't even complete my sentence because the next thing I knew was that Bryce's lips had slammed against mine. Moving over me instantly, he began nipping, nibbling, teasing me into weakness. I could barely feel my feet.

Bryce ran his tongue along my bottom lip, as if asking for entrance.I clenched my mouth shut. I wasn't going to kiss him if he didn't explain everything.

"Kiss me back! Show me that you're mine!" Bryce growled, as he pulled back slightly, his lips still brushing mine.

"There will be no kissing! Until you explain! Maybe not even after that!" I snapped back, pressing my head further into the mattress. Away from his.

We glared into each other's eyes, each one of our glares steely. We were both waiting to see who lost.

"Kiss me! Prove it! Prove you're mine!"

My gaze didn't falter.

"Explain!" I retorted.

"I don't even know what you fucking even want me to explain! Just tell me what you want me to explain and I will do it for god's sake!" Bryce roared, slamming his fist on the bed just beside my head.

I stared at him wide eyed. Bryce was officially scaring me.

Maybe you should calm him down a little first. The tiny voice spoke up inside of my head, and after thinking it through, I nearly nodded. It was right. I needed to be calm. Bryce surely wasn't going to get calm anytime soon.

I looked at him. His eyes still held crazed anger, even a little bit of fierceness... But what surprised me was that it was almost animalistic. Or maybe, it was just raw.

"You disappeared for two weeks, you didn't text, didn't call, and when I suddenly bump into you, you act like nothing is wrong."

Although I had initially planned to yell, to fight... It actually came out as barely a whisper. I was loosing. He had me pinned. I was the weak one.

Bryce stared at me for a minute or two before pulling out his cellphone from his back pocket and handing it over to me.

There was no password.

"Messages. Yours." he muttered gruffly. And yet somehow his tone was now softer.

I was actually the first person on the list.

Biting on my lip nervously, I tapped on the thread.

Wednesday.
7:45PM
Tell me if that Matthew flirts with you okay? You're mine. But have fun! I'll see you soon -B

11:55PM
Goodnight love. -B

Thursday: 13/6/2014
8:10AM
Rise and shine beautiful. Have a great day!I'll see you today okay? By the swing. Take care. -B

PS: That Matthew didn't flirt with you did he? I tried calling, you didn't pick up. Is everything okay?

1:02PM
Why are you not replying? Theia are you okay?

Okay maybe you're in class. Look babe, I can't make it today, this big important meeting came up in Los Angeles. Will leave in a few hours. I'll be back in two weeks tops!

Don't be too mad. I'll miss you! -B

11:00PM
Just landed. Are you mad at me? -B

2:30AM
Goodnight Theia.

Friday: 14/6/2014
10:45PM
Had such a tiring day at work. Why aren't you replying though?
I'm sorry if I'm not giving you space.
-B

Sunday: 16/06/2014
9:34PM
From: Theia
Hey, erm... it's been ages... Are you okay? I kinda miss you. Message back. -Thi

To: Theia
Hey! I've been trying to message and call you all week. Have you not received any? I miss you too Theia. I was actually worried you were mad.
How are you? -B

Monday: 17/06/2014
10:02AM
I'll be back by next week Friday.

Wednesday: 19/6/2014
8:00AM
Fine.

Saturday: 22/6/2014
3:03AM

TOK 2 ME! I LO

I stared at the last message. In fact I stared at all of them. He had messaged me. He had called. So why had I not gotten any?

How could this be?

Frowning I placed his phone aside and grabbed hold of mine.

Nothing.

There was nothing.

The realization that Bryce was in fact still on top of me struck me when he moved his weight so he could look into my phone.

I glanced at him, and stilled when our eyes met. He had actually been looking at me.

His eyes were still dark and brooding, his lips set in a thin line. I smiled.

"Someone got my number blocked for your cellphone. I checked." Bryce muttered.

But I didn't hear.

I couldn't.

All that kept swimming around my head was the fact that he hadn't left, he hadn't played. I was not a conquest.

I didn't give it a second thought. At that moment there was no need. So I flung my arms around Bryce's neck and pulled him closer.

I kissed him.

He stilled, But only for a second, before he kissed me back. Urgently. Breathtakingly.

It was a kiss unlike any other. Not that I had received many, just by him, but still, it was breathtaking.

Better than those sweet emotional kisses shared by the hero and heroine in the climax of movies.

A little moan left my lips as Bryce grasped onto my thighs and pulled them apart, settling himself between me.

His kiss turned urgent, he ran his tongue along my lower lip and I parted my lips giving him entrance. Immediately he dipped his tongue into my mouth causing another muffled moan to leave my lips as I moved my hips under him.

An animalistic growl left Bryce's lips as he grabbed onto my hips to hold me into place. "Stop" he growled, kissing his way through my jaw onto my neck.

I was panting now. I could hardly breathe.

Immediately Bryce's hands grabbed onto my hips again and held it tight, disabling me from moving. "Dammit Theia if you want me to take you hard right now, than repeat that again! I swear to god!"

I shivered, and hooked my legs around Bryce's hips, careful not to grind against it. As much as I wanted it, needed it, I knew I wasn't ready. I just couldn't do it... It wasn't the right time.

"In your last message... did you mean to say you love me?" I whispered, smiling up at Bryce as I placed a soft kiss on his chin.

"No," Bryce muttered darkly, frowning at me.

I smirked.

"Really?" I whispered teasingly.

Bryce groaned, his arms tightening on my hands that he now held above my head.

"Theia!" He warned. His dark voice holding a warning tone.

"Really Bryce?" I repeated, this time kiss his jaw.

"Well?"

He groaned. "You don't play fair Kitten"

"I know" I grinned, freeing my arm from his grasp and instantly pushing it into his shirt. I sighed as I felt his warm skin against my palm. Lord how I had missed it!

"Well?" I asked again, rubbing circles on his back.

"You talk too much," Bryce suddenly chuckled as he dipped his lips onto my neck and placed an open mouthed kiss there.

"You're not fair either," I grumbled, retrieving my hands from underneath his shirt and turning towards something else. Anything else but him.

"I know," Bryce chuckled again, and tilting my face towards him, smashed his lips onto mine.

*

"Well, who do you think it was?" I mumbled, sipping on the cup of hot chocolate Agnus had brought me earlier.

It had been quite funny, she had knocked while Bryce was actually revisiting the love bite on my neck he so famously showed everybody when Agnus had knocked on the door calling out to me sweetly like she always does.

I had panicked. And Bryce, well Bryce had continued his sweet torture. Needless to say it had taken quite a bit of effort to actually get Bryce to hide and open the door... but I had managed.

It had been quite strange really. Agnus had walked into the room and instantly stilled, before she looked right at me, smiled and continuing towards the study table, had placed the mug of hot chocolate and cookies on it.

After which she had simply turned around and walked out the door, handing a final large smile my way, she had closed the door.

I had been relieved when I had flicked the door lock and turned towards my room only to see that Bryce was now munching on one of the cookies, settled on bed, looking very amused.

Eyeing him I had moved onto the bed myself and grabbed the last cookie left on the saucer, finally figuring out why he had looked so happy. I sent him a glare. That cookie stealer!

"I'm not sure. They informed me that It had been you. But that couldn't have been you because you were present in school at the exact time the supposed Theia Anderson had called to request my number be blocked from her cellphone."

A shudder ran down my spine. Someone was actually trying to create rifts amongst Bryce and I.

"Do you have any suspicions?" I asked, moving my legs upwards so I could rest my head on it as I sat against the headboard of the bed.

Bryce moved a little closer and pulled me near him. I rested my head against his chest.

"A lot too many, but don't worry about that right now, we will find him or her, soon." Bryce murmured against my forehand and placed a tiny kiss there.

I nodded contently, this was great. Everything was better now, well almost... But the one thing that refused to leave my mind was why Bryce had showed my school mates the love bite, and why they had bowed down to him.

"Maybe... I should just ask him" I thought to myself and nodded inwardly. I should.

"Bryce?"

"Hmm..."

I sighed. Hopefully he wouldn't shut me off and actually answer.

"Why did those people bow down to you? And why did you show them the hicky like that?" I mumbled cautiously, turning around to look at him for a second before pecking his chin and returning back to leaning on his chest. That way there were less chances of him getting mad.

But he stiffened nonetheless. And then with a loud sigh he finally replied, " I don't know why they bowed down... I suppose they tried to mock me or kid around. And as for showing them the love bite, I admit, I just wanted everyone to know that you are mine."

"But what if they think of me as a... bitch?"

The question had come out of nowhere. But it really did bother me, what if my whole school thought I was a slut. What if Matthew thought I was a bitch. He hadn't even called!

"Why are you even thinking about that Matthew?" Bryce suddenly asked, seeming irritated.

I grimaced. "I said that out loud, didn't I?"

"Answer my question" Bryce snapped, seeming more irritated than he had a few seconds ago.

"Well aren't you a jealous one!" I grinned.

"Alright alright" I muttered when I turned around to see that Bryce looked a Little mad.

"He is my best friend, and I actually love him a lo-"

I rolled my eyes as Bryce growled and pulled me into his lap. Still growling.

"Thats some good growling. I wonder where he learned to growl like that" I thought, trying to get comfortable on his lap.

"Oh Ssh! I meant it in the best friend way. You should really have a big board nailed on your chest saying

Caution: Extremely Possessive Male Coming Through"

I actually melted when Bryce burst out laughing. His deep rich laughter rumbled out of his chest, vibrating on my back as he held me, his arms around my waist.

"I think I'd rather have the board saying

Caution: Extremely Possessive Alpha Male Coming Through."

"Tsk tsk Alpha Male? Where? I see no Alpha Male!" I asked, mock looking around as if looking for something.

"Don't test me, love" Bryce whispered into my ear, I shivered, the heat on my cheeks was now extremely apparent and I knew I very well could resemble a ripe tomato.

"I need to go shower!" I yelled, getting up and shooting out of his lap, running towards the bathroom. Finally reaching the bathroom I quickly turned and without a second glance at Bryce, I locked the door shut.

*

Just open the damn door and make a run for it Anderson! Either that or stay here for the rest of the night or until He leaves. Up to you.

I groaned as I banged my head against the bathroom door. I had been standing and staring at the door for ten minutes now, and between the chilly weather and lack of clothes... I was dying.

Just do it Thi!

"Dash it all!" I grumbled, and with a final tug to secure my towel I opened the door and stepped out of the bathroom and into my bedroom.

The cold feeling that had seemed to surround the room screamed out that Bryce was now gone... and there was no one here, beside me.

The window had been left open, and the soft breeze, just like every other night, didn't fail to blow in the cool my breeze. Smiling slightly I padded my way to the closet.

"Bryce must have gone to the castle. Must have needed a bath himself," I consoled myself as I picked up a white tank top and navy blue/almost purplish lace boy-short panty and slipped them on.

Doing all the other essentials I finally moved out of the closet and into my bedroom.

The day has been a great one, although I admit initially it had been bad... After all the misunderstanding were cleared, Everything seemed so much better.

"Theia! Aren't you going to have dinner? Come down for dinner darling, dads not home yet and I'm lonely!" Mum called out suddenly, and I sighed slightly before replying, "coming mum!"

*

Dinner well eaten and a cup of warm chocolates devoured, I padded my way into my room a happy girl.

"Goodnight mom!!" I called out before closing the door shut and locking it.

I smiled as I heard a faint reply, this house did that. Absorb sound. It was quite big after all.

"Home sweet home!" I smiled and kissed my pillow lovingly as I slipped into bed and cuddled with my blanket.

"Can I get a kiss too?" A low tone whispered as arms reached out, wrapped itself around my waist and pulled me flush into a hard chest.

I smiled.

"You're back already?" I mumbled, placing an arm above his.

Bryce chuckled and moving my hair away, placed a slow sweet kiss on my back.

"You look good in your knickers," Bryce murmured, slipping his arms down my belly and curling his fingers around my panty's waistband.

I stilled and instantly grabbed hold of his arm.

"Bryce," I whispered, breathlessly, holding onto his arm tight.

Slowly Bryce moved his arms away and slipped them, once again, around my waist.

"Sleep love." Bryce mumbled placing a kiss on the side of my forehead. I smiled.

"Only after you tell me how you got up here," I replied.

I could feel Bryce scowling, but since I could barely see him, I was fine.

"Through the window. I'm good at jumping and climbing," he muttered, and sensing his sudden scale in anger I turned to face him and placed my lips on his but before he could kiss back I moved away and taking his bottom lip between my teeth, gave it a tug.

"Goodnight," I mumbled dreamily, sleep was already beginning to knock on my door.

A small kiss planted instead on my forehead before Bryce whispered, "Goodnight babe."