You Belong To Me (A Spin-Off To Avenge Marriage Series)

Chapter #7 "I Trust You..."

"Hey," Enrique glanced up from his laptop and was momentarily blinded by Vera's dazzling smile. It  was beautiful but equally concerning too.

"What is it? You don't have any other out of the box plan, do you?" Enrique demanded and Vera shook her head. 

"I just have a request to make," She answered. Enrique narrowed his eyes at her and shook his head. 

"No, no request...it's usually not healthy for me," He replied, turning his eyes back to the screen. He could see her rolling her eyes from the corner of his eyes and he choose to ignore. He was already wary about going to wherever she was taking him to meet his friends. However, Vera Vazquez wasn't the one to be ignored. She shut his laptop, stowed it down on the couch and flopped down on his lap instead, folding her arms across her chest. 

"Do you have a black shirt?" She demanded, making Enrique frowned. What?

"I suppose so, why?" Enrique demanded. 

"Good, then will you put it on tonight? Pretty please?" She pleaded. Enrique stared blankly at her. What in heaven's name was going on in her pretty head?

"Okay...why?" He repeated again. "Seriously, what are you upto Vera?"

"Nothing. God...show some faith in me," She rolled her eyes. "I am wearing black so I want us to twin. And I haven't seen you in a black shirt before so...bless my eyes Enrique Ortega and put on that shirt of yours," She flopped down his lap and thundered back into the bedroom while he sat there...watching her.

What was this woman?

Enrique was wary as hell as he got ready for the dinner, obediently wearing the black shirt Vera asked for. Social gathering with strangers wasn't his ideal type of night out ideas. And Vera's friends...he hoped to God they were not as crazy as she was. Why does he officially needs to meet them anyway? They can just meet them tomorrow when they all leave for Moscow. And anyways, he will be spending the next one month with these people and the thought wasn't exactly appealing to him. Again, he couldn't help but wonder if this was even a good idea. He was so different from Vera and presumably her friends too. What would he even do among those people he know nothing about? 

"Help me a little?" Vera's voice distracted him and he turned his eyes to her, momentarily distracted by how freaking beautiful she looked. She wore a short black halter neck dress, the flowy skirt at least two inches above her knees. She didn't do anything to her face except for wearing a deep red lipstick on her lips and damn, that color almost lighted her up. It was really hard to take eyes away from her even for someone like Enrique himself. 

"Uh...yeah," He mumbled, shaking his head. "What do you need?" Vera turned, gathering her hairs in her hands and pointed to her back. 

"Tie the last strap just at the waist," She answered. "Tight...it holds the entire dress together,"

 Yeah, it sure as hell does, Enrique thought as he reluctantly dragged his eyes to her naked back that was covered with nothing but a few flimsy straps in a zig-zag pattern. The color almost melted into her pale skin and it was really hard to fight the temptation to touch her and see how smooth that skin was. But Enrique was a gentleman and when he was in his complete senses, he would never touch a woman without her consent. Vera and him were yet to reach that phase where he could claim her body just like it was his own. He shook his head and tied the strap as tightly as he possibly could just as Vera commanded. 

"Tight enough?" He asked, leaning closer to her ear and she nodded, her blue eyes watching him silently in the mirror. 

"Done," Enrique murmured. "You look beautiful...as always," He leaned in and placed a kiss on the top of her head, watching with pleasure as her cheeks turned crimson. It was very amusing to see someone like her blush for some reason. And Enrique really cannot believe that he actually holds so much power over her. What did he ever do to earn  this? Vera turned and smiled at him, adjusting the collar of his shirt and unbuttoning a third button.  

"I already left two opened," He pointed out. Vera smirked and shook her head. 

"This looks better," She answered. "What looks even more better is when you just completely discard it altogether. But for now, I don't want anyone ogling at you...so this will suffice. Damn...you are a sight to behold," 

"So are you," Enrique smiled and Vera nodded, whirling around and tangling her arms with his. 

"Right? We definitely look great together," She gazed at their reflection looking pleased and Enrique couldn't help but agree, they did look good together. She even had the perfect height to compliment his 6'2 frame and dressed in black, they quite literally gave the power couple vibes. 

"Ready?" Vera asked, c*****g her head to the side. Enrique made a face at her. 

"As if I ever will be," He answered glumly, making her laugh. 

"It will be fun, you will see. And we will get back in quick time just after finishing dinner. After all we have a flight to catch tomorrow," Vera assured. "And I will protect you, don't you worry. Nobody annoying my man when I am there," She leaned in, placed a kiss on his cheek and scampered out, making him smile at the comment. 

"I have a reservation for Vera Vazquez," Vera smiled at the girl at the desk. The girl nodded, her eyes briefly darting to Enrique as she stared at the computer screen. Enrique had no doubt Vera noticed that as she tightened her hold on his arm. 

"Yes. your guest have already arrived," She answered. "If you will follow me," They both nodded and followed after her to a private dinning area. The moment they walked in, a loud squeal made Enrique's heart almost burst out of his chest. Vera remained unmoved as she laughed at him before dragging him inside. 

The first person Enrique noticed was a woman in probably her late or mid-thirties. She wore a charcoal suit complimented with big hoop earrings. Her hairs were red as fire and so was her expression as she appraised him from beneath her glasses. The next beside her was a girl in a pink floral dress. She looked younger than Vera with wavy blonde hairs tied in a hefty ponytail and had a pleasant smile. The other three were guys. 

Two of them looked  rowdy to Enrique but it could be because of all the tattoos they were covered in. One has even dyed his hairs blue, his dark eyes appraising Enrique and he was pretty sure that he didn't like him for whatever reason. The other one had black hairs and an eyebrow piercing, he smiled brightly and then muttered something to the third guy who seemed comparatively normal before leaning in to kiss him. Oh. 

"Okay, calm down guys..." Vera exclaimed, looking so proud as if he was Dalai Lama or something. "Enrique...meet my manager Trish," She pointed to the red head and Enrique gave her his best smile and a nod. 

"Nice to meet you," He mumbled and she finally laughed, surprising him. 

"Ah...he's cute," Trish commented. "We have been looking forward to meeting Vera's prince charming and no pun intended," Everyone laughed at the comment and Vera rolled her eyes. 

"Hahaha...he is a prince," She made a face before rewarding Enrique with a smile. "Well, next to her...my sweet beloved assistant Abigail. She's a darling and then we have Max," She pointed to the blue haired guy and Enrique nodded at him. For some reason, he instantly didn't like him. And he was sure as hell neither did he. 

"And that's Asher and Jean," She pointed to the couple. "Our sweet couple, after us obviously," Enrique rolled his eyes and greeted them with a better smile than he gave Max. 

"And and..." Vera tightened her arms around him, her gaze loving and of utmost adoration as she stared at him. "This is the love of my life and the sweetest human alive on earth, Enrique Ortega," Enrique was floored by her introduction, he will admit that and he gave her a soft smile in return before kissing the top of her head. 

"Thank you so much for having me today," He smiled brightly and they all clapped their hands, looking pleased. It eased Enrique's nervousness a little and he settled down comfortably beside Vera, ordering a bottle of champagne as his treat. 

"You didn't have to do that," Vera murmured, leaning closer and he rolled his eyes. 

"Trust me, I can afford that," He answered, kissing her hand. Vera has always showered him with love and affection regardless of wherever they were. He intended to do the same tonight. "I might be broke but I am not broke broke if that's what you are thinking," 

"I don't give a f**k," She shrugged, leaning in to kiss him on his cheek. "All I care about is you..." 

"Alright lovebirds, I think you will get enough time later on," Trish distracted them and Enrique blushed at her words. "Is it true...you really belong to a royal family? And that you are really a prince?" Everyone's eyes bore into Enrique's face and it was literally awkward at it's very best. 

"Ah, yeah..." He nodded his head. "We are...I mean I am. Just like Vera's family," 

"Not exactly," Vera mumbled under her breathe and he gave her hand a squeeze beneath the table. Of course, technically, Vera was not royal blood. Who the hell knows who her mother was? But since she was brought up by the Vazquez from the very first day it was enough to stake her claim as a royal. 

"That is so cool," Abigail looked all starry-eyed. "Do you have a brother or something? Vera please set me up if he has," Vera gazed at Abigail and snorted sarcastically. She really hated his family and Enrique couldn't complain. He wasn't exactly very fond of them. 

"Ah...I have an older brother but unfortunately, he is married," Enrique smiled and Abigail made a disheartened face. 

"Are all royal bloods this good looking?" Asher, the other tattooed guy asked. "Vera you definitely hit a jackpot. You are very handsome...undoubtedly Vera described you to T," Enrique blushed and turned his eyes to the woman beside him who shot him a sheepish smile in return. 

"His brother isn't even close enough. Nobody is," Vera answered proudly, raising her glass. 

"I will drink to that. And to the lovely addition in our group!" Asher raised his glass too. 

"And to a month of hard work and fun across the world!" Trish added. "Enrique...you haven't touched your drink?" 

"Oh no...he is not drinking," Vera shook her head. "He cannot handle it at all," Enrique gave her a smile and raised his glass. 

"I can raise it for sure..." He answered and on the other side Max snorted, distracting others. 

"Come one Vera...what is this? Your mighty royal boyfriend can't handle a glass of champagne? That's pity," He sneered. Enrique frowned at him. What was with his problem? 

"f**k off," Vera replied before turning to others with a smile. "To an amazing month ahead and a lots of success and good luck!" 

"To a lot's of success, good luck, fun and incredible men!" Trish added making others laughed. Vera turned her eyes to Enrique and motioned him to move closer. 

"You can't drink champagne but you can sure have a taste of it," She giggled and to Enrique's surprise, she leaned in to kiss him deeply. For a moment, he was taken aback because they weren't alone. But it was a matter of second before the embarrassment disappeared replaced by something more darker and heady inside him. She indeed tasted like champagne. 

"Like it?" Vera murmured, pulling away reluctantly and Enrique bit his lips, nodding his head. 

"That was a great idea," He remarked playfully although he didn't feel so playful if he were being honest. His pants felt a size too small for him but he kept that thoughts to himself and turned his attention to the party. 

Unlike what Enrique thought, the night was invigorating with good food and lots of laughter. Vera's friends might look a bit emo but they were all extremely fun except for Max, whom Enrique decided to ignore not just for the night but for the entire trip. And as he started to slowly warm up to the others with Vera's reassuring hand always holding his, he actually started to look forward to the trip. He don't think he laughed and smiled so much as he did tonight and it was a refreshing and much needed change. All thanks to the beautiful woman beside her. He was listening to Trish rant about her dysfunctional boyfriends when his phone began to buzz. He turned his eyes from her animated face to his phone and his smile disappeared instantly. 

"I will be right back," Enrique murmured to Vera. "Excuse me, guys," Before Vera could ask anything else, he stalked out and straight out of the hotel, the damp night air hitting him hard. Enrique took a deep breathe and picked up the call. 

"Mother," He answered shortly. After that night, when she asked him to meet her and stowed that insulting proposal on the table, Enrique hasn't talked to her. Or anybody else for the matter. The only member of his family he talked to was Cecilia. 

"It's been so long, sweetheart," Her voice was soft and apologetic. "Where are you? Ivan told me you are with Vera. What are you doing with her?" 

"That's not your concern," Enrique answered shortly. "I would appreciate if you come straight to point. I am kinda busy at the moment," He heard a deep sigh on the other end but at this point it didn't matter him anymore. If she wanted to play mother after years of neglecting him, she'd rather find another son. He didn't need it.

"I just wanted to let you know that...that your father and mine divorce...divorce was confirmed today. We are legally divorced now," She answered. Enrique blinked at the car parked in front of him and he had no idea why despite of knowing that this was coming, he felt shitty just at the thought that his family has officially drifted apart now. Even though they weren't much of a family to begin with. 

"Congratulations," Enrique murmured. "You are free to live your life now. Enjoy," 

"I just..." He could sense her crying. "I just wanted to apologize. For not doing this before. For not standing up to your father...for not being there...for you. I am so sorry, sweetheart," 

"Mom...if that's all, I gotta go," He said. "Have a happy life. It's not too late to find happiness yet," Before she could say anything else, he cut the call and took a deep breathe. 

He was extremely angry at his mother but in the same breathe, he felt really bad for her too. So many years of her life wasted just because nobody ever asked her what she wanted. He wondered if she ever loved his father. It was hard. His father was a disgusting monster. Enrique turned to head back inside and froze as blue eyes stared back at him, her expression soft and filled with sympathy. Vera rushed towards him and wrapped her arms around, softly rubbing his back. Enrique didn't know how much she heard but he felt compelled to tell her everything. 

"Mom and dad got divorced today," He murmured, tightening his arms around her too. "It's finally over. She is...she is really upset. I know...I know I should be there but...I just," 

"I know," Vera whispered. "But it's her battle Enrique. You can't help her even if you want. You have been an amazing son all along, despite everything. Now...let her find her own path," 

Enrique didn't reply even though he knew she was right. He just closed his eyes and revealed in the feeling of her arms around him. It was comforting and filled with assurance and love. Just as it was that night.

"Do you want to go home?" Vera murmured, pulling away, her blue eyes soft and sympathetic.

"Is it okay to leave?" Enrique asked. He really wanted to go home now.

"Of course, it's almost midnight. We have stayed long enough. Let's just go and say goodbye and then we can leave,"

Enrique nodded gratefully, baffled at how understanding she was of him and followed her inside. After bidding them goodbye and being showered with hugs and kisses, they hailed a cab back home. They both were silent throughout the way and Enrique knew Vera was silent because he was. Again, he was grateful for her understanding and patience with him.

"Do you mind if I take a shower first?" Enrique murmured, once they got back and Vera shook her head.

"Of course not...go right ahead," She said, adding a smile.

He managed with a weaker one and headed straight for the bathroom, discarding his clothes outside. Generally, he didn't like warm water much but tonight it was calming as he stepped into the torrents. 

He knew there was no reason to feel this way. In fact, if anything he should be happy that his mother finally found respite from the Loch Ness monster that was his father. But in the same breathe, he also knew his mother wasn't happy with this choice either because a part of her must have loved him. It was impossible to spend years with someone and that too his father without feeling something in return. But alas, there was a limit to everything and what his father did...it was disgusting as s**t.

It was safe to say that the Ortega family has broken apart. Soon there will be news spreading everywhere, people taking, papers filled with their entire history, half of which would be a lie. Enrique was glad that he was far away from the shitty mess and will be moving even further away tomorrow.  He was immensely grateful to Vera for that. And he knew he needed to initiate and try telling her that enough. It cannot go on like this where she will keep giving and he will keep receiving.

When Enrique climbed out, Vera was standing by the mirror, struggling to untie her straps. Enrique watched her, momentarily distracted and just on the cue Vera raised her eyes that instantly meet his in the mirror.

"A little help, please" She mumbled, her eyes travelling down his bare body as he walked out just in his sweatpants. Enrique headed over to her and softly throwing her hairs across her shoulders, started working on the straps that he tied way to tighter than needed.

"There," He mumbled, desperately fighting her intoxicating scent from doing things to him. 

"Thanks," Vera mumbled, giving him a warm smile. She started to walk away when Enrique grabbed her arm and pulled her back.

"Wh...what?" She whispered, her voice breathy as he stared down at her. He pulled her closer and closed his lips on hers, entangling his hand in her hair to pull her closer. He had no idea what was happening but he didn't want to stop. His body responded with a fervor like never before as her nails dug into his shoulders. It was painful and yet not. 

"Wait...stop," Vera mumbled and Enrique instantly moved away, his eyes troubled as he gazed down at her.

"What happened? Did I do something wrong?" He whispered. Vera raised her eyes to his face and shook her head.

"No...no..." She said, pressing her forehead at the hollow beneath his neck. "You are doing everything right, "

"Then what happened?" He asked softly, tipping her chin up to make her face him. "Tell me,"

"Its just that...if you keep doing this...I...I wouldn't want you to stop and I know...you don't...."

"Tell me what do you want," Enrique murmured, cutting her off and staring at her as he stroked her cheek with his knuckles.

"You...I want all of you," Vera whispered. "And this time not out of sympathy. Which is why I need you to stop...because I know you don't love me and..."

"Ssh...you talk too much," Enrique murmured, placing his index figure on her lips. "If I say I want you too...and not out of lust, will that suffice?" Vera stared wide eyed at him and he gave her a small smile as he leaned closer to kiss her again.

"I don't know what love really is, Vera..." Enrique whispered, pressing his forehead to hers. "But I know what lust is and I can assure you...this is not it. What I feel for you is different and much more than lust. I will never..."

"I know, " Vera whispered, stroking his cheek. "I trust you," Blue eyes hooded with desire, she leaned in and pressed her lips to his again, her fingers tangling in his hairs. Enrique closed his eyes, surrendering himself to her and for what's to come. And this time he knew...

It wouldn't feel wrong...