"Vera?" Vera dragged her eyes from the coffee machine to Enrique's grey eyes and realized he was dressed now. In a white buttoned downed short shirt and black denims. She was a bit dismayed but this was not bad either.
"Yep," She muttered. Enrique stared at her for a moment and then took her hand and dragged her closer until she was standing right on top of him. He was sitting on one of those high chairs, and they were absolutely face to face. She blinked at him, suddenly forgetting how to work her lungs to suck in air as his grey eyes appraised her with a hooded look. Vera was suddenly self-conscious. What was she wearing? Nothing spectacular. Just her buttoned down night shirt and shorts. What about her hair? They were tied in a bun at the top of her head. Crap...she didn't brush her teeth and kissed him.
"I wanted to say something," Enrique whispered and she could just feebly nod her head.
"Yess," She croaked. s**t, that came out all weird and breathless. She was hopeless and he could see that for sure. She was doing a pretty good job with making an impression on him, Vera thought drily. She just wished he would stop stroking her wrist with his thumb. He might not be doing this on purpose but it was surely doing things to her.
"Last night...er, when you said I love you," He muttered. "I am sorry I didn't reciprocate back. I know you want to hear the same from me too but..." Oh, so this was what this was about. She rolled her eyes inwardly. He didn't need to go so seductively serious to say this.
"I do...but...not until you really mean it from here," Vera said softly and placed her palm where his heart beat beneath her touch. "I don't care how long it takes for you to get there...but I only want to hear it when you really, really mean it. When there will be no place for doubts or fears or questions. When you know that I am the one...you really want," Enrique stared at her and his eyes softened.
"But you said it last night...and before that too," He pointed out. Vera frowned at him.
"And?" She demanded. Enrique stared down at her hand that he was holding and blushed. Men blushing, there was a different kick to that.
"Does those things...whatever you said now, does they entail to you too?" He asked. Vera frowned at him at loss before she realized what he was saying. Oh. She gazed at him, holding his as she raised her hand to caress his face softly.
"Yes, it does," She whispered. "The only reason I said I love you is because I mean it from here," She took his hand and placed exactly where hers rested on his chest. He stared at her silently, eyes serious and brooding.
"The only reason I ever said those words to you was because I know...there will no one else for me again," Vera said softly but firmly. "At least no one can ever take your place even if we...because I don't fall in love easily. I have never fallen in love with anyone before. There is no doubt in me about my feelings for you. Fears...yes there are certain fears for sure but I guess it's normal for anyone to have at least a few of those. Love is a complicated b***h after all. But that doesn't mean you have to say it too just because you worry I will feel sad or something. I will only feel bad when you force it...so if you respect me, just say those words when you completely and utterly mean it,"
"What if you get tired of waiting?" Enrique asked and Vera gave him a smile.
"I might not love easy...but when I do...," She ran her knuckles on his cheeks as she stared into the grey depth of his eyes. "There's no going back. So, you are kinda stuck with me, Mr. Ortega," Enrique smiled at her, as he tuck her stray hairs behind her ears. He gave her hand a tug, landing her on his lap. Surprise, Vera reflexively placed her hands on his chest, and man...that was something.
"Thank you," He whispered, brushing his lips with hers. He was just about to kiss her when she halted him. Enrique dragged his eyes to her face and Vera bit her lip, slightly shaking her head.
"I haven't brushed my teeth yet," She mumbled, blushing. Enrique gazed at her briefly before bursting into a fit of laughter. He shook his head and pressed his lips to hers regardless. His arms snaked around her waist, while hers found its way around his neck. Enrique was a good kisser. He knew what he was doing. The way his lips teased hers first, making her yearn for more before actually giving in...it was not some innocent's trick. He has a lot under his sleeves, Vera knew that because she remembered just how freaking good he was in bed. Still waters run deep, it was a proverb just made for him.
"I should have taken a sip of coffee first," Vera mumbled, all breathless and he laughed in response, pressing his lips to her forehead. Nobody has ever kissed her there and as his lips touched her skin, she realized what the hype was all about. It was a beautiful feeling of belonging to someone.
"It's more than fine, trust me," He smiled. "But I will like my coffee now and you are kinda heavy, so if you will,"
"Shut up. I work out, if you don't know," Vera spat playfully, before handing him his mug. "So, what did you think about my idea?" She stretched over the kitchen counter, taking occasional sips of her coffee as she waited for his response.
"What do you mean?" Enrique demanded. "What idea exactly?"
"Come to the trip with me...please?" Vera begged. "It's just one month," Enrique's eyes widened and he looked thoroughly surprised.
"You meant that?" He asked.
"Of course, I meant that. You know me, I don't say things I don't mean," Vera answered. "It would be fun. Really,"
"Your definition of fun and mine are different probably," Enrique answered. Vera scowled at him and leaving her cup walked over back to him, resuming her position back on his lap. He can't escape this way.
"Well, than we need to change yours. You are too serious for your age, Enrique. You need to loosen up a bit," Vera said, folding her arms across her chest.
"And what in heaven's name is that supposed to mean?" He demanded, sounding hurt.
"Look at you...and I don't blame you. It's your shitty family but dude you need to chill a bit," Vera replied. "You need to go out and get drunk as hell...oh okay, maybe not that. But just enjoy. We are going to experience so much. We can enjoy beaches and clubs and exotic food...great hotels to stay in. You need some sun and fresh air,"
"I have no idea if you are proposing something or insulting me," Enrique muttered drily.
"A little of both," Vera answered. "Enrique, we just got together yesterday...do you really think its fair to just part again for God knows how long? We need more time together,"
"Yes but..." Enrique muttered. "Vera, I'll be honest with you...I cannot afford such an expensive gateaway at the moment. Plus, I have work to do and..."
"You thought I am paying for myself?" Vera snorted. "The label will pay for all my expenses. My includes you too,"
"How?" Enrique demanded, looking amused. Vera grinned, curling her arms around his neck. She was just so comfortable around him, it perplexed her a bit for sure. But she loved every bit of it at the same time.
"Because you are mine," She winked, making him blush again. "Trust me, you won't need to pay. I will see to that. As for your work, bring it with you. You can work while I will be on the shoot...you can accompany me if you like as well. And once we are done, we will go have fun,"
"But..." Enrique protested but Vera placed her index finger on his lips, effectively shutting him down.
"Oh for god sake , Enrique!" She groaned. "When was the last time you took a break? It's been a shitty past few months for you, I know that. You need to let go and have some much needed fun,"
"What about Visa and stuff?" He challenged and Vera made a face in response.
"Don't underestimate me," She retorted. "If I put my mind to something, I do it. And right now I am fixated on dragging you along. Just say yes, Enrique...I will take care of the rest. Trust me..." She placed both her hands on both his cheeks and leaned closer, staring into his serious grey eyes.
"Let go...and let me take charge," She whispered. "I am good at taking control, just so you know. Be free. It's just a month. But I will make sure you remember the next thirty days for the rest of your life...pleaseee?" Enrique's eyes were big and wide as he stared at her, and beneath her hands, Vera could feel his face getting hot. He gets flustered easy, Vera thought. And he really needs to loosen up a bit. More than a bit.
"Pleasee?" Vera repeated and this time Enrique sighed, defeated.
"Fine," He mumbled, finally giving in to her. "I will come with you,"
"That's your final answer? You can't back away now," Vera demanded and Enrique shook his head. His eyes for the first time burned into hers, making her throat go dry immediately.
"I won't," He replied with a slow, seductive smile. "Show me...what you got," Vera blinked at him before a grin made its way on her lips. That seemed like a challenge...
she was more than happy to accept...
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A/N: Hello dear readers! Good day to you all :) Here's the next Friday update. I hope you enjoy it! Thanks to your amazing support, Before You found it's way into the rising stars today :) I was so weirded out when I started writing this but you guys are slowly giving me confidence. I am taking this slow because we have no rush anyway. And I don't want to jump into the gory parts either. We need some light-heartedness and fun because that's what Vera and Enrique are all about. Let' see what has Vera planned on for this trip ;)
Thank you so much for all your support and love!
Have a great day y'all.