𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐓 𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 | 𝟏𝟖+

Chapter 23

MILA

"Somewhere in these eyes, I'm on your side"

***

It's been four months since I moved out of my parent's house. I left Mateo and I's birthday party in tears. I felt my throat closing and my stomach twisting as I ran out, humiliated. Theo was there for me the best way he could be. He helped me find a place in a great district, and he comforted me when I cried at night.

My father and I's relationship hit a bump, we hadn't spoken for three months, and when we did, it was awkward and tense. My mom is still trying her best to bring him around. Though, being less secretive about Theo and me is like a weight being lifted off of my shoulders. We were finally able to go out in public together, and get our pictures taken.

The first month of everything, my head was on a swivel. I missed classes, and when Theo wasn't with me, it was Odessa and Camille. I felt horrible for dragging them down with me in my mess. I barely left Theo's hotel room, let alone the bed entirely.

The second and third months, things were starting to look up. I got back on track with school, and even earned enough credits to graduate college earlier than expected. Theo and my friends were hell bent on taking me out to dinner, so I finally gave in. It was one of the best nights of my life. Filled with laughter instead of sadness.

My mama came over every Sunday with Mateo. We had dinner, talked, and drank. My papa denied each time, which made the nights a bit down as well, but I didn't let it get to me.

Theo and my fathers relationship took a turn for the worse. My papa quit consulting Theo with huge business deals, and he came home angry. I tried my best to help, but it was a matter between the two men.

When I rolled over, I was met almost nose to nose with Theo. There was nothing better than waking up next to him, not worried about my parents being overprotective, or making sure I had clothes. Being with him felt right.

I admired his face while he slept. His chiseled jaw, covered in stubble. And his now longer, curly brown hair. His long, dark eyelashes began to move, and his eyes opened up. "Mmm, good morning, beautiful." His voice deep and raspy.

"Good morning yourself." I pecked his lips. "I love having you here, I don't want you to go." He wrapped his arms around me, and squeezed. "I don't want to go either, but I would love to wake up to you in my own place." I said, caressing his face.

"Do you want to come with me to sign the papers for my apartment? We could go to lunch after."

"I have a meeting at eleven, I don't know why you just don't move in with me."

"I'm not living in a hotel forever, amor." I told him, getting out of the bed, and walking into the bathroom. "No I mean we get a place together. Just ours." He yells loud enough for me to hear. "I would love to live with you full time, but do you think you can handle me all the time?"

I ran my fingers through my curls as best I could before turning on the shower. Theo walked into the bathroom and undressed, ready to join me. "I want you around. All the time." He kissed me.

No matter how much I try to take my mind off of what happened months ago, I miss my papa.

After Theo and I shower together, I dressed in a short, sheer purple dress, with a black leather jacket and leather boots. My hair is down, in it's natural state, and my makeup is casual.

"I'll see you tonight, neonata." Theo says before I leave to head to my appointment.

When I arrived there, I was greeted by an older, brunette woman named Ms. Daisy who gave me a tour around the apartment a month ago.