𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐝

54

matteo 

It's been an hour since she told me. In that time I've put her on the phone with three of the best therapists in the world, all of which are able to fly over to Italy or New York depending on where we are and then a friend of my father.

Out of all four she seemed to feel more comfortable talking to my father's friend who is conveniently in Italy right now. We're hoping to meet him tomorrow.

We're sat on my bed beside each other and I'm too scared to take my eyes off of her. She's reading her book and I'm watching her read.

"I can feel you burning a hole into my head." Vee murmurs and I roll my eyes.

Sliding my hand in hers to feel her soft skin against mine, I brush my thumb back and forth. She doesn't pull her hand away when she turns the pages, instead she uses our linked hands.

"Do you want to go out for food tonight?"

"Sure, where were you thinking?"

"You'll see when we get there."

Vee shoots me an annoyed look before going back to her book.

I move closer to her, positing myself so that I'm as close to her as possible and kiss the top of her head.

We sit like that for hours until she finishes her book. Throwing it on the bed beside her, Vee lays her head on my chest with her face angled up at me.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you earlier but I knew I needed to tell you. Thank you for not getting mad at me."

Vulnerability shines in her glossy eyes and my heart drops a little. She's apologising.

"Shut up," I twist a piece of her hair around my finger and look down at her.

"I'd do anything for you you know. Whatever you want, whenever you want it. I'm here for you."

Vee groans, "You're so nice and perfect."

"You don't like that?"

"I love it."

And I love you. So fucking much.

"Stop complaining then."

"Fuck off." She pinches my arm really fucking hard and I wince.

"I'm a victim." I mouth and she rolls her eyes mouthing back a "Get over it."

Our eyes connect and I study her slightly annoyed expression; I think she's prettiest when she's pissed off.

"Now I don't encourage this behaviour but I wanted to let you know that if you wanted to go out for drinks tonight and have some fun that I would look after you and make sure that you're okay. I'm not saying you should I'm just saying that I'll be there if you do. Alcohol is not a healthy coping mechanism and you shouldn't depend on it, ever. But you deserve to have fun so if that's something you would enjoy, I can keep an eye on you."

Please say yes. It's a bit late now if you don't. They're already here.

Her brown eyes twinkle with amusement. "You are so cute. And right. I do need to relax a little and if I could do it knowing that I'm safe and having someone looking out for me is the best way. So whatcha say dinner then club?"

"Whatever you want love."

-

Thumping music and strobe lights overwhelm my senses as we walk into the busy club. It's weird to think we met in a place like this.

A hard glare settles on my face when tens of pairs of hungry eyes find there way to Vee's figure. She's wearing a pretty sage green dress that flows when she moves but hugs her body in all the right places. Her hair is in it's natural wavy state and she's left the makeup off for today, too tired to do it.