Ziya

E I G H T

JAE

Ziya.

Just Ziya.

She hasn't left my mind since I first met her at the diner. Her face looks like it was carved by angels. Something that is too pure and heavenly for this Earth. Her beautiful brown locks that cascade down her back in waves and her round brown eyes that are framed by the longest lashes I've ever seen. God, she's just so beautiful.

I felt like such a dick for not controlling my anger when I first bumped into her, but she didn't seem that fazed. She thought it was her fault. She's so adorable.

What the fuck Jae. Did you just describe her as adorable?

Fuck yeah I did. 

Today I'm supposed to meet the Romano clan at their house. Mateen called me over to hang and also go over our mission that's coming up in a couple days. What I didn't expect was the little ball of sunshine to be hanging out with Caleb when I got there.

I have to admit. I was jealous when I saw Caleb and Ziya hanging out. Mateen noticed and laughed his ass off. Asshole. When I asked what's funny, the asshole laughed harder. The dick. He needs his arse handed to him.

"Caleb, we could have hung out at mine and watched Disney all day. I don't want to intrude." Her soft voice penetrated the busy atmosphere. There was a bustle as men gathered themselves to meet with Giovanni and Marco about the upcoming mission.

"I'm telling you, mio piccolo, there's no problem. Plus, the others will be happy you're here. Mama's meant to be making her famous biryani tonight and I want you here for it." Caleb said back, just as softly.

Walking toward the duo, I straighten my suit jacket and quickly run my fingers through my hair. Caleb notices me first and raises a brow to me. Nodding my head at him, I stand directly behind Ziya and her scent attacks my senses. She smells like strawberries. I see her tense as she looks at Caleb.

"Hi sunshine. How are you?" I lean down to whisper in her ear. I hear her breath hitch as she slowly turns her head to meet my eyes.

"Hi Jae. I'm okay. And you?" She whispers back. She looks so pretty. Her cheeks tint an adorable pink as she realises I'm staring at her.

"I'm better now, sunshine." Flashing my smile at her and then she does something that stops my breathing. She smiles back, but her smile lights up the whole room. She has a small dimple on the right side of her face and her cheeks apple so beautifully by her cheekbones. Absolutely breath taking. That's what she is.

Caleb clears his throat from behind her and she jumps as the bubble between us breaks. Damn Caleb. 

"Jae, what are you doing here man? I thought you were coming later?' Caleb questions as he eyes me suspiciously.

"Mateen said to come over to hang out before my meeting, so here I am. What are you guys up to?" I respond to Caleb but direct my question to the blushing beauty in front of me.

"Caleb and I are going to watch movies and bake cookies. Do you want to join?" Ziya answers shyly. Caleb makes a noise of protest and narrows his eyes at me. I'm going to ignore him.

Spending time with sunshine? Count me the fuck in.

"I would love to sunshine. Thank you." I respond smiling as I reach up to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. The brown strands feeling silky between my fingers. Ziya inhales a sharp breath and her cheeks turn a deeper shade of red. Looking back at Caleb, I smirk at his frown to which he throws me the finger in response.

Caleb holds his hand out for Ziya as they make their way to the kitchen with me behind them. As Ziya grabs Caleb's hand, she turns to face me and hesitantly holds out her hand for me. Shock and happiness flows through me as I interlock my fingers with hers and allow Caleb to pull us through to the kitchen. Her small hand fits perfectly in mine as I marvel at her.

She's so perfect.

The closer we get to the kitchen, the louder the voices and noise gets. I guess all the Romano's decided to be in the kitchen today. As Caleb enters, he's grabbed and put into a headlock by Mateen. Ziya moves back slightly, looking slightly scared of the sudden move made by Mateen. She shuffles back until she is nestled into my side. I don't even think she's realised but I'm not gonna tell her. I want her next to me all the time. I rub my thumb over her knuckles to sooth her slight tremble and that seems to relax her. I feel her other hand come down to our conjoined hands as she grasps them.

"What the fuck Mateen. Get off me, you donkey." Caleb seethes through gritted teeth.

"Where you been sweet twin of mine? Ditched me early this morning. Where'd you go, huh?" Mateen teases as he ruffles Caleb's hair.

"If your fat arse stops eating, you'll see we have guests you baboon. Get. Off. Me." Caleb grits.

That is the exact moment Mateen decides to swivel in our direction and spots a nervous Ziya by my side. He smiles but that drops as his eyes latch onto our joined hands. 

"Hey Zi, how are you sweetheart?" Mateen flicks his eyes back to Ziya as his eyes soften.

"I'm okay Mateen. Thank you. How are you?" She questions back quietly.

"I'm all good, sweetheart. Jae, why are you holding Zi's hand?" Mateen turns his fiery hazel orbs to me as the promise of pain flickers through the green specks.

Ziya must realise now that she's still holding my hand and attempts to retract her hand. I think the fuck not. Mateen can fuck off. I give her hand a gentle squeeze and smile down at her. She relaxes her hand in my hold and smiles up at me.

Oh fuck. Is this what a heart attack feels like?

Looking at her face, I make the decision. I'm gonna make her mine. She belongs with me and I won't have it any other way.