Ariella Garcia is an 18-year-old girl who dreams of leaving her current situation behind and starting a new life. She's fiercely independent, and her love for nature and animals is unparalleled. She's always surrounded by people who care about her...
"A forehead kiss is more than just a gesture, it's a promise of love and protection."
-unknown
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I woke up in an unfamiliar, dimly lit room, sunlight filtering through the black curtains. Blinking away the remnants of sleep, I attempted to sit up but found myself ensnared in the firm grip of two strong, tattooed arms. My eyes widened in surprise as I realized it was Alexandro holding me.
Wriggling slightly in his embrace, I heard him grunt and saw his eyes flutter open.
His voice, husky and filled with sleep, broke the silence. "Did you sleep well, Tesoro?" he asked, his gaze filled with a mix of concern and something else that made my heart flutter.
I nodded in response, my cheeks turning a shade of crimson at his endearment. "That's good, Tesoro," he murmured, placing a gentle kiss on the top of my head.
The warmth of his lips sent tingles down my spine, and I couldn't help but feel my affection for him grow.
However, reality soon crashed back into my thoughts as I remembered the danger I could be in if my dad discovered I had spent the night here. Panic rushed through me as I desperately searched for my phone, asking Alexandro where it might be.
He turned around, retrieving it from my nightstand. As he handed it to me, I cringed at the sight of its cracked screen.
Quickly checking for any missed calls or messages, relief flooded over me when I realized there was no sign that my dad had come home. A smile tugged at my lips, catching Alexandro's attention.
"Why are you smiling?" he inquired, his gaze lingering on me, his shirt slightly open, revealing a glimpse of his tattooed chest.
Caught off guard by his gaze, I blushed and stammered, "N-nothing. Just... grateful." My words trailed off, realizing how I had been caught staring for a little too long.
He hummed in response, a hint of a smile dancing on his lips. Then, without warning, his hand reached out, gently tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. My heart skipped a beat at the simple touch, and I struggled to find my words again.
"Thank you," I whispered, meeting his gaze with sincerity. "For yesterday, for letting me work here, and for being my friend. I truly appreciate it."
His eyes softened, filled with an understanding I couldn't fully comprehend. "You don't have to thank me," he reassured me. "I'm not sure what happened yesterday, but I would do it all over again without hesitation."
With a swift movement, he took my phone from my hand and entered his number. "Promise me you will call me anytime you have a nightmare and I'm not there, okay?" he said, his voice laced with genuine concern.
I nodded, a grateful smile gracing my lips. "Promise," I replied, teasingly extending my pinky. He rolled his eyes before intertwining his pinky with mine, sealing our pact.
