𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐒𝐀𝐕𝐈𝐎𝐑 |

chapter twenty-three

Vera

The vibrations from my phone hit my ears for the fourth time since I woke up. I already knew who it was without looking at the phone and I didn't want to bother pressing decline again. It finally stopped after a minute and I blew out a sigh, resting my head back against the couch cushions.

"Everything alright?" Enzo asked, placing a glass of chocolate in my hand.

"Just Katherine," I muttered, taking a long sip. "She's been harassing me about where I am."

"I'm honestly surprised it took her this long," he chuckled, sitting beside me. "Lift that frown upside down, baby."

"I'm trying," I mumbled, gently shaking the glass. "I'm enjoying myself for once and-"

"Then continue enjoying yourself," he said, hand moving to my thigh. "I am not allowing her to ruin our short vacation and neither should you."

My nose scrunched as I took another sip, glancing at him. He chuckled and wiped the corner of my mouth before grabbing the remote for the tv.

There was no doubt that Katherine would just call again later, but I was not letting it ruin my time right now. Or ever.

She can keep her control freak behavior over there and away from me. .

"You're pouting, Princess– that doesn't mean pout more."

Once again, my eyes found his and I chugged down the rest of my chocolate milk. He shook his head and took the empty cup, wiping my mouth again then giving me a quick kiss. I laid back, resting my head on the arm of the couch while Enzo searched for something to put on.

Me being the picky watcher I am, I had to give my input which led to multiple aggressive side eyes from him. He couldn't hide his smile, no matter how much he tried. I nudged him with my foot and he tickled it in response, earning a squeal from me.

He grinned at my narrowed eyes then pulled my legs back over his lap, finally deciding on a movie. Of course, I got another side eye when he picked it just to make sure I didn't go against it. He's a cutie pie when trying to be intimidating. And he'd tickle torture me if I told him that.

This is the quietest it's been since I've gotten here. No pun intended with that whatsoever! But it is nice. I've wanted to ask if he feels better in any way with his parents being gone. Is that a rude question to ask? I hope not. It was more genuine than curiosity if anything. But I know now that he isn't used to opening up quite yet and I don't want to force him to. Or make him feel like he's forced to.

On a brighter side, I like the more relaxed side of Enzo. When he's not stressed about his next move or what everyone does or will think of him. He's just...Enzo.

Enzo tapped my foot and I looked over at him, wiggling the same foot.

"You alright here? You know...comfortable?" He asked.

"Totally. Do I seem like I'm not?"

"No, no. I just wanted to make sure. If you're ever uncomfortable after a while or just no longer want to be here, you can tell me," he then said, his eyes moving to the leg he was tracing over.

Sitting up, I fight back a smile and take his hand in mine to kiss his knuckles. His eyes find mine and that's when I smile.

"Enzo, you have done nothing but make me comfortable and I enjoy being with you. And if I ever feel uncomfortable, which I highly doubt it'd happen, I'll tell you. But I can confidently say that I wouldn't want to be anywhere else," I say, kissing his knuckles again.