Chapter 25.

Warning: This is a long chapter, so I made it free <🌻3

Zia

“This food sucks,” Luis grumbled as he pushed the fork into his mouth. Tania supported his claims by humming as she sipped her iced tea.

“Zia’s food tastes better than this,” she whined, and her eyes met mine. I instantly got up, and Mateo grabbed my hand, pulled me back down, and stared at them. Using my free hand, I covered my face, trying to hide my smile.

Mateo wasn’t afraid to show people that he was with me; he would always hold my hand or press kisses wherever he wanted to, while I, on the other hand, was always so conscious of whether people were watching us or not.

My eyes met Drew’s, and he slightly glanced away, playing around with the food on his plate. Carol’s eyes widened as she gestured to Drew with her eyes.

I’m getting tired of him. Geez, this act was getting old.

“I’m not going to let my wife cook for all of you guys,” he said, and Tania swallowed, looking away, but Luis decided to challenge him even further, proving to everyone that he wasn’t afraid of Teo like the rest of us were.

“But the food is just terrible. And besides, if Zia wants to cook for us, who are you to say no?” He teased, and I bit the inside of my cheek.

Mateo and Luis were like a married couple at times, and the one who always looked for trouble was Luis.

“Her husband, and yet your plate is clean. So stop complaining, or I won’t feed you again,” Mateo said. He squeezed my hand reassuringly, and I smiled as I looked at him. He’s perfect.

“Then, Tania, do you want to get married so that I can tell Mateo to stop making you travel everywhere?” Luis turned to face Tania. Well, now, where did that come from?

“WHAT!” Tania screeched, and Carol coughed, her expression struck by shock. I looked at Mateo, but he didn’t seem as shocked as the rest of us were. He just continued eating while we all stared at Luis.

I had thought—hmm.

“Don’t say such disgusting stuff,” Tania said lowly through clenched teeth, and her expression was terrifying. Right at that moment, she did seem like a woman in the mafia. She grabbed the fork tightly, her knuckles turning white as she pointed the fork toward Luis, who had an amused grin on his face. “I will stab you.”

“It was a joke, sweetheart. I like being on top, too,” he winked at Carol, and my eyes widened once again. Luis was a menace. Tania clenched her jaw and sighed as she put the fork down. What just happened? All that tense air had disappeared with Luis’ dirty joke, and yet Tania still seemed pissed as she raised her middle finger.

“And that’s exactly why you’re the whore in the group,” Tania pushed her plate forward, suggesting that she was done eating, and Luis crossed his arms over his chest, shrugging nonchalantly.

“I only learnt from the best,” Luis’ voice was playful, yet his unwavering gaze on Tania said a lot.

“Who would like some dessert? Tania, Carol...can you help me clear the table?” I got up, and Mateo sighed, quickly glancing at Luis and pointing to his office.

“Would be delighted to help!” Carol said as she got up, probably catching wind of the tension that was brewing. Just moments ago, they were okay, and now they seemed like mortal enemies. All I knew was that once our guests were gone, I would be getting answers from Mateo.

“Actually, I need them both in my office,” Mateo ordered, and I nodded as I gathered the plates. Luis and Tania trudged toward Mateo’s office, one sulking and the other seeming annoyed. A small smile grew on my face as I watched Mateo follow after them, seeming like the father.

“What was that about!” Carol whispered to me after we loaded the dishwasher with the dirty plates and glasses. I leaned against the island and stared at her, shocked.

“Aren’t you offended?” I asked her and she looked at me, confused.

“Why would I be offended when the drama is unfolding? I’m just fucking the man. We’re not in a relationship,” she shook her head and started laughing. “And I believe what just happened over dinner was the seal that we should stop.”

“Really?” I whispered, and she nodded.

“Trust me, little one. I’m so able to give this cookie without the crumbs. Besides, Luis is generally an unemotionally available man. You can tell with the way he fucks,” she shrugged as she crossed her arms over her chest. “And me? Well, I like cute men who are available.”

“How can you tell?” I spoke softly, and she tilted her head to the side in question. “That he’s emotionally unavailable just with the way he—you know,” I gestured with my hand, and her smile grew.

“Ooh, you can’t say fuck?” She laughed, and I rolled my eyes. Of course, I could! I just didn’t want to. “But anyway, you can tell a lot about a man just with the way he handles you—does that word work better for you?” she teased, and I clicked my tongue.

“When we’re doing it, his eyes are always just so dark and distant. Void of emotion and so lost,” she nodded before she shivered. “I love the sex, but I’m not in the career of fixing men. He needs to deal with his shit.”

How interesting, and she only got that from his eyes?

“Enough about me. Tell me what the drama is about!”

“Oh, I really don’t know,” I shook my head as I looked in the direction of Mateo’s office, and even though I couldn’t see the door from the kitchen—I just hoped everything was okay between the two. “They’ve never had such a tense exchange in front of me before.”

“Your husband didn’t seem surprised or bothered by it,” she said as she leaned against the island, and I nodded. He seemed like he was used to their random outbursts; I felt bad for being out of the loop, but what could I do? I was just a recent addition to the tradition and history-rich trio.

“Yes. They’re always bickering like siblings, but this was new for me.”

“Tania is into girls, isn’t she?” I nodded, and Carol hummed as she slowly nodded. “Maybe she slept with Luis’ girlfriend?”

“I don’t think she would do that, though,” I spoke softly as I thought of the possibility. Impossible! “They’re all like family; they wouldn’t hurt each other like that,” I shook my head, and she pursed her lips as she nodded.

“True, but you don’t even know about their past.” True. “You knew your husband because your mom used to take care of him,”a lie.“But you don’t know much about Tania and Luis, right?”

“Right, I don’t. Maybe I should go che—”

“Zia,” I looked away from Carol and saw Drew with his head tilted up.

“Oh, my gosh! Are you okay?” I rushed to him when I noticed the blood dripping from his nose and his spotted shirt.

“I’m fine. I just have occasional nosebleeds. Please direct me to the bathroom so that I can clean myself up?”

“Sure,” I said as I held his back softly and guided him to the guest bathroom. “Do you want the black remedy or medical remedy?” I asked him, and he slightly tilted his head down to look at me. A small smile was on his face, and he lightly chuckled.

“What is the black remedy?” He asked.

“I pour cold water on your head until the blood stops,” that was how Mom did it, and it worked.

“Let’s do it the medical way,” he said, and I laughed as I told him to sit down.

“Well, you know what to do, pinch your nose and breathe through your mouth,” I instructed, even though he knew this very well. “I’ll go get you a change of clothes,” I told him.

“Uh-huh,” he tilted his head up, and I left the bathroom, heading for Mateo’s bedroom. He was the only man in the house whose clothes would fit Drew. I grabbed a black shirt, walked back to the bathroom, and knocked before I entered.

“Here’s a shirt,” I said as I passed it toward him and awkwardly pointed to the medicine cabinet that was hidden behind the ceramic tiles above the bathroom. I wasn’t sure whether it was an impressive design, but I thought hiding a cabinet with tiles was genius. It made it seem seamless. I leaned forward and felt awkward because I was right in his face, reaching for a clean towel.

My boob grazed his hand as I closed the cabinet and passed him the towel as well.

“Well, wash your face. The bleeding stopped, didn’t it?” I asked softly, and he nodded as he slowly dropped his head.

“Seems like it,” he nodded, and I smiled as I crossed my hands behind my back. “Stay a second in case you have to pour cold water over my head, please?”

“Believe me, I would be delighted to,” I laughed as I leaned against the wall and watched him as he washed his face. “Are you alright now?” I asked him, and he nodded as he wiped his face. “Have you always had nose bleeds?”

“Yeah, it’s quite annoying,” he chuckled as he pressed against his nose again. I smiled softly as I pressed my head against the cold wall.

“My little brother also gets nosebleeds,” my heart throbbed when I mentioned him. It felt like I had been living this new life, and I had forgotten all about them. “My mother said it was because he always ran around like a lunatic with his friends.”

“That might be a cause,” Drew agreed, and I smiled. He wasn’t so bad when it was just us, I wished he could just be this way as well in front of Mateo. “I’d like to meet your brother one day.”

Me too. I want to see Zach.

“Are you okay, Zia?” Drew stood in front of me, shirtless, as he softly tilted my head up and as I was pulling away from his touch...

“Is everything alright in here?” Mateo’s voice scared me, and I pushed Drew away.

“D-D-Drew had a nosebleed; I borrowed him your s-s-shirt! I hope you don’t mind?” I stuttered, and Mateo smiled softly, nodding. What if he thought I was cheating on him? I can’t lose him as well.

“It’s okay. Tania is looking for you, I’ll finish up here,” he said and I hesitated as I looked between the men. Should I go? “Drew, you don’t seem to be bleeding anymore; please excuse my wife,” Mateo said as he looked at Drew with a kind smile. It wasn’t genuine, but I was definitely fooled because I felt like giggling at being called his wife.

“Thank you, Zia,” Drew said, and I left the bathroom after they both reassured me they were okay with me leaving. Oh gosh, I hope another fight doesn’t break out.

“Zia,” Tania whined as soon as she saw me, and pulled me into a hug, pressing my face against her chest. What was it with everyone pushing their chest right in my face? “Teo scolded me,” she whined, and I looked up at her and gently rubbed her back.

“There, there, big girl. Tell Mommy all about it,” I said as I led her to my room, and she smirked as she looked at me.

“Ooh, mommy? I like it,” she purred, and I laughed as I closed my bedroom door. She sat down on the bed and sighed heavily. She looked really hurt and frustrated. “Stupid Luis!” she gritted, and I sat on the floor before her.

“Are you okay, Tania?” I asked softly, and she groaned as she buried her face in her shaking hands. I kneeled in front of her and rubbed her arms.

“This is so annoying,” she choked out, and my heart sank when I realised she was crying. This was the first time I had ever seen Tania this way.

“Tani,” I whispered, and she took a deep breath in, flipping her hair back as she looked at me. Her cheeks were rosy, and her beautiful blue eyes were a deeper colour, filled with emotion.

“I’m used to being around with the guys only, and I never cried around them. When you said my name so softly, I couldn’t help but cry,” she laughed, and I smiled as I moved her hair away from her face.

I could tell she didn’t want to talk about it just yet.

“Anytime you want to cry, let me know, and I will offer you my warm embrace,” I spread my arms open, and she smiled as she wrapped her arms around my waist and pressed her face against my belly. We stayed in that position for a few seconds, and she looked up at me, pressing her chin against my belly.

“You should go; I’m sure Mateo is seconds away from coming in here and pulling you away,” she said as she unwrapped her arms, and I held my hips.

“I wouldn’t leave you; you need me more than he does,” I said, and she rolled her eyes as she leaned against her hands.

“You would reject everyone just for him, and we all know it. I just don’t get why that boy won’t leave you alone,” she whispered under her breath, and I tried my hardest to hide my smile. I would reject them all just for Mateo. “Go on; I’m going to take a shower and nap here for a while. Do you mind?”

“Your clothes are still in my closet; I’ll join you shortly.”

“The shower or?”

“Nap, Tania. Glad to see that you’re back to normal,” I rolled my eyes as I walked toward the door.

“Can’t blame a girl for trying,” she got up and went into the bathroom.

I laughed as I walked back to the dining room. It was dead quiet, and a few people were missing. Namely, Carol and Luis.Of course.

“Do you guys still want that dessert?” I asked the silent room, and they all declined, besides Malik. I knew I could trust my boy!

“Don’t you smoke, Mateo?” Drew asked, and I raised my eyebrows and lifted my eyebrows at Malik, who stood beside me.

“Luis went to smoke, and Carol followed after him,” he told me what happened while I was gone. Apparently, they had been sitting in silence ever since I left. Insanity, I tell you! But then again, Mateo was older than everyone in the room; what did he have to talk about with younger people?

“I stopped,” he answered. His arms were crossed over his chest. I tilted my head to the side, and he looked at me for a second, my heart beating as he lifted his lips into a semi-smile. “I figured my wife wouldn’t like it.”

Unable to handle the butterflies, I pulled Malik into the kitchen with his shirt, and he followed obediently.

“You want cake or ice cream?” I asked him, and he placed his index finger on his chin as he hummed.

“Both,” he snapped his fingers, and I pointed at him in admiration.

“Genius!” I took out the items, and he leaned against the counter as he watched me prepare our bowls.

“I think everyone should’ve gone home. It’s been such an awkward night,” he shook his head, and I laughed. “The only sane people right now are you and I.”

“What about Carol?” I asked him, and he rolled his eyes as he clicked his tongue.

“Carol has always been insane; she’s in a league of her own,” he laughed, and I giggled as I passed him his bowl.

“She’ll kick your ass if she hears you saying that about her,” I warned as we stood in the kitchen, indulging in our treats rather than staying around tense-filled environments. That was none of our business.

“You know, Zia. You’re the only young person I know who is married,” Malik said suddenly as he pulled the spoon from his mouth, and I looked at him, wondering where he was going.

“I am a year older than you,” I reminded him, and he waved his hand.

“That doesn’t matter, but I wanted to ask you. How do you like being married? Would you say you were ready for it?”

No.I was never ready, but I was beyond blessed that Mateo was the one I married.

“With the right person, of course, you would feel ready for anything,” I spoke softly, my cheeks burning as I thought of him.

“Huh,” he sighed softly as he looked out the kitchen’s sliding door. “Are you and your husband the advocates of short answers?”

“What do you me—” I started off laughing before a scream left my lips when something banged against the sliding door, and it was none other than Carol’s naked ass against my aluminium sliding doors!

“God,” Malik groaned as he gagged, and I squeezed my eyes shut.

“What’s wrong?” Mateo asked; his panicked voice made me open my eyes, and I pinched my eyes closed once again.

“So much for a seal, huh?” Drew laughed as he walked away from the kitchen, and Mateo guided me out.

“I need to wash my eyes,” I felt a bit traumatised yet simultaneously intrigued. Ew, did I like watching people doing that? Did that make me disgusting?

“Take me with you,” Malik groaned, and yet he was finishing up my dessert.

“It seems like Carol is a bit busy; you guys can either sleep here in the lounge or the spare bedroom at the end of the hall. That room has everything you might need.”

“Thank you, Mr Marcelli,” Malik thanked him, and I loved how respectful he was! Drew could learn a thing or two from him.

“Goodnight,” Mateo nodded, and I waved at them as I let Mateo guide me to his bedroom.

“Do you need to talk to me about something?” I asked him, and he shook his head as he closed the door. “Then why—”

“Sleep here tonight,” he said simply as he walked toward his closet, his cologne trailing behind him as he slowly unbuttoned his shirt.

“Huh?” I whispered softly. “You want me to sleep here?” I pointed to the floor, and he laughed from his closet before he appeared as he pulled his shirt on.

“Isn’t that what a married couple does? Sleep together in the same room?” For some reason, along with the butterflies, an image of what was happening against the doors I needed to clean with alcohol and sanitiser flashed through my mind, and I crossed my legs as I felt throbbing.

Something was wrong with me.

“Come get a shirt,” he called for me, and as if his voice was a magnet, I drew toward him, and he passed me the shirt he was wearing.He knows me so well.

“Thank you,” I whispered, taking hold of the soft shirt and walking to the bathroom to change. “He’s seen you naked before; why can’t you just take your clothes off in front of him?” I whispered to myself as I dropped the straps of my dress and pushed it down my body. I stared at the reflection and turned as I studied my body.

Everything was so...soft. Only if I was much firmer, maybe then Mateo would also press me against—ugh! I hit my head, trying to get the thoughts out of my head. I buttoned up the shirt he gave me and let out a soft moan when his scent met my nose.

Gosh, he smelled so good.

I washed my face, still trying to eliminate those ridiculous thoughts that had filtered through my mind. But would he touch me tonight? He said no in the morning—he said no.

After fixing his bathroom, I went ahead and joined him on the bed. He was sitting on it, facing the bathroom door; once he saw me, he smiled and extended his hand.

“How’s Tania?” He asked me and I could tell he was worried about her, he was worried about them both. The way they dealt with their anger was so different.

“She cried but was okay afterwards. She’s probably still sleeping,” I answered softly as I clasped my hands over my exposed thighs, feeling conscious about them, but Mateo kept his eyes fixed on my face.

“Tania cried?” He asked, surprised, and I nodded as I got comfortable on the bed.

“Hmm, she said she never cries around you guys because you’re men. It looked like she needed to cry,” I explained, and regret appeared in his expression.

“Did she tell you what happened?” He asked, and I shook my head.

“It didn’t seem like she wanted to talk about it tonight, so I let it go. But I hope you didn’t say anything that hurt her feelings,” I warned as I got up and walked over to my side of the bed, peeling the sheets back.

“I just told them to stop acting like kids,” he said as he joined me under the covers. “It was quite annoying that they were still bickering about it after all this time.”

“That wasn’t bickering,” I whispered as I sat up. “That was a fight, Mateo. What if they don’t get along ever again?”

“They will,” he leaned forward and pressed his lips on my forehead, nuzzling me down, and my heartbeat quickened. Does he want to do something?“Just rest; you’ve had a long day today. Studying, running around, accommodating people.”

Now that he mentioned it, I felt exhausted, but wouldn’t mind doing something with him.

“I’m fine, we can sti—ahh.” I yawned, and he smiled, pressing a final kiss on my forehead.

“Sleep, Kitten. I’m right here,” he spoke softly. He placed his hand flat against my belly, scooting closer to me as I fell asleep.

“Fine, but in the morning, I want—”

“Absolutely, I’ll tell you what happened when you were with Tania. Just sleep, baby, and stop trying to fight it.”

A smile grew on my face, and his voice was so soothing it almost felt like I was drugged. I fell asleep right away.