NINE

Ivan's P.O.V.

I arrived at Ella's house—sorry mansion; I feel like I'm insulting the mansion whenever I just call it house because it is so freaking large, like the structure, the fountain, the garden, the drive way, everything is just so large—about three minutes earlier than I was meant to and called her.

“Hey, Nuts” I said once she received the call.

“Hey, Ivan” she said with a strain in her voice like she was sort of unhappy.

“I'm outside but if you aren't ready yet, take your time. I want you to look your best” I said smirking—like she was going to see me—trying my best to make her forget whatever was troubling her. I just hope it isn't those jerks we saw the other day, thinking of them makes me sick.

I keep wondering the relationship she has with them, why were so mean to her—more like why was the girl so mean to her and why was the guy looking sad, tired and weary.

One day I'll surely get the information from her; I could always get the information I need elsewhere but I want to hear it from her and I will.

“I'm already done, I'll be there in a minute” she replied and ended the call.

Immediately Ella walked out of her house, it was like my breath was knocked away; as if on cue, the setting sun highlighted her features and the wind ruffled her gown and hair a little. It was all happening in slow motion—at least in my head—just like a trance.

Her skin was glowing, her auburn hair was looking classy yet effortless, her face was bare yet so beautiful, her green eyes had a faint look of sadness which changed to awe immediately she saw me; and her full pink kissable lips spotted the special little smile it always held whenever she saw me.

Is it me or does she look more beautiful everyday.

Her dress paired with her sandals fitted her perfectly; the dress had a low v neck which showed a little cleavage and it stopped few inches above her knee.

Her dressing was telling me ‘look but don't touch’.

Pure torture.

She'll be mine very soon and I'll touch all I want.

My perfect five foot seven inches.

“I know you like what you see, so I'll just let you ogle a little bit longer” I said teasingly, making her perfect glowing face to turn into a bright shade of red just like I knew it would.

I always do and say things that'll make her blush just for my own pleasure. Don't judge me. It's not my fault that she looks a special kind of cute when she blushes.

“Oh please, you wish” was her comeback as she obviously didn't have anything to say 'cause she was caught in the checking out act. She went to open the car's door but I was quicker to open the door and a gave her a playful smile which she didn't return.

I totally get it, she's still recovering from her initial embarrassment.

“You shouldn't be embarrassed, I like it when you check me out” I wanted to say but stopped because I can't let the pervert in me last for so long around her else I'll do something I'll regret later.

Instead, I bent towards her ear—inhaling her sweet scent which clouded my mind and it took everything I had to stop me from pushing her against the car, kissing her senseless and running my hand through her silky hair—and whispered “you look beautiful tonight” and she blushed and smiled up at me in appreciation.

I gave myself several pats at the back for not letting the pervert in me spoil the young night.

Nuts, you'll be the death of me. I thought as we went to the restaurant I had booked a reservation at.

While we were eating, we were talking about everything starting from her childhood up to her future but she was hiding something.

I could tell especially while she was talking of her past; it was like she was leaving something or maybe someone out.

We were talking of colleges when I asked I her what she wanted her major to be.

“I'm not sure what I want to major in yet, but it will be something concerning business, probably business management” she answered after she had swallowed the food in her mouth.

I was mostly watching her lips move while she was eating or talking. If I could, I would watch her eat all day.

Man, I'm so whipped.

“So, you will take over your parents company” I stated.

“It's either me or some random stranger that'll probably misuse all my parents hard work while I stay on the sidelines wishing I took over and saying oh, had I known over and over” she said with a shrug.

“Yeah, better choice” I said nodding in understanding because I know I'll do the same for my parents.

“Yesterday, I saw in the news that your parents were going to expand Thompson's Enterprises the steel importation part to Africa and if it is successful, it means that your parents business has succeeded in reaching every corner of the world” I said earning a look of surprise and adoration from her.

I feel fucking elated, never would I have thought talking about the news will earn me such a look from the girl I like.

I think I'll be watching the news more often.

“It'll be successful” she said, confidence oozing from her words and a determined look crossed her pretty face.

“And yes, when the expansion becomes a reality, it means they've reached out to every corner of the world and it will also mean that they've accomplished their goal in life and they've given the world what they promised in their motto” she continued proudly.

“You are really confident in you parents” I said with a small smile not showing all I felt inside me.

I felt proud of her and I loved the fact she loved what her parents were doing and the fact that she was ready to help them in whatever way she could.

“They're my everything, I would murder anyone who hurts them” she said with a wide smile and I felt a twist in my heart.

Jealousy.

She was proud of her parents and she would go as far as killing for them because obviously they were happily married and showing her a lot of love.

My parents on the other hand were not as happy in their marriage as they made the world believe. The highest they've gone without quarreling was one week.

I don't know why they're always quarreling, none of them are cheating at least I'm sure of this maybe they're just tired of themselves but whatever it is makes me sad and I always try to push it away from my train of thoughts.

That's why I masked the jealousy before she could see it in my eyes.

“Would you like dessert?” I asked once she had put the last piece of food in her mouth just to change the subject.

“No, I'm so full. I would like to walk around a little before going home though” she wants a walk then a walk we would have.

Best choice, Nuts.

“I would love that” I grinned taking her hand, helping her out of her seat and leading her to the almost empty streets.

We walked mostly in silence, talking once in a while.

The walk was spent with me tucking stray strands of her hair behind her ears—the strands of hair weren't exactly covering her face or obstructing her view, I was only looking for a reason to touch her face and her hair.

I was relishing in the feelings of electric sparks I was getting from just holding her waist when she started complaining of her aching ankles.

I really wanted to carry her back to the car, but I knew she would have put up a fight; although I would have still carried her even of she fought but I didn't want her to be angry at me at all.

I drove back to her house slowly so I could spend more time with her and I was also dreading going back home.

Their arguments are always pointless.

I really can't wait to be eighteen so I will finally live on my own and save myself from pending headaches everyday— although my dad wouldn't appreciate that.