You Are Mine

The secret affair

I was almost shocked an hour later when Adrian returned with more stuff than I would have imagined he could buy. There were tampons, pads, a hot water bottle and a heat pad, some pain killers and lots of chocolates and some sweets too.

"Did you buy everything in the store?" I chuckled and moved to sit on the bed as he placed everything on the table with his back to me. I frowned as I saw the two guns hoisted behind him, he had to take so much with him even to a drug store.

"At least half of it,"

"Thank you so much," I said and got to my feet immediately regretting the choice as another wave hit. "You may leave them there, I'll handle the rest," I clutched my stomach hard and reached out for one of the tampons on the table.

"Like hell you will," he growled, catching my hand before I reached for it. "first I get to see that you take a hot bath, then some food and then we'll watch a movie together." his voice was stiff as a robot, like he was reciting a special recipe.

"I would have found your joke funny, if I was not hurting so much right now," I snatched my hand from his and started to get my stuff.

"I'm serious Nicole, I will not leave until I see that you're well settled."

"I'm not going to die from menstrual cramps," I said drily, with my hands on my hips.

"You did not look like that five minutes ago," he chuckled, but immediately clamped his mouth shut after I threw him a venomous scowl.

"And by the way, what makes you think I want to watch a movie?"

With a small smile, he scratched the back of his neck, "Well the article I read..."

"You read an article?" I stared at him with bulging eyes, trying to hold back my laugh.

"On Google," He shrugged and snatched the tampon from my hand, "I needed ideas on how to stay with you for the next few days without ending up murdered."

"Good," I stepped closer, and for some reason, I had the balls to raise my eyes to meet his, not necessary though, since I still felt like no more than a six-year-old standing next to him. "then I'm guessing your article must have given you a hint that I'm in a very crabby mood right now and all I want to do is claw your face off," I snatched it back from him and turned around, heading for the bathroom.

"I think I like this you right now," he chuckled and still followed behind me as I made my way.

"Don't you have to get to work?"

"I'm the boss," he said with a mixture of arrogance and pride, "I can do whatever I want, whenever I want, you aren't getting rid of me so easily."

The next two hours were spent mostly with me sobbing or pouting, and I did throw my bath soap at Adrian at some point, Adrian though was more comforting and terribly calmer than he had ever been towards me, although occasionally he slipped into his asshole mode. He gave me a bath, which was not as embarrassing as I expected it to be, but I was still not letting that happen ever again; then he let me cuddle up next to him, my favorite part of the morning and he fed me breakfast after the pain killers set in.

I did not bother to hide my disappointment when he had to leave, but not before he made sure Anderson was there to check on me every hour and Marie would spend the rest of her day right by my side in case I needed anything. The kitchen was also stacked with chocolates in different forms and shapes and I found myself wishing I got to see my cycle every day, though, after a rethink, I quickly took that back just because 'be careful what you wish for'

"You'll be good while I'm gone right?" he asked, grazing his fingers lightly on my chin. I could really get used to this Adrian.

I nodded and took another bite of the white chocolate on the kitchen counter, "These are really good, can you buy some more for me on your way home?"

"I hate going to the store but I can have some delivered home, is that okay?"

"Perfect," I leaned forward and kissed his cheek.

Marie and I made our way to my art room after Adrian left. It was the fourth day since I started redecorating the room and I was now at the final stage. But for some reason, after doing a few finishing touches on the outlines of the drawing I made on the wall, it looked rather ugly.

"I don't like it," I said as Marie and I looked at the long walls from the door.

"It's not hard to see why," Marie said with humor, but I could not see the humor in it. "You're in a mood,"

"Yesterday it was so pretty to me," I whined and dropped the small brush in my hand with a thud. I made my way to the barstool in the corner and sat, still trying to figure what was wrong with it.

"It still is," she gave me small smile and came around me, "I have a feeling the boss has to get ready for the toughest time when you get to conceive."

Despite myself, I found myself laughing at the thought. "I'm not sure Adrian and I would be having a child anytime soon," on a rethink, I added, "or ever."

"Don't say that," she placed a hand on my shoulder, "I do not mean to pry, but I am not blind to the changes Adrian had been making since you came into this house. He went to the freaking store today and no one got killed."

"Why am I not surprised to hear that the opposite is usually the case," I said flatly.

"Actually he never goes to the store, he hates it there, and if he ever did go, someone had to be killed for being too slow," she shrugged like it was no big deal or she was completely used to it.

"This is quickly turning into a sour conversation," I got to my feet and tilted my head to get another point of view, "maybe we should call Anderson to take a look."

She rolled her eyes and spoke in a clipped tone, "right, of course."

Picking up my brush again, I asked curiously, "why are you both always fighting?"

"Because he's an asshole," she said quickly and clamped her mouth shut. I had a feeling she did not mean to say that out loud.

"Runs in the family," I chuckled, "but really, you're both the closest things I have to friends yet, I hate to see you both at each other's necks all the time, although if I'm correct, it's mostly him chasing you and you not wanting t talk to him." I gasped as a realization hit me, "don't tell me he's stalking you,"

"No!" she said with sharp defense, "no, he would never do that. Anders is not that kind of person,"

"How would you know what kind of person he is?" I c****d my head to the side and narrowed my eyes at her in mock suspicion.

She gave a nervous laugh and brushed past me to pick up one of the paintbrushes, "I grew up with him, of course, I know what he's capable of," she dipped the brush in the pallet with peach paint and lifted it, "now let's see what we can do to make this already marvelous piece appealing to your eyes,"

"Maybe I need to tone the butterflies to a lighter shade," I said, tapping my fingers on my chin.

"See, we're getting somewhere,"

A small knock on the door drew both our attention and I turned around to see Adrian's mother staring at us through the open door, with a beaming smile. "May I come in,"

"Of course," I said as I took my gloves out to meet her, "please do,"

She walked in with her head held up high, as usual, her calculative smile and her cane. "You are doing such a great job here love," she said in a slight accent, how she easily switched accents to suit the occasion was always surprising to me, one minute she was American, the next she was Italian and the next minute you could not figure which she was playing out.

"Thank you mom," I drew out a seat for her, but she waved it off.

"I have been sitting all day, I'm here to see your work. And I must say I am pleased," her eyes flashed with approval.

"So she's a painter too," Chelsea walked in, no doubt impressed too, but she did a better job at hiding it.

"It's more of a hobby," I explained.

"Of course," she said with a fake smile, and I could tell she was still upset about our small encounter at breakfast the other day.

"Hola señora," Marie said from behind me with a small bow and her hands folded in front of her.

"Como Estas Mariajose," she said with an edgy tone, I did not need to ask further to know they did not have the best relationship.

"I am very well thank you," Marie said politely.

Mom snorted and looked away, "You still do not know nearly enough to call yourself Italian, but I'm glad to hear you are well."

Marie looked hurt, but smiled anyway, "I hope you're well too Senora,"

"I am better now that I have this beautiful and very talented woman as my daughter," she smiled at me and held my chin, "Adrian told me you were unwell this morning, how do you feel sweetheart, do you need me to call the doctor?"

"I am much better now thanks to Adrian," I gave a small smile.

She c****d her head to the side and gave me a look full of adoration, "great, now show me around this beautiful piece you have here,"

"Well, it's not much," I stretched my hand around, "it's a gift Adrian gave me to engage in my hobby and reach new potentials,"

"My son is such a gentleman," she cooed and held her hand to her chest. Behind us, Marie snorted and Chelsea let out a louder snicker. Mom turned back and shot her a glare and she shrugged, "what that was me supporting your statement,"

"I'm sure," she said in a clipped tone and took my hand, "please love, show me around."

"Of course,"

"I just love the way it overlooks the garden outside, you get to see nature's beauty without even trying too hard," she smiled.

"It's my favorite thing about this room,"

Sometime later, I finished showing mom the room, she seemed really pleased and promised to come take a look when I was done. I took the chance to fix things, Chelsea, as she turned to head out with her mom.

"Hey," I said holding her back, "Can we talk for a sec?"

"I'm a very busy person as you may or may not know," she flipped her brown hair behind, "plus I have to get ready to start school next week, so no."

"Come on," I said with a pout, "I thought we were going to be favorite sisters-in-law, don't tell me we'll lose that after our first real fight."

"Actually it was not a fight perse," she pursed her lips, "I'd rather call it a misunderstanding,"

"So do you mind if I ask that we let go of that misunderstanding and resume our friendship?" I asked with a small hopeful smile.

"I was going to ask the same thing and I'm sorry I was rude about Adrian that day," she leaned in to whisper, "he's just so annoying,"

"Tell me about it,"

"Are you not coming Chelsea?" Evelina called from the door.

She gave me a brief look and then looked around the room, "I think I'll stay a little," I grinned, glad I got some extra company here with me. "So do you play the piano?" she asked pointing to the piano that was still covered in white sheets.

"Occasionally, I do more of art. My best friend plays very well, he taught me everything I know,"

"Is he handsome?" she asked quickly and gave me a sweet smile.

"Yes, he is, very," I answered.

"And Gay as a maypole too," Marie added, with a chuckle as we continued repainting the butterflies on the wall.

"Ughh," she groaned and threw her head back. "I think I'm starting to lose out on my charm after being single for 2 months." she sighed dramatically.

"You are barely 18 Chelsea," Marie chuckled.

"Age is just a number Mariajose," she gave a snarky smile and picked up a brush, following along with what Marie and I were doing.

"Mariajose?" I turned to Marie quizzically.

"A variant," she said simply, "although, I think I'm more American than Italian, I've never even been there,"

"Mom seemed to dislike the fact," I noted.

"I'm used to the fact that Mrs. Davonte hates me," she shrugged, "but I doubt that's the reason, she adores you and you're Canadian."

"Oh no," Chelsea turned to us, "she hates you because she suspects you're railing Anderson," my mouth dropped both at her bluntness and the possibility of Anders and Marie being together. But Chelsea was not done yet, "and I have to say that Adrian would have both your heads if there is a whiff of truthfulness to that hunch. Mom might just feed you both to the vultures if she ever finds out."

"What?" Marie squealed nervously, completely taken aback by Chelsea's words. "You really need to stop watching those tv shows that fill your head with rubbish,"

"Yeah whatever, it's a known fact that you have a big crush on my brother, don't bother lying you're flustered right now," she wagged the brush around her face, "he like you just as much, I'm not blind and frankly I think you would both make a great couple,"

"I've known him since we were kids," Marie cried, I could not tell if her bewilderment was due to the fact of Chelsea's words or the surprise from hearing them. "Why would you even think that?"

"I do not think anything, I'm only speaking based on facts and you know me, I cannot hide how I feel. I'm not saying don't screw my brother, everyone needs to get screwed," she shrugged.

"Chelsea!" I chastised.

"What? You know I'm not lying, just do not let mom find out."

"Um..." Marie stuttered, "I um... I'm gonna go briefly, my mom might need my help in the kitchen." her cheeks were red as a tomato and her eyes glistened with water, but she was doing a great job holding it back from flowing, Chelsea though was completely oblivious to her embarrassment, "please excuse me, Nicole, I'll be back soon." with that, she stormed out through the door, racing in the other direction from the kitchen.

"Chelsea," I said as Marie left, "that was so mean,"

"No," she shook her head, "it was honest. I never hide how I feel and while some people might find it rude, I think it's just me being me," she shrugged, "If we are going to be best friends like I really hope we would grow to be, you have to get used to my blatancy, it's the one thing I cannot change even if I try."

"You could have been nicer about it,"

"Nice, does not exist in my dictionary," he held the pallet out to me, "now which do I use to paint next?"

"You'd have to use the pen paint for the outlines," I reached out for one and handed it to her, "can you take care of the sunflower outlines while I'm gone?"

"Sure I can. Where are you going?" she asked and traded the pallets in her hand for the pens.

"Well one of us has to try to make her feel better," I took my apron off. "I'll be right back."

Finding Marie was not difficult, seeing as the only door down the way she had gone was the back door leading out into the garden. The cold early evening air slapped against my barely covered skin as I pulled the door open. We were approaching the end of July and although it was my favorite season, I still had to get used to the windy evenings.

I considered going back in to cover myself but thought better of it since I was not going to spend too much time out. "Marie," I called as I walked in the direction of the large garden, hoping my instincts were right.

I was greeted by silence but kept going anyways. I had come here for a walk a few times, and I knew my way around well enough, so I had no fear of getting lost. The grass ruffled softly as I made my way further into the garden, eyes darting around for Marie.

The garden was large, with long trees arranged in countless rows, leading further inside until the round maze at the heart of it all. That in itself plus the fact that it was getting colder outside, made my search even harder.

I sighed in relief when I heard the familiar voices filtering through a few rows of trees up ahead. My brows furrowed in confusion as I stalked closer, realizing that it was not just Marie's voice coming from the tres ahead. My confusion was only deepened as I finally reached the source of the sounds and leaned in to take a peak.

My mouth dropped and I froze at the sight in front of me and the words I heard next. How had it slipped past me so easily, when I hung out with each of them every day. Suddenly Marie's reaction a few minutes ago made sense. I had not meant to eavesdrop, but I continued to stare at them in disbelief and they were both oblivious to my presence behind the trees.

"I'm tired of playing these dumb games Anders," she sobbed. Her arm was locked in Anderson's firm grip.

"It's not a game baby," Anders said in a strained voice, holding on to her like she was his very life, "Please do not be like that, I am really trying."

"Well I do not see what you're trying to do, you are still just as afraid of what Adrian would do and now your mom is back and now s**t is even more complicated, even your sister suspects that we have something going on."

"I do not know what you want me to do Marie," he raked his hand through his hair.

"Well I do know what I want to do," she wiped away the tears that kept flowing, "And all it took was your sister's blatancy for me to realize that I've been nothing but a f**k toy to you for five f*****g years and I will not be your secret anymore."

"f**k you know you mean the entire f*****g world to me, Marie," his jaw ticked as he spoke.

"I'm no longer sure of that. I cannot do this anymore." she shook her head and closed her eyes, forcing her next words out, "I am breaking up with you and I am leaving once I get the chance to."

"Marie..." his words were cut off by the sound of the grass ruffling loudly behind me. Their gazes lifted to me and none of us got the chance to express any reaction, before Adrian's large hands snaked around me, making me jerk up in surprise.

"Hey Kitten," he growled, "what's going on here?"