“Princess?” The word curled around me like warm smoke. I blinked, my breath catching in my throat, and something about the way he said it told me he already knew the answer.

“I’m not nervous,” I lied quickly, my clenched palms were already sweaty, as I tried to dry them on the hem of my dress, while pretending I wasn’t dying inside.

“It’s just really hot in here. Aren’t you hot?” I vaguely demonstrated, as I used my hand to fan myself.

He raised a single brow, amused in a way that made me want to disappear into the wall.

“Damn it, Bella. Get your shit together.” I thought to myself.

He leaned forward, as his elbows rested on his knees, his eyes fixed on me like I was the only thing worth looking at. “Since it’s so hot in here, how about we get out of here?” he asked gently. “And look for somewhere cooler.”

My heart thumped so loudly I was sure he could hear it. I scanned the club quickly for Tania, hoping, begging, to see her long braids anywhere, but I saw nothing. “I—I can’t just go,” I sputtered. “I came here with my friend, and leaving without her knowing where I am, is weird. Plus I don’t know you, for all I know you might be a serial killer, or a kidnapper.”

He laughed. It was soft, warm, and stupidly beautiful. A laugh that revealed his perfect dimples. “Okay, I’ll agree with you on one thing,” he said. “Yes, I’m a stranger, and you don’t know me”

“See?” I pointed at him dramatically. “That’s exactly what I mean.”

“And no. I’m not a serial killer, and most definitely not a kidnapper” He leaned back and spread his arms lightly. “I’m just trying to get you to loosen up a bit.”

I bit the inside of my cheek too hard, because God help me, I was loosening up too much.

“Alright,” he continued. “New plan. How about we just stay back, order a few drinks, get to know each other and just go with the flow. No pressure.” He stretched back into the couch, and his shirt pulled up just enough to expose the sharp cut of his collarbone and the faint line of his perfectly sculpted abs. “Damn it. This man was illegal.” I swallowed hard, as I bit my lower lip and smiled shyly.

“So are you okay with that?” He asked as he smiled widely, as if he caught my mental spiral.

And just like that, everything blurred into something warm, foolish and dizzyingly easy. He ordered drinks, really expensive ones and he listened to me talk as if I weren’t some awkward drunk girl in a dress. He leaned in when I spoke, asked questions, always looked at me like I was the only thing that mattered, he was perfect, and it was disarming.

When he spoke, I found myself staring at him more than I actually listened, My mind drifted—no, sprinted into places it shouldn’t be, imagining his hands on my thighs, his mouth on my opening— “Damn it Bella. Get your mind out of the gutter,” I told myself as I bit my finger and blushed.

“Earth to Amy,” he teased lightly. “What did I say that made you smile like that?”

“I wasn’t—I was just…” I stammered as the words came out tangled together like a complete disaster.

He looked at me like he knew exactly what I was thinking, like he knew exactly what I wanted, and that thought alone made me blush so hard I almost hid under the table. He came around the table, then sat beside me. “I guess someone’s drunk,” he murmured, as his thumb gently brushed the side of my head in a way that sent a shiver down my spine. “Come on, let’s get you some water.”

“Nooo,” I whined like a child. “I’m fine. I just want to have fun, and I never have fun, and tonight—”

“Okay, okay,” he laughed. “Slow down.”

I leaned in, impulsive and bold in the way only too much alcohol can make you. “Let’s go somewhere else,” I whispered. “Somewhere private.”

His eyes sharpened. “Are you sure about that? And what about your friend?”

I waved my hand dismissively. “Oh she can take care of herself. And this is what she’d want for me anyways.”

His eyes widened, as if to be sure he heard me correctly. “Your friend would want you to leave with a stranger? That's weird."

I shrugged, as I giggled. “You won’t understand though.”

“Yeah obviously I don’t”. He said as he chuckled. “But I just want to be sure you know what you’re doing.”

The concern in his voice hit something deep in me. I simply nodded, as I trusted him way more than I should’ve. He helped me stand, grabbed my bag, and guided me out through the back exit. As soon as we’re outside, the night air struck my skin like cold water. He opened the car door and helped me in, buckled me in gently and then slid into the driver’s seat. As he drove, he was constantly checking in to know how I was doing. “Are you okay? Do you need water? Do you need to throw up? Are you feeling dizzy?” He would ask every few minutes, all which I declined too.

His place was an upscale apartment, quiet and dimly lit. He helped me onto the bed like I was made of glass, then placed a glass of water in my hands. “Go on. Have a drink,” he commanded and I obeyed.

He sat beside me, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. “Has anyone ever told you how beautiful you are, princess?” he asked softly, as I giggled heat blooming across my cheeks.

“I guess this is your own way of telling me I look beautiful then.”

He smirked. “Smartass. Just in case you need to get out of that, and change into something more comfortable.” He said as he tossed me a shirt of his.

I thanked him and slipped it on. It hung off my body, drowning me in his scent. It was clean, dark and dangerously addictive. We decided to watch a movie. I snuggled up in his arms, as my head rested on his chest. I could hear the steady beating of his heart, as he held on to me like I was a delicate thing he didn’t want to break.

Occasionally my eyes would dart to his lips, wishing silently that he would just pull me in and kiss me so hard I would literally be gasping for air. Then halfway through the movie, his gaze lowered to my lips, gently lifting my face towards his, he kissed me. It was slow, soft, gentle, like he wanted to taste the drunken, messy part of me. Electricity shot through me as I curled my toes, while my brain shut down. When he pulled away, I gasped for air, biting my lower lip shyly, as I blushed, oblivious of what to do next.

As if that was a trigger, he stared at my lips again. This time, he scooped me up so easily, and walked towards the bed. My pulse thundered as he lowered me onto the sheets, his body hovering above mine, as his breath was warm against my cheek. He stared at me deeply, before he claimed my lips again. This time deeper, hungrier, more feral, like a beast claiming its prey. I returned the kiss, as my hand went to his hair, slightly tugging it. His hand slid into his shirt I was wearing, as he unhooked my bra seamlessly, cupping my breast in his hand as he began fiddling it.

My mind spun, as I moaned loudly. He gently helped me take off the shirt, then my bra, until I was only left with my panties. I was fearless, maybe it was the alcohol but I wasn’t bothered by the fact that I was unclad. His tongue left my mouth as he planted kisses on my neck, then slowly down my breasts. He sucked them gently, as he switched between his hands and mouth. His mouth left my breasts, and made its way down to my abdomen, he took my panties off in one swift motion, then continued down to my thighs as he planted little kisses on them which made my breath hitch and my legs tremble.

His hand paused as he moved my legs apart, his eyes meeting mine in a way that sent heat pouring through my veins. “Amy…” he whispered softly, voice low enough to melt me. “Look at me.”

And I did, as he searched my eyes, as if he needed one final confirmation. Then his finger curled upwards and instantly hit the spot which blurred my vision. His lips went down to my clit, as he took one long maddeningly long lick which made my eyes roll to the back of my head. Then, with his warm breath against my skin, he asked in a low, intoxicating tone. “Do you want me to stop?”

“Stop?” Hell no!” I replied without even thinking. The second I heard myself, heat rushed to my face. And that’s when I realized I sounded desperate, hungry, like a girl who had no business wanting a stranger the way I wanted him.

He simply chuckled, as his lips curved into a slow smirk. “Alright, princess.”

His lips went back to my clit, he began licking slowly, then gradually increased the pace, as his fingers kept on rubbing it lazily. I bit my lower lip, trying to contain the moan that wanted to escape me. My hands gripped the soft sheets, the taste of champagne still faint on my tongue, mixed with alcohol and adrenaline.

He slid his tongue inside me, licking, thrusting and rubbing, my body arched towards him almost like it had a mind of its own, almost like his entire plan was to ruin me completely. “Damn princess, look at you,” he whispered with a hot breath against my opening which sent a shock throughout my entire body. “I’m not inside of you yet, and you’re already so wet”.

I didn’t say anything, I couldn’t respond as I was trying to hold onto whatever ounce of control I had left in me. Just then he came over, hovering enough to stare deeply into my eyes, and possessive enough to make a whimper escape my throat.

He tilted my chin toward him, his eyes meeting mine with an intensity that made my lungs freeze. “Tell me, what do you want, princess?” His voice was a low rasp. “Do you want this?” He asked as his finger went in again, causing me to moan against his mouth, “Or do you want this?” He asked as his finger curled upward, which instantly made my waist arch towards him in surrender.

I swallowed hard, as my chest rose and fell too fast. Then slowly he withdrew his finger, with his eyes still locked on mine, he put them into his mouth hungrily, as his eyes ran through my body. It was something between hunger and restraint, he kissed me deeply making me taste myself on his tongue.

He unzipped his jeans, as his cock sprang free. It was thick, hard and throbbing. My eyes widened at the sight of him. Slowly he began stroking it, watching me as he watched me stroke himself. He moved it below, and began stroking it at the entrance of my shaft, slowly and teasing, like he was reminding me who has the power between us. My juices were already all over my thighs, my legs kept trembling as I thought of what he could do to me, without him being inside me yet.

“Open up for me princess” he commanded, and I obeyed without hesitation, as my legs moved apart for him on their own.

He moved between my thighs, gripping them hard, and in one hungry brutal thrust, he went in fully. As soon as he was in, pain and pleasure shot up in my eyes. I held onto his shoulders tightly as my nails sank into them. I cried out, as my head slammed back into the pillow, every muscle locked from the pleasure, and the sharp pain burned from losing my virginity, and from the sheer size of him.

“Fuck princess. You’re so tight” He gritted, as he took slow strokes.

I breathed hard as I pulled him closer to myself, whispering. “Raph! It hurts. It hurts so bad.”

He looked at me, slowly and possessively as he lifted his head, but didn’t pull out. “Shhhhh. It’s okay princess. I got you. Just let me in, let me make the pain go away.” He replied as he drew back, then thrusted again, deeper this time. It was a slow rhythm that gently moved from pain to pleasure, as the sting turned into something addictive.

“Oh my god! Fuck!” I moaned loudly, instantly forgetting that I was just in pains a few seconds ago.

“That’s it princess. Take it in. Take it all in.” He rasped against my ear, and gripped my waist, as he moved faster. Of course I did. I wrapped my legs around his waist as I took every groan, every thrust, every promise, as he drilled inside me like he was trying to make me into a different person, just for himself. I couldn’t speak, I couldn’t think, I could only feel and he fucked me like a man who wanted to claim something that was his, something that he had waited so long for.

As his hips slammed into mine again, the bed creaked between us, and my cries filled the room which he made sure he devoured every time. His hand found my clit again, rubbing them in hard circles, I completely shattered under him, screaming his name like a prayer and a curse I wanted at the same time.

“Fuck—Fuck Raph” I screamed as he kept thrusting, not minding the juices I was spilling over his hard cock. He kept thrusting, despite the fact that I was having an orgasm every minute.

“Yes princess. That’s it. Keep giving it to me, I want your juices all over my cock. Fuck!” He exclaimed, as his head went backwards, his eyes went shut, as he groaned breathlessly, then with one last thrust, deep and punishing, he came with a low guttural growl, as he spilled all over me. Hot and intense.

We laid there, still tangled in the sheets, he pulled me in closely, as if leaving me would destroy everything we just shared. He kissed my forehead, as my head rested on his chest, I could hear his heartbeat. “Uhn Raph, I have to tell you something.” I stammered, as the words came out in pieces.

He stared at me, like he was trying to figure out what I wanted to say, then his eyes lit up as if he suddenly remembered something.

“Amy, did i—please don’t tell me that was your first time?” He asked with a concerned look in his eyes. I couldn’t meet his eyes, so I just shook my head and blushed.

“Fuck. Damn it,” he exclaimed, sitting up straighter, guilt flickering across his face, as he dragged his hand through his hair. “I’m so sorry. I had no idea otherwise I wouldn’t have—.”

I shook my head immediately, sitting up too fast. “No Raph, it’s fine. I also wanted it, so you don’t have to feel guilty about it.”

He searched my face, still unsure, still frustrated with himself, but eventually he gave me a weak smile and guided me towards the bathroom. The warm water made the glass foggy, everything smelled like amber and jasmine, his scent. He washed my body slowly, gently, as he showered kisses over them. We kissed under the spray, our hands wandered, our mouths wanted more but it wasn’t hungry like before, it was softer this time.

When we got out, he handed me another shirt of his, led me to bed, wrapped me in his arms then we fell asleep. By morning when I got up, he was gone, more like the apartment was cleared. I didn’t panic, I guess that’s expected when you spend the night with a stranger. My eyes went to the table beside the bed, and I found a note on it.

“My bed looks way better with you in it, princess. This was the best adult sleepover I’ve ever had. Hopefully we get to do this again soon. With love, Raph.”

I sank back onto the pillows, covering my burning face with both hands as I giggled. “God this is insane,” I whispered into the empty apartment. “I just had my first time with a total stranger and I don’t regret it.” But little did I know he was about to change my entire life.”

“No way you didn’t,” Tania shrieked as she flung herself onto my bed, her eyes beaming with excitement.

I laughed hard, breathless, and still a little shy from the memories that hadn’t even cooled off yet. “Yes I did.”

Her jaw dropped. Then she pounced. “No you did not.” Before I could blink, she grabbed my hands, yanking me off the bed as we both jumped around like maniacs. “You whore!” she squealed.

“Shhh! My mom is downstairs!” I whispered, quickly closing the door.

Tania dropped onto the bed dramatically, crossing her legs like she was settling in for a movie. “Okay girl, start spilling right now. I want to hear everything, don't leave any details out.”

I pressed my palms together, laughing nervously. “No I’m not giving you the details, Tania, that’s weird.”

She gasped. “Weird? Did you just say weird, Bella? Bitch, this is literally the breaking news of the century. Your first ever bang bang and you want to keep it strictly Pg? Absolutely not. Start talking.”

I sighed, my cheeks heating instantly. “Well, after you left us, we got more drinks, and we talked. Along the line I had way too much to drink,” I began.

“You think?” she scoffed.

I rolled my eyes at her. “Then he suggested we go somewhere private.”

“And you said yes?” she asked, her voice going high-pitched like she couldn’t believe it.

“Well not at first, but later on I suggested it instead. Although deep down I wanted it to be his place.”

Her mouth fell open. “Isabella Morris!” Tania screamed, as she covered her mouth in fake horror. “You are a menace! An unpredictable, chaotic menace!”

We collapsed into laughter. “Hey,” I pointed at her, “you were the one who told me to loosen up and have fun!”

“And look how beautifully my words worked,” she said smugly, flipping her hair. “Maybe I should be a motivational speaker.”

I shook my head, still laughing. “This is all your fault you know.”

“Yes of course it is,” she said proudly. “And somehow you ended up getting laid, and not just with anyone, with the hottest guy in the club, so you’re welcome. Girl, You got the real deal, I’m so jealous right now.” She whined, as she positioned herself, placing her head in my lap.

I chuckled, as I played with her hair. “Okay. Spill it. I bet your night was great! So great you had to disappear on me.”

She blushed, as her hand went over her face. “Well, I met this guy. We got a few drinks, we talked and all, the sex was good, but I mean it could’ve been better.” She teased and laughed. I shook my head in disbelief, typical Tania.

“Okay Smartass. I know what you’re doing, but it’s not gonna work. Come on, I’m dying to know. Was he good? Like good good? Or ‘I regret everything’ kind of good?”

I covered my face. “Ewww Tania, I’m not about to dive into my first sexual experience with a total stranger by the way, just because you’re so interested in it, that’s gross.”

She shot up suddenly. “Don’t you dare deprive me of this. Have you forgotten? I was there when you had your first crush in seventh grade, I was there when you cried because Liam Benson rejected your love letter, and I was there when you swore to never date anyone, and just focus on your fictional men so, you owe me this.”

I groaned dramatically, burying my face in a pillow. “Okay fine,” I muttered. “But I’m not going to spill too much”

“That’s fine, I don’t mind,” she said, leaning in like she was about to taste forbidden tea.

“Well…” I swallowed, feeling my cheeks burn again. “He was an excellent kisser. Like superb.” Tania squealed so loud I had to smack her arm.

“And…” I hesitated, biting my lip as she leaned forward. “He knows how to work with his tongue and his lips,” I whispered quickly, before covering my face again.

“And?” She pressed further, as her eyes widened.

“And he’s…” I stopped, unable to form the words.

Tania narrowed her eyes. “Bella. Don’t make me shake it out of you.”

I chuckled. “And his fingers were absolutely insane, girl, don’t even get me started on what that cock can do. If I had to choose that as a meal, I wouldn’t mind having that for the rest of my life,” I immediately concluded, and collapsed on the bed.

Tania shrieked, as she rolled across the bed like she was possessed. “Oh my God! I absolutely cannot believe this. My sweet baby Bella had a wild night with a Greek god and she didn’t invite me to document it.” She crossed her arms dramatically. “Okay rate it on a scale of one to ten?”

“I’d say twenty.”

Tania let out a scandalized scream. “Jesus Christ! You nasty, nasty girl. Who are you? And what have you done with my best friend? Damn girl.” She dramatically cleaned her ears, to be sure what she heard actually came from me. As I burst into laughter.

“Who would have thought a day like this would come, a day when I will see you talk dirty, let your imagination run wild. I already concluded that such things were possible in your audiobooks, and dark romance novels. But seeing you right now, I’m so proud of you. That proves that my work here is done.” she added, proudly grabbing my hands. “I love this new version of you. Don’t you try to get rid of her.” She sharply said, pointing to my chest.

“I won’t,” I laughed. “To be honest I also love this new Bella. But seriously, what’s up with the fake name though? That completely caught me off guard.”

She snorted. “Duh. It’s called club code. A lot of people don’t use their real names in places like that. That way you get to have fun with people, and you don’t have to feel like you’re being watched or judged. It’s safe, simple and smart.”

I blinked. “That actually makes sense. I never would have thought of that.”

“Yeah obviously it does. Your book smart, I’m street smart, remember? And that’s why we’re the perfect combo.” We both laughed, and for a moment I forgot about everything else. Then my mom called from downstairs. “Girls! Dinner is ready!”

I groaned instantly. “Tania, please stay for dinner. Adrian is here and I really don’t have the energy to deal with him right now.”

She pouted sympathetically. “I wish I could babe, but my mom’s been blowing up my phone. If I don't finish that errand she’ll literally show up here in full demon mode.”

We both froze at the thought. Yeah… her mom was really scary. We headed downstairs, and as soon as we stepped into the dining room, my mood dropped. Adrian and my mom walked out of the kitchen together, laughing. His hand was around her waist. I nearly gagged.

“Bye Miss Morris!” Tania called sweetly. “I’m sorry I can’t stay for dinner. Maybe next time!”

“And hello, Mr. Wolfe!” she added with a wink before darting out the door.

“Tania’s always running,” my mom said, as she laughed shaking her head. “Someone would think she has an empire to run that constantly needs her attention.”

Adrian turned toward me, giving me his signature perfect smile, the one that never reached his eyes. “How are you doing, Bella?” he said warmly. “I’m sorry I couldn’t make it to your graduation yesterday, but your mom’s been talking about it non-stop. Congratulations once again.”

He handed me a glossy bag. “Although I hope you’ll accept this little gift from me.”

I stared at the bag, then at my mom. “Adrian, it’s not a big deal. You didn’t have to—”

“Bella,” my mom cut in sharply. “Don’t be rude, and just accept it. You know Adrian will do anything to make you happy, so why don’t you do the same by accepting his gift.”

I forced a breath out. “Thank you.” I opened the bag and my heart stuttered as I couldn’t believe what I found inside. The sold-out headphones I’d been wanting for, for months, a book by my favorite author that is yet to be released and a small velvet box, which contained a necklace that gleamed softly, and had my name engraved on it.

I swallowed. “Thank you,” I said again, smiling faintly this time.

His smile softened.“I wasn’t really sure what you liked but with the help of your mom, I was able to come up with a few.”

My mom beamed, as she leaned into him, then he squeezed her hand gently. “Thank you baby.” She responded as she stared at him with love sick eyes.

“Gross,” I said as I looked away. “Is this what I have to deal with everyday when they get married?” I muttered to myself. I ignored them, went back to my food and it was quiet for a while before my mom decided to break the silence.

“We have something to tell you.” She said, her eyes beaming, as she cleared her throat.

I looked up warily, already expecting the worse. She and Adrian smiled, exchanged a look, then, in perfect unison. “We’re getting married in a month.”