Gray’s POV:
I let myself relax further in her hold, seeking comfort from the painful memories that came afterwards. I let out a shaky breath, grateful for Violeta’s presence. I’d always avoided talking about my parents because it was always hard, but I was okay sharing it with Violeta.
“It was,” I agreed quietly. “I wish it lasted longer, but we don’t always get what we want.”
"We don't…" I agreed quietly, pushing away the memories of my father that arose.
"I'm sorry if I upset you by asking that question," I added, shifting closer still.
Gray’s POV:
I responded by kissing her firmly on the lips before moving her hair away from her face.
“No, it’s all right,” I murmured softly. “You’re the first person I’ve actually opened up about my parents, or my background in general.”
My eyes widened a little at that.
"I am?" My mouth fell open, breath hitching. After so many years, he'd chosen me to tell?
Gray’s POV:
“Yeah,” I nodded, a bit surprised at her reaction. Why did she think it was shocking? Why wouldn’t I tell her this? I know she’d be the last person to pity me or treat me different just because I’d lost my parents before I even hit ten. “You are. Anyway, tell me about yourself, too. Anything will do.”
I took a moment to think, closing my mouth again. A strand of hair fell across my face, which I brushed away, chewing on my bottom lip.
"My mom used to teach ballet," I spoke finally. "And my dad was a journalist. He would always bring me back little trinkets from a scene when I was really little, before my parents split up, like feathers or newspaper clippings." I hadn't realized how pained my voice was until I was done speaking, and cleared my throat.
Gray’s POV:
I tightened my hold on her, kissing the top of her head to bring her some comfort. I didn’t apologize to her. I didn’t want her to think I was giving her sympathy, but the pain in her voice tore me apart. I wanted this woman to be happy. I didn’t want her suffering.
“What type of profession do you think suits my look?” I changed the subject, raising an eyebrow at her.
I forced my expression to clear, scooting back a little in order to look him up and down. "Hm…." My cheerful tone was faked, but I pretended otherwise. "Hot waiter. Or a high-end fashion designer. Or model."
Gray’s POV:
I raised an eyebrow.
“I appreciate your compliments, love,” I chuckled. “Maybe I’ll be the hot waiter. I’ll open my own restaurant.”
"But you're not allowed to serve anyone except for me," I added, the pain slowly fading from my voice.
Gray’s POV:
I smirked at her.
“So demanding,” I clicked my tongue, shaking my head. “If it pleases my lady, then I shall nerve no one but you.”
(should we skip w Autumn?)
Eden’s POV:
I fell into steps with Sterling, latching on to his arm tightly, looking up at him with a shy smile.
“Cash wants us to call ‘em immediately when we get home,” I said to him, using the weird ship name given to them by our high school students. “I don’t know whether they’re trolling us, or if it’s something extremely urgent.”
Sterling’s POV:
I chuckled at her use of the ship name thing given to the couple and glanced down at her.
“Cash? Really? Since when do you call them that?” I teased, leaning down to kiss her head. “Anyway, that should be fine. Did you let them know we just got out of our classes, so it’ll be a bit?”
Eden’s POV:
I blushed a little.
“Um, it was a weird name, and it’s also a mouthful to call their names, so I decided to go for it,” I mumbled, my voice muffled because of the way my mouth was pressed against his arm. I lifted it up to respond clearly. “I did. They said to hurry it up.”
Sterling’s POV:
“Huh. I wonder what they have up their sleeve…” I mused curiously as we made our way out to the car. When we reached it, I paused before spinning Eden around to face me. With a grin, I pecked her lips, then kissed her forehead gently, letting my lips linger there. “I love you… Have I told you that yet today?”
Eden’s POV:
When Sterling spun (IS THAT A WORD??) me around, I thought he was going to pin me against his car. I dreamt big, and although I didn’t get what I anticipated, it still got me to explode in red.
I stammered, my face beyond red as he declared his love for me. I responded by hiding my face in his chest, shaking my head.
“I love you, too,” I mumbled in his shirt, so sure he could feel my heat through the fabric.
(Lol. Yes. 😂)
Sterling’s POV:
I grinned as I ran my finger through her hair, resting my chin on her head. She was just so freaking adorable… How could she be so cute? How was this even possible?
“You’re so cute, dang it,” I muttered into her hair, wrapping my arms around her tightly.
Eden’s POV:
I leaned into his embrace, still beyond red. Why was he so good at this? At this point, I knew I couldn’t underestimate him. Not anymore.
“On—only for you,” I respondeded, stammering, remembering how I once said I’d only be cute for him. I pouted. “Why do you do this to me, Ry?”
Sterling’s POV:
I snorted and kissed her forehead. “Maybe because you’re my girlfriend and I love you? And I sometimes like just being cute with you rather than trying to… Well, you know what I mean,” I chuckled, burying my face in her hair again.
Eden’s POV:
I turned red again, almost choking on nothing.
“Y—yes,” I cleared my throat. “It’s nice being… like this without… you know…”
I pulled away from him quickly and hid my burning face in my hands.
“Let’s go,” I mumbled, peeking through my fingers.
Sterling’s POV:
“Of course. Your carriage awaits, my queen,” I said with a wink as I opened the door for her.
Eden’s POV:
I snorted despite my blush, and curtsied.
“Thank you, my king,” I said in a low voice before I stood up straight and sat down in the car, putting on the seatbelt.