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“It’s Thalia’s choice. She loves Theo,” my best friend snaps. I smile, despite the circumstances. I’m surprised Theo hasn’t said anything yet, it’s not like him to just let things like this go. Especially when it comes to people trying to interfere with our relationship.
“She’s young. She can love someone else,” Greg grumbles. I spoke too soon. This time Theo does whip around, me still in his arms.
“Back the fuck off, Greg. I didn’t ask for that to happen. I would never purposefully hurt Thalia or let anyone else hurt her. You need to stop with your shit and accept that I love her. No matter what you or anyone else says, I’m not going anywhere,” he growls, before turning again and striding from the room with purpose.
Eventually, we all arrive at my apartment, and I’m gently placed on the couch. Theo is on one side of the room and a concerned looking Francois on the other. I glance up at Greg who is standing next to Laney. His eyes soften as he looks at me.
“I’m sorry about that, Thalia. I’m just so mad that happened,” Greg says apologetically.
“It’s okay, Greg. It was going to come out at some point. At least now, we can start to move forward from it.”
Laney sighs beside Greg making my eyes snap to hers. Something passes in her eyes before she speaks. “To be honest, I don’t know how you kept it under wraps. Anyone with eyes can see there is something between you two.” There is no judgement in her tone, just acceptance.
“That’s not the point. That bitch should not have done that.” My gaze moves to a seething Theo. His body vibrates with anger.
I grab his arm, squeezing gently. “It’s not okay, no. But it’s out there now. There is nothing we can do to change that.”
His eyes soften briefly before his nostrils flare and jaw clenches. “I warned her. I warned Mel of the consequences if she didn’t stay away. I can’t let this go, piccola. She humiliated you. I won’t have that,” the anger in his voice is evident.
Cupping his face, I pull him close. “Piccolo.” His eyes flash at the use of his nickname. “It’s okay. I don’t care what those people think. The only people that matter are the people in this room and my family. Yes, I wanted to keep our relationship quiet because it has nothing to do with anyone else. I’m not concerned its now public knowledge. I’m not ashamed of us or you. Nothing Mel says or does will change anything with us. So let it go.”
Before I can blink, his lips smash to mine in a bruising kiss. I grin against his mouth then pull back, aware that we have company. Theo smirks as I blush. “Okay, I will let it go just because you asked so nicely. But that doesn’t mean I like what she did.”
I shrug. “Neither do I. But like I said, we can’t change it.”
“Aww, you two are so cute. I’m in love with the love in this room right now,” Francois says dreamily behind me. I glance over my shoulder and grin at my best friend who always seems to lighten the mood. He leans forward, pressing a kiss to my forehead. I’m yanked back onto Theo’s lap and away from a chuckling Francois. His gaze moves behind me and he smirks.
“Touch her with your lips again, I will remove them,” Theo growls, not caring about the audience we have.
Franny barks out a laugh. “Oh, Theo, your possessiveness knows no bounds. Lucky for you, I find it hot as fuck. Otherwise, I would be tellingmybaby girl here to run as fast as she can.”
Theo wraps me in his arms, kissing my hair. “Mypiccola would never run from me. She knows I’m only like this with her.” He peppers kisses on the side of my face. “And stop calling her “baby girl". She isn’t your baby anything.”
Francois opens his mouth to argue when a gruff Greg speaks. “You are one crazy asshole. I’m with Francois; Thalia should get out whilst she can.”
Theo tenses beneath me, his gaze narrowing on my bodyguard. “The sooner you accept I’m not going anywhere the quicker we can move on from whatever grudge you have against me. Your little digs are getting real boring, real fast. Thalia is mine. And she will be mine till the day I die,” he pauses as if realizing something. “Actually, even in death she will still be mine.”
My eyes widen at Theo’s words. I look to Laney, whose mouth hangs open, shock on her face, then to Greg, who has his arms crossed over his chest and a look of... acceptance?
“Now if that isn’t love, I don’t know what is, Greggy boy. I’m withPiccolo.”I scowl at my friend using my name for Theo. “Time to get on board with this.” He waves his fingers between me and Theo. “They are in this for the long haul.”
* * *
I pull up to my parent’s house with Greg and Francois. My siblings have arrived, and we’re all having dinner together. Fortunately, my nonno and nonna—who have both loved watching me compete—are visiting friends this evening, which is why I chose tonight to do what I’m about to do. Tell Evan about my relationship with Theo.
After all that happened today, I decided to break the news to Evan without Theo—much to my Piccolo’s annoyance. He insisted on being here, but I eventually convinced him it would be better for me to talk to Evan alone. I’m being a coward, I know I am, but I don’t want another showdown like earlier with Mel.
I know my brother will hate the fact I’m dating a man twelve years my senior. He was protective enough when he thought I was dating Parker, so I just need this time to convince him that I’m happy. That I love Theo and want to be with him.
“Come on, baby girl, let’s get this over with,” Francois says, unclipping his belt.
Sighing, I do the same and climb out of the SUV. My best friend rounds the vehicle and steps up beside me, ready to go inside.
“I love my brother but if he starts being an overprotective asshole about this, I won’t hesitate to give him a piece of my mind,” I say with a confidence I don’t feel.
Franny loops his arm with me. “That’s my girl. Show him you are not a little girl anymore but a grown woman. It’s okay for him to be protective over you, but he can’t control who you fall in love with.” I nod my agreement, straighten my back and start for the steps.
Opening the door, I find the house is quiet. I know where my family will be. Outside in the backyard with the amazing views. Stepping out the sliding doors, I hear laughter and voices. Smiling, I round the corner, finding my whole family plus Evans’s girlfriend Valentina sitting at the large table exactly where I knew they would be.
