Nobody Said It Was Easy

My fingers tried to smooth over the crumpled paper so I could read it better. Pedro had paid almost $1000 for the jewellery that sat on my ring finger. Why would he spend so much?! It wasn't till I felt something under my bare foot that I noticed I'd dropped another piece of paper on the floor. It must have be scrunched up with the receipt in my hand. I leant down to grab it and noticed the edges were torn, as if someone had ripped it from a piece of paper.

'Aimee Roberts, 10am, 29/04. (555) 347-8923'.

What the fuck!?

I knew Pedro would never cheat on me, really. But I could not get past that thought. Had his actions over the last few weeks been the result of himself cheating and trying to deflect? Had he been accusing me and starting arguments with me to hide the fact he'd been cheating himself? He had never gave me the impression he would cheat. But surely that's the aim of cheating? I was in an internal battle with myself when I heard the front door open. I quickly shoved the pieces of paper into my joggers pocket and continued to fold the washing. I knew Pedro would be on the hunt for me, so I tried to act inconspicuous.

"There you are. Hey baby." Pedro was wearing a black Fleetwood Mac top and grey workout shorts. The shirt had started to hang to him a little tighter these days, because of his ever growing chest and biceps. Even though my mind was racing with anxious thoughts about the man in front of me, I was mesmerised by Pedro.

"Hey you." Try and act normal Eleanor. "How was the gym?" I threw his jeans over my wrist as I folded them. I noticed he stared at the jeans a little longer than was normal before he turned his attention to me.

"Yeah, was horrific as usual. But did what needed to be done. How was your morning? Been doing the washing?" He took a few steps closer to me. I stared at him, trying to scope any unusual behaviour from him, but so far he gave nothing away.

"Yeah, this is all washed. I've got one more load to do." I stared at him, trying to work out his mood. He seemed normal, but a little off. I tried to remind myself that this man was an actor - that he knew how to cover up the truth.

"Need a hand?" He asked, this time without suspicion.

"I'm all good thanks babe." Pedro stopped in front of me and leant down for a kiss. I kissed him back, allowing his charm to take over me and fall under his spell. "Ew sweaty." I giggled as I wiped my top lip.

"I know, disgusting right!?" He gave me a small, flirtatious smile. "If you don't need me, I'm just going to hop in the shower. Is that OK?"

"Of course." He kissed my head in acknowledgment then wandered into the ensuite. After a minute of standing there alone with my thoughts, yet without thinking, I dropped his jeans on the bed and followed him into the bathroom. He was stood naked, about to pull back the shower door. "Pedro?" It was only when he turned around, completely naked, that I realised I could have done this at a more appropriate time.

"You OK Elle?" Pedro asked, a look of concern etched his face.

"Yeah. Urm actually, no. I don't know. I'm so sorry I just need to check-"

"What's wrong? You're kinda scaring me." Pedro was now in front of me with his hands on my shoulders. I thought about leaving it till later, or maybe not even mentioning it at all. But then I thought about how Pedro was stood naked in front of me and how I didn't know who this Aimee girl was and what about if she had saw Pedro naked and that thought ignited a uncontrollable fire in my blood.

"Who's Aimee?" I snapped. My tone had clearly took him by surprise, as he stared down at me like I'd spoke a language he didn't understand.

"Who is Aimee?" He asked me back.

"You tell me!"

"I wish I could!" Pedro's expression seemed so genuine. His brows knitted together as his lips frowned back at me. "Babe, what's going on?"

"I found her number. In your jeans."

"Who's number? I have no idea who Aimee is?"

"Why are you lying? It's literally right here!" I pulled away from him and fetched the pieces of paper from my pocket.

"You went through my jeans?" He quizzed.

"I always do when I wash your clothes because you leave things in your pockets all the time." I challenged, but wanting him to know I hadn't been going through his things. "Is this why you've been weird with me? Causing arguments all the time? Because you've been seeing someone else and wanted me to be thrown off your tracks?" I slammed the paper into his hand. Pedro scrunched the paper into his palm but didn't look at it. Instead, his look of confusion turned into...anger?

"You think I'd cheat on you? You really think I would do that to you, Eleanor?" His voice was eerily quiet, as his body stood rigid in front of me. I was being told off by Pedro. Shit! "Eleanor, answer me."

"I hope you wouldn't." My voice was small as I realised the severity of my accusations.

"I wouldn't-" He stopped what he was about to say to unravel the piece of paper, then took a deep breath. "I'm sorry, Eleanor." He sighed and scrunched the paper up again. FUCK.

"What are you sorry for?" This can't be happening.

"I know what this looks like." Fuck!! "This is the receipt for your promise ring. I wanted to keep this from you, because I knew you'd moan about the price I paid for it. I kept the receipt in case you didn't like it. And this," He held up the paper. "Is the name of one of the cashiers that helped me."

"Why is she giving you her number?"

"I had that ring custom made for you and she helped me. Whilst I was there, I saw a ring that Javeria would love and it's her birthday next month. So I'm having that made for her." It actually was his sisters birthday next month. Shit. "That's when to go pick it up, and that's her number if I need anything. You can check my phone. I haven't even saved her number. She wrote the details of my appointment down. When I left the store, I put it in my calendar so I wouldn't forget. I didn't save her number down. I don't need it. I told her what I want, I'll go and pick it up. She was just doing her job, I guess." He leant over to grab his phone and opened his calendar. Lo and behold, the appointment was in there, but her number wasn't. "And," He turned his phone so we could both see and searched her name in his contacts. No-one with that name. Fuck. "Eleanor, I act like an asshole to you at times, but I hope I've never done anything that would ever make you think I'd cheat on you. I've never been more crazy or obsessed with anyone in my life!" Fuck. I really fucked up. I kept my head down as I chewed the inside of my lip. How do I recover from this?

"Not even Olivia Newton-John in the catsuit at the end of Grease?" I tried to lighten the situation with a little humour, hoping Pedro wouldn't be too mad at me. I felt him brush over my hair before his fingers glided down my face and under my chin. He tilted my chin up to face him. His large brown eyes stared directly into my soul.

"Not even Olivia Newton-John in that catsuit in Grease. Although, I'd love to see you in something that tight." He ran his tongue over his lips as he smirked and I had to refrain for looking south. "You're the one that I want, you are the one I want...oh oh oh Honey!" Pedro had barely made it to the end of the sentence when we both erupted into laughter.

"I'm so sorry, Pedro."

"Don't be."

"I didn't mean to accuse you of anything. You've never gave me any reason to believe that. I've always known how much you love me. You show me everyday. It's just, I don't know, I saw her number and I panicked because it gets hard for me to believe any of this is real. Or that you're real. And you love me the way you do."

"As long as you know that I love you, you don't have to be sorry." He brushed his hands through my hair again and stared at me in the eyes. "You couldn't have got me at a worst time." He laughed, using his head to acknowledge his naked form.

"I know, I'm so sorry! I shouldn't have even said anything."

"Eleanor, I'd rather you have told me than keep anything like this in. Don't be sorry." He gave me a soft, gentle look of admiration that made me swoon. I leant up and kissed him sweetly, whilst his hands remained either side of my face. I felt him add pressure as I deepened the kiss. "Don't be kissing me like that, not whilst I'm like this." He breathed out, biting his lip as he stared back at me. I sneakily took a peak down south, noticing him twitching.

"Can we have sex?"

"I need to shower, I stink. You interrupted my shower so I haven't-"

"I don't care. I want to have sex with you, please?"

"Are you begging me, baby?"

"Yes. Please." Pedro slammed my body against his. His lips attacked mine; fast and fiery. I could feel him twitch against me as he thrusted his hips into me involuntary. We worked as a team to undress me, which didn't take long. "I love you."

"I love you, too." He smiled into another kiss before he moved our bodies as one over to the double sink basin. "Sit." He demanded as he helped place me on top. "Spread your legs." Whenever Pedro ordered me to do something, I did it. No hesitations.  "Good girl." He came closer to my face, "See. You can be a good girl when you want to be." He gave me a devilish smirk as he brought his fingers up to his mouth. With a swift, sloppy lick of his digits, he aligned himself at my entrance. "I didn't like you accusing me of cheating on you." He edged his fingers ever so slighting into me, but so minimal it was excruciating! "You can call me an asshole," His fingers edged less than an inch into me, "A dick," a few more millimetres, "Whatever you want." His fingers paused. "But I am not a cheat. I would never do that to you." He looked directly into my eyes. "I only ever want to do this with you, to you. I only ever want to be in you." His words caused a hot flush of electric through my body, which made me buckle. "That made you wet, huh?" Pedro moved his fingers slightly at my entrance, allowing his digits to be coated in me. I watched in total fixation as he allowed his fingers to stroke me, collecting all the wetness he had just caused and coating his dick with it. He was driving me insane!

"Pedro, please." I whispered through a muffle.

"It drives me fucking insane when you moan my name, Eleanor." He started to guide his hand up and down his own length as he spoke to me. "Look what you do to me." His eyes were glued to me as I watched him play with himself. "Nothing makes me feel the way you make me feel. The way your body fits perfectly with mine." He used his free hand to reach over and squeeze my left nipple. The vision of watching him in the act and the pressure of his pinch against my sensitive skin made my whole body buckle. "Look at me." I did what I was told. "My favourite thing to do is come home to you and bury myself in you. Watch how your body twists and turns and comes apart for me. I love making you feel like that. And I wish you knew how good it feels for me to come home to you and fuck you. Cos you are the most beautiful girl in the world. And I get to fuck you. And no other guy gets to. And that turns me on so much." Hearing those words from Pedro, whilst watching him play with himself was all too much. So I sat forward and grabbed his dick from his hands and brought it to the cusp of my bottom lip.

"You're talking too much." I stared up at him through my lashes.

"Oh yeah? How are you going to shut me up, then huh?"

"I don't want you to shut up." I licked my lips and placed a sloppy kiss on the head of his penis. "I just want you to stop talking and start moaning." I licked my lips and allowed my tongue to take a detour over the head of his penis. The slow gesture caused a gut rumbling moan from the pit of his stomach. "The only thing I want to hear from you now is moaning, a lot of moaning and you saying my name. Got it?"

"Got it baby." He smiled at me with wild excitement as he stroked my cheek. "Do it." He challenged. Our eyes locked, and remained so throughout the whole time I went down on him. Pedro's hands cupped my head, helping to keep the rhythm of my bobbing head. "Fuck. You give the best head." He spoke through gritted teeth. "Uh, oh fuck. That's it, baby. So fucking good." His enthusiastic words and finger nails gripping into my scalp were the sharp indicator that I was doing a good job. "I need to cum soon, where do you want it?"

"In me." I pulled away with a sloppy plop.

"You are fucking ethereal, Eleanor. I am obsessed. Now bend over." He helped me to my feet and crashed his lips onto mine. His right hand found my throat and squeezed with enough strength that it took my breath but not enough to hurt. "You are fucking mine!" He moved his mouth till he was closer to my ear and whispered, "You and me, forever. Got it?" I nodded my head and before I had chance to think, he twisted me around and bent me over the sink unit and smacked my ass hard. "That's for thinking I'd ever cheat on you." His possessive gesture left a ringing on my bare skin, but I liked it.

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be. Just don't do it again. You are mine. And I'd never be so stupid to jeopardise you for anything. Mine." He spanked me again. I figured he'd saw the red welts he caused when his fingers slowly stroked over the marks in a soft stroke. Before I had chance to process the harshness of his slap and the tenderness of his fingers comforting my irritated skin, he pushed himself into me. Causing me to hold onto the cold marble as he started his ruthless sexual encounter. "This is my favourite fucking thing in the world, ugh, fuck!" His hands gripped my hips as he continued the hard, loud thrusts. He grunted each time he pushed back into me, which only heightened my own pleasure. Hearing him moan whilst pushing himself in and out of me made me crumble quicker than I wanted to. I squeezed every muscle down south, hoping to absorb the pleasure, but that only made Pedro moan out louder, obviously feeling me contract around him. "Fuck baby, keep doing that. Please."

"I can feel you so deep in me, Pedro. It feels soooooo fuckingggggg gooooood." The pleasure was so intense I felt like I was going to scream and cry. "Pedro, please. Fuck, please. I'm fucking, I can't. Fuckkkkkk." Pedro's hand found my neck again, as he pulled me up straight and against his body so my back was against his sweaty bare chest. The new position only allowed for him to get deeper into me, which made me scream out. "Pedro!"

"Say my name, baby." He smacked my right breast, hard.

"Pedro!" My voice was slightly louder, but pathetic. My whole body was hot and sticky.

"Say my name, Eleanor. Say it." Pedro hit my already sensitive clit, which tipped me over the edge.

"Pedro, fuck, my Pedro!" My whole body jerked as I came. Hot tears danced down my face as I rode through the pleasure. Pedro's hips continued to be ruthless, which only elongated my own undoing.

"That's right, your Pedro. Fuck!" I felt his hot cum shoot in me as he enjoyed his own orgasm. His fingers twisted and played with my sensitive nipples as he hunched over me, allowing himself to drip into me. We stood still for a moment, basking in the intense sex we just had. Pedro's moustached mouth gently kissed my shoulder before he pulled us to stand up straight. "I love fucking you. It's my favourite thing to do."

I twisted in his arms, hazy and tired. "I love fucking you, too." I gave him a sleepy grin before pecking his lips. "Can I join you in the shower?" I could feel his cum drip down my leg.

"Of course. Showering with you is my second favourite thing to do. Let's get you nice and wet, my Eleanor."

******************************************************************************

Scratchy hairs and warm lips grazed the skin of my cheek.

"Eleanor." The real world started to come into focus. I could smell him before I even opened my eyes. I peeled them apart, allowing my vision to adjust to the beautiful man who sat next to me on the bed. "You okay?"

"Hmmmm, what time is it?"

"7:45 to be exact. You alright?" Pedro brushed the strands of hair that fell into my face during my slumber.

"Yeah, I had a headache so came to bed."

"Have you taken anything?"

"Yeah I took some tablets before I napped. It's gone now though. How was work?" I pulled my arms free from the duvet and held them open for Pedro. He leant forward and lay on my chest as I cuddled him.

"Long. So so long. I'm so tired. I missed you."

"It's been like 12 hours."

"12 hours too long." He mumbled into the duvet as he snuggled into me. "I know I say it all the time, but I am just so obsessed with you." He lifted his head so his chin rest on my breast bone.

"I don't blame you. Have you seen me?" I joked.

"Exactly." He moved so his hands were on either side of my head. "I could just stare at you all day." He kissed me softly. "The best fucking face." He kissed me again. "The most beautiful eyes." Another kiss. "The most mesmerising smile." Kiss. "The most delicious, incredible body." His hands move to squeeze my body through the sheets, which made me squeal and kick out like a child.

"Stop!" I giggled.

"How lucky I am to spend the rest of my life with you." He kissed me again.

"Love you. Guess what I did today?"

"What did you do today?" Pedro sat up and rubbed his eyes. I could tell he was exhausted by the gruffly tone to his voice and the redness to his soft eyes.

"Booked Olivia's Hen Party!"

"That's so exciting babe. Where are you going?" He lay back on his elbow and did his best to give me his full attention.

"Greece, Mykonos. For 4 nights with the girls the end of June. Then I'll be at home all of July. And tanned for Olivia's wedding which is great."

"I've never been to Mykonos."

"Here, let me show you where we're staying." I loaded up the place we'd book on my phone and handed it to him.

"This place is gorgeous. I'm jealous. You and the girls are going to have a great time here. Is it all paid for?"

"Yeah."

"How much did it cost you?"

"Just a little over £800." Why is he questioning it?

"Do you want me to pay for you?" Of course- that's why!

"God no. Thank you so much for offering though."

"I will. I can cover the Hen if you'd like? I know weddings are pretty pricey and I'm happy to-"

"Yeah we know you're happy to. And we certainly appreciate it. But no thanks babe."

"Only if you're sure." He leant across the bed and grabbed my hand. "You gonna be posting some pictures of you when you're away?"

"Probably. Why?"

"So I can see. Send me photos of you. I always love looking at photos of you. I can't wait to see holiday Eleanor though. All sexy and tanned and beautiful."

"I'm usually a sweaty mess when I'm away! But you can have some photos."

"Keep the bikinis pictures for me."

"I actually brought a new bikini. It came this morning. It's in that bag." I pointed to the package on the floor.

"Another package? I swear we get them every day since you moved in." He scoffed and mockingly rolled his eyes. I watched as he picked it up and pulled out the red bikini. "Wait."

"What?"

"Where's the rest of it?" I watched his fingers twist the strings around in his hand. I started to giggle.

"It's a bikini, it's not going to be very big."

"This will barely cover your nipples." He held up the triangle to his chest.

"You can expand the material to cover more. It's bunched up at the moment."

"You taking this one with you?"

"I was planning to."

"Alright."

"Is that okay?"

"Yeah I'm just being stupid."

"What do you mean?"

"It's a me problem babe. It just annoys me that you'll be wearing this skimpy number and I know all the men will be looking at you."

"I won't take it if you don't like it."

"Oh stop it Eleanor. That's not happening. You wear whatever you want. I'm not going to tell you to be careful cos I know you will. I'm just tired and being a grumpy old man."

"Maybe you should get some sleep then."

"Yeah I should. I need to shower first." He huffed as he sat up and slapped his legs.

"Can I get you anything? A chamomile tea?"

"That would be nice. Thanks baby."  Pedro left and went into the bathroom as I headed to make us both a tea. I came back with two hot teas and placed them on the bedside table. An early night for us both would be needed. Pedro was exhausted. He spent a lot of his time working or working out. He would get up at 4-5am, go work out and then come back to collect his things for the day and be out from 6am- 7/8pm every day shooting. I knew that every little moment of rest was important to him so I didn't my best to make sure he could relax.

I sat on the bed and loaded up the TV to find us something to watch when I heard the en-suite door click open. I looked up to see Pedro stood in the doorway wearing my bikini top and his boxer shorts.

"Oh my god. I thought you were quiet for too long!" I chuckled at the vision in front of me. He stood with his hands on his hips and chuckled.

"It's actually a lot more supportive so you're good to take this. Though it looks better on me." Whilst he was talking, I sneakily took a photo on my phone and giggled like a child. "What?" I turned my phone to show him the pic I'd taken which made his cheeks flushed. "That's not going anywhere!"

"Might keep it for your birthday post."

"Eleanor!!" He half whined, half giggled.

"Take it off and get into bed please." I lifted the blanket back for him to climb into. He threw my bikini on the floor and crawled into bed next to me. His body instantly sank into the mattress as his limbs found me. His head lay heavy against my chest. "You okay?" I asked as my fingers found his damp curls.

"Yeah. Just tired. Are you okay?"

"Yeah I'm fine." I continued the pattern of running my fingers through his hair as I watched the TV. I estimated it wouldn't be long before he fell asleep.

"Eleanor?"

"Yeah?" When I looked down, I could see that he had his phone camera open on us. "What you doing?"

"I want to take a photo of us. Smile." Our faces filled the camera screen. Pedro's sleepy head pressed against my chest as my makeup less face smiled at him through the screen. He took a photo and instantly brought it up for inspection.

"Ugh I hate that."

"I love it."

"I look so ugly."

"You could never look ugly Eleanor." His fingers tapped away at the screen, as he selected which font he wanted for his Instagram story. He always chose the same.

"Don't upload that!"

"I am!"

"Pedro!" I whined.

"Eleanor!" He mocked me. I watched his forefinger hit the upload button before he locked his phone and turned to give me a childish grin. "It's hard to be angry at you, Pascal. Those eyes." I gave him a small smile, trying to fake an annoyance with him that was quite clearly not there. He grinned back at me, showcasing every tooth in one megawatt smile. "Besides, I'm just gonna get you back now. I'm sure everyone will love that bikini picture of you!"

"Eleanor!" He jumped on top of me, trying to prevent the post from happening. Our limbs danced around the soft, crisp sheets whilst a melody of laughter bounced off the walls. How was this the soundtrack of my life? How did I find someone who loved me to the core of his being and made every day with him so fun? Pedro must have noticed me lost in thought and stopped his attack. "You okay? I've not hurt you have I?"

"Nope. Not at all." I don't think this man is capable of hurting me or anyone. "Your post is safe for one more day." I locked my phone and threw it down on the bed in a soft thump. "Come cuddle me." I opened my arms and allowed the man of my dreams to cuddle into my chest. As expected, it took Pedro 32 seconds to fall asleep. He didn't even need the chamomile tea.

******************************************************************************

I couldn't stop crying at the dog video on my TikTok. My heart hurt for a pet that wasn't mine. I loved animals, I always had. We always had pets growing up. Being away from home was the longest I'd been without a cat or a dog to cuddle with. I didn't know how to process loss either. So here I was, on the sofa, violently sobbing at the loss of some random families pet dog on my for you page.

"Are you having food when you're out or having something here?" Pedro's voice called from the kitchen. I got up off the sofa and headed towards him. The sound of my footsteps made him spin around on the spot to look at me. "Eleanor what's wrong?" I couldn't answer. The images of the footage I'd just seen replayed in my head over and over. "Eleanor why are you crying?"

"I saw a TikTok," I managed to get out before I chocked on my words and started sobbing again.

"Oh gosh, Eleanor. I've told you about TikTok!" His hands scooped me up and pressed me against his body. "What did you see?"

"A family, a family had to say goodbye to their dog!" Just saying the words out loud made me cry. Thinking about the pain of losing their sweet pet made my heart ache.

"Oh baby. You need to stop that." He brushed the hair out of my face and stared at me. "You are so kind and full of love." He kissed my forehead. "Stop crying or you'll have to re-do your make up." He tried to make me laugh. Which worked. Even if it was only a small giggle.

"Thank you for being nice to me and not calling me a cry baby!" I touched my under eyes, trying to remove my tears and not my make up.

"You are not a cry baby. You're just full of love, I find it so endearing and sexy. It makes me love you more."

"You're gonna make me cry again!" I threw my head back and tried not to let his sweet words cause my mascara to run.

"Stop cryingggggg Eleanor!" Pedro giggled and grabbed me again. "When are you due on your period?" His comment made my tears pause as I erupted into guttural laughter.

"Just over a week!"

"Yeah I thought so!" He joined in with my laughter as he hugged me once more. "Go finish getting ready. I just wanted to know if you were eating here or out."

"Out I think."

"Well that doesn't help me. I need to know if I need to feed you." There was something about the way Pedro wanted to make sure I was fed and him wanting to feed me that made me feel sexually attracted to him. "Why are you looking at me like that?" He smirked.

"I really wanna have sex you with you right now."

"What?" His megawatt smile that accompanied his childish chuckle made me fancy him even more.

"I really wanna have sex with you. I'm so turned on by you right now."

"Eleanor, those hormones got you going feral darling." He giggled as he lightly shook his head and headed back to the kitchen. I followed him. Hot on his heel. I grabbed his shoulders and kissed him hard before he had chance to speak. "Elean-" I didn't allow him to finish saying my name before I grabbed his face again and kissed him even harder. "Babe," he pulled back, "you've gotta finish getting ready! You're gonna be late."

"Do you not want me?" A ping of rejection hit through me.

"What? No of course I want you! If you weren't going out I'd have bent you on the kitchen island and fucked you hard." His eyes darkened. "But you're going out with your friends. If you're back early enough, I'll be waiting in bed for you." He smirked, teasing me.

"Might cancel my plans."

"You won't. You'll go out and enjoy yourself. I'll be here when you get home. Now go finish getting ready and stop trying to entice me." He smacked my ass and pushed me away slightly, forcing me to get ready and not throw myself at the love of my life.

******************************************************************************

At dinner, I sent Pedro a picture of the steak I had ordered,

Me:

Jealous? 🥩 xxx

A few moments later, he replied,

Pedro: A little. Looks good. Are you having a good night? Xxx

Me: Don't be- I'd rather be eating you! Yeah lovely time thank you. Hope you're missing me. Xxx

Pedro: I can tell you're ovulating!!! Xxx

Me: How do you know about ovulation??! Xxx

Pedro:God forbid a man learns about a woman's body so he can support her in ways she needs... and I grew up with women!! Xxxx

Me:You are so fucking cute I love you so much!!!

Pedro: Get off your phone and enjoy your night!!Let me know if you need a lift xxxxOtherwise I'll be waiting in bed for you....Naked!!!!

Me:Wet 💦

Pedro:Hard 🍆

"Eleanor, do you want some of my fries?" Brandon asked me, knocking me out of my little bubble.

"No I'm good thank you. I was going to ask if you wanted some of mine. There's too many here."

Me:Gotta eat my food and make small talk with my colleagues. Thanks for that delightful image of you. All I can now concentrate on is naked and hard you instead of this hopefully delicious steak.

Pedro: Enjoy! I might jerk off at your pictures till you get home!

Me: Pedro!!!!!!!!

I locked my phone before I crumbled at the table.

"You okay, Eleanor?" Brandon's hand was on my shoulder. I was stood at the bar, tipsy and hot. I'd been having a great night. I really liked the people I worked with and enjoyed being out. The bar was nice, albeit so crowded and boiling hot. Brandon and Matt had stayed with me all night and we continued to laugh and drink together. The rest of the group was sat in a booth. Each one of us dipping in and out of conversations with each other. The new girl Natalie was really lovely too, and asked if I'd like to go to Pilates with her next week, which I took her up on.

"Yeah just really hot." I smirked, waiting for our drinks to come.

"Want me to grab the drinks and you go with Matt outside to get some fresh air?" He proposed.

"Yes please. I've already paid." I nodded my head and grabbed Matt's shoulder. "Can we get some fresh air?"

"Please!" His voice was almost a beg. We weaved through the crowds of people and into the darkness of the chilled LA nights. My heels boots knocked against the concrete as we walked to the only unoccupied table left. "Oh my god it's so hot in there!"

"You'd think, with the LA weather that these places would have better air con right?"

"Exactly!" I looked up to see Brandon cradling two beers and a glass of wine and searching the crowds for us. I waved my hand to get his attention and watched him walk towards us. He looked handsome; dressed in a powder blue shirt that enhanced his deep tan. His hair was a little curlier and messier, no doubt to the humidity in the bar. His jeans were tight, but not too tight. And hung off his slender hips. I watched a group of girls tip their head to look over to him. "Got a couple of fans!" I nodded to him, watching him sheepishly shake his head and touch the top of his lip with his tongue. He slid onto the chair next to me, all the while the group of girls looked over to him and flushed.

"I'm gonna drink my beer with my left hand so they see my wedding band." He mumbled to me as he did just that. I saw one girl look and mouth something to her friend, whilst pointing to her ring finger.

"I think it worked." I laughed, grabbing my wine glass. "Cheers boys!" We clinked the varied forms of glass together, making a unique ringing sound.

"I'm so glad we're not in work tomorrow!" Matt spoke, making us nod in agreement with him. "What's everyone doing with their weekends?"

"We have the in-laws in town so we're going to spend the weekend with them. Me and my wife get free baby sitting so hoping we can squeeze a date into that. She deserves some time off." The way Brandon spoke about his wife was so endearing to me. He loved her so much. "What about you guys?"

"Nothing from me and hopefully it stays that way." Matt laughed.

"What about you Eleanor?"

"Pedro's home this weekend, and actually not working so hoping we can do nothing but I'd also like to get a date night with him if he's up to it!"

"Work keeping him busy?" Brandon asked as he sipped his beer.

"Yeah so busy. He's been doing like 12/15 hours days. I feel really bad. I'm trying my best to look after him though. Making sure he doesn't do anything but rest and sleep when he gets home but he doesn't listen."

"How so?"

"He always tries to look after me. I had to force him to stay at home tonight cos he wanted to drop me here and pick me up later but I told him to stay in bed and sleep. I really appreciate it but I just worry about him."

"He's only trying to look after you, I get it. Fair play to him for the graft he's putting in. I won't complain about our 8 hour days anymore!"

"Isn't it crazy you're dating THE Pedro Pascal?" Matt interjected. "I've known you for a while now, and Pedro by proxy, but it's actually just hit me that you're saying such a huge celebrity." Matts comment made me giggle.

"I feel the same way. It doesn't feel real to me at times either."

"Does it not put a strain on the relationship? Dating someone so huge?"

"Sometimes. We don't get to do a lot of things 'normally'. Like he gets stopped all the time and he's always so sweet with everyone."

"Surely that gets annoying though."

"I don't think it's annoying, really. It can just make plans longer. I know Pedro doesn't mind it but he's also really good at setting boundaries and he's got a lot better at saying no."

"Must be so exhausting for him, having people want to take his picture all the time."

"I know I don't know how he does it."

"Do you ever read the things online?" Brandon asked.

"Sometimes. I don't really go looking for articles but sometimes they'll come up on Instagram and I will read them. I don't tell Pedro though cos he would only tell me not to. And I see some of the comments his fans leave."

"What are they like?"

"Usually really lovely. Every now and then I'll get the 'Pedro is too good for you' or 'I don't know what Pedro sees in you' comment which you know, isn't the nicest thing to read about yourself."

"How does that make you feel?"

"Not great, obviously. But I can take it. It's not lost on me that Pedro can do better!"

"Noooo! Shut up Eleanor."

"Have you seen you? Stop it Eleanor!" The chorus of the guys telling me nice comments made my heart melt.

"Awww thanks boys!" I clutched my chest. "But it is true. I know. I see that man and know he could. But he defends me to death and makes me feel good about it all so I know I'm good. Anyway, Matt, how's things with you and Emily?"

******************************************************************************

It was just after midnight when I got in an uber home. I couldn't wait to see Pedro. Maybe it was the alcohol in my system or just the sheer amount of love I had for that man, but butterflies danced around in my stomach. I was sat in the back seat grinning at my phone screen.

Pedro:How far away are you now?

Me:About 3 mins x

Pedro:Let me know when you're outside x

Me: I will. You should be asleep though.

Pedro:Can't sleep till I know you're safe!

Me:  You're so tired though! Makes me feel guilty.

Pedro: Shut up and get home please xxxx

I waited a few minutes till I was outside his apartment before texting him to say I was here. I went to put my key into the door when the door flung open.

"There you are." Pedro leant against the doorframe, wearing nothing but baggy grey lounge shorts, grey tshirt and a smile. His black rimmed glasses outlined his beautiful almost black eyes. God, he was perfection.

"You are so sexy!" I threw my body against his, allowing myself to get caught up in his arms.

"You are so drunk." He smirked as he cradled me then kissed me. "Hmmm wine."

"Correct. I'm not drunk, a little tipsy." I ran my hands up his chest and around his neck. "You're so fucking sexy though. Look at you." My fingers trailed from his neck and down to his arms where the cotton tshirt clung to his body. "Look at those arms." I squeezed his biceps. Pedro watched me inspect his body and tried to stifle his laughter. "All those gyms sessions are paying off Pascal, your arms, and your shouldersssss oh my god!!"

"Finished flirting with me?" He raised his brow.

"Never." I challenged. "I love your sexy hands that love to touch me. Your eyes are so beautiful and dark and sexy and could make me do anything you asked. Your sexy smile is my favourite thing in the world, well actually your whole face is. The best, most sexy face in the world."

"Is everything about me sexy?"

"Abso-fucking-lutely! Have you seen you? So fucking sexy." I leant forward and kissed him hard. "My beautiful gorgeous sexy man!" I teased, earning a roll of laughter from the gorgeous man in front of me. "You're like a god."

"Welcome home." Home. My home with my Pedro.

"God I love you so much! Why aren't you in bed?" I asked as he released me to lock the door.

"I was waiting for you."

"You could have waited for me in bed."

"I know but I was just pottering around waiting for you to get back and wanted to make sure the door was locked. Didn't know what state I'd get you in." He finished locking the door and threw the keys onto the side. "How was your food?"

"Overpriced and undelivered."

"Oh really? Want me to-"

"Nooooo I don't want you to pay!!"

"How did you know I was going to say that?"

"Cos you always want to pay for me!"

"I just want to look after you." Pedro leant against the kitchen worktop and crossed his arms. "Let me guess, you're staring at me cos I'm sexy?"

"Correct." I smirked as I went to get a drink of water. We locked eyes and didn't break eye contact as I took a sip of water. "So sexy."

"I like drunk Eleanor."

"Eleanor isn't drunk. Just had a few glasses of wine and missed you." I walked over to him and placed myself in front of him. Pedro shifted his legs so I could stand between them and scooped me into his arms.

"You look lovely, Eleanor."

"God I don't. I'm all over the place now. Bloodshot eyes, messy hair, smudged make up."

"You still look lovely to me. Love seeing you in those boots."

"These little things?" I danced on the spot so my heels clinked off the tiled floor. The silly gesture causing Pedro to giggle.

"You are so dorky at times." He grinned at me like I was his prized possession. "I love you, you silly dorky hot girl."

"I love you. Been talking about you, again, tonight."

"Oh really? Been spilling my secrets?"

"Every single one of them." I took another sip of my water but in true Eleanor style, managed to spill it not only down myself but down Pedro.

"I thought you said you weren't drunk?" He laughed as he used a kitchen towel to pat us down.

"I'm not! You know I'm just this clumsy! Sorry babe."

"You're fine," he smiled softly as me as he discarded the towel on the side. "What were you saying about me?"

"Just how much I love you. How happy I am. How you're the best. How much I admire you." I refrained from telling him about the conversation with Matt and Brandon about how his work life affects our relationship, as I knew it would play on his mind.

"Did you really?"

"Yeah, of course. I must be really annoying cos I love to bring you up in conversation."

"Surely you can think of more interesting things to talk about than me, Elle!"

"Nope. My favourite subject matter."

"Who were you out with?"

"Everyone was there, but I did spend most of my night with Matt and Brandon. Cos we work on the same team so they're the two I know best." Shit, would he kick off?

"I get it. You lot get on well, I'm glad you get to work with men who respect you."

"Me too. There's a new girl, Natalie. She asked me to go to Pilates with her next week so that'll be fun."

"That's not surprising to me."

"What?"

"That people are so gravitated towards you that you can make friends that easily."

"Oh stop, that's not true."

"Yes it is. We both know it. You're great with people."

"Are you tired?" I asked, wanting to take the topic off me and wanting to steer it towards the other plans I had tonight.

"Why are you asking?" By the smirk on his face and his darken eyes, he knew exactly why I was asking.

"Because I'd like to have sex with you. But if you're tired, we can postpone."

"I'd like to have sex with you, too."

"Good. You're gonna let me fuck you, okay? Me on top, me in charge." I walked up to him, "and you just enjoy the ride."

"Get in that bedroom."

*************************************************************

Weeks had passed in an automatous routine. Pedro having the same busy schedule, me with many work projects. The major difference being that we were both working out and going to the gym a lot. Pedro was on a strict diet and extreme workout routine, which coincided with his already busy schedule. I feared he was going to burn out. I'd taken up Pilates with Natalie on a daily basis, along with running twice a week and the gym as much as I could. I wanted to look my best for Olivia's hen party, which was quickly approaching. Life had been so busy for us both and took us away from each other often. So we found time to incorporate our new lifestyles into our relationship; we'd go to the gym together. And we cut down on eating out and takeaways to making healthier dinners together. Dinner time had become one of my favourite things to do.

Pedro had been at a personal training session this morning and had to pick up Javerias ring straight after. Everything had been great between us since, but I still couldn't shake off the feeling that something was suss about that appointment. So I did what I didn't want to do; try and get to the bottom of it.

I waited till it just turned 10am and tried to call Pedro. The phone rang for a few minutes then it went to voicemail. Maybe he's just in the middle of wrapping up the appointment? I left it 5 minutes and dialled again. It rang for 3 rings then it went to voicemail, meaning he cut the call off. What was going on? I left it a further 15 minutes, leaving him more than enough time to go and collect the jewellery and leave the store before I called again. It went straight to voicemail. Had he turned off his phone? Pedro didn't call me back till after 11:30am.

*************************************************************

"Happy birthday, dear Javeria, Happy Birthday to you!" A sweet, yet slightly out of key chorus of Happy Birthday echoed around the room. Everyone cheered when the birthday girl blew out her candles. I glanced over to Pedro to see him beaming at his older sister; his eyes full of love and pride as he cheered for her most recent trip around the sun. She thanked everyone then cut the cake. I made my way over to Pedro.

"How're you feeling?" I asked, though I could already tell.

"Old. But full of love. I'm so proud of her, Elle. That's my big sis!!" He grinned at me then back at her. I felt his hand cup my lower back as he took a swig of his beer. "You're beautiful."

"Thank you." I smiled back at him, allowing my eyes to drink up the sight of the most beautiful man to ever exist. "Love those new glasses."

"Thanks baby." He grinned at me before he took another sip. It was weirdly attractive to me to watch how his mouth would twist around the rim of the bottle to take a sip, though I found everything that man did sexy. "Can you hold this? I need the bathroom." He handed me his beer and left me. Not too long before Javeria made her way over to me.

"Want some cake, Eleanor?" She asked as she put his arm over my shoulder.

"Just a little piece, thank you! Happy birthday Angel." I hugged her back, allowing myself to enjoy the warmth that the Pascal family emitted.

"Thank you más hermosa!"

"Are you having a good birthday?"

"The best, honestly. I feel so loved. I'm so glad you're here. I fear we don't spend enough time together. I love hanging with you. My brother just hogs you to himself."

"Oh I'll happily drop Pedro for you. You just tell me when and where."  My reply made her giggle, and she looked exactly like her brother.

"Can we actually plan something? Go out for dinner! I'd really like that!"

"Me too!! You tell me when works for you, we can plan something tomorrow - tonight is for celebrating you! This is beautiful! Is this what Pedro got you for your birthday?" Javeria had held my hand as we danced together. I noticed a new ring on her finger and figured it would be a perfect way to do some more digging without raising suspicions.

"No, this was from my husband. He did such a good job, didn't he? Pedro got me a fancy spa break and some new perfume. Bless him. He knew I needed the break, life has been crazy and I'm not getting any younger!" She spun me around on the spot. I continued to dance, although I couldn't stop myself from overthinking about what she just said! If Pedro hadn't been at the jewellery, then where was he? And with who?

Later that night, once we'd arrived back at the apartment, Pedro wasted no time in checking in on my quiet behaviour.

"You've been off with me tonight. What's wrong, Elle?" Pedro threw his keys onto the kitchen island.

"Nothing I'm fine." I was unbuckling the strap on my heels with my back to Pedro. I didn't want to look at him, because I knew I'd cry.

"You're not fucking fine. Talk to me. I hate when you do this." I could hear the annoyance in his voice and knew he hated when I behaved like this but I didn't want to speak about it. How could I bring this up again? I had no proof that he'd done anything, just a gut feeling that he wasn't telling the truth.

"I don't want to."

"Why?"

"I'm tired and want to go to bed." And I don't want to cry because I don't know what's going on with you.

"But what is it? Have I done something?"

"Pedro, please I don't want to do this. I just want to get into bed and sleep."

"Do what Eleanor? You were fine the first half of the night then you've suddenly got weird with me. You pushed me away when I asked you to dance but you danced with my brother instead? So what have I done!"

"Pedro I don't want to do this now. We've had a lovely night celebrating Javeria's birthday. Let's just leave it here."

"I'm not leaving anything here. Tell me what's going on." I could hear that he was mad. I didn't want to argue. But I knew that as soon as I turned around and saw him, we'd fight.

"You lied to me, Pedro." I bit my quivering lip as I turned around to have the conversation I didn't want.

"What?! No I haven't."

"Yes you have. About Javeria's birthday gift. You lied." Pedro didn't say anything. He just stared at me and swallowed hard. "What did you do?"

"I haven't done anything." He stood up straight. I could tell by the small movement that he was anxious.

"Who is she?"

"What?"

"Who is she, Pedro?"

"What are you talking about, Eleanor? There's no one." His voice has increasingly got louder, signifying his growing anger.

"I called you that day, on purpose to see if you'd answer. You didn't. You took over an hour to get back to me. Collecting a 'ring' wouldn't take that long."

"I went to go collect the ring and they'd fucked up the order. She had taken your ring size down and not Javeria's so it wouldn't fit her. I could get it resized, but it wouldn't come in time. So I got her some perfume she wanted and booked for her to go on a spa trip." At least that matched up! "As I explained that day, when you tried to call me the first two-" he held up two fingers with annoyance, "times, I was in the middle of trying to get the ring sorted for her. And as I explained after the third call, I'd been on the phone to my agent. I called you back as soon as I was free. I wasn't with anyone. I was sat in the coffee shop on the corner of Century Boulevard!"

"It all just seems a bit weird to me, Pedro."

"It's not fucking weird, Eleanor. And I'm not a fan of you not trusting me. You said I've never gave you a reason to not trust me and-"

"Well there was that one time with Robin!" I said before I even had chance to think.

"Eleanor!" He shouted. "Seriously?" His brows knitted together and I could tell he was hurt and angry. Fuck. "We both knew I fucked up about that but I thought we moved past that!"

"We have it's just-"

"No Eleanor. You told me we got past that, but you clearly haven't and you don't trust me. That was a wake up call for me, to be completely honest and devoted to you because I was scared you'd leave me. I can be a piece of shit, obviously, but I would never fucking cheat on you. And I'm so tired of you not believing me. I don't know what more I need to do for you to believe that. I-I-I do my best to make sure you know I love you and I'll take care of you and you're all that I want and it's never good enough. It makes me feel like shit. I thought I was good enough for you but obviously you don't think I am. And you obviously don't think highly of me if you think I'm that kind of person. I fucking love you. But I can't look at you right now. I'm going to bed. Just, leave me alone. Thanks for ruining a good night." He marched off and slammed the door behind him. Fuck.