I Only Have Eyes For You

"You look beautiful." I complimented Pedro, who was wearing a powder blue jumper and jeans with his New Balance trainers. His hair was extra curly and I was very smitten. My compliment made him shyly smile at me and give me those puppy dog eyes.

"Thank you honey. I can drive, I really don't mind." Pedro followed me across the driveway to my car. We were going to spend the evening at Olivia's. I was so excited to see her. Pedro had been making comments on how he was looking forward to meeting his 'girlfriend's girlfriend' and how he knew she was going to a lovely human, because of the way I spoke about her.

"My driving really isn't that bad, Pedro." I scoffed as I unlocked the car.

"I'm just saying, you haven't seen Olivia in a while. I understand if you wanna have a drink with her." He waited for the light to flash to indicate it was unlocked but he didn't open the door.

"I'll have tomorrow night with her to have a drink." I climbed into the drivers seat and allowed him to follow my lead. "Besides, I should probably stay sober. You keep calling her your wife. And she's my best friend but if you two runaway together, I might have to throws fists at her."

"You'd get your knuckles bloody for me?" He joked as he fastened his seat belt. "I didn't think you were the physical type, Parker."

"Oh I am when it comes to you. Outrageously possessive. Wanna keep you all to myself."

"Well," He picked up my hand and kissed my knuckles. "These soft hands will remain untouched, cos I only have eyes for you."

"Would you let me drive your Audi?"

"Absolutely no way!" There was no hesitation to his reply which made me laugh. "I love you, but no."

"My driving really isn't bad..."

"Oh no, you're a great driver. And you're my girlfriend, my love. But she, she's my baby." His comment made me roll my eyes.

"Your baby?"

"Yeah she's a beauty."

"Me or your car?"

"Don't ask me questions you don't want to know the answer to, darling!" He goofily grinned at me.

"I'm gonna warn you, Olivia's boyfriend might be a bit, er, full on when he first meets you. Olivia has warned him. Though I'm not sure she'll be any better." I pulled off the drive.

"It's no bother, I can handle them."

"You know, when we met in Starbucks? She was the first person I text. I kinda knew who you were but hadn't seen you in anything. Olivia was the one who knew about you. She and Jack have watched you in so many things. I'd met Andrew Garfield a few weeks before you and I thought she was jealous then but she was so annoyed when I met you."

"Bet she was furious when you started sleeping with him and made him your boyfriend, huh?" He winked at me.

"If I recall correctly, you were the one who asked me to be your girlfriend, Pascal."

"Best decision I ever made." He squeezed my knee at the red light. "Wait, you met Andrew Garfield?"

"Yeah."

"And he didn't ask you out?"

"Nope. Why would he? I wouldn't have said yes anyway."

"Why not? He's a good looking man."

"Not my cup of tea!" I grabbed his hand and kissed it. Pedro smiled at my gesture and winked at me. It was in these simple moments that I really appreciated how lucky I was. I knew I was every single day. It was obvious when you looked at him and then at me. He was naturally gorgeous. But the light, the joy, the comfort, the happiness this man exuded was indescribable.

"Your last day of being 28, Parker. How you feeling?"

"Doesn't bother me. I still feel like a kid at heart. Are you OK with tomorrow's plans?"

"Babe, stop asking me if I'm happy to do all these things with you. I'll go wherever you are. I'm enjoying myself. I'm happiest when I'm with you. If you're enjoying yourself, believe me, I will be too."

"You are the cutest." I pulled off into the direction of my best friends house. "How's your back?"

"A lot better. Thanks honey."

"I was wondering, if it's OK with you?"

"Yeah?"

"You know how I booked the hotel spa thing for us on Friday? Well, if your back is alright, would you be OK if I let Oli and Jess go instead? I was gonna offer to look after Theo for the night. Let them have a break away and I get to spend quality time with Theo before we go back? It's ok if you'd prefer me not to, or if you wanna-"

"Elle!" Pedro cut me off and squeezed my knee, "I think that's a wonderful idea. I'm sure they'll love that."

"I'll make it up to you, promise."

"I'm looking forward to that more than I'd have enjoyed the spa!" He winked at me.

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

"Elle!" My name was being screamed to me before I even got out the car. Olivia and Jack stood on the doorway, waiting for me and Pedro. I bounced out of the car and straight towards her, scooping her up in my arms and squeezing her as hard as I could! "I've missed you so much!"

"I've missed you!" We stood rocking each other in each others arms, enjoying the feeling of being reunited.

"Look at you, you look so perfect!" She held me at arms length as she scanned every inch of my body. "I hate you."

"Oh shut up, you know I'll always be the ugly one compared to you."

"Fuck off! Look at you with your toned and tanned body! I hate you!"

"I've started yoga, though I'm not sure you'll see any results yet!"

"Hey Pedro!" Olivia held her arms open for Pedro, who smiled at her and brought her into his big arms.

"Hey Olivia. It's so nice to meet you." He gripped her as she whispered "oh my god" to me over his shoulder. I couldn't help but giggle.

"Come on in." She beckoned us into the house. Jack was waiting by the staircase, a giddy look plastered across his face.

"Hey Pedro. I'm Jack." He held out his hand for Pedro, who took it and said hello. I'd never seen Jack this quiet.

"It's killing him, isn't it?" I whispered to Olivia, as we watched her fiancé try to keep his composure.

"You have no idea. I had to beg him not to show off his Mandalorian funkopop to Pedro." She rolled her eyes. "I've missed you so much."

"I've missed you too." I hugged her again, bathing in her warm energy and vice like grip as she hugged me.

"These are for you, Olivia." Pedro gave Olivia a bunch of flowers and a bottle of wine.

"Wow, for me? Thank you!" She took them from him and inspected the flowers. "They're beautiful!"

"You wanna beer, Pedro?" Jack asked as he lead Pedro into the kitchen.

"These are beautiful, thanks Elle."

"Pedro's idea. He said he didn't wanna turn up without something for you."

"Ugh, fuck sake. Of course he has to be so fucking perfect." She smirked at me before she was calling me into the kitchen too. We stood around, Pedro and Jack leading the conversation whilst me and Olivia would chime in with comments. It warmed my heart to see Pedro instantly feel at ease with Jack and Liv, though I didn't expect anything less. Jack and Pedro left the room, leaving me and Liv alone. "Want a drink?"

"Only one, I'm driving." I replied as she held up the bottle of my favourite rosé wine. I indicated a small amount with my fingers. "I got you something." I held up the small gift bag for her.

"Elle, why did you do that? It's your birthday tomorrow, I'm the one who should be giving you gifts."

"Shut up and open it." I pushed the bag into her hand and watched as she pulled open the bag and retrieved the Prada bag.

"Are you fucking joking?" Her mouth dropped open as she saw the infamous logo. I watched as she opened the box to find the identical pair of Prada sunglasses I had that she commented on months ago when she saw me wear them.

"I wanted you to have the same as me so we can match even though we're not together. And now it's summer, you'll finally get use out of them."

"Elle this is too fucking much! This must have cost so much!"

"I got them from the outlet so not as much as you think."

"But these are Prada sunglasses, Eleanor."

"I wanted you to have something nice. You deserve it." I watched as she put the glasses on and got frustrated with how great they looked on her. "Fuck sake they look so much nicer on you."

She stared at her reflection in the microwave and smirked at me over her shoulder. "They do look really good, don't they?" I nodded at her statement. "Thank you. I love them. I love you." She hugged me again.

"You're so welcome."

"Talking of designer shit, look at you." She grabbed my hands to inspect the Cartier bracelet and ring Pedro had brought me. That I never left the house without. "Ugh I'm so jealous. I need a rich boyfriend. Can I try the ring on? This bracelet is pretty too!" She commented as she was already sliding the ring off my finger.

"Pedro, again." I pointed at the thin diamond bracelet that I wore daily. "And the earrings. And this." I grabbed my bag off the counter and showed her the Gucci bag from the other night.

"Fucking hell, Elle. These are ridiculous! He brought you all this? Jack brought me a bar of Dairy Milk chocolate the other day and I thought that was sweet!" I burst out laughing! "By the way this ring looks so good on me. Even with my fat fingers."

"You do not have fat fingers!"

"Can I swap you my engagement ring for your Cartier one, please?" Again, her humour had sent me into a fit of giggles.

"I'll tell Pedro to buy you one. You're his wife apparently. He often makes that joke when I talk about you."

"I mean, if he wants to kit me out with all this designer stuff I'll happily marry him. He is really fit thought, isn't he?" I nodded in agreement. She handed me back the ring and I instantly put it back on my finger. Where it belonged. "He must really love you, Elle. You don't just buy this shit for people."

"You don't know Pedro. He has the biggest heart. He never lets me pay for anything. I've brought like two lunches since I've met him. I'm always moaning at him for buying me things and he just moans back. He has this need to shower me in gifts cos it makes him feel good. And it only causes arguments if I don't just accept it without causing arguments. He really is the best."

"Makes sense why you could afford these sunglasses for me if he's paying for everything for you!" She winked at me as she put the glasses on her head.

"Nope I'd have bought them for you anyway because you deserve nice things and I miss you."

"I miss you so much it hurts. I worry about you all the time since Sam. I honestly hate him. We were in Asda the other day and Jack saw him but didn't tell me till we walked past cos he knew I'd have said something. I'll always hate him for what he did to you. So when you left me for LA, I was so scared. Because I couldn't protect you. Keep my eye on you. But seeing you with Pedro, I know I have nothing to worry about. Banging the Mandalorian is working out pretty well for you."

"Oh banging the Mandalorian really does work well." I smirked, watching her jaw drop as she grabbed my arm.

"I really wanna ask you about it but I know that's so inappropriate but..." she gave a side eye, encouraging me to spill without having to ask.

"Best. Sex. Ever."

"Are you just saying that or is it really?"

"I promise. Wouldn't lie to you."

"Fuck sake. I knew he would be. We should probably go check on them right? Plus, I need to go interview Pedro. See if he's really good enough for you."

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

"You scored 12 out of 20!" I laughed as I tallied up the points from Jack and Olivia's round. We were sat in the garden. The sun was setting and casting a beautiful pink across the sky. Olivia had already taken advantage of it by taking a selfie of the four of us out on the patio. We were playing Mr and Mrs, a game Olivia was 'thrilled' we could play now I had a boyfriend. Her comment made Pedro laugh. They'd been making each other laugh all evening. Seeing them get along so well made my heart burst. Jack had been star struck all night but did well to hide it. From Pedro, at least. Cos he didn't know Jack. Me and Olivia kept stealing smirks at the quirky things Jack would say.

"This is the man I said yes to, Pedro. The man I'm gonna marry. And he got 12 out of 20." Olivia was ranting about how poorly Jack had done on his round about Olivia. Pedro found this highly amusing.

"I'm not confident we're gonna do much better, Elle." Pedro touched my thigh and smiled at me with his megawatt grin. The gesture didn't go unnoticed by Olivia, who gushed over us. Her adoration for our relationship made me feel like a teen with my first crush. Though, I'd never really been in a proper relationship so I guess the feeling was apt.

"I love the confidence, Pedro!" I mockingly rolled my eyes which made him laugh into his beer bottle.

"You ready? First question. Eleanor, what is Pedro's favourite song?"

"Oh that's easy!" I quickly scribbled my answer onto my whiteboard and watched as Pedro did the same. He gave me a look and nodded my head, we both knew we'd got this right.

"3...2...1!" She counted us down. In unison, we turned the boards and said,

"Purple Rain."

"A point! Pedro, who is Eleanor's celebrity crush?" She counted us down and we both revealed Harry. Of course.

"You joking? Eleanor? You're not gonna say Pedro? He's your boyfriend!?" Jack turned to Pedro. Me and Olivia locked eyes as Jack made the comment of Pedro's celebrity status. I laughed and Olivia held her brow as she shook her head. I think Pedro sensed that Olivia was embarrassed by her fiancé's outburst and took his side.

"You would think, man! I've been working on it but fucking Harry wins every time." My Pedro. Always here to make everyone feel comfortable.

"Next question!" Olivia called out, obviously wanting to move on as soon as possible. "If Pedro could take one item to a desert island, what would it be? 3...2...1!"

"iPad." We revealed in unison. Our hat trick made Olivia grin and shake her head. I watched as she smirked at me and leant over to grab her wine glass.

"We're smashing it, baby." Pedro leant over and kissed my temple. I looked up to see Olivia watch us. She gave me that look. In that moment, I knew she approved.

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

"This is a really nice picture." Pedro was on the bed, still fully dressed. He was staring at something on his phone.

"What is?" I asked as I was trying to remove my makeup.

"This picture Olivia took of us." He held up the phone for me. I walked over to the bed and grabbed his phone. "It's on her story, so you'll have to tap and hold the screen." I did just that. It was from earlier tonight. Pedro was sat on a chair, I was sat on his knee. His arms were around my waist, gripping me to him. My arms were around his neck. I was wearing his blue jumper which was far too large for me, as I had stared to get chilly in my vest and shorts. We were smiling at the camera.

"Aww that is a really nice picture." The caption read,

'my fav couple 🫶🏼'

Olivia's account was private, so none of his fans had seen the picture.

"Do you think she'll be OK if I share it?" He asked when I handed the phone back.

"I can't see why not. She wouldn't have tagged you otherwise." I moved the cotton pad to the other eye and started to remove the mascara from that eye.

"Could you get her to send you the original without the writing? I want to put it as my phone screen." He asked. His comment made me swoon. I stopped mid motion and leant down to kiss his curly head.

"Sometimes, you just say things that make me wanna squeeze the lift out of you cos you're so cute." Pedro looked up at me with loving eyes. I gave him my phone and told him to text Olivia himself. I left him with my phone as I went to wash my face. When I returned, he was still on my phone. "Whatcha doing?" I sat on the bed next to him. "Going through my phone?"

"Yeah." He smiled at me before he turned back to the phone. "I actually am." He quickly showed me the screen and saw that he was on my camera roll. It didn't anger me, I had nothing to hide and knew he wasn't looking for anything. He was just being nosey. "This picture?" I saw him scroll till he found it. It was a selfie I'd taken earlier that day. "This is so pretty."

"I was gonna upload it to instagram but I kept looking at it and the more I looked at it, the more I hated it."

"You serious? You're so pretty. Look at you."

"My nose looks weird."

"It does not." I watched as he hit share and sent it to himself.

"What you doing?"

"Sending it to me so I can jerk off to it next time I'm not with you." He grinned proudly.

"Oh if you're after that kind of content..." I lay next to him and scrolled up till I found the picture I was looking for. "You can have this." I stopped on a lingerie picture of me in a red lace set.

"Fuck." He whimpered. I watched him zoom in on the picture and inspect every inch of my body. "Man, I'm so lucky. Why are you taking lingerie pics?"

"Oh I just upload them to my private instagram story full of men I think are hot who follow me." I teased.

"I've not seen them!"

"Take the hint, Pascal." He grabbed me before I could say anything else and kissed my face repeatedly as his hands squeezed multiple areas of my body. My ass. My boobs. My neck.

"Ha ha ha. You're so funny." The sarcasm rolled off his tongue.

"Remember the night I wore it for you? I took it in the bathroom cos I thought I looked good. Hoarded it to send you when we weren't together and forgot about it." I explained. Though I didn't need to. This was a healthy relationship with a walking green flag.

"I'm having that one too." He sent it to himself. "Might jerk off to that now."

"I'm right here."

"I know you are honey." He tapped my thigh. "But she isn't. God damn!" He implied that the makeupless pyjama wearing Eleanor I was currently wasn't as appealing at the girl in the photo. I jumped on him, kissing his face and touching him everywhere just like he had done to me.

"Ha ha ha YOU are so funny." I teased just as he had done with me. Hearing him belly laugh at me felt like the greatest achievement every time. "I hope I can always make you laugh this much." I kissed him again and lay back next to him.

"You're the best." He continued to scroll through my phone as the notifications from Olivia came in. 3 photos. And,

Olivia: the way he's looking at you in the second one kills me. He loves you Elle. It's so obvious.

Olivia: and the 3rd is my fave. The way you're looking at each other. Fucking cute bitches.

Olivia: he's so dreamy, Elle. If he wasn't completely in love with you, I'd be trying to steal him. 🫶🏼

Pedro smirked at me as he read the messages and clicked on the notification. I had saw that he had text Olivia and asked for the pictures as if I were messaging her, he didn't say it was him texting her. She would be mortified if she knew. We looked at the photos together and stopped on the one of us looking at each other. We were stood up, next to the fire pit. The candyfloss pink sky was our back drop. His oversized jumper hung down my body and completely covered my shorts so I looked like I was in a jumper and my trainers. We were stood next to each other. His arm around my shoulder, my arm around his waist. She caught us mid laugh. The breeze has blew back my hair like a wind machine. The sun peppered Pedro's hair and highlighted his glorious curls. My hand rested on his chest. His hand squeezed my shoulder. His spare hand clutched his beer. I couldn't remember what we were laughing at, but we were too focused on each other. I loved the picture.

"We are so fucking hot." Pedro commented. "I think this might just be my favourite picture ever."

"Mine too. Oh my god I love it so much." I was still gripping the phone in Pedro's hand as I continued to stare at the shot she got of us. "I'm gonna upload it to Instagram."

"I was gonna put it on my Instagram!" Pedro spoke, look at me over his glasses.

"Your Instagram is becoming a shrine to me though. I'm the girlfriend. I'm the one who should be sharing the shots the fans wanna see. They follow you to see your handsome face and your work. They don't wanna see me."

"Bullshit. I'm always getting comments on my posts of you. Also," He readjusted his face against the pillows. "It's my Instagram. I'll post whatever I want."

After a short argument, I was allowed to post it to Instagram. Pedro shared my post to his story. He was getting ready for bed in the bathroom whilst I browsed Instagram. Since I went public and posted about Pedro, I barely used Instagram to browse. The amount of notifications from his fans drove me crazy. Every now and then when I had the mental capacity, I would try and reply to a few comments or posts they would make of us. As I was browsing, I had saw an account which posted a picture of me and a picture of my jumper. When I clicked on the profile, I noticed it was called 'EleanorParkerStreetStyle'. The account was dedicated to my style and outfits I wore. They would find the pieces and link them for people to buy. It blew my mind, as I never considered myself stylish. I looked through a couple of the posts and comments. People were really sweet. I saw one of an outfit I wore last week. It was a pair of long denim shorts I wore with a vest and my trainers. The caption read,

'Can't find these jean shorts but I love them so much!! Does anyone know where they're from?'

The comments were a mixture of people saying how pretty I was, which felt untrue to me. But made me want to cry with their compliments. Others were complimenting my style and others trying to help the author find the link. I went on my H&M app and copied the code. I typed out my reply,

'They're from H&M!! Here's the code 239865- they're so comfy. I would go with your usual style if you want them oversized! But if you want a more fitted fit; then definitely size down! Xx' 

Within seconds, they replied.

'Omg thank you so much! You're the best!!! Love you queen! 💕'

I replied with a love heart emoji and followed the page. Not because I was narcissistic enough to want to see content of myself - but to help out if they needed links to anything if they were interested.

"All done and ready for cuddles." Pedro was walking towards the bed with a sleepy smile on his beautiful face. "What you up to?"

"Just helping your fans dress like me." I smirked as he climbed into bed.

"What are you talking about?" He asked as he wiggled over to me. I showed him my phone screen. "That's so cute. Look at you with your little fans."

"No. They're your fans."

"They're not asking me what I'm wearing. You have fans, Eleanor! You're almost as famous as me now." He teased as he gripped my waist.

"Stop I am not."

"Didn't you have thousands of followers before I even met you?"

"About 8000 actually. Not easy being an A-list celeb. You wouldn't know." I sassy swished my hair, which was in a ponytail.

"True, true. I can't blame them. You're so hot. I can see why people wanna stare at you all day. I wanna." He rested his head on my chest as he cuddled into me.

"You wasn't lying when you said you wanted to cuddle."

"Nope. Just wanna snuggle you and smell you as I fall asleep."

"Weird thing to say but you're cute."

"What? You always smell so good it's comforting."

"I get it. I do the same to you. I'm only teasing." My fingers found his curls. "So many greys." Pedro threw his head up and rested his chin on my chest. He stared at me with a blank expression which made me burst of laughter. "What? It's not a bad thing. I love it. It's so hot." He smiled and rested his head back down on my chest.

"Good job I love you." He mumbled against my chest. His deep voice rattled through both our bodies. I opened my camera onto the front facing camera and held it out to capture a picture of Pedro on my chest. He noticed and raised his eyebrow and pouted as we posed. I uploaded it to Instagram with the caption, 'Goodnight x' and locked my phone and put it on the side. "Eleanor?"

"Yeah?" I replied as I turned off the bedside light.

"Will you cuddle me please?" His voice was sleepy and wholesome and hurt my heart. Hearing Pedro say those words, knowing he wanted me to hold him whilst he drifted off to sleep made a wave of pure love through my body. His need for me to hold and cuddle him never failed to make me realise that he loved me.

"Of course baby. Come here." He snuggled under my chin as my one hand found his hair and the other cuddled him.

"This feels so nice. I love you."

"I love you. Sweet dreams, my Pedro."  He had already drifted off.

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

I woke up to an empty cold bed. I stretched my tired limbs out and adjusted my eyes to my bedroom. I idly wondered how long Pedro had been up for. Where was he? I threw back my duvet and headed downstairs. As I reached the bottom of the stairs, I heard laughter coming from the kitchen. I recognised those giggles anywhere.

"I shall definitely try that!" I heard Pedro speak through his giggles.

"Oh trust me, you won't regret it." Dad replied whilst laughing. The idea of Pedro being comfortable to come downstairs and speak with my Dad whilst I was still asleep warmed my heart. Curiosity got the better of me as I headed to the kitchen to see what they were talking about.

"Morning." I smiled at the vision in front of me. Dad and Pedro, sipping coffees and sitting down together at the breakfast bar. Both still in their pyjamas.

"Happy Birthday Jellynor!" Dad was first to wrap his arms around me and kiss my forehead. I squeezed him to me. I loved him with the whole of my heart.

"Happy Birthday babe." Pedro kissed the top of my head as his squeezed me. I squeezed him back. I also loved him with the whole of my heart.

"29, eh." I said as I sat at the breakfast bar. Pedro grinned at me with a smile full of love that made my heart twirl in my chest.

"I can't believe my baby is almost 30. I remember the day you were born." Dad said as he slid a coffee over to me.

"Best day of your life?"

"The worst!" He laughed, making Pedro giggle at his Dad humour. "Becoming a girl dad was the scariest thing I ever did. There's a whole new level of worry you have. Protecting her from the world. And men!" He sipped his drink. "Apart from that one arsehole, you've not done too bad with men, Eleanor." Dad tapped Pedro on the shoulder and gave him a reassuring squeeze. Dad didn't know this but I knew it would have met a lot to Pedro to have Dad be so supportive of him. "Ready for your presents?"

"Always!" I giggled like a school girl. Dad always made sure our birthdays were special. He didn't need to go overboard. But he made sure they were filled with laughter and love.

"Come on then." He signalled for us to follow him. I hung back and walked to Pedro.

"Don't you wanna go open your gifts?" He smirked as his arm snaked around my back and landed on my ass. He grinned into a firm peck on my lips.

"Would rather kiss you." I kissed him back.

"Come on you two. Stop snogging!!" Dad called from the living room. Pedro giggled and whispered, "How did he know?"

As we entered the living room, I saw a collection of pink birthday banners and balloons dotted across the living room. Gift bags were on the table. I looked over at Dad, wondering why he had gone to these lengths for my birthday.

"Not me. This young man." He signalled to Pedro who looked coyly at me.

"You did this for me?" I asked; he nodded. I poured my bottom lip like a child, unable to comprehend that this man would always go to the extreme to make me feel special. "Thank you!"

"The gold gifts bags are from me. The wrapped gifts are from Oli. The pink gifts are from Pedro."

"Pedro you brought me gifts?"

"Well yeah, that's kinda what happens on a birthday!" He casually shrugged like I was in the wrong. My Dad looked at Pedro then at me. He too was starting to see the way this man cared for me. I knew it meant a lot to him.

"Are you joking?" I asked rhetorically as I pulled open the box. "I'm so angry at you!" I directed it to Pedro, who was giggling to himself. My Dad had no idea what was happening, and looked at me confused.

"Eleanor!" Dad scolded me. Pedro just laughed it off.

"Dad, do you know how much this costs? A ridiculous amount!!" I marvelled at the La Mer gift set in my hands.

"Happy Birthday!" Pedro grinned at me as he took another sip of his coffee. He looked so smug.

"I hope the rest of these aren't as expensive as this!" I scolded as I tore into the next gift bag. It was a bottle of my favourite perfume. The one I always wore. "My favourite. Thank you. I was running low, so this is perfect!" The next gift was some white silk pyjamas with red love hearts on them. He knew my love of silk pyjamas. I loved them and already couldn't wait to wear them. The next was a Gucci card holder. He argued he 'needed to buy it' to 'match the bag' he brought me the other day. He laughed when I hugged and pinched my nose when I saw the green Gucci box. Remembering how he wanted me to be better at accepting these gifts, I pushed past the urge to yell at him to take it all back and keep his money for himself. Instead, I smiled sweetly and thanked him.

"I think I did good on this one." He moved to sit on the chair. He looked nervous and excited, which made me nervous to open the gift. I tore open the bag, which was heavy, to see the Gucci x Adidas logo on a blue box. I instantly knew what they were.

"You are fucking kidding me." My fingers couldn't work quick enough as I ripped through the paper to reveal them. "Oh my god, I-" I couldn't say anything. I put my arms across my knees and rested my head on top as I let the tears come out. I didn't want to cry. But I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming amount of love. From my Dad, from Pedro. From Pedro, who brought me gifts I always dreamt of. I felt his arms around my shoulders as he cradled me into him.

"What's wrong Elle?" Dad's voice called out from across the room.

"I dunno why I'm crying!" I lifted my head and wiped my eyes with the back of my hands. "I just feel so lucky. And loved." Saying it out loud made me cry again.

"Awww Elle, you saft sod. I'll get you some tissue." Dad left the room.

"I hate how much money you've spent on me." I looked at Pedro who laughed at me. His long finger brushed some hair that had fallen into my eye. "And I don't ever want you to think luxury gifts are the way to my heart. But I know you put thought and effort into each of my gifts. And I appreciate that. I appreciate you. I feel so lucky that I get to be loved by you."

"You are worth every penny, darling. I'll buy you the world. Happy Birthday!"

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

For lunch, me, Pedro, Dad, Oli, Jess, Theo and my Grandad were going out to eat.

"Now who is this dashing young gentleman?" My Grandad walked over to Pedro and offered his hand. I felt tears fill my eyes seeing my Gramps with Pedro.

"My name is Pedro, sir." He shook grandads hand with the same magnetic grin that cast everyone under his spell.

"Lovely to meet you, Pedro. I am Jack, Eleanor's grandad. And her best friend. Isn't that right, Eleanor?" He licked his lips as he smiled at me. He was the cutest human alive.

"The absolute truth. Besties forever, Gramps." I went over to him and wrapped my arms around him. He smelt of Old Spice, signature Grandad. My heart hurt with how much I loved that man.

"I've put your presents on the table. But here, let me give you your pocket money." His hand went into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. He handed me a £20 note. "Where's Oli? I need to give him his money too. And I've got some for the baby. Is the baby here?"

"They're in the kitchen, Gramps." I shut the door behind him and followed him into the hallway. "He gives me and Oli £20 every time we see him. Ever since we were kids. We've tried to refuse and it makes him upset. So for about 8 years now, me and Oli collectively keep the money he gives us and buy him things throughout the year. He still doesn't know we brought his greenhouse with the money he gave us."

"You know, I totally see why you're the way you are." Pedro's voice was light and sweet. "You are constantly showered with love here. I understand it now. Why you find it hard to leave. Why you're always so caring. Why you always want to give to others. You were brought up this way. It's a really beautiful thing to witness."

"You're gonna make me cry!" I grabbed him and hugged him tight to me. "I love you." I offered my lips to him. He kissed them quick as he rubbed my shoulder and giggled. My favourite sound.

"Peter. Where's Peter gone?" I heard Grandad before he joined us back in the hallway. "There you are!" It took a second to realise that Grandad was calling Pedro, Peter. I looked up at Pedro who was trying not to laugh. His eyes were wide and a huge grin was plastered across his face. "Here you go." He offered Pedro a £20 note.

"Oh, really. I'm grateful but please keep your money Jack."

"No, please. I insist."

"I don't feel comfortable. I couldn't. I really do appreciate you offering me, though. It's so kind. Thank you."

"Eleanor, please tell him." The tone of Grandads voice broke my heart. He loved to take care of his family. Now Pedro was part of his, he wanted to care for Pedro too. I agree, I'd rather Grandad kept his money. But it meant so much for him to be able to do this for us.

"It would make my Grandad very happy if you would accept it." I fluttered my eyelashes at Pedro. I could see his internal battle with himself.

"Thank you. So much. This is really kind of you." Pedro graciously took the money, though I knew it was killing him.

"No problem, Peter. You treat yourself to something nice." He shook Pedro's hand as he transferred the money to him and walked off back to my Dad in the kitchen.

"That took a lot for you didn't it? Proud of you, Peter!" I teased, making Pedro finally laugh.

"He's so nice I don't want to correct him. You know, in school, I went by Peter for a little bit. Didn't stick though, it didn't feel right. Here." Pedro handed me his £20. "Please put it with your grandads collection." I grinned at him. Perfect man.

Oli drove his family to the restaurant and we followed in Dads car. I felt like a child again, being in the backseat of Dads car. It felt homely.

"Peter?"

"Yeah sir." Pedro answered, making my Dad look back at him.

"Dad, why are you calling him Peter? His name is Pedro." My Dad asked Grandad.

"You're joking? Is it really?" Grandad looked at Pedro with sheer panic. I couldn't control the rolls of laughter that escaped me. "Why didn't you tell me!? I'm so sorry Pedro!"

"That's OK." Pedro smiled. "What were you going to ask me?"

"What do you do for work?" Grandad asked. I saw Pedro smile to himself before telling him he was an actor. "Are you? Is that your main job or do you do it on the side?"

"It's my main job. It sends me all over the world so I don't have much time to hold down another job." The most polite way of saying he was famously known for his acting. My sweet Pedro.

"Are you in theatre? Or films and TV?"

"I've done theatre here and there. But mainly in film and TV." 

"Oh you must be good! And you live in LA?"

"Yes sir."

"So you must be famous! Must be doing well."

"He has over 8 million followers on Instagram and every woman in the world fancies him Grandad." I chirped in, making Pedro blush and smile.

"8 million, my goodness. And you chose my granddaughter!? You are very lucky Eleanor!"

"I know!" I smiled at Pedro.

"I'm luckier, Jack. I've hit the jackpot with her!"

"You are sweet. You'll have to let me know what films you've been in. I'll give them a watch. I'm always on the hunt for something to settle into on the evenings."

"Thank you." Pedro blushed.

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

"I swear I left them here!" My hands dug through the masses of shoes in my walk-in wardrobe. Well, cupboard that Dad turned into a wardrobe for me. I became more and more frustrated as I couldn't find them.

"Just wear something you packed." Pedro called from the bedroom. I knew he was trying to help, but he wasn't. I was annoyed and his comment made me more annoyed.

"I can't. I didn't pack a lot because I wanted to bring more clothes from here back to L.A with me. And I know what I wanted to wear I just can't find the fucking shoes."

"So wear another pair?" I wanted to scream at his comment. But I chose to sigh really loud in hopes he'd understand he wasn't helping. I didn't want to snap at him, but I was getting close.

"No because these are the only shoes that will go with my outfit." I couldn't see them anywhere. Where did I last have them? Fuck, maybe they're in one of the boxes? "Pedro, could you reach this for me please?" I called behind me. Seconds later, he was in the doorway. "Can you fetch some of those boxes down please?"

"Of course." He smirked at me as he reached up and bulled a large white box down. I quickly scanned the box, and they weren't in there.

"Maybe the brown one?" He fetched that down and "Oh my god, got them!" I was happy to see my black knee length boots that had a small heel on them.

"They're nice." Pedro complimented. I knew he was trying to say things to pull me out of my mood. I reached up and kissed him on the mouth.

"Thank you for dealing with my mood swings."

"I grew up with women, this isn't my first rodeo darling." He kissed my forehead and tapped my hip before he walked out back into my bedroom. "What are you wearing?"

"This black fitted T-shirt" I held it up to me, "with a denim mini skirt and my black boots."

"Are you taking a jacket?" He asked as I readjusted the roller in my hair.

"Nope. Will ruin the outfit."

"But you'll get cold later."

"That's why you're taking a jacket? So I can steal it." I grinned at him as I turned to him. He laughed and shook his head.

"OK so what do you want me to wear?"

"Whatever you want."

"OK let me rephrase that. Which jacket should I wear so you can steal it tonight?"

"Maybe your brown leather one? When you wear that it makes me a bit feral for you."

"Oh really?" Pedro raised his eyebrow and smirked. "I'll wear that more often."

"I'll be all over you more often."

"More often? You're already all over me a lot!" He licked his lips as he teased me. "You can't keep your hands to yourself. You love me. You find me so irresistible."

"I'm not gonna argue that." I smiled sweetly as I grabbed some clean underwear from my drawers.

"Yet you're stood over there, with your hands to yourself instead of putting them all over me." He shrugged and continued to get ready. I marched up to him, turned him around to face me and cupped him through his jeans as I slammed my lips onto his. I kissed him hard and rough, wanting him to beg for air. All whilst I cupped and rubbed him through his jeans. "Fuck." He breathed against my lips. "When you do shit like that, it makes me go crazy."

"Good." I kissed him on the lips. "Because I am going to spend tonight making you go crazy for me." I bent down so my face was level with his crotch. "Until you're literally begging me." I placed a kiss on his erection, which was clearly visible through his jeans. Then I stood up and went to continue to get ready. Leaving him moaning my name under his breath.

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

"You look so good babe." Pedro squeezed my hand as we walked across the car park to the restaurant. I was concentrating on the not falling over in my heeled boots. My hair was down and in big waves. I wore my gold hoops and my cherry red saddle bag for a bit of colour.

"Thank you. So do you." Dressed in a green jumper, the brown leather jacket I was going to steal and jeans with his New Balance trainers, his curls all messy and wild and his black framed glasses on his beautiful face, he was quiet the vision. "You always do."

"So do you." He held the door for me to let me go in first. I saw my friends occupying the table in the far corner as we made our way over. We were the last ones to arrive.

"Eleanor!" My friends cheered in unison. My cheeks flushed as I grinned ear to ear. One by one, the greeted me and then Pedro, all excited to meet him. He was so sweet, giving each person his undivided attention.

"Want a drink?" I asked as I placed my hand on his back.

"Beer please. Anything. Wanna take my card?" He went to fetch his wallet from his jeans.

"I've got these." I rubbed his back and signalled for Olivia to join me at the bar.

"You look so good. Ugh, I wish I had your figure." Olivia moaned as she held my hand.

"Shut up. I'd happily swap with you." I would. She was perfect. "What do you want to drink?"

"No I'll get these Elle, it's your birthday." She offered but I didn't want her to pay.

"No please let me get these. You can get the next ones." I wouldn't let her, but needed her to think I would.

"Only if you're sure. I'll have a rosé. Are you gonna have one too? Shall we get a bottle?"

"You read my mind." I smirked. "How's work?"

"I fucking hate it. I'm so bored there. I feel so numb every second I spend there. Jack, bless him, he's going over our finances to see if there's a way I can just leave so I can actually find a job I love instead of just exist there. It's too expensive though."

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

"Find me a rich friend of Pedro's to be my sugar daddy?" She laughed as she flicked her long blonde hair over her shoulder.

"I'm actually sure that could be arranged. I could speak to my Dad and ask about some administrative roles or something? If you wanna work with him just until you find someone you wanna do?"

"You know what, that's not actually a bad idea. Would you?"

"Yeah absolutely. I'll talk to him tomorrow. I want to get drunk tonight and have the best time with you." Just then, the bartender took our orders.

"I love having you home. I miss you so much when you're not here." She gripped my hand and linked our fingers.

"You need to come to LA. You'll love it."

"I know, I know. But with work, it's just so hard. I promise I'll come visit before the end of the year. Then you'll be back home and we don't have to do this long distance shit anymore." She grinned at me. I didn't even realise that in 5 months time, I'd be coming home. Would I be coming home? I couldn't stay in LA, my American contract ends and I'd have to go back to my office here. If I stayed in L.A, I wouldn't have a job or anywhere to stay. But I want to come home. Fuck!

The feeling of Pedro sliding his arm around my shoulders knocked me out of my daze. I looked up at him and noticed him lean over me. When I turned, he was tapping his card on the card machine and paying for the drinks.

"Hey I was getting those." I scolded.

"Yeah but I got them. Enjoy your wine ladies." He picked up his and Jack's beers, kissed my forehead and hugged Olivia before he headed over to Jack. Who still looked at Pedro in awe.

"I actually love him, Eleanor." Olivia admitted as he left us. Her infatuation made me giggle. He had everyone under his spell and was so oblivious to it.

We lifted our glasses and toasted. Pedro's hand was on my knee as we all took a sip. His thumb stroked the bare skin of my thigh. I was watching the motion of his physical touch, back and forth tender strokes.

"Your skin is so soft." Pedro's voice broke me out of my trance. When I looked up at him, he looked back and smiled. "So soft."

"The importance of moisturising daily, Pascal." I smirked as I sipped my rosé.

"I've got old man skin, not sure if I'd have the same results."

"I'm more than happy to rub creams into your body every night if you need me to." I looked up at him through my lashes and gave him the eyes over my glass.

"Behave." He growled as he squeezed my thigh and sipped his own wine. My eyes went back down to his hand on my thigh.

"What does this tattoo mean? Does it have a meaning?" I asked as my index finger pushed into the bullseye on his hand.

"I used to doodle it all the time on my hand as a kid. First tattoo I got. No particular meaning."

"It's cool, I like it. What about your other tattoos?"

"This one behind my ear is matching with Javi. This is my mom's signature," he pointed to the VP on his wrist. My heart clenched at the loving man's ode to his mother.

"This is really sweet." I made sure my fingers were extra tender as I outlined his mother's name.

"Then I've got a couple elephants on my legs, for the siblings."

"The way you love your family, you are so special Pedro."'

"They're pretty special. I'm very lucky." My hand found his hand as I linked our fingers together.

"Have they got any tattoos for you?"

"Apart from Javi's matching one with me, nope. I don't think they love me enough to permanently mark their bodies." He scoffed as he sipped his drink again.

"How long do I have to put up with you before you get a tattoo of me?" I joked.

"I'll get one done tomorrow."

"Stop it!" We laughed at each other.

He leant forward and whispered in my ear, "Gonna get your lingerie picture tattooed right here! So I can look at it whilst I jerk off!" He tapped his inner arm.

"Didn't think you'd want other people to see that!"

"True! Maybe I'll get that photo of you drunk asleep in the car with your nugget hanging out your mouth."

"Bastard!" I gently pushed on his arm as I erupted into laughter. In my fit of giggles, I'd knocked a fork onto the floor. I leant down to pick it up and on my way back up, my head came into contact with Pedro's hand. When I turned, I saw that he had covered the corner of the table with his hand. He was laughing at something Luke had said to the table. I'd realised that he had put his hand on the corner to protect me from hitting the corner of the table. Which obviously came in handy, given my track record of being the world's most clumsy person. My heart thumped in my chest at the realisation of this man doing the most to protect me from getting hurt. In every sense of the word. I looked over to Olivia who was watching me, who had noticed too.

"You alright?" Pedro asked as he moved his hand from the corner of the table back to my thigh. I wrapped my arm around his bicep and leant my head against him.

"Yeah thanks to you." I mumbled. He placed a kiss on my head. I watched as he swapped my fork for his, making sure he got the one that had been on the floor and gave me his clean one. "I didn't mind having the floor fork."

"It's OK." He smiled as he sipped his drink.

Food had been delicious. Spending time with all my friends was wholesome. Seeing Pedro with my friends had been perfect. The man's natural ability to get everyone to love him the instant they met him blew me away.

"Shall we head to Arcadia?" Tom suggested. A collective unison filled the air.

"You happy to go?" I whispered to Pedro, who looked delicious. His hair, somehow, had got more messy and curly as the night continued.

"Of course. It's your night. We're doing whatever you want. What is it?"

"It's a small bar that places good music. It's cosy. I think you'll like it."

"I'm sure I will." He squeezed my hand.

"Great, I'll get the bill." Jack left the table. I saw my friends reach for their bags or load up their calculators to organise how much we paid. I saw Pedro twitch.

"Don't. I know what you're thinking but no. We always split this equally. Please don't do it." He looked at me with a twisted mouth.

"I need the toilet."

"No you don't. I know what you're gonna do."

"Everyone is £53.48. Including tips." Jack announced to the table.

"I do, I need the toilet."

"You can go when we've all paid." I knew he was itching to go pay the bill and I wouldn't let him. He rolled his eyes and gave me a stern look. The waiter came over with the card machine and asked about payment.

"I'll go first." Pedro spoke, as he was at the end of the table. She asked him how much he was to pay, and he whispered something to her I didn't hear. I watched him tap his card. The waiter ripped off the receipt and nodded her head at him. She turned. Fuck.

"You did it, didn't you?" He didn't answer me. He just smiled so hard his dimple came out. "Pedro!!"

"It's your birthday!"

"So? I wouldn't have come out if I wasn't happy to pay. And you payed for everyone! There's like 10 of us!"

"You're welcome."

"What's going on?" Olivia asked across the table.

"I believe it's time to go party?" Pedro shrugged, looking between me and Olivia.

"What about the bill?" She tapped her card on the table.

"Sorted. Come, show me your best moves Olivia." He stood up. His movement caused everyone to look around at each other, wondering why we were making movement without paying. It wasn't long before word got to the end of the table and everyone knew Pedro had paid the bill.

"Hey Pedro. Here, let me give you this." Brad handed Pedro some cash.

"Oh no, thank you. It's fine."

"Please."

"My treat." Pedro politely rejected. "Thank you though."

"You sure?" Brad looked at me, trying to get guidance from me on what to do. I just smiled at him, unable to help. I'd watched this interaction too many times. There was no way you could give Pedro money.

"Positive. Let's go grab a beer." Pedro tapped Brad's shoulder and walked with him.

"He really doesn't let you pay for anything, does he?" Olivia held my hand as we followed everyone out.

"It's so annoying." I scoffed as I felt her engagement ring hit against my knuckle.

"He fucking loves you. When you almost hit your head on the table, I saw how he'd put his hand out to protect you. So fucking cute."

"He's a good guy."

"The way he looks at you, Elle. Ugh, it's dreamy."

"What do you mean?" I knew exactly how it felt when Pedro looked at me; but seeing and hearing other people make comments on it clenched my heart.

"He's only got eyes for you. He looks at you with so much love. He's exactly what you deserve."

"Thanks Liv!" I touched my chest adoringly.

"I mean, you couldn't have found some guy from Worcester. Nooo. Of course you get the Hollywood superstars!" I giggled at her mockingly scold. Pedro was still talking to Brad in front of us as we walked down the road. I looked up to see him turn to me, stop and wait for us to catch up. He had his jacket in his hands. But when he got to us, he put his jacket over my shoulders and rubbed them quickly before moving back to Brad to continue their conversation. Brad looked at me and smiled. He recognised the sweet gesture of Pedro. I turned back to Olivia, who'd seen it too. "See!? He is perfect!"

*****************************************"Are you having a good night?" I asked Pedro, who was with the boys at the bar. He fitted in so well. They all spoke like they'd known each other all their lives. I'd noticed a few times that Pedro would talk and they would all listen and laugh to whatever he said. They were in awe of him as much as I were.

"You know, I really am. You've got a great bunch of friends. And seeing you dance about with your girlfriends is quite the vision."

"What do you mean?"

"You are so hot. And I enjoy watching your boobs bounce when you dance around. Can't take my eyes off 'em!"

"I want you to fuck me so hard tonight." I looked up at him with angelic eyes and devilish words.

"Anything for the birthday girl." He leant down and kissed me hard and quick. "Want a drink?"

"Yeah but I'm getting it."

"It's fine, here." He went to give me his card.

"No thank you. Please. Just let me get one."

"Fine." He put his card away. I watched for a few seconds, waiting for his next move. "What?"

"I was just wanting for your next stunt where you find an alternative way to pay for me."

"I'm not going to do anything."

"Please don't. Let me get this."

"OK, I am!" He laughed as he sipped his beer. I ordered myself a G&T and was waiting for it to be made. I heard my name being called behind me.

"Eleanor?" I turned to see Sam. Sam. Fuck.

"Oh. Hey." I barely smiled as I saw him. Fuck.

"Good to see you." He leant in for a hug and I patted his shoulder in response.

"This is Pedro." I replied, wanting him to include him in the conversation.

"Good to meet you." Pedro's tone was a lot friendlier than mine. But he had no idea who he was speaking to.

"You too. Are you here with everyone?" Sam asked me, before he scanned the place.

"Yeah."

"Oh right, shit, it's your birthday! Happy Birthday!" He tapped my arm as I thanked him. "It was good to see you Eleanor. Nice to meet you Pedro." He left.

"Woah, what did that guy do to you?" Pedro laughed as Sam walked away.

"What do you mean?"

"That's the most hostile I've ever seen you."

"Oh, haha, just someone I used to know."

"Old friend?" Pedro asked, wanting to work out the reasoning behind my tone.

"Remember when we met and I said I had a situationship with a guy who really fucked me over?" I couldn't lie to him.

"Yeah?"

"That's the guy." Shit. Was he going to get angry?

"That's him!?" His voice was slightly higher than usual. Please don't argue with me. Not here, not now. "Fuck. I mean, I know I'm no looker but him? You let him ruin your life? Eleanor, honey, you need to realise how beautiful you are. That guy is-" He shook his head and laughed to himself.

"Why are you grinning like that?" I laughed, feeling at ease knowing he wasn't angry or going to argue with me.

"Because I'm hotter than him. You upgraded didn't you?" He winked. "I always thought your exes would be good looking men, cos look at you. Thought I'd have competition. But if these were the men you had, I have nothing to worry about!"

"Wow, that's the cattiest thing I've ever heard you say. I love it." I hugged him. "I did upgrade. I've got the best now. I'm sorry; I really didn't know he was going to be here-"

"Why are you apologising honey? It's fine. Don't worry. In fact, it's made my night." He grinned like a fool.

"Thank you." I hugged him again.

"For what?"

"Being the best. Will you come dance with me?"

"I thought you'd never ask. Come, grind that body against mine please." He grabbed my hand and lead me to the dance floor.

*****************************************"Someone's drunk." Pedro smiled at me as we waited for our Uber. He snaked his arm around my waist and pulled me to him.

"I'm not that bad. Just a little tipsy. You're drunk too."

"I'm a little tipsy, too." He grinned as he moved forward to kiss my lips. His hands moved into the pockets of my denim skirt and squeezed my ass.

"We're in public!" I hissed against his lips, retaliating by shoving my hands into his jean pockets and squeezing his ass.

"I don't care." The alcoholic infused in our bodies made us extra flirty with each other and it drove me wild. "If I wanna squeeze your ass, I will." He squeezed my ass. "If I wanna shove my tongue down your throat, I will." He kissed me hard as his tongue entered my mouth. He tasted of beer and Pedro; a delicious mix. "Cos I'm a bit possessive over you and want to show everyone you're mine."

"Good job there's no one around." My eyes scanned the street. A few people were down the road, but not within distance from us.

"You're so pretty. Like, so fucking pretty. Like heartbreakingly beautiful."

"Such a charmer, Pascal. Are you gonna fuck me tonight? Birthday sex?"

"It's past midnight so it's not your birthday anymore."

"As if you didn't give me birthday sex."

"No but I'll fuck you so hard when we get back. If we ever get back. Where is this fucking Uber?" I checked my phone and saw it was 6 minutes away.

"6 minutes." I looked up at Pedro and stared at the beautiful man in front of me. He stared back. His eyes were almost black. He looked over my shoulder then down the street, both ways.

"Come here." He said as he dragged me down the alley way. It was dark, and definitely not somewhere I'd like to be. Even with Pedro, it didn't feel safe. "Trust me."

"Urm depends. You've dragged me down a poorly lit alleyway. Kinda something a serial killer would do. Hope you've not dragged me down here to kill me."

"Shhhh!" He hushed me as he kissed me quick. "Don't talk like that. I don't like hearing you say things like that." He frowned at me. "I'm not gonna kill you. But" he leant in closer and took a step closer to me. "I am gonna try and make you cum before the Uber gets here. Open your mouth." His words knocked the wind out of me but before I had chance to argue, I found myself obliging and opening my mouth. He shoved two of his long fingers in there and I instantly coated them with my tongue. "Good girl. Open your legs slightly for me." I did as I was told. I felt his wet fingertip briefly skim my leg as he travelled up to me. His thumb pushed my thong over as his fingers found my opening. "Didn't need to suck my fingers. You're already so wet. This turning you on, eh?" I nodded my head, unable to speak. Barely able to breathe. "How long till the Uber?"

"4 minutes." I kept my phone in my head as I prepared myself. Without a second thought, he shoved both fingers in me, making me whimper and arch my back. I gripped onto his shoulders and threw my head forward, trying to absorb every inch of the pleasure that radiated through my body.

"Turn around. Hands on the wall. Arch your back. Stick this ass out for me." As usual, I did what I was told. His thumb pushed my thong to the side again. But he didn't instantly put his fingers back in me. "God, I could stare at you like this, for me, all day. So perfect." His long index fingers circled my clit once, before he dragged it over my wet lips and up towards my ass. "This." He stopped on my asshole. "I want this. So much. Have you ever?"

"No." I breathed, feeling everything sound start to shake. My body couldn't contain being around this man this way.

"Would you let me?"

"Yeah. I'd let you do anything to me." I looked over my shoulder to see him smirk at me. Then he spanked me, hard.

"Not right now. I wanna do that right. Not like this." Then his fingers ruthlessly pounded into me again. Curly, clenching, in and out. I couldn't help but concentrate on the man and his fingers. I didn't care if anyone was around. I didn't care if anyone was watching. All I cared about was feeling him. In me. Then,

'Your Uber is 1 minute away. Look out for a black Ford...'

"Ubers here." I groaned. But his fingers didn't stop. They got faster. I knew he was trying to tip me over the edge before the taxi came. I felt myself build up. Almost there. Then he pulled out. Making me feel hit and heavy and empty without him.

"So hot!" He whispered in my ear as he helped me get dressed. "Now all you're gonna think about in the can home is this. And you wanna cum so bad, don't you?"

"I think if you even look at me in a certain way in that taxi, I might cum." I breathed as we walked back to the street. The taxi pulled down the street and towards us.

"Challenge accepted." He winked. Fuck.

"Hmmm I just wanna keep kissing you." My fingers were twisted in his hair as I pulled him closer. He slammed the front door a little harder than he intended to.

"Shit. Fuck. Hope I didn't wake your dad up!" Pedro whispered against my lips.

"Shhh!" I mumbled against his as I kissed him again. "Come on, take me upstairs and fuck me. Be quiet." I turned and headed towards the stairs. I'd made it up 5 stairs when Pedro's arm wrapped around my stomach. He pushed me forward, so I was bent over in front of his face. Without a chance to think, I felt him push his face under my skirt and into my crotch, where he nuzzled his nose. The feeling of his nose and hot breath, there, made me buckle and moan. His hand instantly went to my mouth.

"Shhh!" He scolded. "I couldn't resist. Seeing you flaunt yourself right in front of my face. Keep walking." In record speed, we reached my bedroom, which thankfully was on the other side of my house to Dads room. He kissed me again, hot and urgent. His long fingers toyed with my skin. "You know earlier, when you said I could do anything, you meant that?" His eyes scanned my face, searching for the truth.

"Anything." I bit my lip, waiting to hear what delicious plans he had in store for me.

"Can we do, can we do it?" I knew what he was referring to. He brushed back my hair from my face and held my head in his hands.

"Please."

"Are you sure? If you don't wanna, if you're uncomfortable please tell me I won't-"

"I want you to fuck my ass." I kissed him again to let him know how much I wanted it.

"Fuck!" He breathed. I grabbed his hand and led him over to the bed. I got on my knees and pulled the box I was looking for out. "What's that?" I gave it to him. Inside was a collection of sex toys and products I obviously needed to keep from my dad. "Fuck! Eleanor! What is all this?" His eyes widened as he scanned the box. "Fuck, I love this side of you."

"You can use whatever is in there on me."

"Fucking hell. Christmas came early." He scanned the box, "We're definitely using this on you." He pulled out a vibrator and threw it on the bed. I picked it up when he wasn't looking.

"Pedro?"

"Yeah?" He looked up from the box and to me. His eyes were glossy; filled with alcohol and lust.

"Put that down, sit on the end of the bed." I helped move the box off his lap and watched as he did what I told him to do. I pulled off my skirt and centred myself on the bed. "I'm gonna use this and you're gonna watch. No touching."

"Fuck. OK." There was a small smirk on his lips as he got himself comfortable. I had no idea what had overcome me, but I wanted to put a show on for him.

"Wait, could you help me with something?" I asked innocently.

"Sure. Anything. Anything you need from me."

"Take my top off for me." He jumped over to me, his too eager fingers wrestled with the hem of my top as he pulled it over my head. He cupped my boobs through my bra and squeezed hard, making me moan. "Bra too." He was already undoing it before I could finish my sentence. His hands went straight back to my boobs as he toyed with my nipples. "Enough. Now. Go sit back."

"This is the hottest thing in the world. What you thinking about?" He breathed heavy.

"You."

"Only me."

"Always only you."

"Fuck, please let me touch you."

"No."

"Fuck. Can I touch myself then?"

"Yeah. Come here." He leant forward so he was in front of me. I grabbed his hand and spat in it, "use that. Let me watch you."

"This won't take long, I feel like I'm gonna cum any second."

"No, no cuming. I want that in my ass, please."

"Eleanor! Fuck!" Watching him play with himself whilst he watched me turned me on so much. His big hands coating this length of him; up and down, all whilst his eyes burned into me helped intensify my pleasure. I threw my head back and moaned load. "Fucking hell, Eleanor. You're so hot. I'm gonna cum. Can I fuck you, now? I can't cope with this!"

I turned off the vibrator and threw it down the bed. I crawled up to him and kiss him once. Sweetly and softly. Then my mouth went over to his dick. I hollowed my cheeks as I took the whole of him in my mouth, feeling him hit the back of my throat. It made me gag, feeling the whole of him in my mouth. He was too much but felt so good. With him still at the back of my throat, I bobbed my head in small thrusts.

"Fuck, babe, hearing you gag on me is so fucking hot!" His hand gripped the nape of my neck to help control my movements. "Fuck, so hot. That's it. Good girl. Take all of me. Choke on me." We continue to help each other, me switching up from long strokes to air taking gags at his base whilst Pedro controlled my head where he wanted me. It was so hot. "Gonna cum soon. So let me be in you please." He bend me over and coated me in a mixture of my own wetness and  lube. It was cold and slimey.

"I'll go slow. You tell me if it hurts or if you need to stop. OK?" I didn't answer, I was too concentrated on him and his voice. "Answer me."

"I've got it. I'll tell you." He kissed my back. I felt him push his tip in, slow and gentle. The feeling was a mixture of pain and pleasure. But slightly more pain. "You OK?"

"Yeah." I breathed as I bit my lip.

"I'm gonna go further." He went a little further and an unfamiliar feeling ran through my body. It was painful, but pleasurable. I wanted more.

"More please."  He went further in. Slowly. "More." I begged into the whole of him was in me. "Fuck, this feels I can't-"

"You OK?"

"Yeah. Do it again." I felt him pull back slow and enter me again, in one smooth gentle stroke. "Again. Faster." I was being to feel accustomed to the sensation and needed more. He started to pick up the pace before I felt the feeling start to build up in my stomach.

"This is, it feels so fucking good. My baby. Fuck. You're so hot. Seeing you like this for me, and only me."

"Faster. Please. Ram into me. I need it." Pedro let out a feral groan at my words as his fingers found my clit. The overwhelming feeling made me fall from my elbows, unable to support my own weight. "Harder. Rougher. Please. Fuck me." His hand held my head to the pillow as the other gripped my waist as he picked up the pace and grunted.

"You're so tight. I'm gonna cum soon." He moaned out. I heard the vibration of my vibrator before I felt it pressed against my clit.

"Ahhhh oh my god. Oh my god. Pedro. Fuck! This feels. So fucking good." I'd never experienced anything like it in my life. "I'm gonna cum Pedro." My eyes rolled as I let go, bathing in the sensation as I came. Pedro continued to pound me as he found his own release, calling out my name repeatedly as he came.

"Fuck!" He rested his head on my back. "That was incredible." He pulled out as I felt his cum drip out of me. "I'm so smug right now." He got off the bed and helped me up.

"Why?"

"Cos I've just fucked you in a way no man ever has or ever will. Mine." He kissed me hard. We went to the bathroom together to clean up and get changed. Every time he looked at me, he would smirk.

"Cocky shit." I teased as I bent over to get my underwear from the floor. I winced at the pain from our antics.

"You OK?"

"Yeah just bit sore." My comment made his eyes glisten with guilt. "Hey, don't be feeling bad. I like it. It's hot. Every time I feel that pain, I'm gonna remember this moment. I enjoyed it. We will be doing it again."

"Thank you for trusting me to do something like that to you." He kissed me again as we got into bed.

"Thank you for fucking me so hard. I love being your little sex slave." My comment made him laugh as he got comfortable.

"You are everything, Eleanor." He turned me over and tipped my chin up. "Thank you. I'm the luckiest man alive." He kissed me passionately, lovingly.

I woke up. The room was still dark, indicating it was still the middle of the night. I was spooning Pedro, my arm draped over his small waist. My nose was an inch from his toned exposed back. It begged for me to kiss it. So I did. Repeatedly. When I stopped, I heard him say, "Hmm don't stop." His voice was low and full of sleep and intoxicatingly hot. I did what he said. Until he rolled over and looked at me. His curls were rogue. His face was sleepy but so hot. He licked his lips as he looked at me. I couldn't resist. I moved my hand from his stomach and moved down to his dick. Which was already erect. My touch made him close his eyes.

"Oh hello." I smirked as I lightly squeezed him. "What were you dreaming about to make you hard?"

"You were doing a strip tease for me." He confessed as he opened his eyes and looked at me. "Making me hard, even in my dreams."

"I'm already naked so I can't give you one of those right now. But," I pulled on his shoulder to encourage him to roll over onto his back. "I can give you a blow job."

"Fuck. Are you serious?" His eyes were now dark and wide open. "Babe, it's late. If you don't want to-"

"I'm going to give you a blow job and you're gonna lie there and enjoy every second until you cum OK?" He nodded his head and smiled at me.

"You are so bad, Eleanor. Fuck." He readjusted himself against the pillows. I licked my lips in anticipation.

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

Friday afternoon came rolling down. Oli and Jess were grateful to us for giving them a TLC break away. We were equally as excited to have quality time with Theo. We walked down the high street, me pushing the pushchair and Pedro leisurely walking beside us. It was sunny but cool - typical British summer. I was glad to bring my jumper but could feel myself get a little too warm.

"You alright with him?" Pedro asked, knocking me out my daydream.

"Yeah. He weighs nothing."

"I can push him for a bit if you want?"

"It's fine, the cafe is only down there." I signalled with my head.

"You'd be a hot mom." Pedro said as he looked over his glasses as me and smirked. "Suits you."

"I love this little guy, but I have no desire to have babies." I stared at the little cutie who was looking around, grabbing at his chubby feet.

"I'm so glad you said that because I feel the same way too." His comment made me look up at him. "I know we said we'd maybe have kids in the future, but honestly, I don't think I do. It's just in certain moments I think having a baby wouldn't be so bad. If I think about it rationally, it's not for me."

"Hey, don't worry," I gripped onto his arm reassuringly, "I feel the same way too. Being around Theo makes me love babies. But realistically, I don't want that life either. I'm fine being the cool aunt forever."

"You are pretty cool." He grinned at me as he pushed his glasses up his nose. "I feel like you were built for me. I love you babe." He kissed my temple. We stopped at the cafe I loved to get some lunch. The sun was healthier now, beaming down on us, so we decided to eat outside. The waiter recognised Pedro and asked for a selfie. Which he did. Because he was a sweetheart.

"I'll get the buttermilk chicken and fries please." I asked as I closed the menu.

"I'll get the same, please. Thanks so much." Pedro copied. The waiter smiled and took the menus from us.

"It still shocks me that you are known so globally." I made the comment to Pedro as I bounced Theo on my knee.

"I'm sorry." His smile was apologetic.

"No you don't apologise. So many people love and appreciate the art you bring into the world. How could I ever be mad at that?"

"Maybe it gets annoying for you. Stops us from doing normal stuff sometimes." He leant out his hand for Theo to catch his finger and grip onto it. Seeing Pedro with Theo melted my heart.

"No. It's a small price we pay for you to live out your dreams. I can live with that." Theo had now grabbed onto both of Pedro's index fingers. "Wanna hold him? He seems to want you."

"Come here then little man!" Pedro grinned at Theo as he scooped him effortlessly into his arms. "Hey buddy." Theo sat on his knee and stared up at him. He wouldn't stop staring at him.

"Yeah, I get it too, Theo. You can't help but stare right?" I rubbed his chubby cheek as he continued his loving gaze at Pedro.

"This is so cute." Pedro tugged at his T-shirt and shorts combo, covered in little T-Rex's. "I might steal it. I might, Theo. I'm gonna take these and I'm gonna keep them for myself." His voice was gooey and soft.

"My Granddad was shocked, you know, when we went out to lunch and people recognised you. I don't think he understood how popular you are till he saw for himself. Dad was too. And Dad was grateful you let him pay for lunch, and I am too. I know it must have killed you."

"I was happy to pay."

"I know, but so was Dad. Let him pay for it. Keep your money."

"I'd rather spend it on you." Pedro replied, just as Theo's piercing cries filled the air, making us both jumper.

"He's hungry, I think? I'm not sure. Try him with his bottle. Or I'll do it if you want?" I retrieved the bottle from his bag.

"I can do it. He you go buddy!" He put the bottle to Theo's mouth, and Theo attached himself instantly. All whilst staring at Pedro.

"He literally just stares at you. Think you're his favourite." I rubbed his baby smooth, squishy cheek. He didn't even flinch, but continued to look at the godlike man who fed him. Food arrived as Pedro continued to feed Theo. "I can take over so you can eat!" I leant forward to get Theo.

"It's fine. I can do both. He's settled." He grinned as swapped the bottle to the hand that cradled him and used his free hand to eat some chips. "See, easy!" He smiled at me with his chip-filled grin. I took a photo of him and sent it to Oli and Jess, who I'd been updating frequently on our family group chat, to ensure he was safe and in good hands. I also uploaded it to my story, with the caption,

'Multitasking: Uncle Edition.'

It would no doubt drive his fans crazy. And he looked so hot, I couldn't not share that sweet moment.

We ate lunch peacefully, Theo finished his bottle and played with Pedro's fingers as Pedro ate.

"I could watch you both for hours." I loved seeing them together. "Although I'm a little jealous with how much he loves you."

"He loves you!" Pedro spoke, as he bobbed Theo on his knee. Theo looked at me and blew a raspberry, as if to go against what Pedro said. His adorable gesture made us burst out with laughter.

"See! I told you!" I wiped Theo's wet mouth with a napkin. "I'm just going to use the toilet then we can go for a little walk if you want?"

"Sounds good to me. Take my card and pay for lunch please." He handed me his card holder. I took it, knowing I was going to pay for it myself.

"Did you pay for lunch on my card? I haven't had a notification from my bank to say you did." Pedro asked when he looked at his phone. "You didn't, did you?"

"Nope. Thanks for the offer though." I recited his previous words to him. He shook his head as his hands gripped onto the pushchair handle. I had Theo in my arms.

"He's asleep, you know?" Pedro said as he smiled at us.

"Oh my god, is he?" I tried to crane my neck to look at the little sleepy chunky cherub on my shoulder but his head was facing the opposite direction.

"Yeah, his mouths wide open. He's in that deep sleep." Pedro stopped to kiss my head. "If I was to ever have kids, you would make beautiful babies with me and you'd be such a good mom."

"Let's just stick to be good aunties and uncles, yeah?" I smiled to him.

"I'll happily agree."

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

The evening had been wholesome; one of my favourite evenings of my life. Theo napped till late afternoon. Dad was away with work overnight so we had the house to ourselves. I made dinner for us, whilst Theo played with Pedro and Ziggy. Pedro was a natural. Everyone loved him. Including the dog, who would constantly jump up him and want to play with Pedro. After dinner, Pedro resumed to play with Theo and cuddle with him on the sofa till bath time. We bathed Theo together; which turned out to be an adventure in itself when Pedro soaked me more than he bathed Theo.

"And he closed his eyes. Goodnight baby bear. Sweet dreams. We'll see you in the morning for more adventures." Pedro recited the last sentence of Theo's bedtime story as he closed the book. "He's gone. Look at that mouth!! He sleeps like you!" He teased as he ran his fingers over Theo's cheek. Theo was in my arms, as I bounced and rocked him. I gently lay him in his cot and turned on the monitor, careful not to wake him.

"I think we might be pros at this. Great teamwork, Pascal." I rubbed his back as we left Theo to sleep. Ziggy's tail wagged as soon as he saw us, and immediately ran to Pedro.

"We did do good, didn't we?" He kissed my lips as we headed to the living room. "I think it was pretty brave of us to look after a puppy and a baby at the same time."

"I know! How do you think I feel? Having to look after a baby, a puppy and a human child with the personality of a golden retriever? I'm exhausted!" I teased as we cuddled on the sofa.

"You were naturally great, like you always are with anything you try. Shall we watch a film?"

"You decide. I'm easy." I cuddled into his side, trying not to fall asleep.

Cries. Another round of cries.

"I'll get him." I mumbled, trying to see through the slits of my eyes that couldn't quite fully open. Lack of sleep wanting to pressure them to close again.

"I'll go. You went last time."

"Yeah but you need to rest." I pulled back the covers when Pedro recovered me.

"No," He tucked me in and kissed my temple. "I'll go. It's my turn. You need to sleep too." He lifted his side of the covers and left the room. Annoyingly, Pedro managed to settle Theo a lot quicker than I could. I could hear him talking to Theo through the monitor.

"There we go, buddy."

I lay listening to him talk to Theo. I idly wondered what life with this man would be like if we had children. He'd be away with work a lot, so I knew I'd have majority of the responsibility. But I knew he would be so hands on when he was home. Sharing all the responsibilities. Wanting to be the best dad to the baby. Being the fun parent whilst I would be the worrier. He would be completely devoted and in love with the baby. Just like he was with me. Today was a glimpse into what life with Pedro and babies would be like. Being in a home, not an apartment. Being parents. Doing family things. Part of me wanted that. Seeing him with Theo made my heart hurt. It healed a part of me I didn't know I had. But I didn't want to be a mom. And Pedro didn't want to be a dad. Pedro returned to the bedroom.

"He's fast asleep. For maybe another 20 minutes." He laughed as he crawled back into bed. "Looking after babies is exhausting." He cuddled into me. He didn't say anything else; he instantly went back to sleep.

*****************************************The time with my family had come and gone so quickly. It was the last night I had with them. Oli came round to share the last evening with us. Dad ordered takeaway and decided we should watch home videos together. I knew he just wanted to embarrass me in front of Pedro. Who loved every second. We were currently watching a Halloween home video. I was dressed as a witch, Oli was a vampire and we were doing dance routines for my mom and dad. Seeing her on tapes made my heart hurt. She was gorgeous. So perfect. But the videos didn't do her beauty justice. Me and Oli were dancing to Thriller when we watched mom come round the corner wearing a Halloween mask to scare us. Her prank worked perfectly, as 8 year old Oli and 6 year old I screamed in unison!

"God this is so embarrassing!" I held my hands over my face as I watched 6 year old me cry.

"It's alright. You were only a child, baby." Pedro mumbled next to me as his hand found my thigh and gave it a gentle squeeze.

"I'll go check on her."

My mom said into the camera as dad followed her into my room. I was sat on the bed, crying.

"Baby, it's OK! Mommy's here. You're safe."

She looked up at my dad and pulled an expression of heartbreak. You could tell she was upset for scaring me.

"I'm sorry, baby. I love you."

Her gentle hand found my head and pulled me into her. My heartbeat quickened. What I'd do to have her do that to me now.

"Mommy. Please never leave me. Never ever. I love you mommy."

"I promise I'll never ever leave you, my darling girl. I love you so much. I'll be here forever. I promise."

My heart stopped as tears pooled in my eyes. All three sets of eyes were on mine as the room went quiet. I slid away from Pedro's grip and left the room. Running to find my room. The same room in which  I just watched my mom make a promise that she didn't keep. I curled up like my younger self, just moments ago, and sobbed. Feeling the pain of her loss again. I wasn't sure how long I'd been crying when the sound of my door knocking made me lift my head.

"Is it OK if I come in?" Dad popped his head around the door.

"Yeah." I sniffed.

"Come here." It wasn't till I got closer that I saw a piece of paper in his hand. "Can't believe I'm doing this, I've been dreading this. But here." He handed me the envelope. "Oli got one on his birthday and I asked him to keep it a secret because I, she wanted you to have something for your 30th too. And given how you were last year, I'm glad I didn't have to give it to you."

"What is it?" I asked as I pulled open the envelope.

"A letter from your mom. It was meant for your 30th birthday. She left it. I know you're not 30 yet. But I think you need it now. More than ever." I already burst into tears.

"I can't do it." I didn't want to read it. I couldn't. The pain in my chest was now physical. I felt my body shutting down.

"You can. I'm here. We'll do it together." He squeezed my shoulders. I opened the letter.

To my 30 year old Eleanor,

My baby. You will always be my baby. I love you. In huge amounts. All the time. Forever.

I hope you fall in love with being alive. I hope you pick flowers and read books and understand that life is so much more than a message from a boy you won't remember in a few years. I hope you feel pursued. I hope you have the best friends, and I even hope you get in trouble together. I hope you have fun memories and take too many pictures and scream at the top of your lungs at concerts. I hope you swim in the depths of the oceans and feel the dirt under your fingernails when you climb mountains. I hope you know the joys of genuine laughter. I hope you know you can be anything you want to be but know you have to work hard to get it. I hope you do more than sit around and complain about change - because you are the change. I hope you journal and write every little moment down. I hope you finally learn how to ice skate and eat your fruits and vegetables. I hope you treat your body well. I hope you love wholeheartedly to those who are worthy of your love. I hope you receive endless amount of love from everyone who deserves you. I hope you have fun. I really hope, more than anything, you have unapologetically fun.

Because my love, I hope you fall in love with being alive.

Forever, my baby. My whole world. I love you. I love you. I love you. Mum. Xxxx

It hurt. Every inch of my body hurt. I couldn't do anything but wrap myself up in my Dads arms. I could feel his body shake as he cried too. There was another knock at the door. Oli came in. He knew. He didn't say anything but added to the hug. The three of us. Grieving again. Hurting for the loss of my beautiful mom we lost so long ago. Still hurting. Will forever hurt. The pain from her suicide never ended. It just got passed on.

"Can you get Pedro please?" I wanted to be in his arms. I wanted to feel him love me and hold me. Dad leant back and kissed my head.

"I'll get him." He left me and Oli alone.

"I'm sorry for not telling you about these letters." He sniffed as he hugged me tighter.

"No don't be. It's a nice surprise. Fucking painful, but I'm so grateful." I squeezed him. "Why did she fucking leave us? I'm so miserable without her Ol!"

"Me too, Elle." We had each other in a death grip. Trying to heal each other hurt whilst grieving our own. The door knocked and Pedro and my Dad stood in the doorway.

"Come here." I held my arms open for him and he almost ran to hold me. There, in the most, I felt it. A connection with a man who would help me heal. A wave of love so pure and deep that it covered the balls of pain in my body and wrapped them up in silky love. His big arms were around me, holding me to him.

"You help her so much, Pedro. I'll never be able to thank you enough for that. Really. Thank you. From the bottom of my heart." Hearing Dad say that to Pedro made me weep.

"I agree. Thank you for fixing her in a way we couldn't. Can't. We're grateful she has you. She's in good hands." Oli added and I sobbed.

"I love you three more than anything. I love you so much it hurts." Before I knew it, I was engulfed by the arms and love of the 3 people I adored. We stayed in that moment for a while.

"We'll leave you to it. If either of you need anything, we'll be downstairs." Dad smiled as he and Oli left the room.

"Hey baby." His voice was soft.

"She broke the promise. She left me, Pedro." His big arms scooped me up and pulled me close to him as he cuddled me into him and allowed me to sob.

"I know baby, I know. Please don't be mad at her." His words stopped me in my tracks. I looked up at him. "She was hurting."

"I'm not mad at her. I'm just sad. Really fucking sad. Cos I just miss her so much. I can't believe I'm never gonna see her ever again." Saying the words out loud made me cry harder. It hurt so much. Pedro scooped me up into his arms and pressed me against his chest. His big hand cupped my head and held it against his chest as I continued to cry. I felt my hot tears soak into his T-shirt until it was drenched. "Sorry, I'm ruining your shirt." I pulled back to refrain from soaking his shirt further when I noticed him crying, too. Not just watery eyes. Tears streamed down his face. "Babe why are you crying?"

"I just, I er, I hate seeing you hurt. I hate this. I feel so helpless. And and I can't help, it's making me feel, hopeless. Like I did with my mom. And feeling hopeless for the two women I love the most hurts. It scares me. I couldn't save her. And I feel like I can't help you, I can't fix this for you. And I can't lose you. And I'm just feeling, panicked. I'm sorry."

"Hey," I sniffed as I wiped my nose on the back of my hand before I cupped his head in mine. "Don't you ever be sorry for something like this. Look at me," I commanded, noticing he wouldn't look me in the eyes. "Pedro, look at me!" My thumbs stroked away the tears that slid down his cheeks. "It's OK to feel hopeless. We all do. But don't ever think you're not helping me. You've helped me more than anyone. But you will never lose me. Ever. I wish I could articulate how much I love you. How much I depend on you. Every fucking inch of my body hurts with how much I love you. Ok? I'm not going anywhere. As long as you want me, you'll have me."

"I love you so much. I promise I'll look after you. Always. Whatever you need. Whenever you need it. I'll drop it all for you. I'll be here for you whenever you need me."

"I don't doubt that. And I'll be there for you too. Because we have each other now. And that's all we need. But please talk to me too. When you feel like this, talk to me. Let me help you."

"I will baby." His tears had stopped sliding down his perfect pinchable cheeks.

"Can I ask you something? And you're allowed to tell me no."

"Saying no to you is virtually impossible. I'd give you whatever you asked for."

"Apart from letting me drive your car?" I raised my brow at him and for the first time since this conversation started, he let out a guttural laugh.

"Apart from letting you drive my baby." His chosen name for his car made my eyes roll. My childish response made him giggle again. "What did you want to ask?"

"When you're ready, when you have capacity to; would you talk to me about your mom? I'd like to get to know her. Find out about the woman who made the most incredible man. Who gave me you."

"Of course. Of course I will, Eleanor. Just not tonight. Tonight," He scooped me closer to him and hugged me a little tighter, "I just wanna hold you. I just wanna be with you tonight. I just want you with me and in my arms so I can protect you." There it was. His constant need to protect me. One of the foundations of why we worked. The reciprocated need to protect each other.

"I want that too." Hearing me confirm that I needed him to protect me always made him feel better. I could tell by the glittering smile on his face.

"Do you wanna get ready for bed? I'll go get you some water? Are you hungry?"

"Water is fine, thank you babe." I pouted my lips for a kiss. Pedro kissed me back. A long, heartfelt kiss that only stopped because we'd run out of breath. As he pulled his lips away, he gripped the back of my head and held his forehead against mine. Our noses kissed. Our eyes locked. His hand kept me there whilst his almost black eyes burnt into my soul.

"Every inch of my fucking body needs you. I am so consumed of love for you. I hope that's enough for you." His words were like something from a film. Spoken by a man who had completely swept me off my feet. Who was fixing me. I was overwhelmed by a new wave of love for him that I didn't know was possible. It made me want to start crying against and I fought hard not to let them win. "Sh, don't cry. No more tears tonight." He kissed my forehead. "I'll go get your drink. Get ready for bed." I nodded my head and watched him leave the room. I was left with the silence.