17

##Chapter 17

livia

When I entered the house, I immediately looked for my father, I heard his laugh and found him in the kitchen, very close to Maria, and when they saw me, they quickly moved away from each other. I pretended I didn't notice the exchange of glances and scratched my head slightly, there was definitely something going on between those two.

- Hey. I greeted them with a smile.

— Daughter, Maria was showing me how she makes that cake you loved. — was it just me or was my father blushing?

“Oh, yes… Good. I nodded . Maria looked nervous, I didn't want to make them more uncomfortable, so I changed the subject — Dad, can I go to the biweekly market?

“Oh, that's right. I had forgotten about the fair and about taking you, daughter. I think it would be a great way to end your birthday, don't you?

- Yes! So I can?

- Who are you going with? I hesitated.

I bit my lip, looked at the floor, and decided to be honest.

— With Mark.

— With Marcos?! He looked surprised.

- Yes. Some problem? He's a good man isn't he?

“He's a good man. It's just... He told me he got divorced last week. I hope he's not trying to court my daughter.

My heart sped up with a little fear.

“N-It's not a date dad. He's just going to take me in to show me what it's like, he said he has a tent about veterinary challenges, it's just up to that. I decided to lie about the part where I agreed to go on a date with Marcos.

- Oh yeah. I trust my daughter. Can go.

- Thanks. — I smiled at him — Well, I'll get ready. See you later, Mary.

I ran to my room, took a shower and dressed in jeans and a regular long-sleeved blouse, on my feet I wore the same boots as always, they were beautiful, comfortable and matched all my clothes. I tied my hair in a ponytail and went downstairs, looked for my father to say goodbye and let him know I was leaving, but I couldn't find him anywhere, nor Maria to leave a message.

“Well, he knows where I'm going. I muttered as I walked out the door.

The sight of Marcos was a little breathtaking, he was very handsome, without his hat, with his short hair combed and apparently damp, blue button-up shirt and dark jeans. He smiled as soon as he saw me and walked over.

- You are very pretty. He looked at me from head to toe.

- Thanks. I felt my cheeks heat up, although the sentence didn't have as much effect on me as if it had come from Demetrius' lips.

I shook my head. I needed to forget about him. Nothing much would ever happen between us. Demetrius was an idiot, brutish and insensitive, who kissed me so passionately and later said it was a mistake. He'd left me all…hot and dirty with thoughts.

- Let's go? Mark called.

- Let's go.

***

The fair was amazing, Marcos showed me all the attractions and the competition in the vets' tent was so much fun, I was a little embarrassed because I didn't have any money and I forgot to ask my dad, but Marcos made me feel so comfortable that I didn't even I realized he was paying for everything.

I won two gifts for having guessed right what a cat and a little monkey had. Later, already at the door of the house, Marcos handed me the small trophy and a small basket of sweets, my gifts, that he was holding for me.

“It's delivered. Did you like it?

- I loved it. I had a lot of fun! I exclaimed happily.

- Great. Marcos moved a little closer to me, looking into my eyes.

— Thanks for taking me... I'll be going. I gestured inside, when suddenly, Marcos grabbed my chin and pressed his lips to mine.

I widened my eyes, surprised by his attitude and quickly pulled away, but taking time to taste the kiss.

“Marcos…” I gasped, confused.

— Good night, Livia. He smiled and walked away.

I was stagnant for a few minutes, looking at nothing, with a strange feeling that I couldn't define what it was at the moment. It was starting to rain so I went inside, as I walked upstairs I started to sort out my mixed feelings, I wanted it to be the damn brute taking me on a date, dropping me off at home and kissing me.

A few tears welled up in my eyes as I walked into my room, a bit of regret hitting me even though I knew I didn't do anything wrong. I put the gifts on the bed and started to unbutton my pants to take a shower and go to bed.

However, I heard some noises coming from the terrace and immediately my body stiffened, I looked to the balcony when minutes later I saw a male figure pass by it, entering my room. My eyes adjusted to the incoming moonlight, and my heart hammered in my chest, it was Demetrius, and he had a furious expression on his handsome face.

- What are you doing here? I whispered, a little embarrassed, letting out a nervous smile, deep down happy to see him.

— Marcos, huh? he growled.

- What? — I didn't know what to say.

— She went out with Marcos and let him kiss her! Demetrius growled again, moving closer to me until my back hit the wall.

- What do you want? I questioned, lifting my face to look at him.

- I'm furios. Why did you let him kiss you, Livia? He grabbed my jaw but didn't squeeze.

“He took me by surprise. It wasn't exactly a kiss, I barely tasted or felt it. But I don't owe you satisfaction. I don't have a boyfriend that I can remember. I said defensively.

- Son of a bitch. — Demetrius swore and closed his eyes, seeming to be trying to control himself, took a few seconds and reopened — Come with me. He took my hand and pulled me towards the stairs that led to the terrace. he demanded , all authoritative.

"Wait, what are you doing?" I exclaimed, confused.

— Go up. he ordered .

"You know you're being an idiot, don't you?" I complained, going up the steps.

I gaped in shock when I reached the top and spotted a lined sheet on the floor and some pillows next to a closed basket.