✰ ✰

"𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐬 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠"

Giggling, I squirmed under his hold. "Roman!" I squealed, his hands still moving recklessly to my sides.

"S-Stop it!" My breathing was coming to a halt as my stomach clenched and thankfully, he let go.

I scooted away from him as if he were some sort of disease and held tightly onto my stomach.

"You're evil," I muttered once I had returned to a somewhat normal state.

He smirked over the table, leaning back casually as if he hadn't just tickled me to my death.

The waitress placed down our breakfast, mine being a nice stack of blueberry waffles—while Roman got a bowl of fruit, to which I was probably going to end up stealing some of it anyways.

The year had flown by quickly, it was now Christmas and New York was buried and deep pits of snow. Roman and I have been happier than ever, dramas weren't a thing these past few months and missions were as easy as ever.

Next week was the annual Art comp and the past few weeks I have been preparing my best few artworks—and my most meaningful. I had yet to decide which one to choose, and I knew that I wouldn't decide until the very last minute.

After the holidays, Roman and I had decided to go back into travelling. Continuing his business all over the world with my help, of course.

Right now, Roman and I were at a little diner here in our small town. I planned to go Christmas shopping today and he happened to come along. Well, I technically dragged him here—same shit.

I began to eat my nice stack of waffles, glancing in-between eating and towards his strawberry's. He rolled his eyes, noticing, and he recklessly shoved one into my mouth.

Giggling, I choked on it for a few seconds but then swallowed and continued.

"What do you want for Christmas?" I asked him, shoving another half of my waffle into my mouth.

Licking his lips, he placed a blueberry into his mouth and stared deep into my eyes as he answered. "You."

I choked, again. Coughing tremendously as he casually watched me, leaning back and taking his fruit bowl with him.

"Me!?" I shrieked, looking at him confused.

"You know what I mean," He casually said deeply, his voice speaking in its thick accent.

"I'm being for real," I mumbled, huffing and resting my chin on my hand. He smirked and leaned forward, lowering his head to mine.

"And so am I,"

I pull my lips into a pout, consciously attracting his eyes to that direction—only for them to darken. His hand came to my chin, angling it up to meet his lips.

"Kiss," He demanded, voice above a whisper in its darkened tone. I narrowed my eyes at him, not quite reaching his lips—though I immaturely poked my tongue out at him.

"Ask nicely," I said, giving him a pointed look. He rolled his eyes, gripping my chin and smashing his lips to mine. Unfortunately for me, he won. I melted against him, his lips soft and warm—as always.

He moved his lips against mine passionately, taking me in as his own.

When we pulled away, I smiled brightly, my breathing ragged as I leant back in my seat.

"Ask nicely next time," I mumbled, taking a cherry from his now-empty bowl. He smirked, watching me with daring eyes and I looked away from him.

"Come here," He demanded again. I narrowed my eyes at him and shoved the last piece of my waffle into my mouth, getting up, and leaving.

I went to the register and paid for our meals, then I walked right out of the shop and towards my car. Unlocking it, I slid into the driver's side and started the engine, though I didn't leave—waiting for him.

A few moments later, he came to the passenger side, climbing in easily and closing the door.

"Dramatic," He rolled his eyes, reclining back in his seat. My eyes widened as he passed me a wad of cash—landing on my lap, I took note of the stashes of hundred dollar notes.

"No, Roman. It was only $30," I said, passing him the money back and revving the engine. "Arabella," He warned, then stuffed the money inside my purse.

I scowled, reversing out of the parking spot and leading back onto the roads. "Now you're being dramatic,"

He scoffed, clenching his jaw annoyed—while he laced his hand through mine. I smiled, shaking my head at him.

The road ahead was clear, so me being me, I raced right down the street at the speed of lightning—smirking lightly as I ran several red lights.

I turned into a street, leading down to the shopping centre. Glancing at Roman, I smiled slightly at the brief smile on his lips.

"Amused, baby?" I sped into the parking lot, glimpsing as his bottom lip fell into his mouth. "Amused?" He questioned, raising an arched brow.

"Mhm," I hummed, parking into a spot. As I stopped the car and killed the engine, his hand was removed from my hold—replacing to my cheek.

He cupped my cheek, running his thumb up and down the cheekbone as he ran his eyes along with my features. "Kiss, please?" He whispered coldly, my tummy fluttering with butterflies at the sound of his voice.

"You're being greedy," I said, ignoring the dark look in his eyes as I grabbed my purse and went to open the car door.

His reply came as we both had exited the vehicle.

"No," He vowed, coming around the car to me. "You're mine,"

I rolled my eyes, glancing at the group of girls that were walking past us. They eyed him—enticing my allegiance to kiss the fuck out of him.

"Come here," I said, pulling him into me by my grip on his coat. He smirked, glancing at the girls walking past and back to me. "Jealou—

I cut him off by smashing my lips to his, the soft like pillows putting me into a depth of heaven—his sweet taste of mint and strawberry absolutely making me crazy.

His hands gripped my ass, corrupting a small moan to leave my mouth. "Sh, baby," He lulled, pulling away and bringing his thumb over my swollen bottom lip.

I bit onto it, moving away as the girls did a double-take look at me before disappearing via an elevator. Good, look away.

Mentally clearing my throat, my legs moved through the parking lot—a jump in my steps while Roman moved casually behind me.

"Hurry up slow coach," I poked my tongue out at him from over my shoulder, smiling devilishly as I saw his eyes roll and his jaw clench.

We made it to the elevator to take us up to the shopping centre, I pushed the button and the metal doors opened straight away.

Striding inside, I glanced up from the floor and to Roman—who came in beside me but first pushed a button to the first level.

When the door closed, I shifted my feet to Roman and he pulled me right next to him—wrapping his arm around my waist.

"Love you," He murmured into my ear, bringing his lips to the edge of my jaw. "Love you, Roman," I said back, looking into his emotionless eyes.

The doors opened, revealing the electrifying shopping centre. The place was bustling with people, families, friends and others lingered all around—arms full of shopping bags.

I smiled widely at the enormous Christmas tree in the centre of the level, the place was glittering with lights and Christmas music—all the more making me excited for the holiday.

"Come on," I pulled on his hand, lacing it through mine as I dragged him into the shopping centre.

✰

I giggled as I took the matching pyjama set into my hands—one for me and one for Roman.

Laughing, I scatter my feet back towards where Roman was, he had numerous clothes in his hands—most being mine and only a few being his.

He blankly stared at the expensive red hoodie in front of him, before grabbing his size and tossing it to the pile in his arms.

"Roman, look," I came in front of him, holding up the shorts and shirt, aka the matching pyjama set with little minions on it.

"The fuck is that," He grumbled, looking at it as if it were fucking covid. "It's for us," I smiled, jumping to reach his height and placing the PJs on the pile.

"For you," He argued, moving around me to another section. "Baby, you have to!" I begged, catching up to his striding figure.

He sighed, rubbing a hand under his jaw. I looked to see we were at the register, a lady behind it as she carelessly started scanning our clothes.

I made sure his set of pyjamas were in the pile—to which they were and I smiled even wider knowing well enough that I got under his skin.

"I'll rip them off you as soon they're on," He stated, leaning against the counter and the woman behind the register coughed loudly. I turned as red as a tomato and lightly slapped his yummy abs.

"Roman, stop it," I scolded, giving him a stern look. He smirked and leant forward, making me instinctively take a step back to keep him from touching me.

"That'll be $2,405,"

The register lady spoke, bringing both of our attention to her. Six black, paper bags sat on the counter—and I took two, suggesting Roman to take the others.

Before I could even register to pay, he had tapped his black credit card already and I looked at him wide-eyed. "Roman what the fuck,"

The lady passed him the receipt and nonchalantly shouted for the next customer. "What?" He rose a brow, taking the other four bags easily as he walked in front of me.

"You paid too much," I rushed after him as we exited. "$2,000 is nothing,"

"$2,405," I corrected, glaring at the side of his face. "Where now?" He checked his watch then looked back at me, easily turning the subject around—and it worked.

"I'm getting lingerie so you have to go somewhere else," I smiled, swinging our entwined hands together. He nodded, getting out his leather wallet.

"Use it," He gave me his card, making sure to give me a cold glare that practically said if I didn't I'd probably get shot in the leg—which he wouldn't actually do even if his life depended on it.

"Fine," I took it from him and went in the direction of the store. "Meet back here in thirty!" I yelled, giving him a big smile.

He nodded once, watching me as I left him alone with my numerous bags.

Once I rounded the corner, I went in the direction I was supposed to go—which wasn't Victoria's Secret.

It was hard to gift someone who already had everything in the world—literally. So, I decided to gift him something I knew he would love.

Jewellery was something he liked, genuinely. And I figured why not get him a ring with his initials. A gold ring, R.A engraved with diamonds.

Of course, I wouldn't use his card, I had it paid for already—now I was just picking it up. It would take a good two weeks for it to be made—which is why I had done the order early.

I went inside the store, smiling at the man who had opened the door for me. The luxurious store held many people inside, the cue especially.

Though, I cut right through and went to the other side where they held the pick up area. "Hi, I have an order under Arabella Malik,"

The woman smiled at me and picked up a small, gold velvet bag, inside holding the ring itself. "I will need to see proof of ID please,"

I nodded, taking out my driver's license to prove my identity. She nodded in approval and handed the bag over to me with a smile. "Enjoy. Have a nice day,"

"You as well," I returned the smile and took the bag, skipping my way out of the area. Once I was out, I made sure to put the bag inside another so Roman wouldn't see it.

Now I decided to go look for some lingerie.

Entering Victoria's Secret, I walk over to the section that held all the undergarments.

After a few minutes of deciding, I decided on some black laced sets and a white pair. Personally I didn't like colour, red would be the only other colour I liked—though I preferred white or black.

I paid then decided to call Roman to meet back outside of the store instead of where we were before, only because my feet were killing me.

"Can you meet me outside of Victoria's?" I pushed my hand to my other ear so I could hear his reply, the loud chants of people around me was taking over my hearing.

I realised that no matter how loud it was, his voice would always be louder than everyone else—even if he were as quiet as a mouse.

He hung up, leading me to toss my phone into my bag and lean tiredly against the wall. I watched the people that passed me, smiling as I saw all the happy glints in their eyes.

Christmas was always special to me. The whole vibe and holiday of it were just so uplifting and it truly was something to look forward to.

Humming along to a song, I searched my eyes around for Roman—the place was pretty crowded so it was hard to tell.

"Ella," A hand was placed on my shoulder and I jumped, turning to the side, I looked up and saw my boyfriend. I shook my head from my small jump scare and gave him a small grin.

"You okay?" I asked him, tugging the bag over my shoulder further. He nodded once, glancing at the bags and then held out a hand. I smiled, gladly passing him Victoria's one but leaving the other with me.

We started walking back to the parking lot, taking the elevator down and walking right back to the car. Placing our bags in the back, I let Roman drive this time since my mind was befuddled.

Speeding out of the shopping centre, I yawned as a wave of sleepiness washed over me. I brought my knees to my chest, curling myself in a ball—I closed my eyes, facing Roman.

A hand was placed on my thigh, having my eyes slowly open. I met his amber eyes, a small smile playing on my lips as I took his hand in mine and closed my eyes again.

"I'm having a nap," I mumbled, snuggling my head into the leather seat.

"Mhm," He hummed, curling his hand around my thigh. Tingles ran up my body, pretentiously bundling up sparks even while sleeping.

Slowly, with his touch on my body and my mind drifting into nothingness, I fell into a mindless bliss.

✰

"Ew, Nicolo," I squirmed away from him, huddling into Roman beside me.

"What?" He smirked, spinning his ring around his finger. "Bro, what human adult decides to just randomly take a kids ice cream just because it took the last flavour," Aydan surmised, frowning at him.

"Me," He mumbled, licking said ice cream with a grin. "You're mean," Kara then added, giving him her 'what the fuck' look.

"Moving on..." Kara urged, tapping her acrylic nails against the kitchen counter. "What time is everyone meeting at Central Park next week?"

"Well, Bella will be going with Roman—so I suggest we can all take a car and carpool there?" Aydan piped in, looking at the three.

They all nodded, Theo wrapping his arms around Kara and I smiled at the happy glint in her eyes.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang and I quickly got up and rushed over to it. Pulling open the door, I mentally grin as the pizza man handed me the six pizza boxes.

"Enjoy," He smiled, bowing his head and turning on his heel. I grinned, walking back inside with the delicious food while the guards shut the doors.

"Pizza's here!" I called out, walking back into the kitchen. Everyone rushed over to me, leading me

to quickly place them on the table nearby and take the top pizza box—and I ran.

Giggling, I hug the box to my chest and run towards the lounges.

Plopping down, my father and Uncle Dre appear out of the blue right when I decide to dig in.

"Long time no see," I grin, shoving the delicious pepperoni pizza into my mouth.

"Pig," Nicolo mumbled, moving outside with a whole pizza—Aydan following with another.

"Says you!" I stick the finger up at him to which he ignores. My father chuckling broke my little hissy fit, snapping my eyes back to him.

"Hi Dad," I mumbled, sending him a small smile. "I'm here too!" Uncle Dre exclaimed, I waved at him enthusiastically in response.

Dad smacked his shoulder harshly, having him wince and about to hit him back—my dad gives him one of his shitless glares and he backs off.

"You good?" Dad asked me, shoving his hands into the pockets of his sweats and glancing about.

"More than good," I smiled, Roman came into the room on time, graciously sitting next to me, and quite confidently and comfortably placing his arm around my shoulder.

Dad's eyes went right towards the arm, imaginary bullets hitting Roman's beautiful arm and I found myself sending him a glare back—silently telling him

to back off.

"Have you been Christmas shopping yet?" I brought up a subject, hopefully, to change the atmosphere.

"No." My father responded blandly. "Yes," Andre replied enthusiastically.

Dad glanced at him, raising a brow and he just shrugged, coming over to me and ruffling my hair.

"I bought you a bunch of presents, Nicolo, too. I think I bought him more than you," I pouted playfully and he instantly widened his eyes.

"I'll make sure they're even though!"

Giggling, I leant my head against Roman's chest and waved my half-eaten pizza at Andre. "Don't worry, I was only playing,"

He dramatically sighed, putting his hand over his heart in the process. I giggled again, looking over to my father who was now angrily mumbling something to someone over the phone.

He looked up, nodding at Andre to follow him and he did—not before looking back at me and sending me a wink.

As the two left, I turned to Roman and brought up a new piece of pizza to his mouth. "Open," I urged, he did as I said and bit into the pizza.

"Any more?" He shook his head, lifting my body from the couch and onto his lap. I placed the pizza box down, drowning water down my throat and then tossing it aside.

After wiping my hands, I pushed myself further onto him, having him groan slightly and I blushed. "Sorry,"

"You're not," He gripped my hips, suddenly massaging them with his hands. "I am," I gave him a certain look, a look he loved.

"Stop," He murmured, burying his face into my neck. "Stop what?" I whispered, bringing my hand to grip his bicep and running my fingers over it.

Something like a deep rumble escaped his throat, rippling through my body like a spreading wildfire. "Keep moving and I'll take you here,"

"You wouldn't," I dared, he lifted his head, reaching into his pocket as he pulled out a packet of skittles—opening it and tossing some into his mouth.

I frowned with confusion as he tilted his head and smirked lightly, waves of black falling down his head effortlessly.

"Try me, Ella,"

Narrowing my eyes, I glare at him.

He stares at me coldly, a stare he held with everyone normally—though hardly ever with me.

Instantly I drop the act and break my expression into a big smile. His gaze falls to my lips, suddenly having his break and his lips broke into a small

smile.