After a long, long, long day of meetings, brainstorming, video conferences and presentations, Olivia was finally finished for the weekend. As she packed up her bag, she was already planning her evening - long soak in the bathtub, order take out and binge watch an episode of the latest murder documentary she had discovered.
Perfect. Evening.
‘See you on Monday, bitch,’ Olivia said to Camille who was sitting at the desk across from her. Camille raised a hand to her, unable to answer as she was on the phone to her husband, Drake, trying to sort out a babysitter for the weekend after Penelope pulled out at the last minute due to a poodle emergency.
Slinging her handbag over her arm, Olivia strutted through the office, ignoring the admin assistants who called out goodbye to her. She could see freedom through the office doors and she wasn’t stopping for anyone.
She exited outside to the car park, breathing in the fresh air and wondered if it was okay to have a quick cigarette. After deliberating, she took out a cigarette and lit it up, inhaling as she walked to her car.
She let out the smoke and stopped dead.
‘Oh fuck no.’
The black car was parked next to hers again.
It had been like this all week. Olivia would get to work early and park up; when she finished, this black convertible would be parked beside hers, so horrifically close, that it meant Olivia couldn’t get in through her driver door. Twice she had clambered in from the passenger seat. It was degrading and a major inconvenience.
Olivia threw her cigarette to the floor and stomped towards the convertible.
‘I have fucking had it..’ she ground out.
Opening her bag, she brought out her car key and with all the malice she could muster, she dragged the key along the door of the car. It made a pleasing screaming sound as it cut across the paintwork. Music to Olivia’s ears.
She was in the middle of keying an insult into the passenger door when she heard a yell.
‘Hey! What the fuck do you think you’re doing?!’
She turned to see a blonde man running towards her with a face like thunder. Crossing her arms, she leaned against the convertible, covering the letters ‘D I C K H’ with her ass.
‘Nothing,’ she said innocently.
The man didn’t believe her, she knew that. He was staring at her as if he could throttle her, which she would love to see him try. He wouldn’t get very far. Olivia went to boxing classes on Sundays and had a black belt in karate. Olivia was a fucking bad ass.
‘You’re fucking keying my car!’ he shouted, pointing to the long scar Olivia’s key had inflicted.
‘Maybe if you learned to park properly in the first place, nobody would key your fucking piece of metal crap!’ Olivia yelled back, stepping towards him.
His eyes flicked to the word she had been in the middle of engraving into the passenger door. Pushing past Olivia, he rushed to the door with his mouth hanging open.
‘Ohhh baby, what did she do to you?’ he croaked. ‘Oh god..’
‘You call your car baby?’ Olivia asked in disgust. ‘Jesus, you need to get laid.’
He whipped around to face her. He had gone bright red with fury. ‘You are fucking insane,’ he told her. ‘Who the fuck does this?!’
‘I do!’ Olivia protested. ‘I’m not gonna apologise by the way because you deserve it! Instead of buying shitty cars, invest in some driving lessons and learn how to parallel park into a fucking space! My grandmother could park better than you, for God’s sake!’
The man pressed his fingers on either side of his nose, clearly exasperated. ‘You’re paying for the damage,’ he said matter of factly.
‘I think I made the car look better to be honest,’ Olivia replied, also matter of factly.
‘Do you realise how much she cost me?!’ he cried. ‘A lot!’
Olivia examined her fingernail, non-plussed. ‘Well, there’s no accounting for taste..’ she muttered.
‘Fucking pay me for the damage!’ he shouted, pointing at his car.
Olivia sighed. ‘Fine. What’s your name? I’ll sort out paying you but it may take 3-5 working days..’
‘Oh for God’s sake,’ he muttered impatiently. ‘Fucking smart ass.’
Olivia’s nose flared in indignation. ‘How dare you-’
‘Says the crazy woman who keyed my car!’
Olivia closed her eyes. Time was running out to get home, take a bath, order take out and binge watch that murder documentary. She needed to sort this out so he would get off her back so she could go home.
‘What’s your name?’ she asked.
‘Leo,’ he said.
‘Okay. Leo. I’m Olivia-’
‘Don’t care, I just want you to pay for the damage.’
Olivia stared at him. Without a word, she turned on her heel and strutted to her own car and opened the passenger door. Flinging the door open, she started to clamber inside, showing Leo how difficult it was to get into the vehicle, thanks to his poor parking.
Leo watched her, his face becoming a picture of embarrassment as he realised just how awkward he had made her life by his shitty parking. He watched her struggle to climb over the stick and felt a wave of shame come over him. His eyes flicked to her pert ass in her tight red leather trousers and he felt a wave of lust come over him too, but he wouldn’t pay attention to that. Not right now anyway. Instead, he focused on feeling guilty as he watched this woman try to get to her driving seat.
‘Look, I’m sorry for parking badly-’
‘It’s fine,’ she said bluntly. ‘I’ll pay you for the damage and you can continue parking like an asshole.’
‘I’ll stop doing it,’ he said. ‘Look, what do you work as in the office? Which department? I can email you my details and we can sort this out nicely. I’ll stop parking like a dickhead and you can stop keying innocent people’s cars. Alright?’
Olivia clenched the steering wheel. ‘Alright,’ she said. ‘I work in marketing. [email protected]. What do you do there?’
Leo chuckled and ran a hand awkwardly through his hair. ‘I, uh..I have a freelance role. But my dad works there full time.’
‘Oh, how nice for you,’ Olivia said dryly.
‘He’s the boss.’
Olivia swallowed and slowly turned to look at Leo, who was looking sheepish.
‘You’re Constantine’s son?’ she croaked.
‘Guilty as charged,’ Leo said.
Olivia rested her forehead against the steering wheel, wishing she could just burst into flames right there. Could this get any worse? Of course he was the boss’ son. He reeked of entitlement.
‘Email me your details,’ she said, slowly looking up at him. ‘Learn how to park.’
Leo smirked. ‘Learn how to key somebody’s car discreetly.’
‘Learn that it’s cringey to call a car “baby”.’
Leo crossed his arms and gave her a lazy smile. ‘Learn how to climb into a car without showing off your ass to the boss’ son.’
Olivia raised an eyebrow. ‘Learn how to stop perving on women, dickhead.’
As Leo tried to think of a comeback, she turned the ignition and reversed out of her space, as smooth as can be, before flipping him her middle finger. She revved the engine and sped out of the car park, leaving Leo in the dust.
‘What a woman..’ he murmured, shaking his head. He had a smile on his face as he opened his car door. Settling into the seat, he turned the key and sighed.
‘I’m sorry for what she did to you, baby,’ he said out loud. ‘We’ll get ya fixed up.’
******************************
On Monday morning, Olivia logged into her work emails and scanned the contents. Minutes from Friday’s meeting, an email from Camille asking if she wanted to go for drinks on Wednesday after work, an email from Kiara who had sent a message to the whole office passive aggressively asking if someone could please stop drinking her soya milk and if they could just come forward, there would be no drama..
An email from Leo.
‘Hey trouble.
Hope you had a good weekend full of keying people’s cars for sport.
Forget paying me back - I can do it myself. But we’re not even yet. Instead of parting with your hard earned money, how about you join me for a drink instead? This Friday night. You can buy me a beer and teach me how to stop perving on women. Sound good?
Leo (the boss’ son)’
Olivia groaned and rested her forehead on the desk. She didn’t owe him anything but she also kind of did. She did try to engrave a rude insult into his car. She had insulted the boss’ son. And he wasn’t holding payment over her head which was a relief. But he was such a skeeze..
Hot though.
She wondered if he liked knife play in the bedroom..
Stop it.
Olivia considered her options, getting back to the situation at hand. If she said no, he might ask her to pay for the damage instead and she didn’t want that. She wasn’t paying to fix that piece of shit.
She composed an email back.
‘Hi.
Fine, sounds good.
Olivia.’
Was that too blunt? Too dry? God, Olivia hated email politics. She preferred to be straight to the point, which often terrified the admin staff who had to email her sometimes. Sighing, she added a P.S.
P.S: I only key your car. It certainly improves its appearance.’
She sent the email and sat back to drink her coffee. Her inbox pinged with a new message instantly.
‘Baby disagrees.
Leo (the boss’ son).’
Olivia rolled her eyes, unable to stop the smile forming on her lips. She felt like Friday was going to be.. Eventful. She should key cars more often.
A/N: This came out of nowhere because of Jhene Aiko’s new album [SO GOOD!] Currently ignoring the other WIP’s and requests I have just to get this written. Don’t judge me. Not sure why Madeleine gets all the hate. I like her *shrugs*
Without a second thought, she tosses her belongings onto the nearby table. It didn’t matter that the sound of glass breaking was shortly heard after.
She needed to find a new scent. Preferably one where the perfume wasn’t held in glass. That was the third one this week.
Rubbing the back of her neck, Madeleine closes her eyes for a brief moment of respite from her duties as the Royal Secretary.
The title mocks her.
Secretary.
Not Queen.
Kicking off her heels, she moves to sit at the vanity set in the bedroom. Her reflection in the mirror warranted a self-assessment. After all, Madeleine thought bitterly, no one had the ability to critique like she did.
She frowned at her short, platinum hair having a ridiculous amount of split ends.
Lines were beginning to form at the corner of her eyes and mouth.
Hopefully they were frown lines from dealing with Riley’s antics and not...she doesn’t allow herself to finish the thought and continues in her analysis.
Madeleine can see the creases on her forehead becoming increasingly prevalent.
Seven months in this role would do that to anyone, she reassured herself.
But you’re not just anyone, Madeleine chastised herself almost immediately. Associating with Riley and the rest of her unruly group of friends was beginning to affect her.
“Stop,” she said out loud as she continued to stare at the reflection in the mirror. Madeleine didn’t believe in extending mercy to others, least of all to herself.
The vivid picture of disappointment on her father’s face when Leo abdicated the throne and broke off the engagement was permanently etched into her memory.
She held her head high when news broke about the former Prince running away with a desperate American he had barely met.
That was in public though.
The privacy of her bedroom allowed her to mourn for what could have been.
What would it have been like to be married to the man she had loved since childhood?
What would it have been like to make a difference in the lives of the Cordonian people alongside the man she loved?
And, she despised this thought above all, what would it be like to bring a child into the world with him?
Madeleine grieved in silence.
If the press, or worse, her father had seen the weakness in her after Leo’s abdication there was no telling what country Godfrey would have shipped her off to.
So, she carried on like she was expected to without showing signs of frailty.
It seems as if her silent suffering had paid off when she was presented with another opportunity to become Queen of Cordonia.
Sure it was to the brother of the man she loved.
And sure anyone with sense could see Liam was in love with the reckless newcomer from America.
Madeleine looked past the small details.
She had to.
If she were to be Queen the people of Cordonia deserved, this would simply be one of many sacrifices she would have to make.
Even if it meant turning a blind eye to Liam having his daily dalliances with another woman.
Somehow that too was taken from her when news of Riley’s scandal had broken and her name was cleared.
Liam had broken off their engagement that same day.
Two failed engagements.
Two failed attempts at becoming Queen of Cordonia.
Two strikes in her short life.
She was on her last run.
Some run, Madeleine mused. Being the secretary to the woman who took her place as Cordonia’s ruler.
Heaving a tired sigh, she walks into the large bathroom and begins to draw a bath.
She was no stranger to failure and consequentially, no stranger to picking herself up and moving on.
Her livelihood depended on it.
There was no time to grieve for what could have been.
Not too long anyway, she had learned.
Her head turns to the knock on the window of her bedroom’s private balcony. Pulling her short satin robe close to her chest, she quickly moves to the sound.
“Can’t you use the door like a normal human being?,” she hissed, allowing her late-night visitor into the room.
“That’s a bit predictable and borish Maddie,” he teased.
Madeleine watched him close the window and held her breath when he moved towards her. One hand slipped around her waist while the other brushed her cheek before he placed a chaste kiss on her lips.
She watched him undress as he told her about his day.
Their conversations had become more natural the past several weeks.
After his failed marriage and returning to Cordonia they had somehow fallen into a comfortable friendship that eventually grew to something more.
Madeleine even found herself sharing her innermost thoughts with him and slowly open up about her feelings.
It was an oddly satisfying process.
“Shall we get you cleaned up, Madame Secretary?,” he interlaced his fingers with hers as he led her to the bath.
“You know I hate that title Leo,” she groaned as Leo’s infectious laughter filled the room.
She was on what seemed to be her last run and only a fool would focus on what could have been.
And Madeleine was no fool.
Maybe, she thought to herself just before she felt Leo’s lips on hers, this was the universe’s way of finally granting mercy on her.
It would be the first for her and Madeleine would forever be grateful for it.
Who’s been watching Love is Blind on Netflix? Who’s become obsessed?
I hate reality TV but this show really pulled me in. So, I was inspired to write a short fic that is inspired by the show.
The premise: In this experiment, people are on the show to meet their future wife/husband. The thing is, they will never actually see each other until after they get engaged. They spend a few days talking in these pods that are separated by a wall. In one pod is the guy, in the opposite pod is the woman. They talk over speakers and fall in love based on emotional connection.
It’s fucking batshit.
I fancied writing this short thing. It’s not even finished, I don’t know if I’ll update this because tbh I’m so busy this weekend and then I’ll be away, but I just wanted to get this down.
Sorry for the recent spamming of fics. I’m now unemployed.
Question: why the contestant is taking part in this blind love experiment. Are they romantic?
*************************
Leo eyes the camera and chuckles to himself. ‘Me? Romantic?’ he asks. ‘Hell no. But hey, I like an adventure and this is definitely the craziest thing I’ve ever done in my life. And I gotta tell you.. I’ve done some crazy shit in my time.’
********************************
Liam grins happily and nods. ‘I am what you would call a hopeless romantic,’ he answers. ‘I love romance and big grand gestures. If this works, how amazing a story would this be to tell my grandchildren? Your grandmother and I got engaged before we even saw each other. What a story!’
*******************************
Maxwell enters the room and gives a twirl before settling down on the chair. He gives the camera a wave. ‘Am I romantic?’ he muses. ‘Definitely. I’m taking part in this because I want to meet someone who likes me for me. Loads of girls I know are quick to write me off as being a bit weird. They don’t make an effort to get to know me. So I’d like to find a girl who sees me, like really sees me, you know? That would make me so happy.’
*******************************
Drake enters the room and instantly locates the decanter of whiskey. He pours himself a glass and takes a long swig before sitting down to speak to the camera. ‘Why am I taking part?’ he asks. ‘I lost a bet.’
He is asked if he is romantic. He shakes his head. ‘I’m too cynical for that romantic crap. I’m genuinely wondering who all these people are who have willingly signed up for this. Why would you do this? Why would you agree to marry someone before ever setting eyes on them? Is love blind? No. This isn’t a fairytale. This is real life.’ He sips his whiskey again. ‘Gotta say though.. If I meet the girl of my dreams, and that’s a big if, then I’ll give up whiskey for life.’
*******************************
Bertrand clears his throat and arranges his suit jacket delicately, feeling self conscious about being on camera. ‘I’m taking part in this because my brother, Maxwell, is,’ he admits. ‘I want to look out for him here. If I happen to meet a beautiful lady who loves classical music, the opera and literature, then that is a bonus. But we’ll see.’ He smiles now, looking down at his feet. ‘I’m a romantic deep down. I’m yet to show my true colours.’
******************************
Olivia struts into the room and sits on the chair, crossing her legs with her back ramrod straight. She rolls her eyes. ‘I’m not romantic, no,’ she says dryly. ‘I don’t believe in love at first sight, never mind that love is blind.’
She is asked why she is taking part. She smirks. ‘I want to blow this experiment apart,’ she says. ‘It’s bullshit.’
Olivia stands up now and helps herself to a glass of champagne. She toasts the camera. ‘Cheers bitches.’
*********************************
Camille enters the room and sits down, giving the camera a warm smile. ‘I’m a real romantic, yeah. I really like talking about feelings, it annoys my friends so much but honestly, I love this idea! I love the fact that this is stripped back, down to the bare bones, focusing just on communication. I love the idea of getting to know someone for who they are deep down with no judgement. I’m excited.’
Does she think she’ll meet the one? Camille laughs. ‘I have no idea. Probably not. But I’m open to meeting him if he’s here.’
************************************
Hana sits down and tucks a lock of her hair behind her ear. ‘I’m taking part because I never do crazy things like this,’ she says quietly. ‘I’m always really careful, really reserved. I also feel like nobody knows the real Hana Lee; nobody bothers to in the real world. So this is my chance. I want someone to see me for me. Am I romantic? Yes. Love is the best thing in the world.’
***********************************
Kiara enters the room and looks around, whispering in French. She sits down and nods at the camera. ‘I’m taking part because I would like to meet a man who knows what he wants in life,’ she says. ‘I’ve got ambitions and I’m yet to meet someone who can be at my level. I want to meet someone intelligent and kind. Am I romantic? Not really. But I’m realistic in who I will and won’t date.’
**********************************
Penelope enters the room and waves at the camera. ‘I joined this experiment because for so long, it’s just been me and my dogs,’ she says. ‘I want to meet someone who takes me seriously, who actually wants to spend time with me. I’m a really nice person and it hurts sometimes when guys treat me badly. Maybe I just make bad decisions? I’m hoping that being separated by a wall means that the guys I talk to won’t judge me quickly; they’ll take the time to get to know me.’
***********************************
Aurelia enters the room. ‘Alriiiight, alcohol!’ she cheers, making her way over to the drinks trolley to pour herself some wine. She then catches herself. ‘Shit, am I allowed to do this?’
She sits down and smiles at the camera. ‘I’m taking part in this experiment because I’m really curious to see if this works. I’d love it if it did, how wild would that be?! A story to tell the grandkids, right? I guess, also, in the age of tinder, I’m sick of the dating scene. It’s so harsh, it’s like the fucking Hunger Games. Let’s see if this works. I’m excited.’
********************************
Drake settled down on the plush sofa in the pod and sipped his glass of whiskey. This was his first ‘date’ of the show. He had no idea what to expect. In this pod, it was just him. On the other side of the wall was his date’s pod. A woman in the same situation as him.
He wondered what they would talk about. How weird this was? Probably.
‘Hello?’
Drake jumped at the female voice that sounded over the speakers in his pod. ‘Uhh, hi?’ he replied back.
The voice giggled. ‘Oh my God, this is crazy.’
Drake smirked. ‘I know, right? Insane. So... ‘
‘Are you drinking right now?’ she asked him.
‘How did you know?’ Drake asked, sipping his whiskey.
‘Because I’m eyeing up that drink trolley and wondering if it’s okay to have some wine. You know, to calm my nerves.’
Drake chuckled. ‘Go ahead.’
He could hear the sound of wine being poured.
Finally, she spoke again. ‘Okay, I’m settled down. So, what’s your name?’
‘Drake Walker. You?’
‘Camille Montespan.’
Drake smiled despite himself. Pretty name.
‘Cool,’ he said. He opened his notebook that had a list of questions he wanted to ask. ‘So, Camille, where you from, how old are you, yada yada?’
Camille laughed. ‘Yada yada?’ she asked. ‘Wow, big talker. Okay, I’m from New York and I’m 27. You?’
‘I’m from Texas,’ Drake replied. ‘I’m 28.’
‘Texas huh?’ she said. ‘Are you a cowboy?’
‘Ha, I wish!’ Drake laughed. ‘I do own a cowboy costume though.’
Why the fuck had he just admitted that?
‘You do?!’ Camille cried. ‘Oh my gosh, details please. Like a halloween costume or something for the bedroom?’
Drake smirked. ‘If I said it was for the bedroom, would you like that?’
Camille let out a throaty laugh that warmed Drake from inside. He liked her voice too. It was a warm voice that reminded him of caramel.
‘You know, I really would,’ she said. ‘Is it for the bedroom?’
‘Nah, it’s a costume I had to wear for the county fair when I was 18,’ Drake admitted. ‘Not sexy.’
‘Hmmm, yeah, not sexy,’ Camille agreed. ‘What’s Texas like?’
Drake settled back into the chair and got comfortable. ‘It’s warm,’ he said. ‘My family have a ranch so I spent my childhood outdoors. Mucking out the stables, riding the horses, fishing.. We have a lake by the ranch. My dad used to host 4th July parties, he was like the king of 4th July.’
Why the fuck was he suddenly talking about his dad?
‘That sounds amazing,’ Camille said. ‘So what’s your dad like? Is he keen on you being part of this weird experiment?’
Drake’s jaw set. He clenched the glass in his hand and didn’t answer.
‘Drake?’ Camille’s voice was concerned. ‘Drake, you alright?’
‘Yeah, yeah..’ he murmured. ‘Uhh, sorry. My dad.. My dad died when I was fourteen.’
He heard her take a sharp intake of breath. ‘Oh god. I’m so sorry,’ she said.
‘It’s cool,’ Drake replied quickly. ‘I’m over it.’
There was a silence. Drake wondered if he had scared her off. Well, if he had, then fuck her.
She cleared her throat. ‘You know, when I lost my own parents.. I’m still not over it, Drake. I was five.’
Drake’s eyes widened. He could feel his heart hammering against his chest. Did she understand?
‘Your parents..’
‘My parents passed away, yes,’ Camille said, her voice cracking. ‘So I get it, Drake. You can act aloof about it all you want and like it doesn’t hurt but it’s a void in your heart that will never be filled. You just got to take it day by day and eventually, it gets easier.’
Her breath hitched. Drake could hear it in her voice that she was getting emotional.
‘Camille, are you okay?’ he asked, his eyebrows knitting together.
‘Y-yeah..’
She wasn’t. Her voice was thick now. He knew she was probably starting to cry.
‘Don’t cry on me, Montespan..’ he murmured. ‘I’m not good with women crying. Makes me say awkward shit and I put my foot in it, which trust me, you really don’t want to hear..’
He let out a sigh of relief when he heard her laugh softly at this. ‘You’re such a guy, Drake,’ she said, sniffling. ‘I’m okay.’
Drake bit his lip. ‘You sure? Want me to kick this wall down and give you a pat on the back? I don’t really go for hugs to be honest..’
Camille giggled. ‘I’m fine, but thank you. Means a lot. I can tell you don’t usually talk about feelings and things. Sorry I freaked you out there.’
‘You didn’t,’ Drake told her, his voice steady. ‘I understand.’
There was another silence which Camille broke. ‘I understand you too.’
*********************************************
Camille faces the camera with red rimmed eyes and a tissue in her hand. ‘What the hell was that?!’ she cries. ‘Why did I start crying? Oh my god, he’ll think I’m crazy.. God that was powerful. I cried in a room, alone, with a stranger on the other side of the wall who was basically holding my hand without actually holding my hand. Jesus. I… I need a drink.’
She is asked if she liked her first date with Drake. Camille looks down at her hands, hiding the blush on her cheeks.
‘Yeah, I did,’ she whispers. ‘I know I cried.. Oh god, I cried on a first date, that’s awkward. But he seems nice. A bit reserved.. Though he told me about his dad which I think he tends to keep to himself? So that was really nice to be trusted. I felt like he trusted me. But, I think he’s going to be a slow burn. Under that gruff exterior is a marshmallow. I could tell because he was super concerned when I got upset. I’m excited to talk to him again.’
***************************************
Drake downs a glass of whiskey and shakes his hand. ‘That was fucking insane,’ he says. ‘So she started crying and I got all protective? I really wanted to kick that wall down. I just.. I’ve never talked about my dad before either. I never talk about him. I have no idea what happened in that pod or if you guys are putting something in these drinks, but I swear to God, I have never been that open.’
He chuckles. ‘I’m gonna be on my guard from now on.’
Olivia needed to fix things before everything got too messy and out of control. Leo had told her last night in his slightly drunk state that he loved her. Words she had never expected to come out of his mouth. It had filled her with conflicting emotions - happiness mixed with horror.
This was not how Leo and Olivia worked. Their relationship was a strange one but they hadn’t questioned it until now. On paper, they shouldn’t work. Leo was a former manwhore; Olivia liked to keep people at arms length. She viewed love as something that made you vulnerable; after she had loved Leo’s brother Liam, who had broke her heart in every single way, Olivia swore that she would never let herself be placed in that position again - not matter how much she wanted to be loved.
But Leo’s words scared her. Sure, she liked him fair enough. He was fun to be with. He respected her and he didn’t push her into things she didn’t feel comfortable with. So, for the past year, they had been ‘seeing’ each other and Leo hadn’t pushed it any further. Olivia thought he had understood.
Until he had gotten drunk and told her with reckless abandon peppered with hiccups that ‘l love *hic* you so fucking *hic* much. Like, I love you! I love you *hic* Olivia *hic* Nevrakis! I want to be your boyfriend. I want to *hic* live with you. I wanna make you *hic* fucking delicious pancakes in the *hic* morning! That’s what I want!’
The only reason why Olivia wasn’t running for the hills right now was because deep down, she did feel happy that he loved her. That feeling was what forced her to sit down and write The List.
The List reminded her of the time Leo lay down the ground rules before they first slept together. He had known that it would be a big deal for her due to the sheer intimate nature of the act and he hadn’t wanted her to think he was taking advantage. He had said it would be one night only.
One night turned into a year.
Olivia wanted to follow his idea. She would write The List which would be a document detailing each and every thing a relationship with her would entail. If Leo wanted to be all in, he needed to know what to expect. This document would be clear cut and if Leo really wanted to be with her, he would read all of it and agree to every single rule.
18 pages later, she was finished with it.
**********************************************
The following night, she presented Leo with The List.
‘Here, lover boy,’ she said dryly.
‘What’s this?’ he asked, frowning. He was still hungover from his drinking the night before - Leo’s hangovers were always epic feats of torture.
‘It’s my rules,’ she told him. ‘Read it and if you agree, then tell me.’
She left him to read The List, feeling very assured.
***********************************************
1. No pet names
2. No sappy declarations of love, intoxicated or otherwise
3. No farting in the bed
4. No leaving your stuff in my bathroom ‘accidently.’
5. No updating of your relationship status on Facebook
6. No PDAs
7. Give me orgasms and I will return the favour
8. No pancakes in bed because crumbs will get under the covers
9. No tickling
10. You must learn the art of knife play in bed
11. No couple selfies because they’re sickening
12. No trips to Paris - cliche and boring.
13. Respect me and I will respect you
14. No declarations of love on Instagram because they are cringeworthy
15. No swapping of keys
Leo’s hangover was winning. His eyes were drooping and he really wanted to just close his eyes and sleep. He was trying to read this list that Olivia had given him but he wasn’t really sure what he was reading. What was this?
He tried to think back to anything he had said to her. Had he suggested they go to Paris? Well, for one thing, Leo didn’t actually LIKE Paris. It was stuck up, expensive and yeah, totally cliche to go there for romantic trips. If Leo wanted to go on a romantic trip with Olivia - he smirked at the idea of having to drag her onto the plane itself- he would pick somewhere different. Like he would take her to see the Northern Lights because Olivia loved the snow and Leo loved the outdoors.
He turned the sheets (plural) over. Oh god. 18 pages. Front and back. He was only on page 2.
Leo could make a coffee to stay awake but as he glanced at the clock, he could see it was 5.30 in the morning. His hangovers always made him stay up despite his need for sleep; maybe it was the alcohol churning in his stomach that made his body incapable of shutting down.
His eyes drooped again and soon, Leo was asleep face down on The List.
*******************************************
‘Leo. Leo. Leo. LEO.’
Leo bolted up. ‘Wha?’
Olivia reached over to peel The List off his face. She wrinkled her nose and handed him a cup of coffee before sitting down at the table opposite him with an expectant look. Leo smiled. Olivia looked particularly pretty this morning; her red hair was pulled into a sleek bun and her face was clear and dewy from her moisturiser. She was wearing a red silk dressing gown. Leo wanted to kiss her on the forehead.
‘So,’ Olivia began. ‘Do you agree?’
Leo blinked. ‘Uhhh..’
Olivia frowned. ‘You read it, right? Do you agree?’
Leo thought back to the list. Clearly, it was a set of rules about them. But why had she written it? Did he agree with the rules? Was this a trick question?
‘Ummm..’
‘You don’t agree,’ Olivia said, her voice quiet. She sipped her coffee and sighed. ‘Not surprised.’
‘Liv. I did read the first, like, two pages-’
‘You only read two pages?!’ she suddenly burst out, her eyes fiery. ‘What the fuck, Leo? Is that how you show you care? I slaved over writing that list!’
Leo stared at her as if she had grown five heads. ‘What does it have to do with me showing I care?!’ he asked.
‘Because..’ she broke off.
‘Liv, I only read two pages because I was tired. I fell asleep.’
‘You fell asleep?’
Her voice was incredulous.
Leo sighed. ‘It was 5.30 in the morning,’ he said, his voice tight. ‘And you had rambled on for 18 pages. FRONT AND BACK!’
He didn’t mean to raise his voice. But he was sick of this weird line of questioning before he had even finished his cup of coffee. He needed to shower. He needed to breathe.
Olivia was on her feet in an instant. ‘You don’t care then!’ she shouted. ‘Not really! You told me you loved me and when I give you my rules for what to expect from a relationship with me, you can’t be bothered to read it! Well, there is my answer! You will never be serious about me, not really. You are all talk! Pah, I should have guessed!’
Leo stood up now too. His eyes were wide with shock. ‘I told you I loved you?’
Olivia blinked. ‘Yes. You don’t even remember. Of course you don’t.’
There was an awkward silence between them. Leo closed his eyes. ‘Liv,’ he said, his voice steady. ‘Fine. I do love you. But if this list is to be used as a sort of rule book for how we conduct a relationship, then no, I don’t agree with it. From the 15 rules I have read, I only agree with 7 and 13. I will respect you and give you orgasms. That’s a given. But everything else.. no. Olivia, I want to be in love with you in my own way. I know I used to be an asshole to women and you hated my guts but I’ve changed. I want to make you feel beautiful inside and out because you are. I want to show you off to the world. I want to feel proud when you call me your boyfriend. I would be so fucking proud to be with you.’
Olivia opened her mouth to interrupt but Leo cut her up, ignoring her. ‘I know I’ve got a good thing here,’ he said. ‘I’m not gonna ruin this or hurt you. I’m not my brother. I won’t push you into doing anything you’re not happy with but I can’t sit back and follow these rules because it’s not what I want. You can’t force someone to act a certain way; that’s why I’ve always been so patient with you. You do realise I’ve loved you for the past four months but have been too scared to say it in case I scare you off right? I make sure not to make you feel uncomfortable and we go at your own glacial pace. But I don’t mind because it’s worth it. It’s worth everything if it means I get to be with you. I know we had rules to begin with but I like to think after a year that we don’t need that kind of thing. So, I’m sorry I didn’t read all of it, but I don’t need to. You gotta give up some control, babe. It’s not a bad thing to feel things, especially if something makes you happy. Do I make you happy?’
Olivia swallowed. ‘Yes.’
‘Then what’s the problem?’
‘I can’t be vulnerable,’ she told him.
‘I know,’ Leo said softly. ‘I get it. But you gotta just relax. You’re still the same Olivia even if you have a boyfriend. I’m not going to force you; again, it’s all in your court. But I won’t agree to these rules because relationships are about compromise and right now, this list is all you.’
Olivia winced. She knew he was right. She hated it when he was right. Slowly, she walked towards him and wrapped her arms around him. Leo let out a surprised noise, which made her feel instantly guilty because she knew she was never that forthcoming with hugs.
‘I’m sorry,’ she whispered.
‘It’s okay,’ Leo whispered back.
They looked at each other. Leo gave her a lazy smile. ‘Can I make you pancakes? I’m a god in the kitchen, as well as in the bedroom and every other aspect of my life.’
Olivia laughed and rolled her eyes. ‘Fine. But not in bed! Crumbs!’
Leo smirked. ‘Fine. Not in bed. But pancakes for breakfast, regardless.’
Olivia picked up the list and screwed it into a ball. No more restrictions, she decided. Compromise. A word she needed to learn properly.
Respect Leo, compromise, be happy. That could be her new list. Three rules.
Olivia likes to get up early so she can go to kickboxing class at 8am
Leo likes to lie in bed with coffee and a magazine
But Saturdays are their morning time
Olivia doesn't go to kickboxing class
Leo gets up early
Leo let's her sleep while he brews coffee
He brings the coffee up to bed to wake up Olivia
Olivia likes black coffee, two sugars.
Leo likes a latte
He will hold the coffee to her nose so she wakes up sniffing
Leo will get back into bed and Olivia will curl up beside him as she drinks her coffee
Leo will kiss her softly and open his magazine to read
Olivia will comment on which articles look shit
When Olivia has finished her coffee, she will go through to the en suite to take a shower
As per every Saturday, Leo will follow
They shower together
Cleaning turns into kissing
Kissing turns into fucking
Leo likes charcoal body wash because HE'S A MANLY MAN
But sometimes when he's feeling extra, he will steal some of Olivia's passionfruit body wash
When they finish in the shower, Leo will watch Olivia get ready for the day ahead
He loves how she moves like a cat - elegant and sleek
Everything she does looks elegant
She will spray perfume on her neck and Leo will resist the urge to kiss the jasmine scented skin
Leo will watch her with a dopey look on his face knowing he is mad for her. He doesn't care that he worships this woman when previously he would rather have had his dick chopped off than worship a female. Olivia is different. She deserves to be worshipped.
Saturday mornings with Olivia are Leo's favorite times because it when he can truly appreciate her and soak up their time together.
Olivia won't admit it it Saturday mornings are her favourite times too.
@emichelle asked me to write a fic based on the song ‘Easy’ by Camila Cabello.
You really, really know me
The future and the old me
All of the mazes and the madness in my mind
You really, really love me
You know me and you love me
And it's the kind of thing I always hoped I'd find
Always thought I was hard to love
'Til you made it seem so easy, seem so easy
Olivia was sat at a table in the middle of the ballroom surrounded by her fellow nobles. Camille was laughing with Drake and Bertrand while Maxwell was thinking of songs to ask the band to play that wasn't classical. The whole room was buzzing with merriment and laughter, but all of that faded into nothing for Olivia.
Her eyes were following him around the room. They always did. The way his golden skin caught the glimmering light of the chandeliers always made her throat catch and the way he moved confidently through the crowd gave her heart palpitations.
Leo was talking to Hana and Kiara, the corner of his eyes crinkling up as he laughed at something Hana said. Olivia felt her heart tug but she ignored it. She was good at ignoring feelings.
Nobody knew about Olivia and Leo. It was a secret Olivia kept close to her chest. Why? Self preservation. To admit she had feelings would be to admit she was weak.
A Nevrakis couldn't afford to be weak.
But she did harbour feelings for him that were entirely new to her. Feelings that felt foreign in her body, like a virus that needed to be purged.
But the feelings felt... Nice. Like she was smiling more? And happy?
They had kept their secret for six months. For Leo, that was an incredibly long time. All he wanted to do wa go public with her. But for Olivia, six months was nothing. She had kept secrets that were years old. Secrets confined to the darkest parts of her soul, locked away, never to glimpse the light of day.
Leo looked over the top of Kiara's head to meet Olivia's eyes. Olivia looked away.
They had argued before this ball. An argument of Olivia's own making. She often acted out when she started to feel claustrophobic. Earlier, she picked a fight by saying that relationships were overrated. Leo, a former manwhore, didn't agree. To him, he had found the woman who could tame him. He had found a woman who made him forget all the women that came before her.
Olivia watched him when she was sure he was back to talking to Kiara and Hana. Unwelcome memories flashed through her mind as she discreetly studied him.
Like the time when she complained about the stretch marks around her thighs and Leo had kissed them to show her she was beautiful.
Or when she was examining her teeth and wondering if she should invest in a retainer and Leo came up behind her and whispered, 'You've got a beautiful smile.'
Only Olivia smiled around Leo.
He saw something in her that she couldn't. As much as Olivia acted like she was confident and powerful, it was all an act. Years of being raised by her cold, unfeeling aunt had turned Olivia into the best actress in the room.
Her aunt Lucretia had instilled in Olivia a hard shell. 'To love is to be weak,' her aunt told her numerous times. 'You may as well turn around so someone can pierce their knife into your back.'
Olivia grew up believing she was unworthy and that made her develop an armour. Her aunt couldn't love her, her best friend Liam who she used to harbor secret feelings for (the only time she would admit to such) couldn't love her. So, better to not expect anything. Better to hurt people before they hurt you.
She had pushed against Leo for a long time but he was too good. He found the chinks in her armour and wore her down.
On paper they shouldn't work. But in reality, Olivia didn't want to admit that they did. They challenged each other. Olivia didn't put up with his shit and he didn't put up with hers. Leo made life exciting and spontaneous. He made life vibrant and warm. It was a stark contrast to the cold shell Olivia had been trapped in.
Olivia could let him in if she wanted to but years of holding people at arms length had ensured that to do so would be to admit defeat.
She tossed back her champagne and tore her eyes away from Leo. She felt closed in again, surrounded by laughter and joy and happiness. Feelings. Warm feelings.
Standing up, she stalked through the ballroom towards the exit. She needed a cigarette. She passed Leo who turned to watch her go. She didn't see him make excuses to Hana and Kiara as he began to follow her out.
*****************
'Liv. Liv!'
Olivia ignored Leo as she strode into the gardens. Fumbling through her clutch bag, she found the pack of cigarettes and her lighter. She pulled a cigarette out and placed it between her red Chanel lips and tried to light it. The lighter wouldn't work.
Leo stood with his arms crossed. 'Liv.'
She ignored him.
'Liv.'
She continued to ignore him.
Sighing, Leo moved towards her and pulled out his own lighter. He lit the cigarette between her lips, his green eyes focusing on her blue ones. Olivia inhaled, her eyes fixed on his. She then blew the smoke into his face.
Leo coughed. 'Charming,' he muttered.
Olivia shrugged and looked away to survey the gardens that were lit up with fairylights in the dark.
Leo kicked his shoe against the paving stones before speaking. 'You do know that I'm onto you, right?'
Olivia ignored him.
Leo continued. 'Like I get what you're doing. You felt claustrophobic again so you started a fight with me because God forbid you might return my feelings.'
Olivia looked down at the ground, cigarette in between her fingers.
She didn't want to engage with him. She was terrified that she would tell him everything. She didn't want him to see her be weak.
'Thing is...' Leo said casually, 'I know you feel things for me. You can argue all you want but I know how you work because I'm the same as you.'
Leo sat down on the steps. 'You overthink till you ruin a good thing,' he told her. 'You think that if you admit you're with me, then you're weak. Or that you are setting yourself up to be hurt. But you forget that I won't do that to you. I love you just as you are. You're complicated and challenging but I wouldnt change a damn thing, Liv.'
Olivia sighed. Leo jumped when she finally spoke. 'I'm not worth the hassle,' she croaked. 'Never have been. My aunt said so, Liam may as well have said so. So excuse me if I don't believe your sickening sentiments.'
Leo looked down and closed his eyes. His fists were clenched. Sometimes he really wanted to throttle her from sheer exasperation but that would be to harm a woman and Leo didn't condone that. Also, he assumed rightly that Olivia would castrate him first before he laid a finger on her.
But damn it she was infuriating.
Leo could see the way he made her feel. As someone who was always so closed off, it was obvious when Olivia was happy. She would smile when he made a joke and he often made her burst out laughing with impressions and silly dances. He loved her laugh. It was deep and warm, at complete odds with the woman it belonged to.
She would help him tie his tie before court events and once it was straight and neat, she would rest her hands on his chest for a short moment. An indistinguishable moment that only Leo could see.
He knew her eyes followed him around the room. He knew she longed to dance with him in public. He knew she wanted to kiss him and tell him that yes, she had feelings for him.
But it wasn't that easy. Not for her.
But for Leo, loving Olivia Nevrakis was easy. He had never been more sure of anybody in his life. In a court filled with people made out of vapour and smoke, Olivia was the one solid constant who made an impression.
Leo would rather fight with Olivia than spend a single peaceful night with somebody else.
Leo stood up and moved to stand next to her. His fingers gently grazed hers. 'Nothing will change if you admit you love me,' he whispered. 'I'm not going to treat you any differently. You'll always be number one. You'll always be the powerful woman I know you to be. I'd just be happy to stand by your side.'
Olivia bit her lip. 'But what if it goes wrong? What if we end up hating each other? Or we disappoint each other? It would all have been a waste of time.'
Leo turned to face her and rested his hand on her cheek. 'You can't live life that way,' he murmured. 'That would be the most tragic thing of all.'
Olivia closed her eyes. 'To love is to be weak,' she recited.
Leo's eyes narrowed. 'I swear to god, I'm so fucking happy your aunt is dead.'
Olivia's eyes flew open. 'Excuse me?!'
Leo shook his head in disgust. 'She pressed this ridiculous idea on you until you started to believe it! She made you believe you weren't worthy of love or happiness, well get this Olivia, you fucking are!'
Olivia stared at Leo in shock as he continued his tirade. 'You're incredible. You are strong and fiery and any man would be lucky to be yours. Why don't you see how amazing you are? Why believe all that negativity? Your aunt is gone. She is dead and buried and so should the poison she spread into you. I refuse to spend another moment while you keep believing her. You are worth so much more. Believe me instead.'
He broke off and looked away, his shoulders slumped in defeat.
'All I want is to be able to call you mine and you call me yours,' he whispered. 'That's all. I know it means throwing yourself off the cliff and into the waves below, but that's life, Liv. That's what you should do. Right now, I'm free falling.' He looked at her now with pain in his eyes. 'Why can't you free fall with me?'
Leo turned and strode away back into the palace where laughter and happiness welcomed him back. Olivia stood in the dark, staring after him.
************
Leo sunk some more champagne in a bid to drown out the screaming thoughts in his head. He had fucked it up. He had shouted at Olivia and now she would probably break things off. Foot firmly inserted into mouth.
She had turned him into this emotional person. Usually he was so calm and collected but when he was with her, the fire that burned in her heart somehow seeped into him.
He jumped when he felt someone tap his shoulder. Turning, he saw Olivia was standing in front of him defiantly.
'Liv, don't -'
'Dance with me,' she interrupted bluntly. Leo frowned. Olivia sighed and looked down. 'Please,' she whispered.
Leo's heart tugged. Silently, he took her hand and guided her to the dance floor. Olivia placed her arms around his neck, ignoring the dance pose everyone else was adopting. The other danced the waltz. Olivia wanted to dance like she was at prom. She wanted to dance how she wanted and that was with Leo.
Leo sighed. 'I'm sorry for blowing up at you.'
Olivia shook her head. 'You were right,' she said. 'I was being ridiculous. A coward actually. It's about time I wa brave.'
Leo frowned and was about to speak but was cut off by the feel of Olivia's lips on his.
She was kissing him in public.
When she drew away, she ignored the stares of everyone around them.
'I love you, Leo,' she whispered. 'I do. I love you.'
Leo broke out into a grin and pulled her into him to kiss her again and again, not wanting to come up for air.
They had thrown themselves off the cliff towards the waves below, free falling together.
