by Alice Cooper
You can break my soul, beat me, hurt me or even kill me… But for the love of god don’t touch her.
My opponent was already knocked out and sprawled upon the ground but that didn’t stop me from punching him. I could hear Zen and others cheering for my victory. Once they noticed I wasn’t stopping even when they declared that I’ve won, Zen and others tried prying me off of my bloody unconscious opponent.
“Ciel, dude! You’ve won. Cut it out.” I heard Zen as I felt his hands upon my shoulder but I easily shrugged his hold off. People started yelling for me to stop but none of those were going to stop me. He touched what’s mine.
Before I could actually kill the guy I heard her angelic voice call out to me.
“Ciel.”
I was about to punch my opponent once more but I stopped right before it could meet his face. I turned around to see a horrified looking Fran standing timidly among my friends.
“You can stop now Ciel.” she told me. I’ve never seen Fran with such a look. I was so used to her furrowing brows and scowling face, this was brand new to me. No matter what look she makes she’s still absolutely beautiful. I slowly got off my opponent as I walked over to Fran and without saying a word I pulled her into a well-needed embrace.
I buried my face into her hair making sure to smell her lovely strawberry fragrance, it helps me calm down. I felt her small arms wrapped around my torso even if I’m covered in blood and sweat.
“Let’s go home Ciel.” Fran suggested.
As Fran and I walked out of the private alleyway I can hear Zen and the others whisper among themselves. “He’s so whipped.” At this point I didn’t care whether they thought I was whipped or not. I won the fight making Zen and the others happy and I’m with Fran that makes me extremely happy, I hope she feels the same way.
I got my stuff from the bar as Fran and I started heading towards my apartment. The atmosphere was painted in silence, a comfortable silence. But I could tell that Fran had questions for me. Once we were safe behind the locked door of my apartment, a familiar frown appeared on Fran’s face making me smile. She’s definitely so much more than I imagined.
Chapter 13
Francesca
I was surprised when Ciel’s brother, Ezra stopped by Fancy cups. Apparently, he was looking for Ciel. Ezra then told me about Ciel’s hobbies and told me where it was. Although, Ezra warned me not to go where Ciel usually hung out because it was a dangerous place for a person like me.
But I couldn’t help but feel worried for Ciel. Why does he enjoy such a hobby?
When I think hard all I can honestly say is that I’m not surprised. It’s Ciel we are talking about here. Before he became the person I’m going out with, he was the irksome idiot who seemed like he was never up to any good.
I lied to Angela and Stephen about going to the library. Instead I went to the bar where Ezra said that Ciel hung out at. It was a rusty old bar and it screamed danger. It definitely looks like Ciel would hang out at such a place. Luckily, the bartender told me where Ciel was and I was able to stop him.
I was stupid to throw myself in the middle of the fight but to see Ciel so beat down made my heart painfully clench. Every cell in me screamed to do something and when Ciel’s opponent was about to close in on him I could hear myself internally scream. My scream was so loud that I swore it could shatter glass. Without thinking I threw myself between Ciel and his huge opponent.
Glaring daggers at his opponent might not be the smartest move but I was called Habanero and that meant something. Ciel was able to beat his opponent and if I wasn’t there I don’t want to think what would’ve happened. Ciel was able to stop before he can actually kill his opponent.
Ciel would go this far… for me.
On the way to Ciel’s apartment I practiced on what I was going to say to Ciel. Scold him and tell him that his hobby is dangerous and stupid. I had a whole speech practiced in my head but once the door closed to his apartment, everything that I practiced was thrown out the window.
I frowned as I faced him with hands upon my hips like a mother who’s about to scold her child. Ciel only smiled and that pissed me off.
“What the hell were you thinking Ciel? You could’ve been killed.” I hissed. The smile still not leaving his face. “And this hobby of yours is seriously ridiculous! Like come on, why can’t you stick with other hobbies? Maybe you can collect buttons or go bowling.” I started rambling.
Ciel’s smile suddenly disappeared and he walked closer to me. I tried taking a step back but he held me by the shoulders as started looking closely at my body parts. I blushed as I pushed him off me “What are you doing pervert?” I asked.
He had a small frown on his face as he asked “Do you have any injuries?” he was talking about when his brute of an opponent shoved me to the ground. I frowned even more as I told him “You’re asking me if I have injuries? You’re the one with the swollen jaw and bleeding mouth.”
Ciel ignored me as he squatted down and lifted up my floral dress to check my legs which made me smack his head. “Pervert! Stop it!” I hissed.
“Don’t worry my Habanero, I’ve already seen everything. No need to hide.” he said with a smirk. I could feel my cheeks burning up. He suddenly touched a part of my knee which made me flinch in pain. “You have a scrapped knee.” he said as his frown deepened.
He started walking towards the bathroom as he brought back a first-aid-kit. He placed the box on the counter and suddenly he lifted me up making me squeal as he placed me upon the counter. “I’ll clean your wound.” he stated.
Before he could lay a single finger on the first-aid-kit I smacked his hand away and raised my voice at him “You stupid jerk! You’re the one who’s hurt. Let me treat your wounds then I’ll treat my own.” He was about to argue back but I quickly smacked my hand upon his mouth which touched his busted lip making him flinch.
“Shut up and let me treat you.” I said as I started tending to his wounds without getting off from the counter. The counter helped me reached his face as I treated a few cuts especially his busted lip. As I was treating his hands he suddenly asked “How did you know about the fight?”
“Ezra dropped by.” Was all I answered.
“Didn’t Ezra tell you that it was dangerous?” he asked as he frowned. I then replied “Yes, but that didn’t stop me.” I heard him sigh in frustration as he said “You could’ve been in serious danger if I wasn’t there. I don’t want you to ever go back there again.”
It seriously pissed me off that he could order me around like that.
“Then I suggest you quit your stupid hobby so I won’t come to your rescue your ass. What would’ve happened if I haven’t arrived? You could’ve been hurt as well.” I yelled at him as I started hitting him in the shoulders where he had bruises.
“Yeah but I’m used to it.” he said.
“Well that doesn’t mean you can go and do that as you please. You’re dating me now Ciel. Of course, I’m going to be worried. When Ezra told me about your hobby and where you hung out. I couldn’t focus on work nor could I focus on reading because I was so worried.” I told him.
His eyes glistened as he stared at me with disbelief. Did I have something on my face? I was suddenly pulled into another embrace of his. He smelt of sweat and dried blood but I didn’t mind at the moment because his embrace made me feel safe.
I melted into his arms when suddenly I felt water dripping on my shoulder. I was about to pull back but Ciel’s hold on me was too strong. Was Ciel crying?
“Francesca.” His voice sounded so husky which sent shivers down my spine. “I won’t let anyone hurt you. I’ll protect you for the rest of my life… I love you.”
I tensed at his words. I felt my heart leap when Mr. Darcy confessed his love but this was on a whole different level. When Ciel told me that he loved me I felt so happy that I could die. I didn’t even noticed when my hands gripped tightly onto Ciel.
I was head over heels for this idiot.
�
�I promise.” Ciel added. He pulled away from the embrace and it almost made me whine out loud. He looked at me and there was no sign of any tears except for his puffy eyes. His thumb ran across my cheek as he said “When I hit you here I wanted nothing more than to beat myself up. I wanted to apologize to you but then I thought you would’ve hated me so I avoided any contact with you. Just the thought of you hating me drove me crazy, I wouldn’t be able to bear it.”
I put my hand upon his hand that was caressing my cheek. I leaned into the warmth of his hand and gave his palm a tender kiss. I kissed each knuckle on his hand then lastly I leaned up to press a kiss upon his busted lip.
“Promise me you won’t fight anymore… please?” I begged him. I can’t stand to see him all beat up again.
“I promise.” Ciel breathed out as he pulled me into a passionate kiss. I didn’t object to the kiss because we haven’t been spending time together and the moments when we’re apart I longed for him. As much as I wanted the kiss to keep going I quickly pulled back, he stared at me questioningly.
“We don’t want the wound on your lip to open again.” I told him. He then pouted like a small child whose candy was taken away. “No fair.” he sighed. I couldn’t help but smile at the childish side of Ciel. It made me extremely happy that only I could see this part of him.
I playfully smacked his shoulder and said “Now it’s time for you to go take a shower because you reek.”
He smirked and asked “Will you be joining me?”
I frowned and said “I have no reason to take a shower.”
“Yes you do. I’m an injured man. What if I slip and die inside the shower?” he said. I sighed knowing he won’t give this up. I hesitantly agreed to go in the bathroom with him but I won’t be joining in the shower.
He stripped naked as he got into the shower and I did my best to not stare at all his glory. Right as he stood underneath the pouring water in the shower he swiftly scooped me up into his arms. I squealed as the water drenched me from head to toe. Not to mention I could tell that I was blushing since my body was pressed against his naked one.
“Ciel!” I shrieked once he set me back on my feet. I couldn’t help but ogle over how he looked devilishly handsome when wet. He stared at me as he laughed and said “You look like a mad wet kitten.” I suddenly felt the familiar feeling of my vein throbbing on my head.
I was about to give him a piece of my mind and possibly show him the strength of my fists that’s until he pinned me to the wall of the shower. I had the strong urge to look down but I fought it. His nose traveled from the bottom of my neck and traveled upwards. I gasped out loud as his soft touch gave me goose bumps. His hands slid down my arms as they glided over parts of my body to stop at my waist. He didn’t even need to pin me to the wall, it seemed like I was glued to the wall.
“Francesca, I just can’t get enough of you.” His voice resonated from my neck, it felt like a chill.
His hands then moved upwards and started massaging the mounds on my chest. Was it me or was the shower getting too hot? Suddenly his mouth glided all the way down my body until he stopped at the edges of dress. He easily lifted my skirt up and pressed a kiss against my heated womanhood.
His sucking and kissing only made my body jerk. My hands quickly flew to his head where I gripped onto his hair and raised one leg to rest it on his shoulder. He then removed my panty as he continued. I moaned his name heavily as I pressed his face more into my womanhood. I felt nothing but a scorching desire running up and down my body making my legs weak.
It wasn’t too long when he sucked a certain spot I unexpectedly came which shook my body in surprise. His name was what I screamed out as my climax was at its highest. He stood back up to face me as he licked his lips and huskily said “You’re pussy is sweet, my Habanero.”
He abruptly wrapped his arms around my body, restraining my arms. He started kissing my neck making me squeal from the tickling sensation of the wound on his lips. He then whispered in my ear “How come you didn’t say I love you too?”
“If you don’t say it I won’t stop.” he threatened as he continued kissing my neck. After a few seconds of squealing from being tickled it suddenly turned into gasping moans. His fingers played with the zipper on the back of my wet dress. He gently bit on my neck which made me gasp out loud as I pushed him away. It was like my body couldn’t get enough of him.
“I love you, alright? Happy?” I snapped as I got out of the shower and grabbed his towel. He smirked as he leaned on the wall inside the shower.
“I expected something more romantic since you’ve read the Pride and Prejudice.” he said.
“Well, sorry to disappoint you.” I said but I wasn’t really that sorry. I didn’t lie when I said I love you but I would have preferred it if he wore clothes when I said it. I’ve never uttered those words to other people other than my family and two best friends.
“I’m not disappointed at all. I love you too Habanero.” he said. His smirk still not disappearing. I froze as I felt my face turn absolutely red. I then briskly walked out of the bathroom as I slammed the door shut.
I could hear Ciel laughing in the bathroom.
I shook my head as I walked away, wrapping myself with his towel. I couldn’t help as a smile started growing on my face and the only person I was thinking about was a smirking Ciel.
Chapter 14
Ciel
Fran ended up spending the night and all I can say is that it was pure bliss to have her sleeping in my arms. What wasn’t pleasant was waking up to a burning smell and an empty bed. I bolted up in my bed as I searched for Fran, the worse situation played in my mind. Maybe Fran was on fire or trapped somewhere with fire either one sent my heart panicking.
The blanket got tangled with my legs so when I tried running out of my bedroom I fell face first to the ground. I groaned in pain as I pushed myself up and rushed out of the room. I expected my living room to be up in flames with a Fran in the middle shouting out for help instead I saw a panicking Fran in the kitchen. She seemed to be cooking, trying to cook at least.
Black smoke was coming out from one of the pans as burnt toast sat in the toaster. Her eyes were wide with fear as they darted all over the kitchen, she grabbed her hair in frustration. “Why is this so hard?” I heard her whisper.
I slowly walked towards the kitchen with a smirk on my face. She didn’t notice my presence so I cleared my throat. She gave a small shriek as she jumped and dropped the lid of one of the pots.
“Good morning Ciel.” she stuttered. I leaned on the counter and replied “Good morning Fran. May I ask what on earth are you doing?”
“Uhh…” she uttered as a cute blush covered her face. I smirked even more at how flustered she was getting. It would’ve been nice to see her cooking with just an apron on.
Once she noticed my smirk her cute blush quickly faded and was replaced with her infamous frown. She grabbed a spatula as she pointed it at me as if it was a deadly weapon.
“Don’t you dare make fun of me, I’ll burn you as well if that’s the case. If you haven’t noticed I’m actually cooking beef stew.” she announced proudly. I walked around the counter and peeked into the pot to see what seemed to be a lump of beef stew, I swear it had an evil aura to it.
“I’d understand if you don’t want to eat the breakfast I cooked.” she said. Knowing that Fran cooked something for me was enough for me. I shook my head as I started serving us each of her beef stew. “You don’t really have to eat it. I’m not much of a cook so I can tell that eating that would be bad for your health.” she explained.
“Nonsense! I’m eating it because you cooked it.” I said. I love that when I say something and she would blush. It made her look sexy. Her cooking might be not that pretty but one thing I did notice was the coffee in our cups looked absolutely delicious.
“If you’re not much of a cook then how did you manage with Fancy Cups?” I asked.
“I can bake and make a mean cup of coffee. I usually le
ave the cooking to either Angela or Stephen. They’ve been working for me since we opened.” she said.
“I know.” I said as I sent her a wink. We sat at the counter with the lump of beef stew, burnt toast, and a cup of beautiful coffee. She stared at her stew then glanced at her toast. She bowed her head and groaned “I’m such a failure at being a female.”
I chuckled as I shook my head. I turned her seat so she was facing me since she sat next to me. I leaned towards her so our nose were touching. “You’re definitely not a failure.” I said as I caressed her chin. “You’re just skilled in some other areas where some other women aren’t. We all are unique.”
I was about to devour her lips until the front door slammed open. Fran jumped out of her seat making sure there was distance between us as I turned around, completely annoyed with whoever interrupted our moment.
“Ciel, you don’t look too bad this time.” Ezra commented on my fighting injuries. “Can’t say the same thing about you.” I snapped at him.
“Good morning Ms. Blake.” Ezra greeted Fran as he eyed the shirt and sweatpants that she was wearing, obviously they were mine. She’s also mine. So it’s not a big deal.
“Good morning Ezra. Please call me Fran or Francesca.” she said.
“I’m sorry to interrupt your morning but I have some business with Ciel.” he explained his abrupt visit. I got up from my seat as I stood in front of Ezra.
“What?” I asked in an unfriendly manner.
“I’m going to France this Sunday. Mom and dad suggested to take you with me.” Ezra said.
“How long?” I asked.
“Half a year.” he answered. My eyes flicked over to Fran who looked worried. I smirked as I close my eyes. She should have more faith in me. I just promised her that I’d protect her so there was no way in hell I would leave her.
“Sorry brother but this time I’ll pass.” I told him. My brother frowned at me and said “They won’t be happy about this.”
