The air is tense and neither one of us has spoken a word. I believe we are all waiting for someone to speak up first. Right when Elena showed up at our doorstep, not another word was spoken apart from me letting her in and offering her something to drink.
I try move off Keith's lap but his arms around my waist tighten, preventing me from doing anything.
"Did you see the news?" Keith finally speaks up for the first time and I sigh in relief.
" Yes I did and I apologise for causing such a big scandal. I had a little too much to drink and I guess, I kinda acted out." She says sheepishly.
Keith's phone rings.
" Salvatore." He answers in a business tone.
I glance at him, watching his brows scrunch together in concentration. He's so damn handsome that I want to just kiss him right now.
Sensing me staring, his eyes meet mine and his lips twitch into a small smile which I return. All too soon, his face goes blank and he taps my thigh, telling me to sit aside which I do. He rises to his full height, excusing himself right after he kisses my forehead. I watch after his retreating back, dazed and content.
" I feel really bad." Elena's voice snaps me out of my staring, and back to her.
"It was an innocent mistake, don't beat yourself up about it." I try reassure her.
" Yeah, but it would have added more reason to your situation." I frown at her words.
" Situation?"
" Yeah, I mean the divorce and all."
"Oh no need to worry about anything, we are fine, anyway it's just rumours which will pass in no time."
" You're right, rumours. Though I worry a little, with Keith being such a huge figure, there's bound to be such news. Everyone has an interest in his life, especially this part.
You know, people want to know that special person in his life and unfortunately they don't know you. Imagine the media's surprise when they hear about you. What do you think they'll say?"
I stare frozen in place, digesting her words. It's not as if I want anyone's approval, Keith is all that matters to me and our love for each other, yet the thought of - no I can't think like this.
Keith's footsteps indicate his return. An uneasy smile is on my face as he settles down beside me again, pulling me close.
" Is everything okay?" I ask.
"Yeah, all I just need is to go and release a statement and settle things."
" When do you have to go?"
" Later in the afternoon. I'm sorry sweetheart but something calls for my attention. I know we had plans and all."
" No no, it's okay."
The clearing of a throat earns our attention.
" Oh sorry." I blush, hiding my face in his chest. Keith's fingers play with my hair, a kiss planted at the crown of my head.
" Elena you know you are a good friend of mine, but I don't want these fake news to create problems for all of us, especially my angel and I." I blush so hard at that nickname.
"A-angel. You called her Angel." Elena murmurs, sounding a bit too surprised for my liking.
Something about the way she says it doesn't sit well with me.
" Yeah. Is it wrong to call my wife that?" He asks, staring at me, his thumb caressing my cheek.
" No, not at all. Um I should be taking my leave now." She says, rising to her feet.
We follow suit, one arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me against his chest." Is aunt Jill here too?"
" No, she's still busy that side, you know, putting her whole energy on the anniversary party and all. You will come right? " Her eyes stay on him. They plead for him to say yes.
I feel his on me, forcing me to look at him, where they connect and a few seconds pass before he looks back at her again.
"We'll go." Oh he means him and I.
I don't know if I'm mistaken, but I swear I catch a glimpse of disappointment in her eyes before she smiles again.
"Alright then, I should be taking my leave." She starts to walk off when Keith calls her again.
" I never asked, but what made you to come to Aspen, of all places?"
" Something important called for my attention." She says.
Keith nods." Let me walk you out." He follows behind her, tugging me along.
We say our goodbyes and he turns to me, closing the door behind him. I yelp in surprise when he picks me up and I have to wrap my legs around his waist to hold on, my arms go around his neck.
" Keith!" I breathe out.
" I love when you're this flustered, it makes me want to kiss you senseless." He playfully growls, making my eyes to widen.
" Keith stop." I hide my face away from him, blushing so hard.
He walks us to the couch, where I'm now straddling his lap.
"Don't hide your beautiful face from me, I want to see everything, especially that blush." He says, leaning back and cradling my face in his hands.
The look he gives me, one of adoration and awe fills my stomach with butterflies.
" You're so precious," He breathes out, pulling me forward for a long and breathtaking kiss.
I anxiously wait for Keith to appear on TV and make a statement. He'd set things right and everyone will finally know that he is taken, that he is mine and mine alone.
Oh my gosh, this incredible man is mine alone. I still gush when thinking about it, it's so surreal and I thanked God for my wait, because at the end, I received what I'd longed for. I'm ecstatic for what the future holds for us, just after all the little bumps have been removed and we can carry on with our lives.
A knock on the door diverts my attention from the dinner I'm preparing for us tonight. I walk over to answer it and once I do, a small smile lits my face at seeing Riley and Bella.
"Oh what a surprise, please come in." I usher them in, already gushing over Bella who's handed over by Riley.
" I'm sorry to just show up like this, I hope we aren't disturbing."
"Oh nonsense, you two would never be a bother. Hello my angel." I coo at the cute little girl who smiles up at me, reaching up her hands to touch my face.
Leaning my face to her, I giggle in response for her wandering hands. Looking up at Riley, I frown a little when I notice her nervously look around, scratching her arm.
" Riley."
" Is anyone else around?" She asks, not even looking at me.
" Um no, it's just me." I trail off, not even finishing the rest of the sentence and mentioning Joe who's on his way.
For some unknown reason, something feels amiss which I can't put my finger on. She's acting rather weird, I know we only met once but she is giving off some weird vibes right now.
" Riley?" I call her to attention, where her eyes snap to mine.
" What's going on?" Something shifts in her eyes, almost like a secret message and I try my best to detect what it could be.
" Is Mr Salvatore going to be home late tonight! "Her voice rises up a bit.
' Call for help.' She mouths, her head slightly gesturing to the phone and just as I take a step, something is pressed against my back. Cold and hard.
" Take another step and I'll blow your brains out." A male voice says behind me.
My body goes rigid.
" I'm sorry." My eyes snap to Riley, who also points a gun at me.