"I was bullied..." I said slowly before closing my eyes softly and letting sleep engulf me in the comfort of his arms around me, even if this closeness between him and me was dangerous.

....

Sitting inside the car alone with me, she fell asleep in my lap, just like this......

Rhys's POV....

My hands moved up, taking a strand of her hair. Rolling it in my fingers, I pulled it gently. Closing my eyes, I inhaled her scent, which always made me desperate... desperate to inhale it again and again....

My eyes roamed to her naked neck, which was peeking through her clothes, and I felt the sudden need to drink... all of her, until nothing remains.

Turning my gaze, I decided to avert my eyes when suddenly they fell on the rearview mirror, which was turned towards us. Her back could be seen inside my arms, her head fallen on my chest.

"I was bullied..." she said, and a chuckle escaped my mouth...

"Because you are an easy target for people, Maya..." I whispered before pressing a kiss on her shoulder.

Looking forward, I started the car softly without disturbing her not-so-precious sleep. Crossing the stops, I drove to the destination where I was supposed to be with her....

Once reaching there, I stopped the car and looked down at her peace, which I was going to destroy. At the thought of this, a sudden smirk came to my lips.

Placing my hand on her back, I started tiptoeing with my fingers. One by one, in the smallest steps, I reached near her neck. Pulling the top with my index finger, I let the walk continue on her exposed neck and then clutched it softly.

Lowering my head, I took a deep breath, inhaling her scent again, and finally let my lips settle on her soft skin. Taking out my tongue, I slid it up, and as I thought, she moved. Quickly realizing the situation she was in, she tried to push me, but I pulled her more into me...

"Had a good sleep, butterfly?" I said in a husky voice, and she looked up, her eyes looking at me with nothing but innocence, which always made me cruel... cruel to destroy it, bit by bit.

Her lips trembled, maybe wanting to say something or maybe just cry, but before she could, I pecked her nose, and she went silent....

"Maya..." I whispered, and she blinked... Fuck, why does she do this all the time?

"How was the sleep?" I asked again in a huskier voice, and she finally let me hear the answer...

"G...o...od..."

I arched my eyebrow and lowered my head until our lips were touching. The softness of her lips always made mine envelop in hers.

"Just good?" I teased, and she lowered her head before letting out softly...

"Co...mfo...rble..."

Humming after the answer, I looked outside. The parking lot was empty, as the guests were all inside.

"Get up, butterfly," I said, and she moved. Her eyes finally roamed around, and a gasp of horror escaped her mouth.

Opening the door, I walked out and turned towards her side. She clutched the seat as if she were glued to it.

"Let's go, butterfly. We've talked about this..." I said, and she shook her head no. A frustrated sigh escaped my mouth. Bending down, I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her into a bridal hold. She started shaking herself to be free, and I tightened my hold...

Soft music could be heard from outside, along with the voices of people who were talking. Paparazzi kept running around, clicking pictures of every person.

When I walked in, the attention of the paparazzi turned towards me. Running towards me, the flashes went crazy. Maya desperately tried to hide herself, but that's not what I wanted, right? So I let go, trying to make her stand. I moved, but her hold on me tightened. Clutching my shirt, she tried not to let go.

Finally succeeding, I made her stand straight and go forward in front of me. Placing my chin on her neck, I whispered...

"Smile, butterfly..." I said, and she had no way except obeying me...

She did, and the media kept capturing it again and again...

Dad and Mom walked towards her, and the people quickly gave them way.

"Who?" Mom asked, looking bewildered.

"Girlfriend," I answered in one word.

After that, no word was spoken. The party kept going, and I stood near the stairs, holding Maya's hand. She was trembling, and I was enjoying it. Claiming her in public was never my thought, but when the opportunity suddenly came, I didn't want to waste it.

I never knew that this claim would give me this feeling...

The party was getting to an end. Maya never spoke a word, nor did I. Just watching her was sometimes enough.

When people started to go, Dad came along with Mom behind him.

"We need to talk..." he said sternly, and I nodded my head, following him while dragging Maya with me. Mom kept giving glances to Maya, which were never reverted, as Maya just kept looking down...

Reaching inside the upstairs room, I waited for Dad to say something. He walked back and forth and then looked at Maya up and down.

"What is all this about, Rhys?" he said...

"Nothing but her, Dad..." I said and looked into his eyes...

"She is my girlfriend, Dad, whom I love maybe a little too much," I said and bit my lower lip to stop the loud chuckle that was coming after seeing Maya's state.

"WHAT THE HELL IS THIS, RHYS? THIS IS NOT THE TIME TO PLAY! WHAT DO YOU MEAN BY GIRLFRIEND? YOU CAN'T ANNOUNCE IT LIKE IT'S SOME KIND OF JOKE! DO YOU KNOW HOW IMPORTANT THE PARTY WAS?" Dad shouted in anger, and I knew it was not at all wrong. I should have told him.

"Sorry, Dad... but this is no play, no joke. She is my girlfriend, and I wanted to make sure people know it..."

"W...hat..." Dad let out while looking at me with wide eyes.

Mom walked slowly towards me and turned towards Maya...

"Look up, girl..." she demanded.



(Finally we are back)