For the first time, Princess felt something she had never known before—someone she could run to if the moment came when she was in real trouble.
"I'm too young to have a boyfriend. I'm only sixteen! You're probably sixteen too! We're minors! And I don't want to be an early mom" Princess blurted out, trying to calm herself between shaky breaths.
Phoenix couldn't help but laugh out loud. "You never stop amazed me. Out of all the things to think about in this situation, that's what you worry about?"
"Hmmp!" Princess pouted, folding her arms. "You just told me earlier that you don't want to lose me! What am I supposed to think about that, mister?"
"Dah! Even if I'm hard-headed and the black sheep, I still don't want to be an early young mom! So get lost, Phoenix—or I'll kill you if you touch my finger!"
Phoenix only smiled, his gaze softening as he looked at her with unexpected tenderness. "I can't help it. I just… love you. I don't even know why. I feel crazy whenever I think of losing you."
He smirked mischievously. "Actually, you've given me a perfect idea. I'll just tell to our parents we ran away together for a few nights. That way, they'll be pressured to marry us off. How's that, babe?"
Princess's face turned crimson. She covered her cheeks with her hands. "My God, don't you dare to do that! We're too young! I'm 17th—soon to be eighteen, sure—but still! I don't want to get married just because of trouble!"
Phoenix shrugged casually. "Why so worried? I've got plenty of businesses. I can feed you, take care of you—if that's what you're worried about."
"Get lost, Phoenix!" Princess snapped, though her voice lacked venom. "I have so many plans in my life! I never imagined marrying a younger boy like you just to escape my problems."
Exhausted from the whirlwind of emotions, she collapsed onto the sofa. Her body ached with fatigue, her mind heavy with thoughts. All she wanted now… was to sleep.
Phoenix let Princess rest, her breathing steady as she drifted into sleep. Quietly, he began preparing food for their dinner. Luckily, the maid had taught him how to cook simple meals—just in case no one else was around—so he knew how to handle himself alone.
He stole a glance at the girl on the sofa. Careless, peaceful… her lips slightly pouted in sleep. She looked as though she wasn't afraid at all—as if she trusted him completely, even with her guard down.
Damn.
Earlier, when she was crying, her lips had been red, trembling, like a lost child's. He had wanted so badly to kiss them, to soothe her like a baby abandoned in the middle of a dark forest.
"I'll never leave you," Phoenix muttered under his breath, his voice firm. "From now on, I won't ever let anyone hurt you. I promise—I'll steal you away from anyone who dares to cause you pain."
Anger flickered in his chest, but it softened as he looked at her again.
"Don't worry. I'll tell Grandpa you're with me," he continued, almost like he was rehearsing the words. He knew his grandfather—strict, conservative, always careful about reputation. If Grandpa ever found out Phoenix was alone in a house with a girl, he'd be on the next flight home.
Phoenix chuckled at the thought. "For now, let's just enjoy this moment… because whether you know it or not, you'll stay with me forever. I promise that."
On impulse, he leaned closer and brushed his lips gently against hers—a stolen kiss.
"Damn," he whispered, pulling back quickly. "That's all I can do for now, babe. If you were awake, I'd probably be dead already."
He walked over to Princess's bags, curious. Digging through, he noticed all the groceries she had packed.
"So this was your plan," he murmured to himself. "You were preparing to stay here all along. At least you're a girl scout, babe."
He smirked to himself, shaking his head as he neatly arranged the food she had brought.
Phoenix finished preparing their dinner, but Princess was still fast asleep, her breathing slow and steady.
He decided not to wake her. Instead, he carefully scooped her into his arms and carried her upstairs to his room, determined to let her rest in comfort.
As he carried her, Princess stirred slightly. To his surprise, her arms moved and wrapped around him, clinging to him in her sleep.
"Hmmm…" she murmured softly. "Babe… I want you to stay with me. This may be selfish, but I don't think I could live happily if you were gone from my eyes. I promise I won't hurt you… I'll be patient, even when my tantrums attack you."
Phoenix froze, his heart racing. Hearing those words—even if they slipped out unconsciously—ignited something inside him.
She doesn't even know what she's saying… but she's already stealing me completely.
Laying her gently on his bed, Phoenix brushed a strand of hair away from her face. She looked so peaceful, like nothing could disturb her.
At that moment, he made up his mind. He would tell his grandfather. He would make sure Princess was tied to him—not just for tonight, not just for three days, but for always. Engagement, marriage, whatever it took.
If her parents knew she stayed the night… if they knew she stayed for three days… it would be the perfect reason. I won't let her go.
Determined, Phoenix pulled out his phone and dialed.
"Hey, Grand!" he said when the line connected. "Wassup? How's your vacation?"
A warm, aged voice answered. "This is amazing, hijo. I'm glad I listened to your suggestion. After losing your grandma, I forgot how to live and enjoy… but now, I remember." It was Don Vergelio, his grandfather.
Phoenix smiled faintly. "That's good to hear, Lo. I'm happy for you. But… I'm calling because there's something important I need to tell you."
He hesitated, glancing back at the sleeping girl in his bed.
"I have a girl with me… here, in your house. We'll be staying for at least three days. Don't worry, Grand. She reminds me of Grandma—hard-headed, stubborn, but strong."
Before Don Vergelio could respond with questions, Phoenix ended the call and switched off his phone, exhaling slowly.
He sat back in his chair, eyes fixed on Princess's peaceful face.
Now… she's mine. And I'll make sure she never slips away.