Chapter 16

Angelo's POV

"Holy shit, dude, your smile today screams victory," Francel greeted me as I arrived at the bar owned by Lucifer. I don't know what's up with that guy—he embraced Lucifer even though it's not his real name, and he even named the bar Hell Gate.

I gave my friends a bro hug. The things I told Chinny earlier? I'm not taking them back. She kissed me back, so there's no turning back now. She's mine.

"The drinks are on me." I placed cold cash on the table, and I heard their cheers.

"Great, he's paying for our drinks," Ken said happily, making me shake my head.

Damn! I can't get her soft, kissable lips out of my mind. I think I'm going crazy. How can I drive that woman insane? My heart was pounding earlier like someone was hammering inside my chest.

"People were talking about you two all over the faculty today." Raphael looked at me before I took a sip of my beer. "You even asked The Heartrender to serenade Chinny."

"Some people thought you were courting Chinny," Henry laughed.

I burst out laughing. Nobody knew the actual score between me and Chinny. The time will come when they'll find out the truth.

"They'll know soon enough," I said with a smirk. "There's no such thing as a secret that stays hidden forever." I took another gulp of beer.

Realization hit me after confronting Jessa—I must take advantage of the situation while Kilorn is still away. As long as he's not around, I can get the attention I need from Chinny.

"Dude, do whatever you want. If something bad happens, that's on you," Aki said, making me clench my fists.

"I know, it's on me." I stared at the beer bottle. "Ever since Chinny married me, she's hated me even more. You all know I've always competed with Kilorn in every activity back in school until college. I never meant to fall for Chinny." I bit my lower lip.

"Don't be dramatic, dude. We're not here to cry; we're here to have fun," Drin said, patting my arm. "Don't worry, we've got your back. But damn, why is Chinny so beautiful?" He shook his head, making me slap his stomach.

"Ouch, dude! Are you jealous of my abs?"

"Do you even have abs? I don't think so. And stop fantasizing about my wife. Go fantasize about Chaira instead," I said irritably. Aki smirked.

"Damn! You're feeling that husband role, huh?" They all burst into laughter. Damn it! What's so funny? These ugly bastards are ganging up on me again.

"You're all ugly. I need support, not laughter," I grumbled.

"Ugly? Damn it! Henry looks like a horse, and Ken is Squidward," Aki said seriously.

"A horse and that big-nosed Squidward!" I laughed. This guy is insane. How does Tinnie even put up with Aki?

Henry threw his phone at Aki, hitting his lips.

"You son of a bitch, Aki!" Henry yelled, making me laugh like an idiot.

"Screw you, Henry! I won't be able to score with Tinnie tonight if my lips are swollen. No kisses for me!" Aki dramatically held his lips, making me laugh even more.

I almost jumped in surprise when my phone vibrated. Two messages.

From: Jessa Jean

Gelo, can I talk to you? I'm at my condo right now. Please.

From: HMLSS Chinny

I have a headache. Please buy me some meds. My head has been hurting for a while now. Also, get me some chocolate.

"Interesting. Who are you going to prioritize?" Francel asked with a smirk after reading both texts.

"Got a problem, dude?" Raphael asked.

"Chinny has a headache, and Jessa needs to talk to him," Francel answered as I scratched my head.

"Dude..." I called Drin. "You're kind of close with Dagger, right? Can you ask him to go see Jessa instead?"

Drin nodded.

"I'm heading out first. Chinny needs me," I told them before walking away.

As soon as I got in my car, my phone rang. Jessa was calling.

"Hello?"

(Gelo, are you c—)

"Jessa, my wife needs me. I must tend to her. I'm sorry." I hung up.

I started the car.

I felt slightly guilty for Jessa, but my wife needed me more. Before going home, I stopped by the drugstore to buy her requested medicine and chocolates.

"Ugh!"

I entered Chinny's room. She was holding back a sneeze wrapped up in a thick blanket. She was sitting on the bed with her laptop in front of her. She looked at me.

I brought a tray with medicine, chocolates, and soup.

"Did you already eat?" I asked. She shook her head.

"I'm sorry. I should've cooked something for you, and I'm sorry for leaving earlier." I placed the tray on the side table.

She was wearing a jacket, pajamas, and socks. I took the hot pad Farley gave me from my pocket and placed it on her socks-covered feet.

"Did I bother you? I'm sorry," she said.

I shook my head and smiled.

"You needed me. I need to take care of my wife," I said, giving her the sweetest smile.

"This will keep your feet warm."

I finished placing the hot pad on her feet, but my mood soured when I saw that her laptop wallpaper had Kilorn's face. Out of irritation, I shut it down.

"You need rest."

"I'll turn off the air conditioner. You're cold as ice," I said before she could respond. I turned it off.

"Eat first. The soup will get cold if you don't eat it soon. I'll even feed you if you don't feel like eating," I teased. She shook her head, but I knew I'd end up doing it anyway. I picked up the bowl and started feeding her. She couldn't refuse, making me grin.

After she finished eating, I gave her the medicine and helped her lie down. I grabbed a damp towel and placed it on her forehead.

"Thank you, Gelo," she said softly.

I smiled.

"Anything for you." I gently stroked her face and kissed her cheek.

"You should sleep. I'll be here—I'm not leaving."

She nodded and closed her eyes.

"I love you, Shieneva Pimenova."

I watched her until she fell asleep.

I took a shower in my room before returning to hers. I'll stay by her side. She needs body heat—I mean, a warm hug.

I'll leave before sunrise.