"But yeah—like I said—I just started beating the shit out of her for harassing that poor kid," Bella said, yawning as she flopped back onto the couch. She'd stuck around after breakfast, and honestly she made for pretty decent company. Elara didn't seem bothered by her presence either, which made it even easier to relax.
"You should've seen her face when she hit the floor," Bella continued, half-lidded, like she was recounting a funny story. "She looked like she'd rather die than feel that again."
Elara's fingers found the small of my back and scratched there, curious. "I'm glad you use that strength for good, Bella. I remember you telling us you used to fight anyone who pissed you off—where did this... change come from?" she asked.
Bella shrugged, a small, proud smile tugging at one corner of her mouth. "It was Noah, actually. I don't like seeing guys get harassed. He's my friend—I'll do whatever it takes to keep him and other boys safe. But mostly keeping Noah safe."
There was something off about watching my fiercely possessive girlfriend, Elara, not lose her mind when another girl talked about me. It felt... unnatural, like a piece of the puzzle was missing. I glanced up at her face, searching for a flicker of jealousy or irritation, but her expression remained neutral, almost eerily calm, as she stared at Bella.
Bella sat a few feet away, her hands casually interlocked behind her head, looking relaxed. Her posture was open, unguarded, but then she tilted her head slightly, sniffed near her armpit, and grimaced. I had to stifle a laugh at the sight.
Bella wasn't exactly a poster child for hygiene—she did just enough to avoid smelling like a complete mess, but her quirks were oddly endearing in a rough-around-the-edges kind of way. A faint whiff of sweat mixed with cheap body spray hit my nose, confirming my thoughts, but I kept my amusement to myself.
"Bella," Elara started, her voice steady but carrying a subtle edge of curiosity. Her fingers grazed through my hair, lightly scratching my scalp in a way that sent a small shiver down my spine. "I've been wondering. Why did you decide to be friends with Noah? I remember you saying something about how you didn't really like having friends." As she spoke, her other hand slid down my back, her touch growing bolder.
She reached lower, gripping my ass with a hungry, possessive squeeze that made my breath hitch. Her fingers dug in just enough to let me know she was feeling... frisky, her sudden shift in mood crackling like static in the air between us.
I could feel the heat of her palm through my shorts, and a quick glance at her eyes revealed a glint of something primal lurking beneath her calm facade. She wasn't just asking a question—she was staking her claim, right in front of Bella.
Bella's shoulders stiffened as she watched the scene unfold, her discomfort palpable. A faint sheen of sweat glistened on her forehead, betraying her unease. "Well, uh... um, I always noticed Noah at school. He just... stood out, you know? Different from the rest. I guess I just wanted to be friends," she stammered, her voice wavering as her eyes flickered toward Elara.
The sharp sound of Elara's hand playfully smacking my butt echoed in the room, followed by my involuntary yelp, which only deepened Bella's frown.
"What's the matter, baby? Can't take a few little love taps?" Elara purred into my ear, her hot breath sending a shiver down my spine. Before I could respond, her hand came down again, harder this time, the sting radiating through me. I could feel the heat blooming across my skin, no doubt leaving a bright red mark behind.
"H-Hey, don't hurt him..." Bella interjected, her voice small but firm, cutting through the tension. She shifted uncomfortably, her hands fidgeting in her lap. Elara turned her head to Bella, her gaze not malicious but curious, almost probing, as if sizing her up. A smirk played on Elara's lips as she tilted her head.
"Oh, by the way, Noah," Bella continued, her tone shifting to concern as she leaned forward slightly, her eyes narrowing at my neck. "Why do you always have so many bruises there? Is... is someone hurting you?" Her voice trembled with genuine worry, her fingers tightening into fists as she waited for an answer.
Elara chuckled softly, a low, throaty sound, before reaching over. "Oh, these?" she said, her fingers tangling into my hair with a firm grip. She yanked my head back, exposing the dark, mottled marks scattered across my neck from the night before.
The sight was jarring—purple and red splotches stark against my skin, evidence of rough play. To anyone with a shred of concern, it might look like abuse. "Just some love marks, nothing to worry about. Noah here's a total slut for pain, aren't you, baby?" Elara's voice dripped with teasing malice as she delivered another sharp smack to my backside, the sound cracking through the air.
I couldn't hold back the whimper that escaped my lips, the sound pathetic and exposed in front of Bella, whose wide eyes darted between us, unsure of what to say.
"Love... marks?" Bella tilted her head, her fingers brushing against her forehead as a puzzled frown creased her face. "I thought... when you love someone, you don't hurt them. Isn't that how it's supposed to be?"
Elara smirked, her eyes glinting with mischief as she leaned closer to me. "Oh, in some cases, men are totally into it. Like this naughty little slut right here." Her voice dipped into a teasing purr as she giggled, pressing a quick, playful kiss to my lips, her hand lingering on my cheek for just a moment longer than necessary.
Bella's eyes widened, her confusion morphing into a curious squint. "Ahh, okay... I think I get it. I want a boyfriend I can hit too..." Her words tumbled out so innocently, so awkwardly, that they hung in the air like a misfired joke.
Elara and I burst into laughter, the sound echoing around us. I clutched my sides, trying to catch my breath, while Elara's cackle rang sharp and unrestrained. Bella just stood there, blinking rapidly, her cheeks flushing as she looked between us, clearly not grasping what was so funny.
"Jesus, Bella, oh my god," I wheezed, wiping a tear from the corner of my eye. "You've gotta be careful how you say stuff like that. You don't just go hitting someone unless they're into it, okay? Like, really into it. You've gotta ask and make sure they want that kind of thing. Got it?"
Bella's face lit up with realization, her mouth forming a small 'o' as she pieced it together. She nodded quickly, her blush deepening. "Ohh, right, right. I didn't mean it like... yeah, got it. Only if they want it." Her voice was small, embarrassed, but there was a flicker of curiosity in her eyes as she glanced at Elara's sly grin.
"Hey Elara, do you think it's possible if... ah, whatever, I'm just crazy..." Bella muttered, her voice trailing off into a defeated sigh. She rubbed the back of her neck, her gaze falling to the floor like she'd just scolded herself for thinking too much. I could tell something heavy was sitting on her mind, but she was too stubborn—or scared—to let it out.
Me and Elara exchanged a glance, both of us equally puzzled. Bella wasn't usually one to second-guess herself. Whatever that question was, it had to be something serious. Still, we both decided not to push it.
"Anyways," she said, forcing a grin that didn't quite reach her eyes, "what are we gonna do later? Can we go for pizza again? That was really fun last time." Her tone was lighter now, but I could still sense the tension behind her words.
Elara tilted her head, her curiosity clearly not satisfied. "What was it you were going to ask? It's okay, Bella, you can tell me."
Bella froze for a moment, fidgeting with her fingers. "Actually... that question, um—never mind. I have a new one." Her voice softened, almost trembling. "Do you trust me with Noah?"
Her eyes met mine for a second, wide and desperate, like she was afraid of the answer before it was even spoken.
Elara's brows furrowed, her fingers pausing mid-scratch against my spine. The air grew heavier, as if the room itself was waiting for her answer.
"Trust you?" she repeated, her tone unreadable—half-curious, half-guarded.
Bella nodded quickly, her posture suddenly tense, like a soldier awaiting judgment. "Yeah, I mean... you know, like, as his friend. I just don't want you thinking I'd ever hurt him or do something weird."
For a moment, Elara said nothing, just stared—her sharp eyes scanning Bella's expression for even a flicker of deceit. I could practically feel the tension pressing against my chest.
Finally, she smiled—small, but enough to ease the room. "I do, Bella. I really do. You've proven that you care about him."
Bella's shoulders dropped with relief. "Good... that's good." She gave me a faint grin, one that didn't quite reach her eyes.
Woah... that was unexpected. But yes—Bella deserves her trust. She'd never do anything crazy to me. She's someone we could actually, really trust.