Submitting to My Best Friend's Dad by Scarlett Rossi
Chapter 607 -

*Caterina*

"Caterina, come down, dinner is almost ready!" my mother called out.

"I'm coming, Mom!" I shouted back.

I picked myself off my bed and tucked my phone into the back pocket of my jeans and began my descent down the stairs. I was only a day into my Thanksgiving break and already I was feeling the effects from being back home again. I hadn't expected to feel so normal about it all.

The weight of school, although temporary, was lifted from my shoulders and I could finally take a real breath. I loved my classes and the campus I lived on, but something about being back home with my mother gave me a deeper, warmer sense of security and I didn't realize I was missing.

And Elio... well, I wasn't entirely sure where I stood with him.

Of course, I knew I was bound to run into him at some point while on break. But I certainly wasn't anticipating my body's reaction to seeing him after so long.

Envisioning his muscles underneath that thin undershirt made my heart race with anticipation. Yes, anticipation that I will never allow myself to act on... yet that didn't stop my mind from imagining other things.....

By the time I reached the kitchen, my eyes were instantly drawn to the tall, well-built figure that crowded the doorway. The name slipped off my tongue before I had a chance to stop it. "Elio?"

He turned to face me and smiled. "Hello, Caterina," he drawled.

My lips parted as several thousands of goosebumps rolled down my spine, something that has never happened before, nor something I knew how to deal with.

My mother poked her head from around Elio to smile at me. "I invited Elio to join us for dinner," she told me.

"Oh, okay." I blinked twice before passing them both to grab the plates and utensils. I began setting the table and noticed Elio wandering over.

"So, how has your break been so far?" he asked.

My hand nearly faltered as I went to carefully place the glass plate down, causing it to clatter. I could feel the tips of my ears burning red from my shaking nerves. "Uh, it's been, I guess," I answered passively.

I wished he'd let up and ended the conversation there, but no. Elio moved closer and was clearly determined to get more out of me.

"How have your classes been going?"

"Fine. I'm not looking forward to finals, per say. But I'm ready for the semester to be over," I responded calmly.

He nodded his head and crossed his arms over his chest. With a tilt of his head, he spoke. "Have you been seeing anyone while at school?"

My eyes widened and my breath grew tangled in my chest. I pulled my brows together and glared at him with whatever offensive anger I could replace to throw back at him.

"That's really none of your business now, is it?"

His eyes glimmered with challenge while the corner of his mouth started to curl into a daring smirk. My stomach coiled. Suddenly the two of us tensed from the sound of my mother telling us that dinner was ready.

Elio turned to help my mom bring over the large platter of chicken piccata. I grabbed the tossed salad and baked rolls from the counter to place on the table. As we all took our seats, I found myself seated across from Elio while my mother sat at the head of the table. We fell into a comfortable silence right as my mom smiled and spoke.

"This is wonderful," she said softly. "It's just like old times."

Elio hummed in agreement whereas I remained silent. Was it, though? I glanced around the table and felt a mixture of awkward uneasiness, but not quite the sense of nostalgia.

Then again, this was probably how my mother viewed the situation with Elio and me. In her presence, we were two relaxed kids that never acted out. I'd keep my anger and resentment hidden until she was no longer around.

No. This was nothing like the old times. And, perhaps, in my case, that was a good thing. All that pent up emotion had finally calmed, and I felt more in control of my life.

"So, after this I was going to go out with Anna and catch up," I told my mom.

She nodded her head. "That's right. She's home from school as well for the break," she noted. "I think that's a great idea. Are you going over to her house?"

"Actually, she and I were going to check out this new club."

Elio's voice was firm. "What's the name of it?"

I bit the inside of my cheek and fought back a rude remark. Instead, I gently shook my head and shrugged. "I honestly don't remember the name off the top of my head," I said.

He narrowed his eyes in doubt, knowing fully well that I was lying through my teeth.

As soon as I was finished with dinner, I helped my mother put away whatever leftovers we had and raced to get ready. I switched into a better fitting top and pinned back part of my hair while keeping my makeup light.

***

I'd told Anna to meet me outside of the club and we'd go in together. I was deeply excited to see my best friend after being away for so long. No doubt she would try to bat me over the head with whatever was in her hand the second we'd replace each other. Even though we talked and messaged each other non-stop, it wasn't the same when we were away at school.

Anna was the first real friend I ended up making since my life had turned completely upside down. She knew about my hostile behavior but never held it against me. Anna never treated me like some immature child, nor pitied me for my family background. I felt beyond lucky to have someone like her in my life who just accepted me for who I was.

I spotted Anna the moment I parked my car in the nearest available spot. The Exchange was a new nightclub that attracted various crowds of people. The place looked decently packed, and there didn't seem to be any sort of wait to get inside. "Caterina!" Anna exclaimed.

The two of us practically fell to the ground as we collided into a strong, death-grip hug.

"I missed you so much!" I cried.

"I missed you too. God, you look great!"

Much like mine, Anna's hair was trimmed into a different style that framed her heart-shaped face perfectly. I returned the compliment and together we made it inside the club and checked the place out. Anna immediately pulled me toward the center dance floor, where dozens of people were pressed closely against one another, moving their bodies to the sound of the booming music.

It felt amazing to let go for a little bit. I allowed the rhythm of the music around us to move me in whichever way came naturally.

It was clear that, like me, Anna was over with classes and books this semester. Our minds were on the verge of clocking out. We enjoyed the reprieve for the time being.

After a while, Anna and I found that we were no longer alone out on the floor. We were joined by a pair of handsome looking guys. The one who began dancing with Anna had light blond hair and wore a white shirt, while the guy who crowded against me wore all black and had dark brown hair.

He reached out to loop his arm around my waist and pull my back into his front. I used to dance like this when I'd let myself have fun at one or two college parties. But something felt off about this.

Each time I tried to put some semblance of space between us, this guy immediately yanked me back. His hands continued to roam over my arms and down my sides. Part of me wanted to give into this stranger's touch, because at least it offered me needed distraction from a certain 'someone.' But at the same time, it felt pressured and borderline forceful.

Anna turned her head to give me a look. "Cat, are you okay?"

"Yeah, I... I think I need a break," I tried telling her over the loud music.

I grabbed the guy's arm to try and loosen his hold on me, but he wouldn't let go. I tried again and grew more agitated, until suddenly the feel his hands were gone completely.

I quickly turned around to replace Elio shoving the guy to the ground with a force I'd never seen.

My eyes widened in shock as my heart jumped into my throat.

"Can't you take a fucking hint when a woman isn't interested?" he snarled.

The dark-haired guy fought to get back on his feet, but Elio called over one of the security guards and had the guy removed from the club.

I was stunned. Elio turned back to face Anna and me and spoke angrily. "I'm taking you and your friend home. Now," he grated.

Neither of us tried to argue. We simply followed Elio out of the club while trying not to attract any more unwanted attention than we already had. He told both of us that he'd send someone to bring both of our cars back to the house. A mind-numbing silence filled the space around us. I tensely crossed my arms over my chest and shook my head.

"This is utterly ridiculous," I hissed. "You have absolutely no right telling me what to do. For Christ's sake, Elio, what did you do, track us here?"

He scoffed. "You make it sound like it was a challenge to replace you."

My lips pulled back into a frustrated sneer as I kept my gaze locked out the window.

"You are not my father," I muttered harshly.

I could feel his eyes burning into me. "No." His deep voice rolled over my body. "I'm certainly not your father."

My chest clenched in response. God, I hated how easily he affected me now. It was no longer 'what' he said but more so 'how' he said it. His voice wasn't venomous or threatening like a guardian trying to discipline a child. It was softer and more of an affirmation that I didn't want to acknowledge.

Soon enough, he pulled the car into the driveway and let both of us out. I told Anna to go up to my room and wait for me. My head turned back to glance at Elio.

"Thanks," I said curtly. "But can you at least try to remember that I am an adult now? I really don't need you acting like you have some twisted control over me."

Elio opened his mouth to speak, but I quickly cut him off by raising a hand to stop him.

"And no, I don't need a lecture."

I turned to head toward the front door while leaving him behind. My hand had nearly grazed the door handle when I heard him speak. I stopped short and glanced over my shoulder to look at him. His eyes were darkened by something I couldn't clearly identify.

"Oh, believe me. I am fully aware of just how grown up you've become," he said warmly while letting his eyes carry over my body.