Chapter 63
Chapter 63
I widen my eyes and try to hide my confusion.
“I have a room waiting for me.”
Not tonight, but that’s a detail he doesn’t know.
“Maybe, but you’re in no condition to drive. I don’t even know how you made it here.
Am I dreaming, or is he worried about me?
This day is full of surprises.
“I can handle myself, don’t worry about me.”
“I don’t doubt that for a second, but you’re not fit to play warrior tonight.”
He’s right.
“You can sleep in the room farthest from mine. I won’t try anything, if that’s what you’re worried about.”
I look at him, confused. I’m trying not to collapse.
“Why do you want me to stay? It’s not your problem, as far as I know.”
“You let me sleep at your place to keep me from crashing in a storm–this is my turn to return the favor. I don’t like being in someone’s debt.”
A convenient excuse to make me stay.
“I don’t want to intrude.”
“If your presence bothered me, you wouldn’t be here. You’re one of the few people who doesn’t bother me, at least not as much as the others.”
I don’t think he realizes what he just confessed.
“The villa is big enough to accommodate you.”
I just nod. He gives me a small, satisfied smile.
I have nowhere to go. Now’s not the time for pride–and it’s only for one night.
“You should shower first to get rid of that smell. I’ll ask Erika to bring you a towel and everything you need to the bathroom
I doubt you’ll want to wear one of her pajamas, so I’ll give you some shorts and a t–shirt of mine.”
His kindness is disorienting.
He takes my hand and gently guides me.
His touch is soft and comforting.
The water hitting my skin hurts physically but soothes me emotionally.
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Chapter 63
“It’s nothing personal, but I don’t feel like talking about it.”
She nods.
“Of course, I understand.”
“Sorry for ruining your romantic evening with Aymen.”
She gives a small, embarrassed laugh.
“Don’t worry about it.”
She leaves the room with a final glance and a smile.
After showering, I put on Alexander’s shorts and t–shirt–they’re way too big for me.
I wasn’t planning on using my charm tonight anyway.
I tie my hair into a bun, which only makes my injuries more visible.
I walk into the bedroom and see Alexander sitting on the large bed.
He stands when he sees me and gives me a small smile.
He’s almost cute like that, like he’s uncomfortable seeing me in such a pitiful state.
“You smell way better than earlier.”
“Hard to smell worse.”
“Whoever did this to you wanted you to suffer.”
I shrug.
“He’s not the first, and won’t be the last, to try to break me. Comes with the job.”
“I know you don’t want to talk about it, but I’d like to understand what happened.”
With a sigh, I sit on the bed. I tell him everything that happened, in order–except for the attempted rape.
That, I’d rather keep to myself.
My story seems to interest him; his face goes through several emotions.
It’s suspicious how invested he is in my problems.
“He was a real bastard to go after a child.”
I don’t want to dwell on that part of my day.
Every time I see the little girl’s face, my throat tightens painfully.
“You managed to rip the bed bar off? Impressive.”
“I just got lucky it was a cheap bed.”
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Chapter 63
“Not sleeping isn’t going to fix anything.
“She’s dead. There’s nothing to fix.
He gives me an unreadable look.
“Stop blaming yourself.”
“Easier said than done.”
“You can sleep. I’m watching over you.”
I look at him. I stop myself from looking away out of embarrassment. My heart is racing. I scoot a little on the bed.
“You can lie next to me if you want, your chair doesn’t seem very comfortable.”
Even in the dark, I can make out the raising of his eyebrows.
After all, it’s his bed. As long as his hands stay where they should.
“You want me to sleep with you?”
I hesitate before saying:
“Just for tonight.”
He gives a small smile, then lies down next to me, slipping under the blanket. We’re separated by an imaginary line that keeps us from touching. I turn over to face away from him so I don’t feel his gaze on me.
He moves closer to me, and I feel his hand wrap around my waist to hold me. My heart races, but I don’t show anything. I don’t have the strength to push him away.
“You can close your eyes and sleep peacefully. I’m here to protect you, doll.”
I don’t answer. I slowly close my eyes and fall asleep like a child reassured to have a protector watching over me.
Could Alexander be my protector? Give me a break.
Could he be the light I’m searching for in the darkness that dominates my life?
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10:27 pm
Chapter 63
“You always find a way to get out.”
I look away, embarrassed.
“Maybe, but this time there was collateral damage.
“Wounds heal fast.”
How do you heal a psychological wound?
“I’ll let you rest. Today’s been rough on you.”
“Thanks, Alexander.”
He doesn’t reply and leaves, closing the door behind him.
I lie down and cover myself completely with the blanket.
I close my eyes, trying to forget this awful day…
A few hours later
2:59 a.m.
I couldn’t save her. I was way too weak. It’s my fault she’s dead. I’m responsible for her death. I didn’t react the right way. I’m guilty. My responsibility.
I wake up trembling and startled from my nightmare. I touch my forehead to check if I have a fever. Every time I close my eyes, that horrible scene appears, like it’s engraved inside me.
I feel a gaze weighing on me. I turn my head and let out a scream when I see Alexander watching me. He’s sitting on a chair just a few inches from my bed–or rather, his bed.
“What the hell are you doing here? Am I dreaming or were you watching me sleep?”
“Relax. You’ve been keeping me from sleeping with your tossing and screaming. I came to sit by you and wait until you actually fell asleep.”
The shame. Alexander stayed by my bedside, waiting for me to fall asleep. I can’t believe it.
“You didn’t have to do that.”
“I couldn’t go to bed until you were asleep, so I might as well sit on this chair.”
I’ll try to calm down.”
“You’re safe here, nothing can happen to you.”
I run my hand through my hair, sighing.
I keep thinking about the little girl.”
“It wasn’t your fault.”
“My conscience says otherwise.”
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Chapter 64
