CHAPTER THIRTEEN
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Cayne asked me for the millionth time. It was all I could do to refrain from turning my eyes to the sky and ask God to come and take me now. I know he was worried and wallowing in guilt over me almost getting killed and him almost not being there on time.
“Jesus Christ let her breathe,” Nicholas cried out in annoyance, rolling his eyes.
“Here darling, have some tea,” Said Monique handling me a cup of tea. “I’m very sorry for what I’ve said the last time. I really did not know that Anica we’re that kind of person.”
“It’s okay auntie.” I smiled and nodded.
“I told you to let me drive you home,” Mira shouted at me, her hands is shaking. “Didn’t I, Tiff?” She looked at Tiff for confirmation and she nodded once.
“I know that,” I snapped. I realized how much of a bitch I was being and took a few deep breathed to calm myself. “I just can’t live in a world where I’m constantly living in fear, being afraid always. I guess in a way I was resisting because I won’t live like that.” And because I don’t want to be seem weak, I mentally added.
Cayne seemed to hear my thoughts and looked at me, seemingly searching for something. When he found it, he nodded slowly.
“I understand that, Raszhiel, but I can’t have you risking yourself like this again,” Cayne said quietly, closing his eyes and pinching the bridge of his nose with his thumb and forefinger.
Everyone in the room, Nicholas, Tiff, Mira, Shaina, Layla, Cayne, and his mother and father, – all nodded their heads in agreement.
“So from now on, I will have Lucas drive you home from work.” I opened my mouth to protest, but he just raised a hand to cut me off.
“End of discussion,” he said sternly.
I just sighed and let it go. Looking around and into the eyes of everyone sorrounding me, I knew I had lost this argument.
*******
When everything had died down and everyone had finally left, I found myself on the balcony in my nightgown and robe.
I looked up at the moon- it was full and bright tonight- and I thought of the man again. His shaggy brown hair and sad sea green eyes. The tattoo of lightning on his hand. I shuddered as it finally dawned on me and how closed I’d come to death tonight. I would’ve never gotten to tell the ones I loved goodbye.
As I thought of that, Cayne’s face popped into my head. And I know most people would think it was because I had feelings for him, but that was simply not the case. I thought of him because I would’ve never gotten the chance to tell him how thankful I am. For his kindness, for saving my life and for offering me a job that made me survive from my sufferings. Cocky asshole or not, I’m very grateful I met. Even though he is one of the reason why my life is at stake now.
“Raszhiel?” I turned at the sound of the voice and my eyes met Cayne. He was still dress in his Armani suit and Gucci shoes. I was surprised because he hadn’t change yet. It was ten something by now.
“Cayne,” I addressed him quietly. He smiled softly and walk to stand right beside me. We looked at the moon together for a short time and he finally turned to me and looked me in the eyes.
“Why are you still awake?” He wondered quietly.
I kept my eyes on the moon, not meeting his eyes .
“I can’t sleep,” I answered.
We stared at the moon together inn solemn silence for the longest time until fatigue came over me.
“You’re tired,” Cayne said matter of factly.
I saw him purse his lips. “I couldn’t sleep either.”Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g
I nodded and walked back inside, Cayne trailed behind me. He slid the door closed quietly and walked me to my room.
When we got there I’m not gonna lie, I felt awkward. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to be alone that time. And with Cayne around I felt much safer. But I couldn’t ask him to sleep with me. That would too ridiculous. I was cringing in embarrassment as I thought of it. I could only hope that he would decide stay on his own.
He cupped the back of his neck with his hand and said, “I really don’t want to leave you.” He frowned. “With everything that happened, leaving you alone here is a bad idea, so I think I should stay here with you.” He looked at me for approval, looking oddly nervous.
I swallowed and nodded. It wasn’t like he hadn’t slept in my bed before. Why was I so nervous.
Maybe because I already love him? No, no, it’s not because of it. It shouldn’t be true.
As Cayne and I lay side by side, my heart strangely wouldn’t stop pounding. This pounding was different than the normal heart pounding experienced when he as close. Where my heart raced because he was so handsome. And then again I began to wonder if maybe I was….
“Raszhiel, could you do me a favor tomorrow?” Cayne asked suddenly.
I supposed I did owe him. He was currently helping me from his psychotic assistant.
I nodded then said, “Sure,” when I realized he couldn’t see me in the dark.
“Every year my family holds a Halloween Masquerade Ball. It’s pretty popular and people love it so much.” He said. And he wasn’t kidding about that. The Shelton’s Halloween is the town’s favorite subject from October and halfway through November.
“Yes, I’ve heard of it,” I said to him. “What do you want me to do?”
“Well, for the next week or so, my mother will be very busy with the preparations and she’ll need some help. And I would really appreciate it if you could give her a hand.”
I knew what he was truly saying. He’d fell more comfortable if I’ll stay somewhere he would know. Somewhere sorrounded by people whom he trusts.
“Yes of course, I’ll help her.” I smiled to him.
“Thank you,” he said gratefully. Then he pulled me to him so my head was on his chest. And comfortable, safe and warm, I fell asleep.
******
3rd Person POV
“Seriously? How hard is it to kill that motherfucking bitch?” Anica yelled at him, her face is livid.
“I told you. I would be very difficult to kill her, Cayne is always with her.” He responded calmly.
He had to admit, he don’t have a plan on attacking her. She was just full of surprised. It made his heart race in good and bad way. Good because it felt like flying and abd because he should not feel like this.
Cayne and Nicholas were also nuisance. He knew it was stupid to pissed of Shelton- especially Cayne- but he needed the money. And while, admittedly, he could’ve taken another job, this was the one that called to him. And now he knew why.
It was her.
As Anica yelled at him because of his incompetence, he thought of Raszhiel. He reached into his pocket and his fingers immediately came in contact with her silk ribbon. His heart lifted for the second time that night.