Chapter 36 35
Soraya's POV
Mmm…” I reached for the spoon, hesitating for a second before scooping a small portion of the Madagascar vanilla bean gelato. The moment it touched my tongue, my eyes widened.
“Oh my gosh,” I whispered. “It tastes so good.”
Darius chuckled quietly. “Really?”
“Mhm.” I nodded eagerly. “Try the other one,” he said, gesturing toward the Belgian truffles.
I took another spoon and scooped from the other bowl. The second the flavor hit my mouth, I almost sighed. “Gosh… it tastes so good,” I said again, this time with a little laugh. “It tastes so good, Darius.”
He smiled, watching me with that soft look in his eyes that made my stomach flatter.
I couldn’t stop eating, each bite melting on my tongue. I’d only ever had local ice cream back at the orphanage. They were more like frozen popsicles made from ice and food coloring. This was something else entirely. It was creamy, rich, and perfect. For the first time, I understood what real dessert was supposed to taste like.
I was so lost in eating the ice cream that I didn’t even notice Darius hadn’t touched his. When I finally looked up and saw his untouched bowl, my eyes widened.
“Darius,” I muttered under my breath. “Your ice cream’s going to melt.”
That’s when he looked down at it and then back at me, a soft chuckle escaping his lips. “I’m sure watching you is way better than eating ice cream.”
My face instantly heated up, and I looked down shyly. “You don’t always have to tease me, you know.”
“Do I tease you?” he asked, his gaze never leaving mine as he finally took a scoop from his ice cream.
“Yes,” I said quickly. “You always do.”
He laughed quietly. “Maybe I just like the way you look each time you blush.”
“You’re doing it again,” I said, but I couldn’t help the small smile tugging at my lips.
He chuckled softly again, that sound that somehow made my chest flutter.
We ended up eating the ice cream together, and I didn’t even realize how much time had passed. Darius kept saying little things that made me laugh, and sometimes he’d laugh too.
He just seemed different. Different from the man who talked about official things, different from the first day I met him, different from the one who had yelled at Emily. He felt so warm right now, so relaxed and almost goofy.
And honestly, seeing this side of him, this softer, more human side felt really, really good.
After finishing two whole bowls of that heavenly ice cream, I suddenly felt the urge to use the bathroom.
“Uh… I need to use the bathroom,” I said, setting my spoon down.
Darius looked up immediately, his expression turning to concern. “Are you good?”
“Yes, I just need to use the bathroom,” I replied quickly.
He nodded. “Okay, but don’t take too long.”
When I stepped out, I caught sight of one of the staff. “Um, excuse me, please, where’s the bathroom?”
The young woman smiled politely. “Oh, just down that hallway. Take a left, then to your right you’ll see the ladies’ restroom sign.”
“Thank you,” I said.
Following her directions, I found it easily. The restroom was spotless and spacious, too, it smelled faintly of roses and soap.
I used the bathroom, then washed my hands and moved to the sleek silver dryer. Warm air brushed across my skin. I’d only ever read about hand dryers before, but seeing one in real life felt satisfying.
When I finished, I stepped out and started walking back toward the lounge.
That’s when I saw Carl.
“Carl?” I stopped, blinking in surprise.
He turned immediately, his familiar smile on his face. “Ah, Soraya! You’re here?”
“Yeah,” I said. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”
“Same,” he said, scratching the back of his neck. “I’m here with my family. You?”
“Oh, I came here with… someone,” I replied, trying to sound casual.
His brows lifted, curiosity showing in his eyes. “Really? That’s nice. Didn't think I’d be seeing you again today?”
When I glanced toward the table, I caught sight of Darius. He was looking right at me with brows drawn together, that unreadable expression on his face
I turned back to Carl quickly. “Uh. I have to go,” I said, trying to sound casual but probably failing. “See you at school tomorrow.”
Carl gave me a warm smile. “Sure. See you.”
I nodded, then turned and hurried back toward the table.
Darius’ eyes followed me the entire way. The moment I sat down, he leaned slightly forward. “You good?”
I nodded quickly. “Yeah.”
His gaze lingered on me for a moment. “Who was that?”
I looked straight ahead. “Oh, that was Carl. The friend I told you about…we’re in the same class.”
“Carl,” Darius repeated slowly. “Really? How come he’s here?”
“I don’t know,” I said softly. “He said he came with his family.”
“Hmm.” He leaned back in his seat. “Well, it doesn’t matter.”
I couldn’t tell if he was brushing it off or trying to convince himself to. But then his expression softened again, and his lips curved into that smirk that always made me giddy for no reason.
“You still owe me that kiss when we get home,” he said casually.
My cheeks instantly warmed. “What?”
“You thought I was kidding in the car?” he teased, standing up and reaching his hand out to me. “I’ve already paid the bill. Let’s go, mate.”
I placed my hand in his and we walked out.
How could one person switch moods so easily? Sometimes he was teasing and sweet, other times he was serious and cold. I felt like he had a dozen different personalities, and I was still trying to figure out which one was truly him.
Throughout the entire ride home, my mind wouldn’t stop echoing his words about the kids. Was I really going to do it? Was he serious about it?
My heart was racing so fast that it was almost embarrassing. We had kissed before, and it never left my kind for days.
“Back to me, Soraya,” his deep teasing voice pulled me back to reality.
“Oh,” I said quickly, realizing we had arrived.
I got out of the car, clutching my backpack tightly as he came around to join me. Together, we walked toward the house.
When we got inside, we stopped at the base of the stairs. I turned to him slowly.
“Um,” I said softly, looking up at him. “Thank you… for today.”
He didn’t reply. He just smirked.
And then, before I could even blink, his hand wrapped around my wrist and he gently pulled me toward him. I gasped as my back met the wall. He stood in front of me closely, his arm resting above me, caging me in effortlessly.
“Don’t say thank you to me, Soraya,” he murmured.
My eyes widened, my heart racing. “W-What?”
He leaned a little closer, his breath brushing against my skin.
“Say it,” he whispered, “without saying it.”
“You..m” I stammered.
His lips curved slightly, that teasing smile still playing on his face.
“Give me a kiss, Soraya.”