Chapter 48 47
Soraya's POV
As I reached for the spoon, Darius caught my wrist gently.
“Hmm, hmm,” he teased. “Medicine first, then food.”
I let out a dramatic sigh but didn’t argue. My stomach growled in protest, reminding me that I really needed to eat. And so, I picked up the bottle from the nightstand, held my nose, and gulped it down in one go. The moment the bitter liquid hit my tongue, I regretted every life decision that led to this. My face scrunched up as I forced it down, trying not to gag.
The second I dropped the bottle, I gasped, “Rice, rice, rice, rice, rice!”
Darius burst out laughing, shaking his head as he scooped up some rice and sauce onto a spoon.
“Here,” he said, bringing it closer.
I leaned forward quickly and took a bite. The warmth and flavor hit my tongue, washing away the awful taste, and I couldn’t help but sigh in relief. “Thank God,” I muttered between chews. “That was so bitter.”
That drink was the most bitter thing I had ever tasted in my entire life. I swear it could’ve burned the inside of my tongue off. I frowned so hard my cheeks, and Darius who was looking way too amused, gave me another spoonful of rice.
I chewed unhappily, hoping the bitterness would just disappear. He gave me another spoon. And another. And before I knew it, my mouth actually felt normal again. That was when I realized he was actually feeding me.
My eyes widened a little, and my face immediately heated up. “Oh, um… I can feed myself,” I said quickly, trying to take the spoon from him.
He looked at me with that unreadable expression. “Why? You don’t want me to feed you?”
Before I could answer, he gave me another spoonful of rice, and I had no choice but to open my mouth and chew again.
“It’s not that,” I muttered once I swallowed. “I just… I mean, I could do it, so you don’t have to.”
He smiled faintly. “I want to.”
My heart skipped a beat.
He adjusted the tray on his leg. “I want to feed you. I want to treat you… and spoil you. So, let me.”
His words made my stomach flutter in a way worse than the bitter drink had. He cut a small piece of chicken with the spoon and brought it to my lips. I leaned forward and took it. It was tender and perfectly spiced.
I swallowed and glanced around the room. “Wait… this is your room, right?”
He gave me another spoon of rice. “Yes.”
I blinked. “You brought me here?”
“Yes,” he said simply. “I wanted you here so I could watch you.”
I was already almost done with the plate when he handed me the chicken. It was still warm, so I had to hold it carefully to eat it.
“Do you like it?” he asked softly, watching me.
I nodded, my mouth full. “Hmm. It tastes really nice…like, really, really good.”
He smiled faintly. “I’m glad you liked it. Chantelle would’ve had an earful if you didn’t.”
My eyes widened a little. “You’d actually scold her?”
He only smirked, not answering, and I couldn’t tell if he was serious or just teasing me.
Once I was done with the chicken, he handed me a small bowl filled with grapes, apples, and other fruits. I took a few bites, and then he leaned closer and pressed a soft kiss to my forehead.
“You should rest,” he murmured. “You’re not going to school tomorrow.”
“What? Why?” I blinked.
“Look, you’re unwell, okay? You’re injured, and you need complete rest. It’s fine if you miss a day.”
“But I’m completely fine now,” I insisted.
Darius looked at me, his eyes full of that protectiveness that always made my heart skip beats. “I know the healer did a great job,” he said. “But I’m still worried. I just want you home tomorrow. Okay?”
I sighed softly. Honestly, I understood the hatred he had for the Patriarch and after what happened today, after realizing one of the Patriarch’s men had attacked me, it made sense that he wouldn’t let me out of his sight.
My eyes softened. “Okay,” I said quietly. “I’ll stay home tomorrow. You don’t have to worry.” I told him, washing my hands in the bowl.
He smiled faintly and kissed my forehead again. “Good. It’s already getting late. You should get some sleep.”
I nodded and tried to get up, but his hands gently pressed on my shoulders, guiding me back down.
“Where are you going?” he asked.
“To get some sleep. In my room,” I said, glancing at him.
He smirked. “You can sleep here.”
“What?” I blinked.
“Just go to sleep,” he said simply. “Besides, you always have access to my room.”
And then he leaned closer, so close I could feel the heat of his breath against my ear. His voice dropped into a teasing tone. “And my bed.”
My cheeks flamed instantly. I could barely breathe.
He straightened, picking up the tray and walking to the door. “Go to sleep, okay?”
I just lay there, staring at the ceiling, my heart racing so hard before sleep eventually took over me.
When I opened my eyes again, the room was filled with warm, golden light. It was morning. I stretched a little, then froze.
Something heavy and warm was resting on my waist.
My heart skipped. Slowly, I turned my head… and found Darius laying right beside me.
He was asleep, his arm draped around my waist like. His dark hair was tousled, a few strands brushing across his face. He looked so peaceful, so unlike the intimidating Alpha everyone else saw.
My cheeks burned as I stared at him. His lashes…gosh, why were they so thick? Why would a man have lashes like that? And his brows were sharp and perfectly shaped. His lips… I swallowed hard.
Before I knew it, my fingers were reaching for his hair, brushing it lightly. It was soft. Softer than I expected and I smiled faintly to myself.
“You’re beautiful,” I mumbled quietly, “like a girl.”
“I am?”
My whole body went stiff.
I looked down. His eyes were open, looking at me amusingly.
“You’re not asleep?” I blurted out, my face flaming hot that he caught me.
He smirked faintly, his voice was husky from sleep. “How can I sleep when you’re touching me?”