Chapter 49 48
Soraya's POV
“How can I sleep when you’re touching me?” He said, in that husky from sleep .
The moment I realized what I’d just said, my entire face went up in flames. “I…I didn’t mean—” I stammered, quickly pulling my hand away. My fingers were trembling as I covered my face, wishing I could just disappear.
Darius chuckled softly, and that sound made my heart skip. “Soraya,” he said in that quiet, teasing tone of his, “I’m about to take a bath. Do you care to join me?,”.
I groaned behind my hands. “Don’t say things like that…”
I quickly looked away, pretending to be busy straightening the bedsheet. “You’re impossible,” I mumbled.
He just smiled. “And yet, you’re still with me.”
The next thing I knew, he threw off the blanket and got out of bed. My breath hitched. He was only wearing grey sweatpants, and his chest was bare.
He stretched a little, running a hand through his hair, and I just… stared. I couldn’t help it. He looked like he’d stepped straight out of some fitness magazine.
The next thing, his gaze turned back to me and our eyes met. I froze as heat rushed to my face so fast my cheeks burned..
A knowing smile curved his lips. “See something you like?”
My eyes went wide. “N..no!” I stammered, shaking my head quickly, though my voice betrayed me.
He chuckled under his breath, amused. “Didn’t think so.”
I groaned and turned away, burying my face in my hands. “You’re impossible.”
Before I could even gather my thoughts, he was suddenly standing in front of me.
He tilted his head slightly, his eyes soft and then his hand came up to gently hold my chin. My breath hitched he tilted my face upward, his gaze meeting mine.
“I’m about to have a bath,” he said softly. “Care to join me?”
For a second, I thought I misheard him. My eyes went wide. “W..what? N..no! Of course not!”
My words came out frantically, and I could feel the heat climbing all the way up my neck. “I mean…I wouldn’t…I don’t—”
Darius chuckled quietly, clearly enjoying my complete loss for words.
I fumbled with the edge of my dress, my fingers twisting the fabric as I tried to find something to say. “I don’t even know why you’d—”
He raised a brow, his expression softening with amusement. “Relax,” he said gently. “It’s okay.”
Then, with that same confidence, he picked up his robe and towel. “Don’t overthink it,” he added with a smile. “You’ll shower with me, soon enough.”
And just like that, he turned and disappeared into the bathroom, leaving me standing there completely flustered.
After about a few minutes, the bathroom door swung open and Darius emerged from it, wearing a white robe. Water still dripped from his dark hair, sliding down the side of his neck.
I couldn’t help but stare for a moment, he looked so effortlessly beautiful, so calm, yet so powerful.
Then, suddenly, he began untying his robe. My eyes widened, and I quickly turned away, my cheeks burning. “Oh no,” I muttered under my breath, pressing my hands to my face.
I heard a low chuckle behind me. The soft rustle of fabric followed, the quiet movements of him getting dressed. My heart was beating so fast I could hear it.
Then came slow footsteps, from behind me. Before I could move, I felt his hand gently wrap around my wrist, turning me to face him.
“Why did you look away from me, Soraya?” he asked softly, his voice teasing, making my stomach flutter.
“You were about to get changed,” I stammered, avoiding his gaze.
He raised a brow, clearly amused. “And?”
I swallowed hard. “You were… untying your robe,” I said quietly, my face growing hotter.
He tilted his head slightly, a playful smirk on his lips. Then, with one finger, he lifted my chin so that I could meet his eyes. “You don't have to look away,” he murmured. “You’re supposed to see me, Soraya.”
My heart skipped. “I…” I didn’t even know what to say.
His arm moved gently around my neck, his face so close that I could feel the warmth of his breath. Then he pressed a soft kiss against my neck, enough to make my knees weaken.
“I would’ve loved it if you saw me,” he whispered.
I stood frozen, my thoughts tangled, my skin tingling where his lips had been. Why was this man so intoxicating? So dangerously calm, yet able to set my entire body on fire with just a few words?
He turned away to the drawer, and picked up a small bottle of cologne and set it down neatly after using it.
“All set,” he said quietly, adjusting his cuffs. Then he reached for his phone, dialed quickly, and spoke in that deep tone that exuded control. “Vanessa, I’m heading out now.”
When he hung up, he turned back to me and then opened his arms.
For a second, I just stared. Then, the next thing, I stepped forward and let him pull me close.
His arms wrapped around me were warm and strong, and the scent of his cologne filled the air. I closed my eyes, letting myself stay there for a few seconds longer.
“Let me know if you need anything while I'm off, okay?” he murmured against my hair.
I nodded slightly. “I will.”
He pulled back just enough to look at me, a small smile on his lips. “Good.”
Then he pressed a soft kiss to my hair. “I’m off.”
After Darius left, I lay in bed for a while, staring at the ceiling before stretching lazily. The house suddenly felt too quiet without him.
Eventually, I got up and went to my room. I took a quick bath, brushed my teeth, and changed into something light before heading downstairs for breakfast.
At the dining table, I saw Kimberly sitting there.
We hadn’t really talked since I came here. I’d seen her a few times but never this close.
And now, sitting across from her, I couldn’t help but notice how pretty she was. Her hair was neatly tied back, and she carried herself with elegance.
I hesitated, unsure if I should say something or just quietly eat.
Kimberly was eating her soup, not seeming to notice me, so I just sat down and poured myself some tea. I took a small sip, but my eyes couldn’t help drifting to her again.
Then she glanced up suddenly, meeting my gaze.
“What’s that look on your face?” she asked.