Chapter 33: Chapter Thirty-Three - What Is The Need?

Everly

Orson had fallen asleep in my bed, something I didn’t want, but it was too late now. He is out for the count. I sigh, glancing over at him. I wasn’t prepared to see his brother tonight, but I knew it was a possibility he would stop by at some point. I don’t like him. I get bad vibes from him, worse than I get from Orson, and that is saying something. I switch the TV off and slip out of bed, making sure not to wake him up. I am not ready for sleep, and I don’t want to stay in bed with Orson.

I sneak out of the room, heading to the kitchen to make some tea. I dread this meal with Orson’s family, but I will put on my best smile and act as if I’m utterly in love with Orson, all while trying not to be sick. On the other hand, I may enjoy proving his brother wrong. I will get a kick out of that. After making a mug of tea, I slip a blanket around me and go outside to enjoy it. It is a beautiful night. A little cold, but still beautiful. I take a seat by the pool, my feet in the water. I shudder at first, but it soon feels nice. It is quiet. Everything has been so hectic and loud recently. It is good to have some time to myself.

I take a sip of my tea and take in the night air. Closing my eyes, I enjoy the silence.

“Everly, what are you doing out here?”

I groan, rolling my eyes at the sound of Orson’s voice. My peace lasted long, not.

“Enjoying the peace. Why are you up? You were sound asleep not too long ago?”

I try to disguise the annoyance in my office.

“I woke and wondered where you had disappeared to. I was making sure you hadn’t done a runner on me,” he chuckles.

“Like I have that option.”

“Can I join you?” he asks.

God, when did he become so needy? Firstly, showing up in my room and falling asleep and now, out here, wanting to sit with me.

“If you must, but no talking allowed. The kettle is not long off if you want to make yourself some tea.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Orson went inside to get himself some tea. He returns a few minutes later, taking a seat next to me. He hands something to me. “A sweet treat.”

I glance down, seeing a bar of chocolate, good chocolate. Where did he pull that from? I was looking for some yesterday and couldn’t find any.

“Where did this come from?”

“Oh, that isn’t something I will tell you. I have my private stash. I don’t usually share, so you should be privileged.” He chuckles, nudging me.

“I appreciate your sharing.” I smile, opening it and take a bite. It is delicious. I love dark chocolate.

“It is the least I can do for you, saving my ass when Ryan showed up.”

“I was only doing what I had to.” I shrug.

If it weren’t part of our deal, I wouldn’t have bothered my ass.

“I appreciate it more than you know.”

Didn’t I make it clear that there was to be no talking if he joined me? I nod and turn away from him, enjoying my chocolate. It became silent, but after five minutes, the silence just felt awkward.

“I don’t like your brother. I get a bad vibe from him, more than I do you. What can I expect from him at this dinner?”

“Your gut is right. Yes, I am an asshole, but he is a bigger one. Honestly, I am not sure, probably a million questions. He will try to make you slip up.”

“He can try, but will fail. I know how to lie and deal with people. I won’t trip up.”

I am not proud of my ability to lie, but it was a necessity in my line of work. This is just another job where I'll have to do the same thing.

“It is going to be hell. Not only him, but my entire family. Are you sure you are ready for it? I can find an excuse to cancel it.” He suggests.

As tempting as that sounds, it won’t do any good.

“No, it is fine. We will go. It will look suspicious if we don’t.”

I can handle them. I have dealt with worse people, I am sure. I finish my tee and sprint to my feet.

“Where are you going?” he asks.

“Too bed to try and sleep.”

A smirk curls on Orson’s lips. “Do you want some company?”

With an eye roll and a shake of the head, I walk away without a word. I rinse my mug, heading straight for my room, slipping back into bed. I hear Orson walk around. His footsteps approach. He needs to pass my room to get to his. He is probably heading there. The sound stops, and my bedroom door opens. What does he want now?

“Yes, can I help you?”

Orson doesn’t answer; instead, he walks straight into my room and climbs into my bed. “I am sleeping in here tonight.”

He wasn’t asking. He was telling.

“What? No, you aren’t, you have your bed, sleep there. There is no reason for you to sleep in my bed because you aren’t getting anything from me.” I whine.

“I didn’t say I wanted anything. I said I was sleeping in here. Goodnight, sweetness.” He chuckles, making himself comfortable and turning his back to me.

Groaning, I need to stop myself from pushing him out of bed. He is doing it to get under my skin. Asshole. He laughs from next to me.

“Shut up or I swear I will push you out of the bed,” I warn.

“Now, now, there is no need for violence. You should rest. You are tired and cranky.”

I don’t even respond. I switch the light off and turn my back to him. If he tries to touch me or even hug me, he will regret it. I will knee him right in the balls. I sigh, pulling the covers up to my chin. I try to ignore him next to me, close my eyes and pray for sleep to take over. I don’t understand why he insists on sleeping in my bed. It is pointless and stupid. He better not make a habit of it, or I will put a lock on my door to stop him from coming in.