Chapter 99

"Would you like to take a shower first?" He asked as they returned to his bedroom right after dinner.

Her face burned at his question as she recalled the towel incident. He spun in the middle of the room and faced her while she walked behind him.

She looked to her feet immediately, hoping to hide it from his view. She wasn't sure if she wanted to go first, but, more importantly, she was scared that this morning might happen again.

Davian stood with his itching hands by his side. He was proud of himself for not asking that they take a shower together, despite how he couldn't stop thinking about it. Memories of her flushed skin, tormented him.

Dinner had gone smoothly and Leonardo had served as usual. The meal was delicious but he knew it tasted even better because he was eating with her.

He doubted he would ever be able to return to eating alone. He couldn’t wait for them to be a proper family. He couldn’t wait for his child.

His arms formed fists beside him. If he had pursued her the right way and not assaulted her instead, would they have a proper relationship now?

He did regret it and if he could change it, he would. He wanted her to trust him and he wanted them to be a proper couple. He feared he would not be able to fix things in time before the baby arrived.

"Should I go first then?" He asked when she took her time to reply.

He could note her discomfort and he knew it must be a tad bit uncomfortable to have to deal with him all the time. But he worried that if he didn't keep her this close, he would never be able to close the huge gap between them.

"Yes," she mumbled with her gaze still glued to the floor. "I spend too long in the bathroom anyway, I wouldn't want to keep you waiting."

"I don't mind," he said and stepped forward.

Layla took a deep breath; she doubted she would ever get tired of his scent. It wrapped around her and she could feel her anxiety disperse.

This new way of living needed some getting used to but she could easily admit things were far easier than the first day. Another thing she noticed was that she actually enjoyed the Master's presence.

Eating with him was nice. It was also very nice how he watched movies he didn't care about with her. He didn't just watch it casually; he paid attention.

If this was all an act, she had to give it to him. She had no defense for this and it was certain that it wouldn't take long for her heart to give in to him.

Should I run away?

She knew it was futile but love scared her. Love was taking her heart out of her chest and giving it to someone to hold. She had to blindly trust that he would keep her heart safe.

She knew that didn't always happen. Her mother didn’t keep her father’s heart safe.

"What are you thinking about so intently that you won't even answer?"

Her eyes flew open and she lifted her head. "I am sorry, I was distracted."

"I can see that," he whispered and lifted a hand to lightly touch her cheek.

His fingers felt warm and she didn't like how hard it was to stop herself from leaning into his touch. Day two and she was already in shambles.

"What will happen when you change your mind about me?"

His hand froze on her cheek and that was when she realized she had said it out loud and not in her head like she wanted.

"You think I will change my mind."

Horror filled her gaze. "I am sorry," she mumbled with trembling lips. "I didn't mean to say that."

"You think I'll change my mind," he repeated and took a step closer.

She tried to take a step back but his hand on her waist prevented that. She didn't even know when he moved it. His other hand was still on her face and was gently caressing it.

"I—"

"Speak to me," he said gently. "I promise I won't take offense. I want to know what you think, only then can we connect."

"You don't know me," she blurted. "The mark on my neck was from the heat of the moment and I know the child binds us but that doesn't mean anything."

Davian winced as he pulled his hands away from her. It was either that or he might hurt her by exerting too much force if he touched her.

That doesn't mean anything!

The words echoed in his ears and he forced the emotions that rose in his heart down. It was hard and it took steady breathing for him to calm down.

He didn't understand it. Here he stood with his heart nearly bursting. He couldn't fathom the thought of changing his mind, yet she held so much doubt as she stood in front of him.

Did his mark really have no effect on her? He was sure she was his mate. Did she feel absolutely nothing for him?

Was he mistaken about the connection they had made in the past few days? Was the time too little for her to want him? But he had seen it in her eyes earlier, he was sure of it.

Somehow, she stood in front of him thinking about when he would change his mind about her and saying that their bonds meant nothing.

"They mean everything to me," he whispered and took a step back. "I won't change my mind.” He wanted to say more but he was worried his emotions would get the best of him. “I will wash off first, you can come in after me."

Layla felt her heart sink as Davian walked past her with a look she had never seen on his face. She hadn't planned to say any of that. However, what was more unplanned was his reaction to her words. He looked so hurt.

She wrapped her arms around herself. Was she jumping to conclusions? Was she assuming the worst when Master Davian never gave her a reason to?

But it was hard not to. She had everything to lose. Unlike him, she wouldn't be able to move on if he broke her heart but she was certain she could never break him.

He was the Mafia King after all. He could get anyone he wanted. Things were different for him.