Chapter 23 Mr. Cold Water
"I really liked the silver moon decoration," I say, pointing to Dominique, who stared at the images with a very critical look.
"I didn't like it. It's too dimly lit, and the nights are already dark enough. Besides, I think the decoration should highlight your hair, because it's very beautiful and unique," she says in a sophisticated way, speaking like an expert.
"Then show me which one you liked best," I ask expectantly.
I see a gleam light up in Dominique's eyes as she excitedly flips through the pages of the large book. I look at Conrad, who is sitting in an armchair on the other side of the room. Conrad was looking at us with a different look, as if his soul was at peace now.
I give him a loving smile, and he returns it. After all that commotion, the night continued peacefully. I look at Dominique and wonder if we would have a good relationship if she weren't sick. Would we be at peace at this hour?
"Starry night is the one that suits you best, trust me, Strawberry!" "There will be lots and lots of lights, that will make everyone see you very well. You don't want to be faded in a dark corner, do you?" she asks in a disapproving tone, expecting me to reciprocate.
"No, not at all!" I reply, also feigning disapproval.
"That's right, you chose correctly. And flowers, lots of flowers! Every good party has lots of flowers in different colors. It will be colorful, Nick likes to run around." She says the last sentence excitedly.
"It's Maya's party, Dad. Let her choose the one she likes best." Conrad calls his father's attention, even while looking at him with a smile.
"Okay, I'll let her choose." He says, handing me the book.
I take it with a smile, seeing the restlessness take over Dominique's body. I pretend to seriously consider other options, playing the role of the indecisive one very well.
"Okay, I'll let her choose." "After looking at all these decorations, I think I know which one I want. Starry Night is, without a doubt, my choice." I say with a big smile.
Dominique looks at me emotionally and hugs me around the waist. His large body snuggles close, affectionately. My smile widens even more. His height, his muscles, and his appearance were not innocent. So that scene became funny.
"We're going to have so much fun!" He says excitedly, getting up from the bed and starting to jump.
My smile fades and I look at Conrad, who is also serious. My heart broke at that moment. How could I tell him this? I wait for some action from Conrad and see him get up from the armchair. He walks to his father and touches his shoulder.
"Dad, I'm sorry, but you can't go to this party." Conrad says, sighing.
Dominique's smile dies immediately and I see his eyes fill with tears. I quickly get up from the bed and stand beside him.
"But I chose the decorations, I want to see the lights and Strawberry Shortcake in a pretty party dress."
A tear rolls down his face and I hug him from the side, trying to comfort him.
"I'm sorry, Dad. This isn't up for discussion, it's for your safety."
"I promise I'll stop by before I go to the party and then I'll show you my dress. I also promise I'll take lots of pictures and show you everything afterwards. I'll also bring a lot with me and we'll spend the whole day eating." I try to cheer him up with a smile.
Dominique sighs and lowers his head. Conrad and I look at him worriedly.
"Okay. Just don't forget to keep your promise, Strawberry Shortcake!" Dominique seems to plead with me with his eyes.
I sigh and nod, hugging him tightly.
"I promise," I say with a broken heart.
So I sat on the bed with my legs crossed, combing my hair, my thoughts far away. Dominique was once one of the greatest kings of our kingdom. It's extremely painful to see the situation he's in. Dominique has reverted to being a child, and because of that, he needs to live locked up.
"What are you thinking about, my love?" Conrad calls my attention.
I see him coming out of the bathroom wearing only sweatpants. Steam escapes from the open bathroom door, and my attention immediately goes to my companion. There were drops of water on his abdomen, slowly running down to his sweatpants.
I stare at the various abs on his stomach and his well-defined abdominal muscles, which led to the forbidden path for me.
"Just go back to thinking," Conrad says, quickly entering the closet.
I immediately get off the bed, following him. I refused to go a second without staring at him. To my frustration, when I get to the closet, Conrad had already put on a shirt. I huff in anger.
"I hate it when you do that," I confess, crossing my arms and pouting angrily.
"When do what?" Conrad asks after letting out a laugh.
"When you light the fire and then throw a bucket of cold water on it," I explain.
Conrad shakes his head and walks towards me. His hands caress my face and then he bites my lips, taking me by surprise. Although it hurt a little, it made me even more alert.
Conrad tries to go back to the room, but I grab him. I pin him against the wall and kiss him. Not a calm or romantic kiss. I unleash all the anger I was feeling on his lips, devouring them thirstily.
I hear a hoarse groan escape his mouth and soon I'm hanging from his waist. Conrad pushes me against the wall and lifts my arms, which were roaming over his abdomen.
I try to free my hands. I wanted to feel more of that rigid, warm abdomen. But Conrad squeezes my wrists tightly, preventing my hands from touching freely.
Conrad starts guiding me around the room, but first he pins my hands behind my back. The kiss doesn't stop, just like my attempts to evolve the relationship.
"Just go back to thinking," Conrad says after laying me down on my side of the bed.
I stare at him indignantly. Where did that man get so much strength from? Harper and I were about to go crazy.
"Did you notice? Mr. Cold Water."
I give him a nickname, while watching him barricade himself with the pillows. I hear his laugh and ignore him, huffing and turning onto my back to sleep. Soon the lights go out and I feel a delicate kiss on the nape of my neck.
"I love you," Conrad says.
I sigh happily.
"I love you too."