Chapter 26 25
Darius’ POV
Sam had gone ahead to do some investigation on Soraya's background for me, and I couldn't feel but feel guilty after what I found out.
I’d been so damn sure of myself. So quick to judge. I looked at Soraya and judged her based on the place I found her in, and I wrote the rest of the story on my own.
But the truth was that she wasn’t what I thought.
She came from an orphanage. She’d grown up with nothing, no family, no one to shield her from the ugliness of the world. And then she was pushed into the brothel. My throat tightened as I remembered the details. She hadn’t even been touched even before the night I met her. That was supposed to be her first.
And I’d looked at her like she was a loose girl. Like she was just another sex worker.
She was just a victim of circumstance. And I’d failed her by believing the worst.
I dragged a hand over my face, letting out a sigh.
Just then, my phone rang. I glanced at the screen and saw the name flash across it. It was one of the directors from All-Bright Star College.
I swiped to answer. “Hello?”
“Yes, Alpha Darius,” the man’s voice came through, politely. “This is Mr. Smith from All-Bright Star College. You wanted to register someone for the entrance exam? I just finished speaking with my superior.”
“Yes,” I said evenly, leaning back in my chair. “I already spoke with your superior. I’ve sent her details to your email. Get her registered and put her name down so she can write the exam.”
“Of course, sir.”
“And also,” I added, “I don’t want any complaints. I don’t want you giving her trouble. Give her a perfect system. No delays, no excuses. Don’t make anything uncomfortable for her.”
“Of course not sir. All our facilities at the school are working just fine. She’ll write her exam in a conducive environment.”
“Good,” I muttered, before cutting the line.
Soraya stopped her education after high school at the orphanage. She hadn't gone to college nor had a chance to chase her own damn dreams.
But that was going to change.
She'd write the entrance exam to get into one of the most reputable colleges in the city, and if she passed, which I knew she would, then she could finally step into a life that was hers, not the one forced on her.
The look on Soraya’s face when I told her about college had been priceless. I felt so proud of myself that I had been able to make my mate's eyes sparkle. Even Zeus felt proud.
The sound of the door creaking open snapped me out of my thoughts. My jaw clenched. Who the hell thought it was a good idea to barge into my office without knocking?
I was about to flare up with irritation, but then I saw her. Soraya.
The anger melted from me as if it had never existed. Instead, a different kind of fire took over. My lips curved into a smile.
“Missing me already?” I teased, letting my gaze drag over her in that lazy way I knew made her roll her eyes.
She shrugged, completely unbothered. “No. Emily said you called for me.”
My brows pulled together. “I didn’t call for you.”
Her own frown deepened, confusion flickering across her face. “But Emily said—”
But then she turned, already pulling away. “Okay, I’ll just go.”
But then, I thought to make good use of the opportunity. “Oh, now that you’re here…” I rose from my chair, slowly, keeping my eyes locked on her. “Why don’t we have a little talk?”
Her hand froze on the doorknob. Slowly, she turned back to face me. “A talk?”
“Mhm.” I nodded, closing the space between us step by step. “Just you and me.”
She moved back a little, but then her back hit the wall. My hand went up to her head, treading gently through her hair.
“Why do I feel like you’re intentionally avoiding being close to me, Soraya?” I asked, my gaze fixed on her face.
Her cheeks reddened and she looked away. “Why would you say that?”
“I don’t know.” My fingers slid down to her cheek. “Does my closeness bother you? Or can your body just not stand being so close to me?”
She looked up at me quickly. “That’s not it.”
“Really? Then prove it to me.”
Her brows drew together. “Prove it?”
“Mm.” I leaned in a little closer. “Why don’t you stand so close to me?”
“I am standing close to you,” she whispered.
“You’re not looking at me.” My voice dropped lower. “Look at me, Soraya. Tell me you don’t feel anything when I turn so close to you.”
She looked so nervous in front of me, cheeks red, eyes darting away. I tilted my head.
“I…don't,” she mumbled, then looked away again. “feel…anything”
A small smile spread across my lips. She was lying, and I could already tell. My gaze fell to her mouth, and my thumb swept over her lips as the memory hit me.
“You know…” I murmured, lowering my voice, “I can’t take that kiss off my mind, Soraya.”
Her eyes widened. “What… What kiss?” She swatted my hand away. “There was no kiss.”
“Really?” I arched a brow. “But we kissed.”
“No. You kissed me.”
“It was still a kiss Soraya” Our faces were so close that I could feel the heat spread through my body.
“… It was just our skin touching each other.” She shot back.
A soft chuckle left my throat. She was funny when she tried to twist things. “Really? So you wouldn’t call it a kiss?”
“I wouldn’t.”
“Then what would you call it, Soraya? Hmm?” I leaned closer, my breath brushing hers. “How about I give you another example of a kiss?”
Her eyes flicked down, then back up, flustered. “I… I still have to study. I only have three days.”
Before I could stop her, she rushed off, pulling the door open and shutting it firmly behind her.
I ran a hand through my hair, realizing how much of an effect she had on me. Just seeing her, did things to me I couldn't even imagine. So this was what being with your mate felt like.
But wait. Why did Emily say I called for her?