Chapter 26 A Night In
I grunt in my sleep hearing a faint voice in the background which of no doubt is Carlos’s. He seems to be talking to his father as his voice is very firm and his words are very appropriate unlike the way he talks to others.
The sound of his footsteps makes it clear that he’s packing around the room. He’s definitely talking about something very important.
I tried to force myself back to sleep, but the drowsiness slowly faded as Carlos’s voice echoed in my ears. "Yes, I won’t let that happen." I heard him say. I didn’t think much about it until he added "I’m doing my best with her. I won’t let her get away from me."
Immediately my stomach twisted. He’s talking about me. I’m the only woman, or at least currently the only woman he has with him that he doesn’t want to let go.
"Don’t worry about that, she’s with me and I’ll make sure I get the work done." He said firmly.
Immediately, my heart sank in my chest. That confirms it, he’s definitely talking about me. But what does he mean by “get the work done” Is he planning on doing something to me? Is he planning evil? Is he gonna hurt me?
So many thought came harboring into my head that I couldn’t help but panic. My mind felt unsettled, I was scared, confused and worried at the same time. I know Carlos is capable of doing anything but I didn’t think he’d hurt me. I thought he was protecting me. I thought I was too valuable for him to hurt.
When I peeked to look at Carlos, I noticed he had already ended the call and was walking towards me.
I felt like melting down. My mind was consumed with thoughts that could easily give me panic attacks.
When Carlos finally reached closer to me, I flinched sitting up immediately. His eyes bulged with confusion "What’s wrong?" He asked softly
"Nothing." I said almost immediately "Why would you think something is wrong?"
"Because you look scared." He said trying to read through me "Did you just wake up from a nightmare?"
"Maybe," I said quickly
"Okay, you really seem tense. Are you sure nothing is wrong?"
"Yeah, I’m good."
"Okay," He said, though I could tell he didn’t believe a word I’d said. He took a step closer and sat beside me on the bed. "Anyways…" He began, reaching toward me.
I flinched and quickly shifted away.
His expression darkened with confusion. "What’s wrong?"
I narrowed my eyes. "I could ask you the same thing. What are you trying to do?" I questioned
"I was trying to tuck your hair behind your ear," He said, his voice calm but laced with tension. "What did you think I was trying to do?"
I gave a small shrug. "I don’t know," I said quietly.
Carlos hesitated for a moment looking at me, he spoke no words but I could tell he was trying to read through me. Finally, he opened his mouth to speak but suddenly clasped it shut. His eyes locked onto mine, studying me, like he was peeling back layers I didn’t know I had.
"Something’s wrong," He finally said. "What is it?"
I hesitated, silent, until he pushed again—firmer this time. "Tell me."
My voice came out low, almost a whisper. "I heard you on the phone. You said you were going to get the work done… Are you going to hurt me?" My heart raced as I asked
A slow smirk curved on his lips. "No. I’m not going to hurt you. What I’m working on doesn’t involve you."
"But you said ‘her’" I pressed.
"I did," He admitted, "But that still doesn’t mean it’s about you."
"Ohh." I sighed softly. Though, I don’t believe his words at all
"You should just relax okay, I’m not gonna hurt you. Although I have to admit, I don’t appreciate being spied on."
"I’m sorry, I was just—"
"It’s fine," He cut in, his tone softening.
He leaned in and gently tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. "You don’t have to be afraid, Nala. You’re safe with me. I would never hurt you."
For some reason, I believe his words but something in me was still worried.
He then added, "Anyways, do you have any plans for today?"
"No, I don’t." I said looking at him awkwardly, he knows I don’t have plans so why is he asking like he thinks I do.
"Okay great. I was thinking you and I could spend some quality time together as a couple."
"What!" I grasped
He laughed slightly "Relax, I mean having a private dinner together. Nothing more than that. I won’t do anything unless I have your permission."
"Okay," I said awkwardly
"So dinner date is it tonight? I’ll even cook."
"You will cook?" I asked shocked
He nodded "Yes of course. I’m good at cooking, I will cook."
I pinned my gaze on him waiting for him to laugh or take his words back but he didn’t. "Oh my god! I’m serious!" I said with a bit of laughter in my voice
"Of course I’m serious. You don’t think I can cook?" He asked
"You don’t look like you can cook," I admitted
"Well, I can cook very well and I’ll prove it to you tonight," He said, his tone light but filled with certainty, like he had no doubt he could impress me.
I let out a small laugh, amused more by his confidence than the idea itself. "Okay."
"So you’re in for the date?" He asked as if I had a choice
I gave a small smile. "Sure, I am."
"Good," He said softly, and before I could say anything else, he leaned in and pressed a light kiss to my cheek. The touch was gentle, unexpected, and completely out of character for him. Then, without another word, he turned and walked out of the room.
I sat back, shocked and confused. Did he just acted nice around me? Being so polite and even offering to cook. That is strange, Carlos isn’t this nice or is he up to something I don’t know?