Chapter 29 A Line Almost Crossed
Adrian's POV
Darcy doesn't notice my presence until she turns. Her eyes widen, before she flashes me a tired smile.
She tries to conceal how exhausted she is but it was quite obvious. Dark circles and swollen eyes.
"When did you get here?" She asks in a hushed voice, jolting me out of my thoughts.
The words are stuck in my throat. So I could only stare at her and then to a sleeping Hazel. Her cheeks fluster as she snuggles closer to Darcy's chest.
When I don't reply, Darcy diverts her gaze away from me and carefully places Hazel on the bed.
"Are you okay, Sir?" She asks as she turns back to face me.
Sir?...
She was gently reminding me of the boundary that I was ready and willing to erase.
I just nodded and stepped further into the room. She made way so I could go closer and have a clearer view of my baby.
The medications and food on the table caught my eyes. My chest tightened. Guilt was slowly eating me up, knowing that I wasn't with Hazel when she needed me.
I caressed her hair and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.
"Seeing you like this breaks my heart, baby. Please, get well soon for daddy. Okay?" I pleaded in a low voice.
I dug my hands into my pockets and shifted. I blinked rapidly to stop the tears that threatened to fall.
"Thank you for being here for her and I'm sorry for not coming on time," I said with a cracked voice with my head hung low.
"It's required of me." She paused. "Besides I can't leave her to...,"
Before she could complete her statement, I wrapped my arm around her waist and pulled her closer. Darcy snapped her mouth shut.
I rested my head on her shoulder. Her scent filled my nostrils. The silent peace that comes with her enveloped me almost immediately.
She stiffens, surprised by the position we're in.
"Sir...," she started.
"It's Adrian. For tonight, just call me Adrian."
As expected, she didn't respond.
She didn't push me away. So, I took that as my cue to close the gap between us and shut my eyes. Basking into the peace.
Seconds stretch into minutes as we remain like that.
Hazel suddenly started crying. Her voice pierced through the wall. Darcy used that opportunity to break the hug.
She rushed to Hazel and carried her. Rocking and whispering sweet words to her.
Still Hazel wouldn't stop crying.
I poured water into a small cup and Darcy took it from me. She placed the tip of the cup on Hazel's mouth but she refused to drink.
"She's irritated," Darcy looked at me with worry-filled eyes.
"I'll go get the doctor," I announced but as if he knew what was going on, Jayden walked in.
"She suddenly started crying. Did her fever flare up again?" I asked
"Let me check."
My eyes focused on him as he ran a routine check on Hazel.
I don't understand what he's doing but I care about the outcome. Especially about what he has to say.
"How is she?" Darcy asked.
"She's okay. For her age, it's absolutely normal that she is irritated."
He checked his wristwatch. "Perfect. It's 11 p.m. Since she has eaten, you can feed her the syrup. She should be asleep in no time."
I let out the breath I didn't know I've been holding all these while.
"You have a strong baby. She's going to be okay," Jayden reassured me as he pats my back before leaving.
I watched as Darcy fed her medicine. Thankfully, Hazel has stopped crying. I brushed back my hair with my fingers and slumped on the chair.
Darcy is pretty worn out.
"I can help you take care of her while you rest." I volunteered.
She shook her head. "No need. I'll just sleep beside her. You also need to rest."
There is no point arguing with her, so I agreed. It's been a long day.
Carefully, she lay beside Hazel and her free hand guarded protectively.
A few minutes later, both of them were snoring softly. I stood up and covered them with a light blanket.
I placed the chair close to the bed, so I got a perfect view of them. Hazel is no doubt my world but Darcy is slowly becoming someone vital too.
Darcy is the heart that has brought my daughter and I back to life. The warmth that rescued both of us from cold, lonely nights.
After the death of Hazel's mum, I never knew I was capable of loving someone else. The feeling of love died with Hazel's mum and I buried it with her
Well, that's what I thought till Darcy. It felt strange, in fact almost forbidden. I didn't know anyone would make me open up to love again.
She doesn't force it. Her efforts are slow, intentional and loving.
God knows I've tried so hard to deny this feeling but it's there - lingering. Waiting for the day I finally admit what I feel for her.
After seeing how she rocked Hazel with love in her eyes and actions, I couldn't help but surrender.
Still, at the back of my mind, a little fragment of my head screamed to remind me of the risks.
Falling for her is not within my control but risking the stability Hazel and I needed was within my control.
I can't tell if this is the right time to tell her how I feel. What if she thinks I'm only saying it because I don't want her to go.
Earlier, she promised to always be by Hazel's side, taking care of her. I am happy that she loves Hazel deeply but that doesn't change the fact that she still wants to leave.
Falling for Darcy indirectly means inviting chaos into a life I've spent moving steadily with my child.
The very life I've treasured because it's the only way we've lived without worries.
But still, the heart wants what it wants.
Before I could stop myself, I found myself kissing her hair. Her hot breath fanned my face as our faces were a few inches apart.
I looked at her eyes and then her plump lips. I leaned closer and was about to kiss her lips when she sighed heavily.
Quickly, I pulled back and faced the wall. My heart raced crazily. My breath came out ragged.
I glanced at her and I saw her closing her eyes.
Damn. She wasn't fully asleep. I am not a pervert. What will she think of me now?
I've controlled myself for so long, to avoid what just happened. It is not my intention to lose control.
I know the feeling is mutual but somehow I could tell she knew the reason I'm pushing her away is to protect myself.
But that shouldn't be an excuse.
Darcy isn't a bad person and she has proven to be reliable. She is exactly what we need and a little bit of risk won't kill us.
However, I know she has a secret that she is not willing to tell me. Something she's hiding so badly and I hope that she trusts me enough to tell me.