Chapter 65 65: Beyond The Last Button
Baby knew he couldn't fall asleep after showering so he didn't even bother to lie on the bed.
He pulled on some white, loose shorts and a black shirt, heading into the living room.
However, he wasn't expecting to see a shirtless Saint sitting with his head resting on the backrest.
He turned instantly, ready to face insomnia rather than sit awkwardly with a shirtless Saint.
"Baby," Saunt called, not moving from his position.
Baby paused, clenching his fists, "I was just out to get water." He lied.
"Then go get it," Saint replied, still not moving.
Baby sighed, turning away from his door once again.
Why was he even trying to hide? This was his house, too.
He glanced at Saint, noting how he hadn't moved an inch, hadn't even opened his eyes to look his way.
Maybe he was the only one unable to sleep due to unwanted thoughts popping into his mind, but Saint seemed just fine.
Anger bloomed fresh in his heart, he hated the way Saint always seemed to be in control of things while he had to be the one who suffered the unrelenting emotions.
He walked past Saint and went into the kitchen, the sound of the fridge door being slammed was heard from the living room.
Soon, Baby walked with an unopened bottle of water, his eyes landing on Saint who was still in the same position.
His fingers tightened around the bottle, his anger boiling over as he saw Saint still relaxing like some king on his throne.
He gritted his teeth and moved, but instead of going back to the safety of his room, he lowered himself on the sofa opposite Saint. This was his house, he didn't have to be in the bedroom if he didn't want to.
Almost immediately, Saint stood from the sofa, walking away.
Baby felt like a jagged arrow had been pierced through his chest. Saint hadn't just ignored him, but he had blatantly rejected his company by leaving the moment he sat down.
He lowered his head and stared at the floor, his knuckles turning white as he gripped the bottle of water so forcefully.
"Care for a drink?" Saint's low voice suddenly pierced the silence, his shadow falling over Baby's form.
Baby's heart skipped, his bottle of water almost dropping out of his hand. He wasn't expecting Saint to return, and not that close to him.
He lifted his head, staring at the bottle of wine and glasses in Saint's hands.
So Saint hasn't left, he had gone to the minibar to get a drink for them.
"Mind trading your water for wine?" Saint asked quietly, his voice rough.
Baby chewed his bottom lip, lowering his eyes to his water.
"I'll be right over there," Saint said and returned to his initial position.
He wanted Baby to come over on his own, and not because he persuaded him.
He places the drink and glasses down, not touching them, just sitting there and staring at Baby.
The room was far too small for the weight of Baby's silence. Saint's heart was hammering a frantic rhythm against his ribs. He was tired of the distance, tired of the way Baby looked at him but never into him lately.
He'd never craved anyone the way he craved that stubborn man in front of him.
He thought Baby was going to sit there forever, but he suddenly saw Baby move.
Baby dropped his bottle of water on the sofa and slowly walked over to Saint.
He lowered himself onto the edge of the sofa, his eyes locked on the wine.
"Pour the drink," He muttered.
Saint gave a small nod, leaning slightly to pour the drink into their glasses.
The golden liquid swirled around the transparent glasses as Saint poured.
"Here," Saint picked up the glasses, shifting closer to Baby.
Baby hesitated, staring at Saint's fingers holding the glass to him.
He reached out, holding the glass at the top to avoid touching Saint.
In a beat, he poured the drink down his throat, placing the empty glass on the table.
Saint tilted his head, regarding Baby for a second before copying him.
He gulped his drink down and refilled their glasses.
"Here..." he murmured, gazing at Baby's face.
Like before, Baby took the glass and downed the drink, shutting his eyes as the alcohol hit hader the second time.
Saint inhaled and followed Baby's lead.
On their sixth glass, Baby slowed, nursing his glass in his palm, the silence still stretching between them.
Saint glanced at Baby, his heart bleeding within him. The distance between these bodies have lessoned but he dared not close it, he might just send Baby running into his room.
"You can't just shut me out forever," Saint murmured, his voice cracking the stillness. "You're acting like a ghost in your own house."
Baby didn't look up from the glass in his hand. His hands were clenched around the glass, knuckles white.
"I am doing exactly what you asked..." he chuckled dryly, "Or am I not tame enough for you?" He questioned.
Saint gritted his teeth, "I know I said that... I regret it. But you're not tamed, Baby, you're punishing me. You're protecting a wall you built around yourself–"
"And should I not?" Baby's voice was barely over a whisper, his thumb caressing the smooth glass.
Saint saw Baby's body tensing and suddenly felt angry.
Was Baby not realising that this was hard for him as well? Why was he so persistent on shuting him out?
He took a deep breath before moving closer, the heat of his anger masking the ache in his chest. "Look at me. For once, just look at me!"
"It'll make no difference, Saint. Let's just drink," Baby muttered and downed yet another glass of alcohol.
"It's not like you're going to see me when I look at you," Baby murmured under his breath.
Saint snapped. He moved with a predatory grace that caught Baby off guard. He snatched the glass from Baby's hand and slammed it down on the table, and before Baby could protest, he was pushed back onto the sofa, his wrists pinned firmly above his head.
The scent of cedar and something dark, something Saint overwhelmed Baby's senses.
"Get off me," Baby bit out, glaring.
"You want me to look at you?" Saint's voice was a low, dangerous growl, his face inches from Baby's. "I haven't stopped looking at you. It's all I can do to keep from losing my mind because of you."
The anger in Baby's eyes flickered, replaced by a sudden, sharp spark of desire. The tension between them wasn't just about the argument anymore; it was the weeks of restraint finally snapping. Baby tugged his wrist out of Saint's grip and reached up, his fingers grazing Saint's collarbone.
"Then stop fighting it," Baby whispered, his breath hitching. "Stop being the protector for one minute and just be here."