Chapter 51 Will you be my woman?
Daniella was washed out. Her face turned red. With a swift movement, she ran to her room, embarrassment following her hurried steps. Paul glared at Loney. Admiration stretching his lips into a thin smile, "I was beginning to fear that you had chosen her."
Loney scoffed, "she's no longer my type. She used to be Ray's pawn."
"I'm not surprised. She's too phony. I've dealt with her type. They don't give up Loney, you have to throw her out," Paul frantically suggested.
"Just keep an eye on her for now." Loney knew that Paul was right. Daniella back then could have any man she wanted. She was well favoured with beauty and knew how to use it when she wanted. Danica was the only one who cared less about looks.
Paul was solemn, "I will," he firmly said.
"Let me get some sleep," Loney let out and climbed the stairs, leaving Paul. The latter did some final checks with the security systems before going to bed.
Loney's heart warmed up at the sight of Danica. Her silky brunette hair spread over the pillow as she rested in the comfort of sleep. He drooled at the sight, peace flooding his mind, it felt settling. For the first time, he had hope for his future. He had someone he could trust.
He wondered what he could do to have her completely. He didn't deserve someone like her. He went to shower and put on his pyjamas. His hands itched to touch Danica but he fought it with much difficulty. He couldn't bring himself to disrespect her.
His hand found her hair as he stroked gently. Surprisingly, the delicate movement woke Danica. It was the first. She usually slept so deep she wouldn't wake to his touch but she did this time. Her eyes flickered open, as she tried to lift herself.
A smile decorated the corner of Loney's mouth. "Sorry I woke you. You should sleep more."
"No, I want to use the bathroom," Danica revealed. Loney sighed,
"Ohhh, sure."
Loney found himself following her to the bathroom. When she was done with her business, she creased her brow at the sight of him at the door.
"You didn't have to follow me," Danica heated up. Loney's lustful gaze could cause her emotional explosion.
"I know but I forgot to tell you how beautiful you look." Danica blushed, the muscles in her core tightened. Suddenly, her stomach rumbled, embarrassment creased her.
"Thank you but I have to go to the kitchen. I'm quite hungry," she murmured. She knew that Mabel would be asleep by now and for once, she could cook again. However, Loney's response amazed her.
"Wait here, I'll get you something to eat."
"No, let me do it." She countered. Loney was a very busy man. Why would she bother him with something like that?
"What do you want to eat?" His deep voice sounded more alluring, she giggled.
"Scrambled eggs with toast and hot chocolate," Danica said. She was craving hot chocolate and eggs.
"That's easy. I can make that for you," Loney said.
Danica cocked her brow deeper. "You, cook?"
"I've lived alone since I can remember. How do you think I survived?" Loney shook his head.
Danica's lips stretched, "I'd love to watch you cook."
"Be my guest then."
Danica sat on a chair in the kitchen while Loney got to business. The maids were asleep and so was Mabel. Paul wasn't asleep and he saw through the CCTV when the pair got to the kitchen but decided not to disturb them.
Loney made the toast like a pro. It had been years since he cooked but he still recalled the steps coherently, as soon as he picked up the ingredients after putting on his apron.
Loney served Danica the warm meal. Her eyes almost watered at his gestures. It seemed to her like a dream. She never perceived Loney to have this side to him but she liked it. "How are you feeling?" Loney asked.
"I'm good, no discomforts so far." Danica truthfully said. Aside from her fatigue, she showed no other symptoms.
Loney sat on the chair beside her. "That is good. Eat while it's still hot," he encouraged.
Danica patted his exposed hand gently, "We should eat together." Her touch was comforting but Loney didn't oblige.
"You are the pregnant one."
"Normal people should eat too," she insisted.
Loney knew it would be useless to argue so he joined her. While they ate, he had a disturbed look on his face and Danica noticed it. "Is there a problem?"
Loney didn't answer immediately. He nibbled slowly on his food, thinking of the right way to bring up the subject. "Yes, it's your sister."
Danica instantly dropped her cutlery, giving Loney her full attention. Her stomach tensed, she felt uncomfortable. "Eat first, we talk later," Loney said. Danica didn't push further. For as long as he was ready to let out whatever was bugging him after they ate, it wasn't a problem.
After they finished eating, Danica wanted to clear the table but Loney stopped her and did so himself. She looked on amazed. Why has Loney changed so much? Was it just because she was carrying his child?"
"Danica, I don't think it's okay for your sister to continue living with us," Loney blurted out as soon as he sat by Danica after arranging the plates in the dishwasher.
Danica was slightly disturbed. She felt strange, even with the knowledge that her sister was so many bad things and always got on her nerves but she couldn't stand being separated from her.
She had prayed to be connected with her sister for so many years and what if Daniella goes back to living her old life? Danica wouldn't be able to forgive herself.
"Why?" Danica's voice sounded teary, Loney's heart sank but his voice was firm.
"It's for your good, Danica."
Silence descended, both parties lost in thought. "But, what if she goes back to her past life with those mafias? Over here, she won't have the freedom to do any of those things," Danica broke the silence.
"Are you saying that we should let her stay here?" Loney slowly asked.
"If it's okay with you. I know that the contract was just between the two of us but since we allowed her here, she will be bitter if we send her away and seek solace anywhere. I'm her only family too," Danica elaborated.
Loney's headache intensified. He didn't want Daniella in his house and wanted to insist on it but Danica's happiness mattered more to him therefore, he was powerless?.
"Whatever makes you happy, Danica." His face fell but he hid it well.
"Thank you, Loney," Danica let out a smile.
"I think you should go back to sleep," Loney said to Danica. His mind was still in a mess. Danica stood to leave but realized Loney wasn't following her.
"Ain't you coming?"
Loney chuckled, "I will join you later. I just want to have a little chat with Paul."
Danica nodded her head and went upstairs. Irrespective, sleep eluded her. She wanted Loney with her. She missed him. It was almost an hour before Loney entered the bedroom. He frowned when he realized she was still awake.
"Why are you still awake," He sat beside her but didn't touch her.
"I just couldn't sleep. I was waiting for you," Danica shyly said. She was used to Loney's touch and craved it. Disappointment set in when she realised Loney was a bit distant towards her.
"I'm here now." Loney lay beside her but didn't hold her. Danica was startled. Did she do anything wrong? She snuggled close to him and he wrapped his arm safely around her but didn't try to get intimate or anything.
"Are you alright?" Danica found herself asking.
"Yes, why do you ask?" Loney's tone was casual, Danica sensed something amiss. She conflicted with herself if it was decent for her to speak her mind. After thinking through for some time, she concluded.
"You haven't tried to touch me or anything."
Loney sighed. "I don't see why I should take advantage of you."
Danica creased her brow in confusion. "But you are not taking advantage of me and we used to do so many things before-"
"Because we wanted a baby." Loney cut in. "Now you are pregnant, that part of the contract ends." Loney's voice was firm but gentle.
"Oh," Danica blushed in embarrassment.
Loney knew that she didn't understand what he meant. "Don't get me wrong, I still want to do so many things with you but you don't want that right?" His gaze carried so many emotions, it scared her.
She was more confused. What did she do or say wrong? "I don't understand."
Loney locked eyes with her. "My proposal is still hanging. Will you be my woman?"