Chapter 27 Pretending
The next morning, I woke up early sitting here in my room doing nothing made me take note of his routine. He always left at a specific time so before that he must be having his breakfast.
After taking a shower and changing into comfortable clothes
I took a deep breath and made my way to the dining room, finding Darius already seated, I guess I was right. His expression shifted from surprise to pleasure as he saw me enter.
“Good morning,” he said, setting down his coffee cup. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”
I kept my face expressionless as I took a seat across from him. “If it doesn’t sit well with you, I can continue having my meals in my room,” I offered, my tone even.
He shook his head, his gaze softening. “No, please. I’m glad you’re here. I apologize if I sounded surprised. I’m just happy you’re willing to accompany me for breakfast.”
We settled into a rhythm as we ate the clicking of utensils against the china we ate on was the only sound heard. He was attentive, almost tender, handing me food and pouring my coffee. It was strange and disconcerting, this care from someone I had grown to despise. His actions were making it increasingly difficult to maintain my hatred.
As he refilled my coffee cup, I snapped, unable to hold back any longer. “Why are you making it so hard for me to hate you?” I demanded, my voice trembling with suppressed anger and confusion. “You killed my dad. You’ve turned my life upside down. Why are you being so... caring?”
I blow it, I had to gain his trust but I just couldn't hold back any longer. The only imagine I have of him is as he ripped my father's head off I can never see him in a different light.
He set the coffee pot down gently and met my eyes, his expression a mix of pain and determination. “Because you’re my mate,” he said simply. “And I’ve waited so long to have you by my side.”
I couldn’t hold back my tears. “Please,” I begged, my voice breaking. “Reject me. End this bond so I can go on hating you. Make it easier for both of us.”
He reached across the table, his hand cupping my face with surprising gentleness. “I can’t do that,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “I’ve waited so long for you. I can’t let you go.”
I wanted to push him away, to scream at him, but instead, I found myself leaning into his touch. His hand was warm against my skin, sending fireworks through my body. My beast stirred, excited by the contact, and for a moment, I allowed myself to feel the connection between us.
His eyes softened as he looked at me, filled with a longing that mirrored my own hidden desires. “We are meant to be together,” he said, his thumb gently caressing my cheek. “Can’t you feel it?”
I did feel it, and that was the problem. Every touch, every kind word was chipping away at my resolve. I hated him for what he had done, but I couldn’t deny the bond pulling us together.
“Why?” I whispered, my voice trembling. “Why does it have to be this way?”
“Because fate is cruel,” he said, a bitter edge to his voice. “But it also gives us a chance to find something beautiful amidst the pain. I can’t change what I did, but I can try to make things right with you.”
Tears streamed down my face, the confusion and conflict tearing me apart. I wanted to hate him, to break free, but his touch, his words, were making it impossible.
He stood and came around the table, pulling me into his arms. For a moment, I resisted, but the warmth and comfort of his embrace were too much to fight. I buried my face in his chest, letting myself feel the connection that had been forced upon us.
“You mean everything to me,” he murmured into my hair.
I wanted to scream, to push him away, but instead, I clung to him, my body betraying my heart. The bond was too strong, the emotions too overwhelming. In his arms, I felt safe, and that terrified me more than anything.
“Please,” I whispered again, my voice breaking. “Let me go.”
He held me tighter, his lips pressing a gentle kiss to my temple. “I can’t,” he said, his voice filled with sorrow. “I won’t.”
I didn’t know how long we stood there, locked in a desperate embrace, but when he finally released me, I felt more lost than ever. The bond between us was undeniable, but so was the pain