Chapter 35 Roommates For The night
As I entered my room, I shut the door with a heavy sigh, the events of the night replaying in my mind like a cruel loop. I couldn’t escape the humiliation I felt. Faruk’s words about everyone hearing what happened between Darius and me were burned into my memory. I clenched my fists, forcing the tension in my body to release as I walked towards the dresser.
I needed to get out of this dress, out of this makeup, out of this nightmare. I was beyond mortified. Damn him! Damn Darius its all his fault.
The black dress, which had clung to my skin with its elegance and tight grip, now felt suffocating. I peeled it off and stood under the dim light of the bathroom, letting the warm water of the shower wash away the remnants of the night. The water felt like a baptism, cleansing me of the shame and Darius’s touch. But it wasn’t enough. My skin still tingled where his hands had been, and my mind refused to let go of the intimate moment we shared in that office.
I scrubbed harder until my skin felt raw. The sting was a reminder—a punishment, maybe, for allowing myself to get so tangled by the stupid bond. After drying off, I slipped into my pajamas, the softness of the fabric a comfort against my sensitive skin. I climbed into bed and pulled the covers tightly around me, my body curling in on itself as I lay there, staring at the ceiling.
Fred. His name was the only thing I could think of. What had Faruk done to him? I prayed to the moon goddess for his safety. The questions gnawed at me, and the guilt pressed down like a weight on my chest. I missed him, his warmth, his smile, his protectiveness. Fred was always like a ray of sunshine in my dark and gloomy world. Now I regret not accepting to be his chosen mate when he asked me months ago. Would our lives be different if I did?
I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to will away the ache in my heart, but it was useless. Every thought, every memory seemed to lead back to Darius, his touch, his words, his possessiveness.
Suddenly, the door creaked open, and my eyes shot open. I wasn’t expecting anyone. My heart pounded in my chest as I sat up, clutching the blanket close to my chest. And then I saw him.
Darius.
His hair was wet, droplets of water glistening on his skin, sliding down the hard lines of his chest. He had a towel hang over his shoulders,He must have just taken a shower. He was shirtless, and the sight of his broad shoulders and muscled torso made my pulse quicken, even though I didn’t want it to.
“What are you doing here?” I asked, my voice sharp with irritation. My guard was up, and I wasn’t in the mood for whatever game he was about to play.
“I’m going to bed,” he replied casually, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
“Here?” I shot back, my disbelief evident in my tone.
“Where else do you want me to sleep?” He arched a brow, his lips twitching into a smirk.
“Not here, of course,” I spat, pulling the covers up to my shoulders like they could somehow protect me from him.
“Well, that’s your problem,” he said, his tone calm but firm. “Because I’m sleeping here.”
“No, you can’t,” I protested, but he was already moving towards the bed. My heart raced as he slid in next to me, the mattress dipping under his weight. I glared at him, but he didn’t seem to care. He was making himself comfortable, as if he owned the place, which, technically, he did.
I tried to kick him out, pushing at him with my feet, but he didn’t budge. His body was like a brick wall, solid and unyielding. I didn't trust myself being in such close proximity with him.
“Move!” I hissed, growing more frustrated by the second. But he only laughed, a deep, rumbling sound that made my blood boil.
“If you’re going to throw a tantrum, at least do it quietly,” he teased, wrapping his arms around me before I could react.
“What are you doing?” I squirmed, trying to wriggle out of his grasp, but he held me tight, pulling me against his chest. His warmth seeped through the fabric of my pajamas, and despite my anger, my body betrayed me by relaxing slightly into his hold.
He buried his face in my hair, inhaling deeply. “You smell good,” he murmured, his breath warm against my neck.
“Stop it,” I snapped, my heart racing.
“Your wolf likes me,” he said softly, ignoring my protests.
“I don't have a wolf,” I gritted.
“Whatever it is that you have likes me.” he said.
I scowled, trying to ignore the little flutter in my chest at his words. “I hate you,” I muttered, though the words lacked the venom I wanted them to have.
Darius chuckled again, his chest vibrating against my back. “Keep telling your self that.”
I rolled my eyes, too exhausted to argue anymore. “Just stay on your side of the bed,” I grumbled, though I knew he wouldn’t listen.
Instead of answering, he pulled me closer, his arms tightening around me. I could feel his breath on the back of my neck, and despite myself, I felt my body start to relax. Damn him. Damn him for making me feel like this.
After a while, I heard his breathing slow, and I realized he was asleep. I took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions swirling inside me. I couldn’t get out of his hold without waking him, but I wasn’t sure I even wanted to move anymore.
I shifted slightly, trying to find a comfortable position, when his deep voice cut through the quiet. “Stop moving unless you want everyone to hear us again.”
My cheeks burned at the memory, and I froze. How did he manage to make me feel so embarrassed with just a few words? I bit my lip, staying still, and eventually, I felt my eyelids grow heavy.
Sleep pulled me under, and despite the war raging in my mind, I drifted off in his arms.