Chapter 11 Breakin' Dishes
Quinn's POV
That's not my flat ceiling. This chandelier hanging in the high ceiling, never installed in my flat either. But everything looks familiar. I've seen all of those before.
And oh, something in my forehead. It's cold, square, and covers my forehead.
I remembered yesterday I drank too bad while on dinner teams and then....
I covered my mouth reflexively after I realized what happened afterward.
Panic struck, I looked under the blanket only to find my clothes, the same clothes as yesterday, still attached to my body.
"What's poppin?"
My body startled when I heard Grayson's voice.
Turns out he just left the bathroom, shirtless, and just put a towel on his lower body. "Something happened to your ear?"
"No," I answered quickly.
"Then, what are you doin’? You look pale and surprised when you see me." He walked into the walking closet, took off his towel which immediately made me look away.
Oh gosh, he didn't think I was here and just took off his clothes? What a pervert!
"Why are you looking away? We've even seen each other's naked bodies."
It's true, but that was when we were about to have sex, not in everyday situations like this. After all, he's not my husband who I have to see naked in every place in our house. He should realize that, though, isn't he?
"You haven't answered my question," he continued.
I hurriedly checked my clothes because I thought Grayson may do something while I was hungover. Because we hadn't done it for a few days since the contract was signed. But it turned out that he's taking care of me instead.
"I didn't know I had a fever after getting drunk. So I was worried I'd cause you trouble and make you mad because you had to take care of me." That was the answer I finally gave.
Grayson chuckled and then made his way back to the bedroom in casual black pants, still shirtless.
Ugh I guess this time he wanted to flex his six-pack abs. He even walked gingerly over here. His eyes stare at me intently like he wants to prey on me and his stomping is decisive.
Okay, I guess I began feeling intimidated.
"Stop right there," I said, preventing him from getting any closer. I even got up and stood on the mattress while setting up a stance.
"So you want to hit the person who took care of you till your fever disappears?"
I shook my head quickly. "I'm just concerned because now I've recovered."
"Still, I can't touch you. I can't stand the smell."
I wrinkled my forehead as I didn't understand what he meant. But then he looked down, right where mine was. And that made me realize that I was still in the period.
Now I finally understand why Grayson suddenly left the recovery room. Oh my, how could I forget!
"I've changed it as well as bathed you. That's why you slept like the dead and just woke up now. One more thing, I will not take advantage of a drunk woman to have sex with me."
"What!"
Grayson rubbed his ears and glared. "What's so surprising?"
"You... changed 'it' for me. That's gross, Grayson."
Grayson shrugged his shoulders. "Both blood. What's the difference?"
Man, it's not the same! It's period blood that he's probably never seen before.
I'm so embarrassed. I wanted to disappear right now.
I covered my face with both hands and slowly got off the bed. Damn, I want to leave immediately.
When I peeked through the gap of my fingers, Grayson had a remote that he was pointing at the curtains. Then slowly the sunlight came in. "Besides working with me, do you still work part-time?"
I just nodded, still embarrassed to speak up.
"Tsk no wonder you're exhausted and have a fever." He then threw the remote onto the couch and turned around. "Is your salary not enough?"
Probably because I didn't answer so he finally came over to me and removed my hand that was covering my face. "I hate repeating the same question, Quinn."
"It's enough," I replied firmly. Well even though it's actually very tight because there are still other expenses. But I couldn't tell him. He might think I'm a cheapskate.
"Then why are you still working part-time?"
"Because I want to. After all, it's only in one place now." Then I glanced at the clock hanging on the wall. "This is bad, I'm late!"
"So you work part-time from morning to noon, then noon to dusk at S-T Arena to be my therapist, and at night at my house?"
I nodded, confirming what he said.
"I think I should clarify the contract."
"What's wrong with that?" I asked in confusion.
"Because you work in multiple places, you get tired easily. As a result, you can't provide maximum service to me. See now?"
But I think I served him well. Even he said he was satisfied with my service. Then why did he change his words now?
"Quit your part-time job. I'll raise your salary. How much you ask for. And you can stay here, no need to think about rent."
I chuckled. "Is everything to you just about money? Oh I forgot, making money is very easy for you because you are rich from the start, and you're also a famous athlete."
"I just want to get the maximum service from you."
I shake his hand from mine. "I am not your slave Grayson. I have a life outside of our contractual agreement. You can't force me to stay here either."
"I know."
"Precisely because you know, you should understand that I need another job."
"That's why I asked if your salary was less or not, but you said it was enough. So which one is true?"
"What is your beef after you found out that my salary from you is not enough? Will you pity me?" I pushed him out of my way. "Remember, we're not that close to pitying each other. Our affairs are only within the training center, the game site, and... in bed. Other than that, we're just strangers who accidentally met."
I grabbed my bag carelessly and intended to leave. But then I stopped at the room door when I heard his next words,
"We're not strangers. And yeah, I feel sorry for you. You even live in a shabby, dumpy, desolate, sun-deprived place when you've worked so hard. So why play hard to get in front of me? Just say 'yes, my salary is not enough', and I'll give you more. Then you can have a better life."
What he said really awakened the sleeping lion in me.
I clenched my fists, and turned around to approach him again. I stood in front of him and raised my head confidently.
"That shabby, desolate, sunless place is my home! It's the home I've lived in since I was a kid! It may be ugly compared to your penthouse, but it's full of love and affection, not like this place that's crowded but feels empty because there's no love or affection present."
My breathing went up and down after I let it all out. I even spoke in a high tone.
As for Grayson, he was silent. He just looked at me without blinking.
"That place is the most precious place in my entire life," I said again with a shrinking voice. Now I could even see the mist in my vision. It was the tears that were about to fall and I was holding them back.
"What do you actually want by insulting me like this? Are you going to buy me a house and fill up my bank account? I'm sorry, but I'm not interested if I end up just being your sex slave and being cooped up in here. So please don't pity me. My life is mine, none of your god damn business."
"You're right." He took a step toward me. His eyes reddened. "I'll give you everything you ask for. Houses, credit cards, cars, jewelry, everything. You can even live here if you want, enjoy all the facilities here, and never have to work hard again. You just need to work with me."
I laughed discordantly. "Looks like I misjudged you. I thought you were good. But you're no different from the playboys out there."
I looked into his eyes boldly. I honestly realized that it was my fault for trusting him in the first place. Now, I was disappointed because of my own expectations.
"Look Grayson, I'll refund your money so I don't have to work with a man like you. Find another woman who only wants to live for you and can fulfill your superstitions, don't beg me. Because I'm not that woman."