Chapter 23 Chapter 23
Selena
He shrugged. “I don't want your affairs disrupting the company’s operation. You are now my personal assistant.”
“But….but dating you.”
Again, his finger met my chin. He lifted my face, his hand rubbing my cheeks. His face was so close, so close that my legs trembled.
His touch initiates something in my body. Needs I’ve longed ignore. That dream of him making way with me clinged my brain.
“It means you belong to me temporarily, in exchange I’ll protect you.”
But it wasn't real right? It was fake dating.
Everything was too sudden. I could feel something was wrong with it. Or maybe I was overthinking. He just wanted to help, but I couldn't help, but feel uneasy, so I opened my mouth to clarify.
But Valeria had chosen that moment to come in. Again a glare was directed at me. Maybe it was from seeing the contact between Theodore and me.
We had left for the meeting with no clarification. And during the meeting, Theodore’s eyes never stopped following me.
“I’m home,” I announced, entering my apartment.
Josh’s home slippers were placed at the entrance, the sounds of the TV echoed from the living room.
Josh must be studying. I pulled off my shoe, stepping inside.
“Hi, Selena.” Josh in his blue trousers and a grey shirt walked towards me. He took my bag, and then his hands ruffled my hair. I rolled my eyes.
“Stop doing that. Just because you are taller doesn't let you.” I glared at his back as he moved inside with my bag. I followed him.
“It does. And you may be older, but you have a cute face now, let's say you are too beautiful to be older.” He shrugged, and I burst out in laughter.
Josh always knows how to bring out happiness in me.
And I do well with compliments. I don't know when Josh noticed, but it became a tradition for him.
He turned and beamed. “I needed that laugh of yours.” With that, he walked off to my room.
Maybe I needed it too. I have forgotten the last time I laughed out loud. Let’s say some weeks ago.
My heart suddenly feels at ease, as expected laughing does ease the heart.
I looked at the TV, it was a news channel. “Josh, what were you doing before I came?”
I moved to the fridge, took a bottle of water, and gulped from it. There were containers of food packed inside.
When did he get back?
“Why do you look so exhausted like you were hit by a bull? Work is tiring.” He sat on the dining table, his hands tangled together.
“You know that. I have to work extra to give my little brother a good life. How exhausting.” I rolled my eyes dramatically. And I knew what Josh was going to say next from his eyes, guilt in them.
“I’m sorry for the stress. I’ll be done soon, so I can assis—”
Yes. That was my brother. “Keep it. I’m not waiting for you to help me back. When you get a good job. Just care for yourself. When did you get home to prepare all these?” I scan the fridge again.
Last night, he had told me he wanted to stay with a friend for his assignment. While I wasn't happy about it, I had let him.
Most students stay a minute away from school because they stay in the college apartment. But because of my demand, Josh has to stay fifteen minutes away.
“This morning. The fridge was pretty empty for a human, so I went shopping, and then,” He pointed to the fridge.
I smiled, feelings of gratitude flooded me. “Thank you. Send me the total, I’ll send the money to you.” I closed the fridge.
“You don't have to, I’ve enough from the money you gave me.” He stood up, moving towards me. I’m turned around, directed to my room.
“That's for your use, not for groceries. Remember I work at a good company now. So you should take care of yourself, and let me sort out the bills.”
Though his hands were on my shoulder, pushing me to my room. He stayed silent.
Well, he wasn't happy when I told him about working in T&M. I placed my hand on his, on my shoulder, rubbing it gently.
“Go, and shower, I’ll warm up something for you.”
I nodded, going inside my room.
I must be really hungry, because I have never been so fast at showering and dressing up. Now the apartment was covered with the smell of food.
Putting on my nightwear, I stepped out. A bowl of rice, soup, and side dishes were placed on the table. Josh was no longer there.
He must have gone back to his room, but the TV was still on.
I sat down, took the spoon, and dug into the meal.
“Hmm.” I moaned as the taste hit my buds. My brother was the best cook. I took another spoon.
‘For today's reports, over five men were found dead. The cause is labeled as a new drug. But its identity is yet to be found.’
My hands froze mid-air. I turned to the TV, and a woman reported the news.
‘A witness, one of the victim's sisters, reported that his brother had visited from college and the last thing the brother had taken was a chocolate bar.’
‘According to her, she had fought her brother for it, but he won’t let her have it. And it was strange as her brother was one to give her anything she asked.’
‘ Upon investigation, this chocolate bar is labeled harmful as the four other victims took this before their death. This is devastating to the parents, and also to the public. The investigation is still ongoing, and won’t be stopped till the victims are brought to justice. To everyone distributing this, please stop, and turn yourself in.”
My hand weakened, and my spoon fell out of my hands. The sounds of it falling echoed on the floor.
Drugs. What drugs were they talking about? It couldn't be…
Whispers of the mischievous woman rang in my ears.
‘What does it look like, Selena? Do you know why it was important that I found those containers? They are drugs, Selena. Dangerous drugs that had cursed life. It should never be distributed, it shouldn't get to Theo’s hands. That boy led by his Russian Uncle shouldn't hold such power.’
It couldn't be….No.
He couldn't be the cause.
‘Here you go again. Why won’t he? He is Theodore Mateo. Have you fallen for him already? How pathetic.