AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“It’s not,” she interrupts far too quickly before stirring, “not really.”
Very convincing. I’ve messed up, I think. While I thought Daria enjoyed herself, I must’ve seen something that did not exist. That is not good at all.
“I’ll let you know the moment he calls,” I assure her, “you can tell him whatever you’d like.”
I’m almost tempted to offer her a better place to stay, somewhere that isn’t so close to me. My home is large after all, and I’d be happy to give her whatever room she pleases. If she wants space, even if it hurts me to give it, I will. Ever since she stepped into my home, my only concern has been to make this woman comfortable and happy.
I thought up until now, I was succeeding. Now, I’m not too sure.
Nodding her head, we both eat in silence that’s hardly comforting.
For someone who could be feeling discomfort, those blushing cheeks of hers tell a whole different story.
Parting my lips, my words pause when I feel a vibration of my phone. Pulling it out, my lips purse.
“Speak of the devil and he shall appear,” I mutter as I take in the unknown number.
Noticing the way Daria straightens up, I answer the call, and low and behold, I hear a familiar voice on the other side.
Before I can give William the chance to flood me with any sort of updates, I tell him about Daria. If she wants to leave…I don’t want to hear anything my friend has to say.
I can’t agree to any more of his requests. Not unless I want to be irrational and swoop up his daughter and put a ring around her finger without his blessing.
When Daria accepts my phone without missing a beat, my chest tightens when she lifts and excuses herself from the table. It’s not until she leaves the room that I let out the dry laugh that is begging to be released.
Pushing my plate away, my meal no longer tastes anything but sour.
Sighing into my hands, I shake my head in hopes of getting all the lighthearted thoughts of the future out. I’m only going to be hurting myself if I keep letting myself get my hopes up.
“No more of that,” I grumble before slumping against the table. “No more falling in love with a woman that you don’t deserve.”
While she’s away talking with William, I’m going to need the time to recover from the blows of my thoughts. They’re quite damaging too, so she can take as long as she needs.
Even if my feelings are one-sided, I’ll still keep my word to her father. Even if it tortures my heart and leaves my chest feeling empty, I’ll keep taking care of her. If she gets all pent up like at the pool, I’d take care of her that way as well.
As long as she’s happy, I’ll live.
Daria
“I don’t understand.”
Pressing my back against the wall, I look around as if any of Idris’ staff are secretly listening in. Pursing my lips, heat continues to crawl up my throat. Knowing no one but Idris can speak fluently to hold a conversation, I push down my nerves and speak the truth.
“It’s simple. I don’t want to leave.” Repeating the words in hopes all of my feelings can be explained in a few words, I murmur the confession. “I don’t want to return home, even after the madness settles down.”
My father makes this sound, a bit of a choking one. He’s shocked, that’s for sure. Not even his sputtering is enough to make me change my mind. He doesn’t even need to waste his time thinking over any sort of ways to convince me otherwise. My mind is set.
A shared moment spent with the man is all it took to cement the idea that I did not want to leave. I want to start something here. Well, as long as Idris wants the same.
“You have to tell Idris that you need more time or something.” Shrugging my shoulders as if he can see, I look at the door separating me from the man who stole my heart. “Like a few months. Years sound pretty good, too. Whatever is convincing.”
However long it takes for me to win Idris’ heart. I think I’m on the right track. After our little pool stunt, I hope I am close enough to claim myself as his. While I might be new to all of this, I wouldn’t think Idris would’ve touched me otherwise.
“Daria, what are you talking about? Years?” He repeats back the word and I can hear his head shaking. He doesn’t get it, and I understand that. Still, I won’t accept any answer other than yes.
“That’s what I said.” Doubling down, I’m quick to realize it doesn’t take much for him to rain down on my parade.
“I don’t think Idris will appreciate taking care of you for that long, Daria. We’re already asking so much from him as it is. The sooner I get you out, the better.” Trying to talk sense into me, the best I can do is huff under my breath.
