CHAPTER THIRTY

DALLAS


I woke up to realize that I was in Oliver's bed. I was curled up beside him, our faces only inches apart. It was a very compromising position. No part of our body was in contact, but anyone who sees us like this would definitely get the wrong idea.

I brought my hand close to his face and interwined my fingers with his hair. A smile etched on my face as I gently stroke his hair. He looked so gorgeous in his sleep. So peaceful and vulnerable. The quite opposite of the image he portrays to the rest of the world. I had never seen this side of him before.

Memories of last night slowly came back to me and my heart broke all over again. I couldn't believe the inhumane things he went through in the hands of his nanny. I understood his aversion towards humans perfectly now. He was robbed of his childhood because of his nanny's obsession with him. She ruined everything good about him. Those kind of things are really hard to get over.

The worst of it was the guilt of his father's death he had carried for all those years when it wasn't even his fault. My heart ached for him. No one should have to be burdened with the death of their parent.

Oliver told me the rest of the story just before he blacked out last night. Apparently, she got caught in the fire and burnt to death. She totally deserved it. I blinked away the tears that started forming at the corner of my eyes.

"It wasn't your fault." I whispered even though I knew he couldn't hear me.

I trailed my finger down his face, admiring his features. My fingers halted at the curve of his lips. My gaze fixated on it. I inhaled sharply, breaking my trail of thoughts. I should probably leave before he wakes up. Or before I do something I won't be able to take back.

I removed my hand from his face but he grabbed it in a firm grip. I stiffened at the sudden movement. He stirred in his sleep. He seem to be half awake.

I tried to wiggle free from his hold but he only tightened his grip. He let out a displeased groan.

Damn, his sleepy voice is just as sexy as his morning face. Get your act together, Dallas. I mentally scolded myself. If I don't leave soon, I might start noticing the one million sexy things about Oliver's morning face, and that probably won't end well.

"I have to go.' I said in a whisper.

His eyes fluttered open and collided with mine. He suddenly let go of my hand and jumped out of the bed.

"W..what are you doing in my bed?" He asked.

I almost laughed at the startled look on his face. He looked so hilarious at the moment. I bit my lips really hard to refrain the laughter. I decided to tease him further.

"You asked me to sleep over. Don't you remember?"

His eyes widened so much that I almost thought they would pop out of their socket. I couldn't hold my laughter any longer. His brows furrowed in confusion at my reaction. He slowly start to calm down as he remembered the events of the previous night. He rubbed his temples gently.

"Dallas." His voice was stiff and lack of any warmth.

"Yes?" I answered, confused with the sudden change in his mood.

"Get out." His eyes flared in annoyance as he said those words.

Excuse me? It was my turn to be confused.

"Is something wrong?" I asked, my tone laced with concern.

"I said leave!" He said, his voice louder and more stern.

Wow! Okay. Got it. Guess jerk Oliver is back in the grandest style ever. Can't say I miss him.

"Now!" He added, as if he wasn't clear enough the first two times.

I felt unexplainable rage build up inside me. I also felt a bit of embarrassment and confusion, but rage overshadowed all the other emotions. I got out of the bed and stormed out of his room, not sparing him a glance. I fought back the tears that threatened to fall from my eyes.

I strolled down the hallway, heading to the guest room I settled in a few days back. I almost broke into run but I managed to keep myself calm. I bumped into Tabitha halfway to my room.

You've gotta be kidding me. Of all days I could bump into her, why does it have to be today?

I didn't slow my pace as we passed by each other. Suddenly, she grabbed my arm and pulled me back.

I gritted my teeth in anger. I contemplated several ways to throw someone down the stairs and make it look like an accident

"I saw you coming out of Oliver's room in your pajamas. Why? What happened?"

God, she is so nosy. The urge to throw her down the stairs was getting stronger.

"Well, a horny girl in a short pajamas and a man spent the night in the same bed. What did you think happened?" I snapped at her.

She let out a small gasp, her eyes slightly widened.

"You slept in the same bed with him?" She asked, surprise evident in her voice.

"Yes, we did. You heard me right the first time. Now figure out the rest of the story and get the fuck out of my way."

I brushed past her in annoyance. I was already pissed off by her boss, and now she just added to my rage. I barged into my room and slammed the door hard behind me.

I have always retaliated against Tabitha whenever she came at me, but I have never talked to her this angry.

I rushed to the bathroom and flipped on the faucet. I splashed water on my face, trying to calm myself down.

I stared at my reflection in the mirror. I had no idea why he was so mad at me. And I don't even know why the thought of it makes me mad as well. Everything was fine between us last night. Why is he pushing me away now?

Or maybe something is wrong with him but he doesn't want me to know about it. That was impossible because I was with him till morning. My concern for him slowly start to replace my anger.

Okay, this is nuts. I need to calm down.

I stripped off my clothes and stepped under the shower. All I need is a long and relaxing bath to calm my nerves.

After a long time in the bathroom, I finally stepped out. The shower did calm me a bit but the nerves were still there. I strolled to the closet to pick an outfit.

I made up my mind to go talk to him. A thought struck my mind while I was in the shower. Oliver wasn't the type that likes talking about himself. He didn't even like to talk at all. Last night, he opened up to me about one of his most darkest secrets. He probably freaked out when he realized what he had done this morning.

I just need to assure him that I would be there for him. He had done so much for me in the short time we've met and only requested little in return. It's only fair I return his favour.

My phone dinged indicating a text notification. I strolled to the dresser and picked it up. My body went stiff as I saw who the text was from.

Lucien: We need to talk, Dallas.