CHAPTER THIRTY SIX

OLIVER


Dallas had fallen asleep halfway through the second movie after she insisted we watch all three movies tonight. It was two in the morning. I turned off the TV and packed the empty bowl to the kitchen. Funny how I end up doing chores in my own house despite that I had domestic workers. But they had all retired to their quarters, and the last one of them is currently slumbering on my couch.

I tucked a few strands of hair behind her ear, my eyes not leaving her peaceful face. I could tell that she was uncomfortable on the couch by her constant stirring.

I scooped her in my arms and headed upstairs. She was so deeply asleep that she didn't even stir till I laid her on the bed.

My eyes lingered on her frame, noticing details I had no business noticing. There just always seem to be something different about her every time I see her. Like right now, I noticed that her bangs were slightly trim compared to a few days ago. I noticed the freckles on her nose were more pronounced.

Her hair was longer and more wavy, cascading down her shoulder like waterfall. The thought of how it would look wrapped around my fist crossed my mind. Her milky skin was smoother and more radiant. I couldn't avert my gaze from her.

My eyes traveled to her slightly parted lips and I was tempted to feast on them. I just need one taste. Just one. But I refrained myself. I knew I wouldn't be able to stop myself if I got a taste of her. I could never get enough of Dallas Valencia.

She turned in her sleep causing her dress to hike up, baring an indecent amount of her thigh. My eyes fixated on the exposed part of her body, thought of what I'd do to her swirl in my mind. I was so tempted to yank up her dress and find out if she was as aroused as she seem earlier tonight.

My mind wandered back to earlier tonight when I made the ‘dripping’ comment. Her face had turned a dark shade of red. I felt heat rush to my groin as the sight of her at that moment flashed across my mind.

The lust that reflected in her emerald green eyes almost compelled me to act on the thoughts I had towards her. I wanted to yank her dress and fuck the living daylight out of her.

If she hadn't moved when she did, I would certainly lose control of myself. It took a lot of self restraint not to pounce on her after she pulled away.

I tore my gaze away, my jaw clenched at the thoughts running across my mind. Being in her bedroom and surrounded by her presence wasn't helping.

I should probably leave now before I do something I might regret later. She'd hate me if I take what I want without her consent. And that's what I yearn for. Her consent.

But somehow, I couldn't stop myself from snooping around a little bit. This was wrong. Clearly. But it's the closest to Dallas I have ever been, and I intend to savour every minute of it. I'll just take a quick peek then leave.

I dragged my gaze around, amused by how chaotic her room was. It was neither organized nor disoriented. It was…Dallas.

After I had my fill of her, my eyes fell on her almond face. A smile etched on my face. A thought crossed my mind. I just need to do this one quick thing first, then I'd leave.

I sat on the bed, my eyes not leaving her face. I pulled out my phone and took a snap of Dallas's face. Well, multiple snaps. It's super creepy. But she'll never know. Especially the purpose behind the picture I just took. It's one of my darkest secret I never want anyone to find out. I smiled, a sense of satisfaction wash over me at the pictures I took.

Okay, now time to leave.

I leaned in to switch off the bedside lamp. There was a book at the edge of the nightstand. I accidentally knocked it over causing it to fall, the book flipped open. I picked it up and was about to close the book when my eyes caught a sentence.

My curiousity piqued and I found myself scanning the page. It was her diary.


Dear Diary
I saw Lucien today. And I realize how much I wanted to drive my fist into his face. Okay, kidding. I wouldn't do that. But I hate him so much. If I were in Korea, Lisa would surely encourage that I beat him to a pulp. Haha… I miss her so much. She is getting married in two weeks but I might not even be there. I haven't told her this yet. It would certainly break her heart. I don't know what to do. I'm the worst best friend ever. She is certainly going to hate me.

Okay, that's enough snooping for the day. I should probably stop reading now. This is getting really creepy even for me.

I set the diary on the nightstand and rose to my feet. I took one last glance of her before I stepped out of the room.

I glanced at my phone's screen, my lips curved into a smirk as I walked to my room. As soon as the door clicked shut, I peeled off my t-shirt.

I strolled to the huge painting on the wall. Dallas had made several comments about how hideous the painting was, but she doesn't know the main purpose the painting served me. And she would never know. I have already let her in too much. I can't afford to let her know more about me.

I removed the painting from the wall and moved it a little bit till the tiny black button in the wall is visible.

I glanced at my phone again. It was almost three in the morning. I shouldn't be doing this at this hour. But I can't sleep even if I wanted to. It was certain I'd lose the battle with insomnia tonight. And this had been on my mind for a while now. I just have to get it out and I'll be fine.

I poked the button and the wall split, revealing a small door. I flung the door open and walked in.

I stood in the middle of the room, dragging my gaze around and absorbing the room's content. I was surrounded my gore and extremely disturbing paintings. My lips curved into a smile. I was proud of my creations.

When I'm not sitting behind a desk, counting stocks and ruining people's lives, I'm in this room, painting the demons that terrorize me. It was the closest I got to telling someone about the evil surrounding me without actually telling anyone.

And it's also more therapeutic than those stupid sessions with the therapist mum hired not long after the incident. The woman never did anything to help me. She'd just jot in her books and nod her head while asking dumb questions.

No one has ever seen any of these paintings and no one will ever see them.

I pulled up a stool and sat in front of the canvas, ready to bring another demon in my head to life. Except this demon doesn't terrorize my life. She brings me something I didn't know I was capable of doing. Holding on to the mental image of her sleeping peacefully in my abode, I made the first stroke on the blank canvas.

The secret room was my sanctuary. My escape from the hell I go through every day. Today, it would be where I capture the essence of Dallas Valencia. My nemesis. My damnation. My maddest obsession.