Chapter 24

James was in the front.

-I could drive - he exclaimed angrily.

-No, you can't. I think the doctor clearly explained that you couldn't overexert yourself.

-What does that matter?

-No, you won't.

-Yes, I will. - he answered looking at her even more angry.

-Would you rather do what you want and be physically unhealthy or take care of yourself for a while and be fine? - she scolded him.

- Don't put me in a bad mood. - he said in a whisper.

-Now, shut your mouth! - he exclaimed.

-I don't know why I let you talk to me like that. - he complained.

-I don't either, honestly. I don't dislike it, though.

-Ah, well, do you like it? For what reason, may I ask? - he asked looking at her intently. She took a breath.

-Because it helps you realize that you're not the boss of everyone.

-I don't think I'm the boss of everyone, it's something totally different. - he defended himself.

-You give orders and expect everyone to obey you," he growled.

-And what do you want? I was raised this way, I can't change it.

- I was raised to beat you and you don't see me beating you. - she said looking at him seriously. James turned quickly to look at her.

-Were you beaten?

-That's none of your business.

-You've already told me you've been raised to be beaten, so of course it's my business now. - he said and moved closer to her.

-I won't tell you anything, James, so you can stay away from me.

-At school? - he asked looking straight ahead.

-A little.

- Why didn't I notice?

- Why did you have to notice?

-I just think someone would notice if they hit someone else in the same school. You've changed a lot.

-For better or worse?

-For the better.

James smiled.

-You've changed too.

-Yes, and I know it's for the better. - He laughed.

-Egocentric. - he reproached.

-Why? I know how I was before, and I know I'm better now...

- You're still self-centered.

Luna slowed down. She parked the car in front of the garage and got out carefully.

-Good. -James said and quickly opened the door. Luna just watched. When she entered the house, it was completely empty.

-Well, where's Portia? Where's Rose?

-They went to see your mother.

-About...?

-About an hour ago. Portia was planning to stay there for a few days, she's waiting for your permission.

- That's all right. I need to get the essence of the hospital out of my system. I need to get the scent of the hospital off my chest. - he said with disgust and walked toward the stairs.

He hated being treated with pity, that is, as if he was going to break down at any moment. His body was weak, it was true, but nothing that was unusual considering he took quite a hit when he fell to the floor. His face was the most affected, as he had hit the ground hard.

As he entered the bathroom, a shiver ran through his body as he felt the coldness of the floor on his bare feet. He quickly shed his clothes and desperately turned on the water, leaving it as warm as possible.

She stepped in and as the water ran down her body, she felt her muscles relax. She made a mental list of all her weekly commitments. She had a lot to take care of at the office, she also had several events that she honestly preferred to avoid. He didn't like to attend those kinds of social engagements, at least not when he could skip them. However, an important associate's birthday was coming up in a few days and he was sure that his lack of presence would offend him, as he was a guy who could take everything personally. He thought of Luna. She could accompany him.

She usually didn't bring anyone and if she did, they were momentary dates. He had never really hit it off with any of them, and for that very reason he had avoided inviting them again.

He got out of the shower and after getting comfortable, he went down to the kitchen. Luna was writing something in one of her books.

He walked over to the refrigerator and grabbed a bottle of water. She sat down on one of the stools and looked at her phone for a few seconds. Finally, she looked up and spoke.

- Luna.

- Yes? - she answered without looking at him.

- I have an important engagement on Thursday. Would you mind joining me?

- I beg your pardon?

- It's the birthday of one of my partners. I can't miss it, and I'd go alone but I'd be bored to death.

- Sure. - he replied with a smile. James smiled.

- That's fine. Wear something formal.

Luna nodded. She still felt strangely pathetic. She had to accept that she wasn't. James just wasn't that kind of man, at least not with her. And she loved him more every day.