Never Dared

**ISLA**
I don’t know what to feel at this moment. Zero is with me but he never dared to kiss me or at least tease me—tempt me to pleasure him.
“Zero…” I called his name. He was sitting in the living room and was holding his phone. What I’ve observed is that he’s been on his phone ever since he sat in there. It seems like he’s chatting with someone that he can’t even put down.
It’s hurt that I assumed that he will at least have this moment to get through to me since I never saw him for days again. But it’s not.
I sat on the one-seater sofa across from him and grabbed the throw pillow, resting it on my lap. “How’s work? Seems like you have a busy schedule,” I asked, trying to catch some information.
Zero didn’t speak and stared at me. I arched my brow. Zero broke the gaze and he took a deep sigh. “I’m expanding my business and got workloads to do,” he replied.
I nodded and pressed my lips, trying to flash a smile. “Then you should focus on it. You don’t have to drop by. You can call me if you need me—”
“I’m sorry,” he interrupted, seems like he really did something to me even if he’s not. I am not his obligation. If he feels sorry because he can’t do that. Then it’s fine.
I let out a soft chuckle. “Sorry, for what, Zero? For not fulfilling the sexual needs?”
Zero met my gaze.
I flashed a smile. “Don’t be sorry just because we can’t have sex due to your hectic schedules. You should know that I am not the kind of girl who will long for sex.”
Oh, great, Isla, really? My inner self asked me.
“You should focus on your company. Expansion is not easy. I also heard that from Apollo about a year ago, since our father died. So, I will understand,” I asserted.
Zero heaved a deep sigh again. “Are we good? Is there something bothering you?” I asked. “What’s with the deep sigh—your stares and with your sorry—”
“I’m sorry. I need to say those words. I just need to,” he murmured.
I don’t know what reaction should I need to show. I am confused—what he’s doing is confusing me, big time.
I nodded, “Okay, you’re sorry. But pardon me for I don’t know what to reply to that. Because you don’t owe me anything,” I said and smiled.
“You have classes tomorrow?” he asked. What he’s doing, it’s making no sense. I don’t know but, it seems like something is bothering him but he won’t tell me, simply because he doesn’t trust me or we’re in a relationship.
I shook my head. “I don’t have. They will disinfect the whole school tomorrow,” I informed.
Zero nodded his head. “Hmm…”
I arched my brow and crossed my arms in front of my chest.
Zero pinched the bridge of his nose. “Do you want to come with me?”
“Where?”
“I will visit my parents’ house and just want to unwind before I get back to stress,” he said and bit his lower lip.
I smiled because of his reaction. I didn’t know that the monster that we’ve known had a side like this. “Sure. What time? And are we going back or sleep—”
“No. I will send you back here.”
“What will you tell your mom if she will ask who am I?”
Zero let out a soft chuckle. “Mom knew that you’re Apollo’s sister.”
Hearing those words makes me feel embarrassed. “O-Okay. Anyway, it’s already past six. Do you want something to eat?” I asked as I stood up.
Zero waved his hand. “It’s okay. No need to.” He stood up, “I need to go,” he said. “Gonna pick you up tomorrow at Zero in the morning,” he added.
I sighed and let out a smile, but I know it didn’t even reach my eyes. Hope he will notice the gloominess through my eyes and voice.
“See you then,” I replied, trying to sound lively.
Zero nodded and walked his way out of my unit. I followed him and waved goodbye when he stepped out of my unit.
When I closes the door, I leaned into it and slowly slide down on the floor. Suddenly, I find myself, crying.
His cold treatment is hurting me. I know there’s a problem with Zero’s smiles… everything. I grasped my chest. The pain throbbed in me. We’re not even in a relationship but I’m hurting like this. As if I am a she-wolf that has been rejected by her mate—if I will not find a remedy, the pain will kill me.
I wiped my tears as I stood up and walked towards my room. Maybe this pain will go away if I go to sleep.
I climbed to my bed with an empty stomach and let the darkness take me.
IT WAS five in the morning when I woke up. I took a shower and wear the simplest dress that I have—it’s a Tiffany button-down dress with a shade of mustard. This time, I wear my bra. And I don’t know if Zero will notice it. I wanted to see his reaction.
He used to see me not wearing one. But this time, it will change.
Like he has said last night, he picked me up and we both went down to the parking lot. And to my dismay, he didn’t even lock his eyes into mine—he never dared to stare at my eyes like he always did.
His face is not as lively as before and it all started after that date. I badly wanted to ask him if he has a problem but I held myself because I don’t have the right to do so. I am not his girlfriend. So, I will just stay silent and let my world slowly crumble down.
I am hurting on the inside. I wanted to let out this pain but I don’t know, how. His treatment is killing me.
Zero started the engine and speed away from the parking lot.
I took a deep breath and sighed. Damn, I don’t want this silence. I hemmed to clear my throat but my eyes still darted past through the window. I heaved a sigh again and took the courage to face him.
He then glanced at me before glancing back at the road.
“Do you think we need this trip?” sarcasm filled my voice.
Zero didn’t bother to reply which pissed me off. “I think you’re not fine.” We’re not fine! I wanted to add.
I saw his jaw clenched and his vocal folds moved.
“I am talking to you, Zero,” I uttered but still, he has no reply.
That’s it. I’m pissed! “Stop the car,” I uttered as I looked outside the window. However, he continues to drive.
With a knitted forehead, I looked at him. “Zero, stop the car,” I uttered in a monotone.
I saw how his grip on the steering wheel tightened. I don’t care if he will get mad at me but I can’t stand his treatment anymore.
“I said—what the heck!” I screamed when Zero pulled over and suddenly stepped on the brake which let out a screech of the tires. “Are you trying to—”
“Can you please stay silent?” he exclaimed.
I pressed my lips when he said those words. I pierced my eyes into him and scoffed. “I can’t stand this silence! Especially when you’re treating me like that,” I fired back.
Zero clenched his jaw and sighed. “Look, Isla. As far as I can remember, we’re not in a relationship—you are not my girlfriend for you to act one.”
I scoffed and looked in front. I nodded and smiled as I gazed back at him. When I met his eyes, I saw my reflection. Why are you acting foolishly, Isla? I thought.
“Okay. I understand. That’s why I am stepping out of your car,” I said, trying not to let out my anger. I tried to open the door on my side but it won’t open. I tried once more but it has no use.
I looked back at Zero and glared at him. I don’t care if this will be the reason for us to break the agreement. I just want to breathe some cool air and shout at the top of a high building.
“Open it,” I asserted but Zero is still staring at me. “I am serious, Zero. I will get out to this goddamn car. Why would you bring me to your parents if I am not your girlfriend, right?” sarcasm lingers through my voice.
“Don’t make things complicated—”
“Complicated?” I turned to him. “Do you hear yourself?” I let out a sarcastic chuckle. “I am just concerned and there’s nothing wrong with what I have said to you. With your aura, you can’t blame me to think that you’re not fine.”
“I don’t want to start an argument, Isla. So, you better buckle up and we will visit—”
“No!” I exclaimed. “We will not continue this trip. Not when you’re like that.”
“Then what should I do?!” he barked which makes his voice roar inside his car.
I arched my brow. “Send me back and don’t show your face to me if you will stay like that,” she said which makes Zero form a sly smirk on his lips.
“You’re the one who has a problem here. It seems like you’re expecting something from me—if you’re thinking about what had happened that night and these sudden mood swings, then you really don’t know me and don’t understand the situation.” He shook his head. “I warned you, don’t fall in love with me—”
“Situation? What situation?” is scoffed. “And now, you’re telling me that I don’t know you?” I let out a sarcastic laugh and clenched my jaw after. “You’re right. I don’t know you—I don’t know a monster. I will destroy the car window if you don’t open this,” I said as I hold into the door.
Zero’s forehead creased. “You can’t easily break this bulletproof car.”
I crossed my arms in front of my chest and smirked at him. “Oh, I don’t know that. You know, I am a fool—” I didn’t finish my words and came to a halt when he suddenly unbuckles his seat belt. And what he did next, surprised me. Because he swiftly pressed his lips into mine.