Chapter Nine

Chapter Nine

He laid me gently back in bed, looking satisfied with himself. I noticed the food neatly packed on the bedside table, and its enchanting flavours instantly made my mouth water. I didn’t want to eat this man’s food, yet, I was suddenly craving it so much. If my senses were right, then, chicken burritos and chops were among the neatly packed dishes. I thought he said; “granola and milk then!”?

He slumped regally to the seat beside the bed with his captivating eyes staring cautiously at me, as if trying to read my expression. The man in a suit and glasses walked in in hurried footsteps, looking all anxious and troubled. I flushed pink, sensing that he must’ve known that I was in there, in that bath with this bossy, annoying man.

He whispered something into his ear and his expression changed to that of hatred and anger. His grey eyes blazed like ashened frost. He quickly glanced at me and strode out, furiously blaring “No! Freya, you can’t!” into his phone. The guy in glasses followed him quickly, closing the door gently behind them.

Who was this Freya? Not like I cared, but she sure knew how to piss him off, which delighted me greatly. Freya was his karma for me, certainly.

The guy in glasses walked in again with a surrendered look. He drew a stool beside my bed and sat on it, looking anxiously at me. He looked like a scared little child.

“Would you like to eat now, ma’am?”

I looked at him with uncertainty. I was hungry, but i didn’t want anything from Mr. Entitled. I shut my eyes, subconsciously biting my lip. I could pretend I was receiving this food from glasses guy. When I opened my eyes again, he was all flushed up, with a shy look splayed on his face, as he swallowed and blinked timidly.

I gave him a little smile, trying to pacify him. This may have been the first time in a long time since I smiled. He smiled back shyly at me. He must have taken that as a yes, because he drew the bedside table before me, then went around to help me sit in an upright position.

He opened the meal with shaky fingers, and I couldn't help but smile inwardly. What sort of effect did I have on a man that already works for a Greek god?

“What is your name?”

He looked puzzled at me first, then he relaxed, giving me a small smile. “Lucavo.” “Lucavo Roderigo, assistant to Mr. Brandon.” he added quickly. His way of saying “Mr. Brandon” held some sort of strange solemnity in it.

Mr. Brandon… why did that name ring a bell? So his name was Brandon?

“I’m Lena” the words had just slipped out of my mouth. That was Mia’s way of endearing me, and I was surprised at myself for addressing myself the same way to this man. Maybe that was my own way of endearing him and letting off his pressure.

“Lena.” he repeated in admiration.

I blushed a little.

“That’s a beautiful name.” he said with a smile. I swallowed shyly and rolled my eyes at him.

* * * * *

He was feeding me the last piece of my burrito chicken when his boss, Mr. Brandon (also Entitled) walked in with a knit on his furrowed brows, and tiny droplets of rain speckled his hair, skin and clothes. His sleeves were rolled up, giving him that modelled, enticing look.

I choked on my food, spitting it out, making Lucavo more scared and fidgety.

“Be careful with her!” he snapped angrily, taking giant strides towards us.

“Sorry ma’am.” Lucavo muttered fearfully, lifting his shaky hands to my face with a glass of water that kept spilling mercilessly before it could reach my mouth.

I took a sip, but I still coughed painfully, so, Mr. Entitled, or Brandon rather, put one hand on my left shoulder blade, steadying me, while his other hand rocked my back to and fro in precise vigour, relieving me of the choking sensation in my throat and chest.

I wriggled away from under his grip, muttering “I'm fine.” and he sighed, letting me go.

“Do you still want some more, ma’am?” that was Lucavo, sounding embarrassed. He too may be intimidated by the presence of this god.

“ No.” I smiled at him. “I’m filled.”

I could hear Brandon suck his teeth from behind me in anger, maybe, and Lucavo quickly scurried out. Was that some sort of secret sign?

He crossed the room and stood before me, his gaze curious and a bit implicit. He clenched his teeth tightly as if he was trying so hard not to combust. Why was he so angry?

“You sure know how to take care of yourself!” he snapped angrily, glaring at me.

I opened my mouth to say something, but quickly closed it again.

“Well?” he cocked his head to one side intrusively.

“I don’t need your care.” I said haughtily but quietly.

“You don’t get to choose!” oh, so entitled!

“Well, no one’s hurting me cos of you.” I snapped back, glaring at him.

“You have no idea.” he said quietly, walking towards the bathroom.

My mouth fell open and quivered into a short, painful chuckle. What did he mean by that??? Why would anyone want to hurt me because of him?

“You’re being ridiculous!” I glared at his retreating figure, but he did not spare me a glance or a word.

My phone started ringing again, and he strode out of the bathroom wiping his hands with a tiny towel, his eyes never leaving mine. I looked away quickly, not brave enough to fall into the depths of his charming grey eyes.

“Wanna take the call?” his voice so cool, and very unlike him crossed the silence between us.

“Who is it?” I asked, trying to be as meek as possible.

He retrieved the phone from my purse, and smirked at the caller’s ID.

“Boyfriend?” he sounded somewhat surprised, amused even.

I swallowed, trying hard not to look at his expression.

"What day is it?” I asked instead.

“Tuesday.”

“Oh no!” I gasped, terrified. It’s been three days since that saturday. His head was cocked to one side, questioningly.

“Date? What date?”

“July 13, 2021, Miss Fields.”

My heart jumped to my mouth. Not just for the date, but also by how he addressed me. He must know everything about me then. My throat went dry in frustration. I was confused, tired.

“Do you want to talk to him?”

“No… I don't know…" I shuddered.

His lips quirked up in a knowing smile, with his eyes fixed on me like it could tear into my soul. I fidgeted with my knuckles, biting my lips slowly as my pupils rolled in terror.

When I glanced back at him, his eyes had grown dark, and he clenched his teeth in such a way that I thought it would grind itself to flour. I turned away from him quickly, darting my eyes everywhere else except him.

Suddenly, Lucavo opened the door slightly, peeking his head into the room.

“Mr. Brandon, Miss Galena has a visitor.” he looked hesitant for a while. “He calls in as ‘boyfriend’, may I let him in?”