(Chapter 11)

Syha

The second time I wake up, it's to the alarm blaring right in my ears. Blindly reaching for my alarm, I turn it off and attempt to stretch my arms only to stop abruptly and look down to see the most adorable sight to ever exist.

Araan sleepily drooling on my chest, lazily suckling my nipple. I can't help a loving smile from taking over my face.

I can wake up to this every morning for the rest of my life.

I wish I could let him stay like this for some more time but we both have to go work. Reluctantly, I shake him awake. He pulls away and droopily looks up at me. My cheeks flame up when our eyes meet and Araan looks equally flustered.

"I'll get your tea." I say and get out of the bed, putting my discarded shirt down my head then tying my hair in a bun.

"Okay." He mutters and follows me out of the bed.

The blush just spreads down to my neck as I scramble out of the room with a shy smile threatning to split my face in half.

Washing up and preparing cups of tea for the both of us, I return to our room and place the tray on the nightstand. While Araan showers, I fold the blanket and make the bed, then put clothes out for the day, for the both of us.

Araan walks out of the washroom with a towel low on his lips and another over his shoulder. I gulp at the the water droplets sliding down his chiseled body, following the path of his V line and merging down the towel that seems to barely be hanging on his hips.

Damn, he's so hot.

"Done drooling?" I snap up and he's smirking devilishly.

"You're one to talk." I retort, and very much enjoy the blush that dusts his pale cheeks and spreads down to his yummy chest. "Come on, I got tea. We only have half an hour or so." He nods and gets to grab his clothes off the bed but I catch his hand. I gesture with my eyes for him to sit on the bed. He does without a word.

Taking the towel from him, I begin to rub his hair thoroughly. "You just had a fever, don't go around in damp hair and catch a cold now."

The flush that's still lingering on his skin is very much visible. It makes me smile.

"It's tiring, wiping my hair." He huffs like a petulant child.

"Then I'll do it for you." I say in a heartbeat.

He stills my hand movements and grabs my wrist, tilting his head up to look at me. From this angle, I can see his long lashes casting shadow upon the highs of his cheekbones.

"You'd really like that?" He asks tentatively, as if afraid I'd laugh and say no.

Putting on as much comfort as possibly in my smile, I nod. "I'd love to."

He releases a breathy sigh then gently pulls my wrist close to his mouth and presses a tender, lingering kiss right on my pulse point, driving me crazy. My heart turns all mushy and fuzzy.

"Thank you, for coming into my life." He whispers.

He's gonna make me cry at this rate.

"Look ahead, I'm not done yet." I quickly scold and he does as told, only then do I let my eyes water and inhale a shaky breath in.

It's okay if we aren't having sex right away, this all feels way too intimate than just sex. This feels like our souls are bonding and his heart healing. And that's more than enough for me. For now.

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The day passes on really well, thankfully David doesn't bother me much and lets me on my own, maybe seeing Araan last night ducked some sense into his thick head.

Whatever. I'm glad as long as he keeps his distance from me.

Like usual, I text Araan during lunch time but he doesn't respond. Maybe busy with work. So, I leave a text saying call me when you're free and let it slide.

When I'm done and ready to leave, he still hasn't replied or called. He didn't even read my texts. I don't want to, but concern digs its way in my soul as I hail a cab and head for home. I should renew my liscence soon and get my car back on the road.

Reaching home, I notice Araan's shoes and jacket on the rack and hanger, meaning he's home. Which only increases my worry.

"Araan? I'm home." No response.

The lights in the hallway are off. I turn them on and make my way upstairs. All kinds of dreadful scenarios play in my mind as I ascend the stairs.

What if thugs robbed us and hurt Araan? Maybe they tied him up and took everything? What if he's hurt bad and needs medical emergency?

The worse thought is, what if he went back to being the cold Araan and decided  he doesn't want to give us a chance anymore?

I don't know which one of these is less hurtful and worrisome.

With a shaky hand, I push the door to our room open and sigh in relief. There's no thug or Araan tied up. But there's a lump on the bed, curled up under the covers. And it's shaking.

"Araan?"

The shaking stops. "What's wrong, baby?" I ask softly. Is he crying?

I kneel next to his side of the bed and dare to reach a hand out to touch his shoulder. "Can I look at you?"

When he doesn't protest, I gently push the cover down and my heart breaks seeing the tear streaks on his face. Eyes red rimmed and cheeks all splotchy.

"Oh, sweetheart." I coo, "What's the matter?"

Guess that's all it took for him to break, because the next second, he launches himself at me in a deadly hug. His body trembles as he sobs softly in my arms, making my chest ache. I stroke his hair and rub his back, whispering nothings in his ear as we stay like that for several minutes.

When he's finally calm enough, I slowly push him back so I can climb on the bed and hold him properly. I lay with my back to the headboard and Araan buries his face in the crook of my neck, arms tight around my torso as if afraid I'll run away from him.

This man just doesn't know what he means to me.

I press soothing kisses to his hairline, running my fingertips across his arm that's around my stomach and use the other hand to scrape his scalp, doing everything to coax him into talking without forcing.

After several whispers of 'I'm here', Araan finally speaks up, making my heart run cold and jaw stiffen from his words.

"I saw her."

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