His Kind of Goodnight

”Yes. Ros. I’ll be needing that.”

There is a fine line between my lips. My thoughts were preoccupied for the duration of the ride back to his penthouse. It consisted solely of me listening to Aciel receive intermittent phone calls. Instantly upon awakening, I was confronted by Aciel's call.

A soft, "Alia," escaped his lips.

When I opened my eyes, he was standing at the open car door, leaning toward me. This close, I can feel his breath on my neck.

”We’re home.”

When I opened my eyes again, I realized I'd been sleeping through the ride home. While maintaining this stance, his fingers ran through my hair. To be honest, I had no idea why, but my heart started beating a little faster.

I gave an offhand "hmm" before making some forward progress. To my astonishment, he didn't let go of my hand as he assisted me out of his car.

As we strolled across the concrete of his private parking lot, I watched as his hands encircled mine. Something about this new feeling makes my stomach feel like it might twist.

In the elevator, we didn't say a word to each other. It's a good thing I'm a good actress since I was worried he could read my mind. Though his hands were getting a little crowded, I managed to keep my cool and my innocence.

After we entered his apartment, I expected him to release my hand, but he didn't. He held on until we entered the lobby and saw the two uniformed guards waiting for us.

”This is Sibal, your personal bodyguard.” Aciel spoke.

When the tall, thin man extended his hand, I released my grip on Aciel's and extended mine as well.

”Sibal, Ms. Hampton.”

’N-nice to meet you. Uhm, hi.” I didn’t know what to say.

”And this is Ros.” The other man offered his hand as well.

”They will take turns in supervising your safety.” Aciel explained , touching the small of my back.

I smiled at them and they did the same. I don’t know what’s their difference with the men I always saw outside but, it’s not that I should care about it anymore. Aciel will just do things in his own way.

He then said coldly, "That will be all," and the two guys exited the room.

They were already out of sight when I turned to look at Aciel. Perhaps he could tell by the look of confusion on my face that I needed no words to explain, and so he did.

”Those two are the most credible men I have. We’ll lessen your security, now that things are a bit organized and of place.”

My lips parted. Lessen?

”Uhm, okay. I timidly said. His lips twisted as he watched my face.

”You should go and rest now.” he commanded softly.

To which I nodded and prepared to turn my back, but he had already handed me the paper bag. This is the tool we brought a while ago.

”I already saved my number. So you can call me whenever you’re in need.”

”Thank you for this.” I whispered, I couldn't even meet his eyes.

”Anything for you.” he said and touched my hair.

Repeatedly, my stomach began to twist violently. So, with my confused thoughts, I turned my back on him and entered the room he had provided for me. I have a jumbled, disordered mentality. I have no idea why I'm experiencing such a whirlwind of conflicting feelings.

Perhaps because so much had transpired on this particular day. Oh wow, I'm just getting started. Despite my previous assurances, I've found that going underground is more difficult than I had anticipated.

I turned on the new cell phone he'd given me. My dad has never allowed me to have a cell phone, so this is my first time using one. Like the computer, I am well familiar with its features because Lulu often let me borrow hers.

This is one of the many things that has thrown my thoughts into disarray. I don't understand why he would give me a device that gives me access to the outside world and allows me to have communications with anyone else. Even though he wouldn't allow me go out, he gave me permission to buy this. Although, now that I think about it, I shouldn't waste time worrying about things that don't matter. As long as I have this, it will serve my purposes. Elijah, you are such a dolt.

As I reached into my pocket, I felt the crumpled piece of paper. I can't get Lulu's beautiful face out of my brain. I could tell that her eyes were trying to say something to me that they couldn't say aloud, but we didn't have time for that.

When I unfolded the crumpled paper, I discovered a string of numbers. The meaning dawned on me immediately. I made a contact using her number and sent her a message.

Me:

Lulu, this is me Alia. I’m glad I saw you at the mall. Don’t worry about me, I’m fine and doing well. But please don’t text or call me without me texting or calling you first, he might have caught us. Thank you and I’ll call you tomorrow when he’s not here.

As I typed out the message, I bit my finger. I lay back on the plush queen size bed and closed my eyes. My body is telling me that today was too much work. Running away from something is exhausting not because of the activities themselves but because of the very nature of the pursuit. You'll never be able to shut your brain off.

To relax and unwind, I soaked in a hot bath. A week here seems like an eternity. Is it because this place isn't serving the function I thought it would? He never kissed me or had sexual relations with me. When will he do something? I wouldn't expect it, of course.

After what seemed like an eternity on the bed, I groggily sat up. I can't get to sleep because of these worries! While I was standing there, I noticed the city lit up at night. The brightness level of the lights has reached its customary maximum. I made an effort to pinpoint the precise location of my home, but ultimately gave up. There's no way that could happen.

One of Aciel's secretaries had given me a luxurious silk robe to sleep in, and I put it to good use. It's really long, and it's about to touch the ground. I walked out the door without even bothering to buckle my shoes or tie my laces.

As I closed my door, I took care not to make any noise that he might hear. The dark lighting throughout the penthouse makes for an intimate atmosphere. While I was making my way to the end of the hall, I noticed that the moon was shining brightly through the front window panes. Light is a phenomena that casts shadows everywhere.

I bolted towards the kitchen, where I popped open the fridge and poured myself a glass of milk. When I was finished drinking, I went barefoot from the dining room to the living room. My intention to relax on the couch was interrupted by the reverberation of mutters and inaudible swears.

This is where I halted.

”Fuck it.”

And who more could it be?

”That’s some type of bullshit, Ros. Just fucking look for that asshole and give him the taste of hell.”

I tried to listen to what he was saying, but it was too quiet. Quieter footsteps eventually led me to his voice. Some time ago, I happened to catch sight of him topless and still in his bottoms standing in front of the end glass wall.

Taking a deep breath, I sucked it in. I inadvertently shook my head. My heart started racing again, and he swiftly turned his head to look at me. Oh no, he obviously felt I was going to spy on him.

"I think we're done here, Ros." When he finished talking, he hung up.

Aciel came toward me, looking perplexed and hardened. Thanks to my own self-control, I refrained from recoiling at the sight of him. Just one meter away, he stared at the glass of milk I was holding.

”Can’t sleep?”

”Uhm, not really. I just want some.” I lied.

The furrows in his brow deepened. Not sure if that's just a reflex or if he's actually perplexed.

”Aren’t you gonna rest?” I followed up so that he would not ask me questions.

As I stated those words, his warm brown eyes focused intently on me. I felt the proximity of his barefoot to mine increase as he continued to walk closer to me. Damn. Why do I have this sudden anxiety?

As he delicately touched my face, I gazed up into his eyes. The soothing nature of his touch almost causes me to pass out. Though my brain tells me to get up and brush off his contact, my body insists I stay put. Without my knowledge or permission, my body accepts it.

”I just had to deal with some calls. But I was about to.”

He seems mildly amused by the situation. It made me even more apprehensive and nervous, and I swallowed.

”You should. We came out straight when you came home from work. So you need to.” I said.

It appeared that he had moved his jaw. He seemed like he was having a hard time by taking his focus off of me and closing his eyes tightly. A line formed on my forehead.

He sighed. “I will. Finish your milk and I’ll escort you into your room.”

I almost brow-furrowed at that. Why? Can he really believe I'm going to try to sneak out? I mean, it's not like I can do that with all his men lurking around the exterior corners.

I gave a curt nod and then ignored him. Back in the kitchen, I drained the last of the milk. After I finished cleaning the glass, I returned. He's leaning against the wall on one side, waiting for me to arrive.

Initially, I wasn't sure what to do as he extended his hand to me. However, upon meeting his gaze, my entire being tensed up. When I put my hand in his, he took the lead without saying a word.

I sucked in my lower lip.

My heart feels like it's going to burst. Jesus. Is he seriously only planning on escorting me? If that's the case, then I guess we'll have to go to work right now. This is driving me absolutely insane.

We were just about to enter my house when he halted in front of it to examine me. His patient waiting indicates that he has no plans to enter. I let out an involuntary sigh.

”I’ll go now.” I uttered.

The man gave a slight affirmative nod. My hands slipped gently away from him. I could tell that his mind was wandering to the what I had done. Tiredly, he licked his lips and studied me. I tightened my lips on the handle.

His hand is still on my back. As soon as I walked through the door, he greeted me by name and grabbed my arm.

I looked at him in a curious manner. “Hmm?”

I had been caught aback and was unprepared for his following actions. He went outside the boundaries and kissed my forehead. In fact, I came dangerously close to stopping breathing from the twisting in my stomach.

After that he said, "Good night."