Chapter 39

“I can’t stay here.”

“Rose, don’t say that. Whatever’s going on, you gotta suck it up. It’s either you stay there or wave your ass around so Jacob could see you.”

“The problem is that I am not welcome here. Courtesy of his mother.” He started to reason out for me but I cut him off. “I am not trying to be dramatic here or anything. His mom literally warned me to stay away from his son. I can’t stay here, Colton. Please. Just help me, okay. We’ll plan something on the way.”

He sighs. “Fine. You’re the boss. Just send me the address, alright.”

I exhaled in relief. “Thank you, Colton. You’re the best.”

“You better think of a solution for this.” We then hung up.

I sighed as I looked up at the ceiling. My mind was beginning to turn its wheels. I have to make a lot of backup plans from A to Z.

I really shouldn't stay here. I have a knack for parents hating me. I don't want to drive a wedge between Nile and his family.

After deciding, I went downstairs to look for Nile. I don’t care if he’s going to go berserk about my decision but I’m not going to stay in this house knowing his mother is against my existence.

“It’s a surprise that you’ve been absent in your office. Your secretary told me that you took a leave. I thought for sure you only leave for a day. Turns out you’ve been gone for days.”

I heard a voice of a woman from the living room. I felt annoyed at the fact that she sounded sexy and charming. I stomped towards them with renewed purpose.

“What are you here for, Christina? I suggest you say what you need to say. I still have a lot of work to do.”

The woman tried to chuckle seductively. “Oh, sweet Nile. You know I’m only here for you.”

Just as I reached them, I saw her start clinging her prying hands to Nile. She scooted closer towards him, head leaning towards his shoulder. Nile’s eyes widened when he saw me in front of them.

The woman raised a brow as she saw me. Nile immediately brushed her off and stood in front of me in haste.

“Kura-”

I stopped him with a raise of my hand. “I’m leaving. And it seems you’re busy.” I glared at the woman behind him who was still sitting at the sofa with pride. She dared to glare back at me. She was trying to look hostile. As if that will scare me. Her eyes went down to my outfit which made her scowl even more in distaste. For sure she was envious. I tilted my head up regally with conceit before returning my attention to the man in question. “So goodbye, Veselov.” I then whirled around to leave.

Nile grabbed my arm and pulled me back. “Kura! What the hell! Don’t be too careless when you know what's out there for you.” He growled.

I shrugged his hand off, surprised that I was actually strong enough to do that. Nile’s grip has always been tight and from the way he handles me during sex, he’s very strong and got a lot of stamina.

I glowered at him and felt that it’s useless to explain to him so I turned around once again and left him. He tried to follow me but the bitch stopped him. For once, I was thankful for her interruption even though it cost my annoyance.

Just in time, Colton was able to enter the property and on his way to park in front of me.

“Kura!” Nile called behind me. But the woman followed him and called him as well. I became more convinced to leave this place.

Colton slowed down towards me but I didn’t hesitate to climb to the car without waiting for it to stop. I heard Nile called me again followed by profanities as he ran downstairs towards us. I ignored him and slammed the door shut while yelling at Colton to hurry and go.

“Are you crazy?! Why the hell did you do that? You two obviously were arguing again.” He chided as he watched Nile from the mirror.

“Just fucking drive.”

“To where exactly? To Belle’s? Quinn’s?! Did you even listen to our conversation yesterday?” He’s starting to yell at me like a mother.

“Oh my god, Colton. You sound exactly like Quinn.” I said with a roll of my eyes.

“Shut up. You know you’re being reckless right now. And you’re involving me with your lover’s quarrel.”

“Look, I already told you why I was leaving. It wasn’t just simply an argument. If it were, I would’ve irked him even more rather than leaving like a loser.” I retorted.

“Right. You and your ways of challenging people. So it’s not because you’re jealous of that woman?” He was saying it nonchalantly but I know he was obviously teasing me.

I glared at him with an intention of wringing his neck. He surrendered by shrugging and smirking childishly. “So where to?”

“Runner Studios. And don’t let them know I left.” I added immediately.

“Even if we don’t let them know, Nile will inform them for sure.”

“Just don’t tell them, okay? I have enough arguments for today.” I brushed my hair with my hand in frustration.

The atmosphere in the car became quiet after that but it only lasted for a short time.

“Hey… you don’t have to worry about Nile’s mother. I’m sure she’s just protective over her only son.”

“Do you think I don’t know that? You know… it was either people were intimidated by me or hated me. It’s understandable. As a matter of fact, I don’t care if her mother hates me because I look like this or because of my status. I respect parents who care for their children. Regardless if they hate me or disgusted by me because of who or what I am. I mean come on. I sure wish that would happen to me. Parents who actually care. A father who does.”

The last phrase was almost in a whisper. But Colton knew my issue. He was there when everything fell apart.

He replied with silence. His hands gripped the steering wheel tightly. I looked away to the window to my side and forced myself to look at the view that was passing by in a blur to distract my depressing mind. The topic of family always grazed my heart.

The silence remained for a long time before he brought up the fact that I was wearing no ordinary clothes. Nile’s clothes in other words.

“I don’t think I want to return to my apartment for now.”

“Understandable. Wanna go shopping then before we go to your company?”

“Yeah, let’s do that. By the way, how’s your cafe? Don’t you think you stayed here long enough?” I asked, suddenly curious. He hasn't returned home since he got here. The atmosphere became light again when he noticed what I was wearing right now.

“I left it with one of my trusted employees.”

“That cute kid Eli?” I suddenly remembered the kid. He reminded me of Nile when he’s trying not to feel embarrassed.

He laughs. “Yes, him. I trust him. He’s been saving up for school, you know. He had to stop for a year. Life’s tough for him and his mom. He’ll be a freshman in high school once he continues schooling.”

“I see. I guess he's lucky to have you as his boss.”

“I’m grateful for him too and the others as well. I wouldn’t be able to come here and help them to find you without closing the cafe. They’re pretty much people I could trust. After reassuring your safe, I figured I’d stay here for a while. What happened is still fresh. I want to keep an eye on my best friend until I feel it’s fine.” He gave me a small smile as he stole a glance at me while driving.

“Aww, that’s so sweet.” I teased while pressing my hand to my chest. I moved to initiate a kiss on his cheek. I might be teasing him but my heart swelled with happiness knowing he’s here for me. That hasn’t changed since then.

Colton laughs. “Don’t get too conceited. Also, it’s high time for me to have a break. I’ve been working nonstop ever since Hana’s death. It stopped me from thinking too much about her.”

I smiled sadly. I rubbed his arm affectionately to show him my support. “You know that I’m also here for you, right?”

He looks at me and grins. “Of course.”

When I turned my eyes to the road, a car was almost hitting right at us. “Colton, watch out!”