Chapter 11

Chapter 11

I arrived at Troy's house just before five in the evening. Upon entering, I noticed food set up on the dining table, suggesting that Troy was already home. Assuming he might be in his room showering, I decided not to disturb him. However, what caught my attention were the two plates prepared on the table. Why were there two dishes? Could it be that...Troy was waiting for me and had prepared these plates for us to have a meal together? The thought excited me, although I couldn't understand why.

Before I could ponder further, Troy's bedroom door unexpectedly opened, revealing a slim girl stepping out. I blinked in surprise. The previous hopeful thought burst like a bubble in my mind as I observed the woman in a tube dress with slightly messy hair and a visible red mark on her neck. "Who are you?" she asked. I found myself unable to speak, feeling a lump in my throat. Could she be Troy's girlfriend? Did Troy have a girlfriend? Why hadn't he mentioned it to me? But then again, why should he? We were nothing more than strangers.

"Woman, I'm asking you," the woman pressed, irritation evident in her eyes. Just as I was about to respond, I noticed Troy standing behind her. My heart sank as I saw the wide smirk on his reddish lips. "She's my cousin, Margarette," Troy interjected. The woman's earlier irritation transformed into a smile.

"I thought she was your side chic, Troy," she laughed seductively, wrapping her arm around Troy's waist. I gritted my teeth. Why was I feeling this way? It felt as though something was tearing at my heart. "She's a relative, don't be so jealous," Troy playfully retorted. Margarette burst into laughter, leaning in to kiss Troy right in front of me. Unable to bear the sight, I spoke up. "I'll leave you two. I'll wait outside," I said coldly.

Troy and I locked eyes, and his arrogant smirks only intensified my annoyance. It seemed as though he underestimated my presence in front of both him and Margarette. As if I were an inconvenience, someone who needed to leave immediately. Damn it!

"You don't have to, sis. I'm leaving anyway. Take care of Troy for me, okay? Bye!" Margarette exclaimed, reaching for her bag. "Bye, babe!" she kissed Troy on the cheek before making her exit. The house fell silent after Margarette's departure. Troy raised an eyebrow at me, and I averted my gaze, heading to the dining room to tend to the food. Now I realized that the other plate wasn't meant for me; it was for his girlfriend.

"Have you eaten yet? If so, I can put away these dishes," I stated while arranging the food. I heard his footsteps approaching me, and for some reason, my heart started racing. "I haven't. Let's eat together," he suggested. I paused and turned to face him. He was... studying me, searching for something within me. I looked away, certain that he would mock me if he knew how I felt at that moment. Even I didn't understand my own emotions. All I knew was that I was... angry, without a clear reason.

"Okay," I replied curtly, setting the table for the two of us. As we sat down, we began eating in silence. He had prepared these dishes earlier, so why hadn't he eaten with his girlfriend? "So... have you completed your requirements now?" he asked.

"Yes," I responded without meeting his gaze. I felt his surprise as if he hadn't expected me to complete my tasks so quickly. "That's surprising. How did you manage that?" he asked playfully. "What did you expect? It's normal. I live here, so of course I could get it done," I retorted, still avoiding eye contact. He chuckled. "What's with the mood? Are you mad at me?" he asked, amused. I was taken aback.

Yes, indeed. I truly had no reason to be angry. I looked at him and forced a fake smile. "No, why would I be mad at you?" I replied in a friendly tone. He raised an eyebrow and studied me carefully. I refused to back down, maintaining my gaze.

But damn... his piercing green eyes are making my knees weak. Thank goodness we were both seated; otherwise, I might have stumbled from where I was standing. "I sense that you're angry with me," he suddenly became more serious. I don't know why, but I feel nervous about whatever I'm experiencing right now. This is the first time I've ever felt this way about someone, especially someone I barely know.

"Don't assume too much; it could be your downfall," I told him and continued eating. He remained silent and resumed his meal. Taking a deep breath, I sipped some water. "Now that I have work requirements for tomorrow, I'll start searching for a job immediately. It won't be long before I find a new place to stay so that you can freely be with your girlfriend without having to lie and say I'm your cousin," I spoke, finding it difficult to voice out my words.

"She's not my girlfriend," he uttered, stopping me in my tracks. What? Not his girlfriend? But his room, and those marks on her neck that look like hickeys? Unbelievable. I looked at him in disbelief, while he simply stared back at me. I couldn't decipher his expression. His serious eyes revealed that he was contemplating something. "Is that even possible? There's no need to lie. I couldn't care less if she's your girlfriend or not," I said, frustrated by his dishonesty.

Why does he keep denying that the girl in his room is not his girlfriend when it's evident what transpired between them? "Tss. I don't do girlfriends. She's just a friend," he stated as if that was the absolute truth. I clenched my teeth. "I’m not dumb. Who would believe that she's just a friend when she came out of your bedroom looking satisfied with whatever happened in there?!" my tone began to rise.

"We had sex, but that doesn't make her my girlfriend. We both enjoyed it, and that's it," he stated casually. My jaw dropped. What the hell? Is he saying it was simply casual sex? No strings attached?! Damn it! I know this kind of thing happens in real life, but I didn't expect it to be the same here in Tyreese!

"So, you're a player," I concluded. He raised an eyebrow, leaning forward and locking his gaze with mine. There's something in his eyes that I can't comprehend. I don't know why, but every time he looks at me like this, I feel like I'm drowning. It's as if a million people are watching me through his intense gaze.

"I'm not toying with anyone's emotions. Right from the start, I made it clear that I only want sex," he stated nonchalantly, shrugging his shoulders. I could only shake my head in disbelief.

"Whatever. Do as you please then," I retorted, taking a sip of my water. "Do as I please?" he questioned.

We locked eyes for a moment. A smirk formed on his lips, and I couldn't immediately grasp its meaning. Frowning, I was taken aback as he leaned closer to me. His sudden approach created a slight barrier between us, courtesy of the table. "Stop it!" I couldn't help but yell at him, yet he paid no heed until our faces were just inches apart. My heart raced uncontrollably, threatening to burst in my chest.

I couldn't comprehend it, but even in this situation, his eyes... they mesmerized me. "If I told you that it's you I desire... would you say yes then?" His words caused my world to come crashing to a halt. My lips parted, and I struggled to catch my breath as I attempted to gather my thoughts. What the hell is he talking about?! "W-What?" I stammered in shock. He wickedly smirked.

"I want you..." he huskily uttered.