Chapter 5 Taken Care Of

I was tense while sitting inside the car. I just closed my eyes while traveling. I’m still dizzy but thankfully I’m not vomiting anymore.

“Take me to you my hotel, please,” I begged with my eyes shut.

I was out of my mind when I got into his car earlier. I refrained from further argument, sensing his growing irritation based on his frown.

Why didn't I realize the extent of this man's influence? It seems as though he possesses an uncanny ability to anticipate my every thought and move. Regardless of my whereabouts, he consistently manages to track me down.

Zanaida suddenly crossed my mind, prompting me to hit my forehead. I even forgot to say goodbye because of the panic I felt earlier. But it doesn’t matter anyway. I know that her friends will take her home.

A warm touch on my forehead roused me from my thoughts. Slowly waking up, I met his concerned gaze. “Does your head hurt?” I found myself captivated by his intense pair of black orbs. I can see his worry and I wonder for a second if it’s real.

Looking away, I lightly bit my lip, lowering my hand and balling it into a fist in my lap. Realizing I hadn't responded, I turned to him, "I'm fine."

“Yeah, sure,” he mutters with a lace of sarcasm.

He maneuvered the car to the right and then the car stopped. I saw that we were in a condominium, not in a hotel. Furrowing my brow, I protested, "I told you to drop me at the hotel."

“You aren’t well. You will be taken care of in my condo.” He went out and immediately, a valet came to take the key. He came to my side and opened the door.

“Get out.”

I shook my head defiantly. “You should have taken me to my hotel. I can take care of myself just fine,” I insisted I purposely avoided direct eye contact, sensing that a locked gaze might result in him having his way on me.

“Don’t be hard-headed. If you only take care of yourself, you won’t be here with me, drunk and wasted.” The coldness of his voice seeped through me.

My eyes rolled in frustration. What should I do? I chose not to respond and remained seated.

I heard him heave a sigh. A sign that his patience was wearing thin. Oh God, what have I done? One of the lessons that I learned when I met him was to never try or avoid getting on his nerves or triggering his anger.

I don’t know how but the moment we got married, I felt like all of my braveness when I met him disappeared. Or maybe it’s just because I haven’t seen him in a few years that I feel like he’s gotten stronger. Too strong for a vulnerable woman like me.

The next thing I knew, I was being lifted! Instead of struggling like I did earlier, I instinctively hugged his neck and buried my face. "I'm sorry!" I mumbled, my voice muffled.

My face feels warm because of embarrassment. I tried hard to appeal, but I couldn’t stand it. Is it bad that this becomes the outcome of my decision just because I don’t want him to be mad at me or lose his patience with me?

I didn't pay attention to our surroundings, but I sensed the moment we entered the elevator. My breathing is rugged, but I’ve never felt this comfortable while being carried. I felt like I was running out of breath because of the strength and speed of my heartbeat.

“Are you alright?” His whispered words near my ear, the warmth of his breath, and the touch of his lips on my skin made me gasp and shiver.

“This is weird,” I mumbled, breathless. “Put me down,” I demanded when I realized something.

Instead of complying, he tightened his grip. "Later."

I felt him inhaling the scent of my hair, and I closed my eyes tightly to suppress my shivers.

This is insane! Am I falling in love with this guy so easily?! This is impossible. No! I am not in love. This is just an attraction. It’s not possible for me to fall in love right away when we just met. I don’t fall in love easily.

I met several men who, like Octavious, are extremely attractive. There was a time when I was attracted to them. But I’m not sure what kind of attraction I have for Octavious. Is this lust?

My head only hurt. Oh God, can I just go to sleep now?

I felt the soft bed against my back and couldn't help but smile sheepishly. Ah, this is nice.

“Wait here. I’ll prepare your warm bath. Don’t sleep yet,” I heard him say. Seconds later, I heard his movement around the room and the opening of the door which I think was the bathroom.

I slowly opened my eyes, and a very big room welcomed me. I was laying in the middle of a huge bed. I suddenly feel so dirty. The bed smells so good. The room smelled so heavenly. While here I am, looks so messy!

I slowly got up. So, this is where my husband sleeps. It struck me that this was no ordinary unit but possibly a penthouse. It was my first time here.

Has he brought women here? The thought makes me want to raise hell. I pinched myself because of the thought.

So what? We don’t like each other, and marriage is no excuse for him to like someone else.

But we both agreed to be faithful to each other. He should not have a woman during the duration of our marriage!

But what if, during the course of our agreement, he happens to fall in love?

My head hurt again because of the thought. I was in that state when Octavious enter the room.

“Your bath is ready.”

“Ohh, thank you…” I was about to get off the bed when he quickly came to me and picked me up again.

“I can walk, you know,” I protested.

“I can also carry you.”

We entered a very spacious bathroom. A bathtub filled with water and bubbles stood on the side, and the walls were made of glass, offering a breathtaking view of city lights. He placed me next to the tub.

My insides throbbed as I watched him organize my things, bringing them closer for easier reach. I bit my lower lip. Why hasn't he left yet? I can manage to do that. The longer he stays here inside, the longer my minds wander everywhere. It’s very dangerous for a man like him to be this close to a woman who’s craving not for food but wanton things.

“Do you want my help—”

“No. Get out! You’ve been here for a while now. How am I supposed to undress with you around? Don’t tell me you want to watch?!” I forcefully pushed him out of the bathroom.

“I just want to help—”

“Help? Do you think it's helpful if you stare at me like you want to devour me alive?!"

He grinned and raised both hands. “I’m innocent here Euphrasia. You’re the one staring like you’re about to bite me.”

I was dumbfounded there. Oh, right! It’s all about me and my fucking hormones. Why did I imply that he looks like he's drooling over me when, in reality, it's the other way around?

His smile held me captive, and as he stepped closer, I instinctively retreated into the bathroom.

“W-whatever!” I quickly closed the bathroom and leaned against the back door. I felt my cheeks heat up. Oh no, this is not good. We shouldn’t be in the same room because I might be tempted!

My drunkenness seemed to have been removed from my body because of what was happening. I quickly took off my clothes and jumped into the tub. Well, I guess, I better take a bath first before I fight with Octavious. I need to smell good from head to toe so I’m not the only one struggling with his presence.

An evil smile crept across my face as I entertained thoughts of what I might do to him later in bed. However, the grin faded abruptly. What the heck? Did I suddenly plan to seduce him? Oh my god, I’m still really drunk because what’s going through my mind.

I submerge myself underwater to stop myself from thinking wild things. Remember Euphrasia, you are the woman here. You shouldn’t show wildness while you’re drunk. You will definitely regret it tomorrow.

Upon finishing my shower, I found neatly laid out clothes. I wore white pajamas adorned with a leafy print, which suited me perfectly. I wonder if he bought that for me or if the pajamas are for someone else. Wrapping a short towel around my hair, I exited the bathroom.

Octavious was on the bed, holding a hair dryer. He turned towards me as I entered.

I halted in my tracks. He’s also wearing the same printed pajamas as what I was wearing.

“Come here. Let’s dry your hair.” He tapped the space between him.

I felt hypnotized as I walked towards him. I slowly sat on the bed. I took my place in the middle of him. I sat in an Indian seat while he began to blow-dry my hair.