Chapter 6

Chapter Six

Soleil

My eyes were on Quillon as I chewed my first bite slowly. To be honest, I didn't expect him to come out of his tent, much less to bring me food. The way he shoved my hand off him and the firmness of his voice really threw me off.

And now, agreeing to accompany me as I eat, I'm not sure what his deal is.

He sat in front of me, looking away, and his posture screams that he wanted to get out of here.

His body was rigid, his spine straight like steel, and his jaw didn't relax from clenching.

And knowing he wanted to get out of here fast? Makes me want to eat slowly.

"Aren't you hungry?" I asked, squinting my eyes when his eyes fluttered before shutting and an exhale came out of his lips.

"No." He opened his eyes and looked at my food. "Why aren't you eating?"

"I am eating. I was just enjoying the food. Thank you for this, by the way."

His nostril flared, and his head hung low. I swear I heard a growl from him, but it's too low.

"You're welcome. Now stop talking and finish your meal." Then he looked up at the sky, pinching the bridge of his nose, his eyes still closed.

I took another bite and gawked at his Adam's apple as it bobbed up and down.

"Nah. I love talking while eating. It helps with my digestion."

Quillon let a long, trembling sigh and I smirk. I didn't know I'd enjoy getting under someone else's skin other than my father and Callix.

I almost choked when his eyes finally landed on mine, though.

"Fine. Talk. What do you want to talk about?"

I smiled. "About what happened earlier--"

"Anything but that."

I arched a brow. "Why? Because it turned you on?"

The words already came out of my mouth before I could stop it. It has been my thought since he walked away. I felt his manhood on me, hard as stone. I couldn't shake the thought that I made him feel aroused.

The way his eyes darkened while looking at me... Damn. My thighs clenched together, my core dampening so quickly, it shocked me.

I looked away.

"Keep eating," he growled. I took another bite of his command. "We're not talking about what happened. It was just a spur of the moment, it won't happen again."

Oh-kay. That's another way to tell how he regretted what we did.

"Fine."

"Eat."

"I am eating. My mouth's still full."

"That's why you shouldn't talk, keep chewing."

I chewed fast and gulped. "You know, I think this forest consists of magical entities," I said, changing the subject.

"Why'd you think that?"

"See that fire? It goes back to life when it's about to die down."

The smirk formed in his lips travelled to his eyes, showing a glimmer of amusement.

"Fire does that all the time."

I groaned. "I know. Duh. But look, there's no wood to feed the fire but it's still in flames."

His eyes went to the fire. I watched as he tightly shut his eyes.

"Shit." He mouthed without sound.

"See? I told you."

He looked at me with a frown now. I was grinning and I don't know how to describe it, but he still looked amused.

Thank you, magical creatures! Finally, this man looked far from bored of his life.

As quickly as his face gave emotion, it dies down as fast.

My eyes travelled on his arm. I noticed the veins from it almost popping. He was probably clenching his fist so badly. Does he hate being with me that much or was it because he showed a bit of emotion?

Can't tell.

"What are your plans?" He asked that tore my eyes off his arm.

"About what?"

"You said you ran away from something. How long will you stay here?"

Oh. Well, I really don't have an answer to that.

"I haven't thought about that yet." I chuckled.

"You're not thinking of staying here." He said it like he ordered me not to even think about it.

"Of course not," I scoffed. "Maybe I'll stay for one or two."

"Days?"

"Weeks. You can't wait to get rid of me, huh?" I chewed another bite.

His jaw clenched but he didn't answer.

The moment I swallowed the last bit of the sweet potato, Quillon was already on his feet. Ready to leave.

"Wait, your plate!" I called when he turned and stepped away.

"Just leave it there." And he was gone in sight, and inside his tent.

I pouted. My mind wandered if he would also let me crash his tent for the night but I didn't push my birthday luck that far.

**

The following day, Quillon avoided me like the plague. And it didn't stop there; it continued until a week passed by.

I'm baffled by how he managed to avoid me since we're living close to each other. We had brief interactions, but I always found him running away from me.

Just like today...

I went out of my tent and stretched my arms out, smiling at the sun.

Quillon's presence was suddenly there, I feel him. So I opened my eyes and found his eyes looking at me.

Not on my face, though, but on my stomach. My flesh from under my bust, to my navel, was showing from how my shirt bunched.

The smile on my face was replaced by a flutter of nerves. The way his eyes darkened has its effect on me.

Quickly, I pulled my shirt down.

"Good morning!" I greeted, grinning.

He grunts. Grunt. And walked away. I don't know why he acts that way. I thought we'd be on good terms after last night. Guess I was wrong. I didn't see him the entire day.

The next day, our interactions were even more confusing.

I found him on his way to the river and I purposely walked beside him, matching his pace.

He immediately slowed down.

I slowed, too.

He sped up.

I sped up.

Then, he let out a barely audible sigh and stepped off the path entirely. As if he gave me room to pass, even though there was plenty of space.

My jaw dropped. I can't believe this guy!

I quickened my pace and stopped in front of him, making his step halt as he hissed.

"Why are you acting like that?"

His jaw clenched. "Like what?"

I huffed. "I know you don't want me here, but you can stop dodging me like I'm poison."

His eyes didn't stop glaring at me, and his jaw kept tightening.

"It's better this way," he mumbled before walking back to the forest.

Better? Why would this be better? I'm far from feeling better about how he was acting. If anything, it was all awkward.