Chapter 14

Kyra

It wasn’t that late yet. It was past 7:37 PM when I arrived. I noticed there was more than ordinary organization. I thought — he must be waiting for someone — and I didn’t want to disturb. I was going to go up without making noise, but he saw me first. He looked handsome... dressed without all that formality and with the appearance of someone who is fine.

While everything in me seemed delayed. It’s a feeling that we need to get everything done in one day, but I can’t do that, and this inability is killing me. Whenever I can, I have to ignore him.

Now that Marcos already knows where I am, it won’t be hard to ruin my life again — and now it’s much easier, due to the intimacy with Liam — which left me even more anxious and not knowing what to do.

I unpacked my backpack and some bags I had brought. They were books and some keepsakes I had from my only friend, who unfortunately is gone. They were things I intended to take with me, because they were what I needed to move forward. After finishing packing everything, I got hungry so I thought... I could order something, since he would be too busy downstairs.

Liam

She didn’t come down. Julie kept sleeping and I... was realizing that not everything is the way we want. I bought roses for her, the wine she likes. And an apology in the form of a diamond necklace.

I used the roses to make a carpet, from her room to the veranda. There were enough petals for that. I could no longer wait for her to come to me, because she wouldn’t come and I know that well. I understand her reasons, I would do the same. But I regret it. I’m regretful. And I want to make amends for everything I did to her.

I looked at the time and it was already past eleven and she still hadn’t left the room for anything. Not even to get water. Had she slept? No. Whoever sleeps doesn’t place orders. I saw the deliveryman approach before the intercom rang, so I opened the door first.

"Good evening. Delivery for Kyra Lystem." — He handed me a bag and I made the payment.

I looked inside the bag, out of curiosity. There was nothing more than a soft drink and some chocolates, with a squashed pastry wrapped in a piece of aluminum foil. Very poorly wrapped.

There was the reason to knock on her door and deliver what was hers. So I did... I stopped in front of her bedroom door. Still sober, I didn’t want to disappoint myself once again.

I knocked once, twice, three times and when I was about to knock again, she opened. My eyes went straight to her breasts and her waist, which were drawing attention in her silk pajamas.

"A delivery came for you. It was in the living room and I didn’t see a problem bringing it." — I extended the hand that held the bag and she raised an eyebrow, as if she didn’t believe it.

"Thank you. Then give me your account number later."

"Only if you accept my apology for being so rude to you." — I went straight to the point, I was too nervous to keep talking about meaningless things. "I wanted to do this as soon as you arrived, but I lacked courage."

She looked at the floor and saw the petals scattered. Quickly her gaze found mine and there I saw she wasn’t the type of person to disdain something.

"I already accepted your apology. You don’t need to make an effort. It’s okay. I’m also keeping my word when I said I wouldn’t meddle in your life."

"Kyra... I just want you to accept a dinner. Let’s talk about things that interest us. I promise I won’t be the idiot that... I was." — I held out my hand to her, and she looked at me with no emotion in her eyes. "Come with me."

"Are you sure? Because if you send me away again, I’ll go and you don’t need to wait for me to come back. Because you will never see me in your life again, be grateful for that."

"I would never be grateful for that." — Why did that bother me? I can’t imagine this woman far from me. — "And I promise you won’t regret it."

Kyra

I accepted. I held his hand and accepted his invitation. The light reflected from the candles gave a rustic and romantic lighting. My slippers touched the petals, and it seemed like I was stepping on clouds.

It didn’t take long for us to reach the veranda, where there was an improvised table. Two giant poufs, with a direct view of the stars, which were perfect. The table decorated with wine, roses and a few other things, to his taste.

But the truth behind all of this is also my only certainty regarding desire. I want him, I want him more than I would like to admit. But we would never work. But wanting isn’t a sin, and trying isn’t either. And it wouldn’t hurt to be a little happy before leaving.

"So, what do you want to talk to me about? You know I like to talk," I said, breaking the silence.

"And did you know I like you?" — His laugh then made me shudder.

My heart raced. I could barely contain what was tormenting me in that moment. I just took a deep breath.

"Liam... I also liked everything here, but you know this is strange."

"What’s strange? Two people kissing because they like each other?" — He laughed, incredulous, but couldn’t think of anything else. — "What doesn’t make you attracted to me?"

"Nothing. Everything about you attracts me. But I’m just your daughter’s nanny, nothing more than that. I don’t know what you thought of me, but know that I’m not one of your options, Mr. Blackthorne."

"I’m not looking for options, Kyra. I know what I want, and I want you. That’s why I’m here. You’re interesting enough for me, Kyra. But don’t think I’m playing with you, I’d never do that."