Chapter nine
Mr. Alex turned to me with a mischievous glint in his eye. "Would you prefer a cold drink or alcohol?" he asked. I hesitated for a moment before responding, "Actually, I think I'd prefer a can of alcohol. It's been a tough day and I could use something to calm my nerves." I forced a nervous smile.
Mr. Alex raised an eyebrow. "Where do you plan on getting alcohol at this hour?" he teased.
I shrugged, but before I could respond, he said with a sly smile, "Watch me work my magic." He disappeared into the kitchen, leaving me bewildered.
As I waited for him to return, my mind began to wander. Why was he being so nice to me all of a sudden? Did he want something from me? Or did he know something I didn't?
Before I could ponder further, Mr. Alex reappeared with a triumphant flourish. "Ta-da!" he exclaimed, holding up a can of alcohol.
I looked up at him, startled. "Wow, you're a miracle worker!" I exclaimed, trying to sound casual despite my growing unease.
Mr. Alex's expression turned serious. "You were lost in thought, staring into space. Were you gazing into the abyss?" he asked, his eyes piercing.
I shifted uncomfortably, avoiding eye contact. "Huh?" I muttered, trying to play it cool.
Mr. Alex sat down beside me. "You were staring towards the kitchen, but you didn't even notice me coming back," he observed.
I turned to face him, feeling a flutter in my chest. "Oh, that... I was just..." I stuttered, struggling to find the right words.
Mr. Alex's gaze was unnerving, yet captivating. "You don't need to explain," he interrupted. "I just want to make sure you're okay."
I smiled weakly, feeling a sense of relief. "Yeah, I'm fine," I replied, trying to sound convincing.
Mr. Alex's eyes seemed to bore into my soul, but I looked away, feeling intimidated. "I guess I'm fine," I whispered to myself.
We sat in silence for a moment before Mr. Alex broke the tension. "Let's watch the movie," he suggested, and I nodded in agreement.
****
I opened my eyes to find a pair of golden brown eyes gazing softly at me, just inches away. I rubbed my eyes, wondering if I was dreaming, but the vision persisted. I decided to savor the moment, taking in the chiseled features of the stranger.
"You're handsome, you're an angel," I murmured, my hand drifting up to give a thumbs-up. I pouted my lips and tilted my head, giving him a quick, gentle kiss. As I lay back against him, a contented smile spread across my face.
But my bliss was short-lived. The stranger's lips brushed against mine, sending shivers down my spine. My eyes snapped open, wide with wonder and surprise. Reality hit me like a ton of bricks.
I sat up with a start, my eyebrows arching upward in astonishment. My mouth hung open, words frozen on my lips. I turned away, my face burning with embarrassment.
"Mia, are you okay?" a deep voice asked, laced with concern.
I turned back, my eyes locking onto Mr. Alex's. "Y-yes, I'm fine, thank you, sir," I stuttered.
Mr. Alex's expression turned sheepish. "I'm sorry for kissing you without your permission, Mia."
I shook my head, feeling a flush rise to my cheeks. "It's fine, sir. I should apologize too, Mr. Alex."
But before I could regret my words, I blurted out, "Your lips are soft, I want more of it." My hand flew to my mouth, and my eyes went wide with mortification.
"I'm sorry, sir, I..." I trailed off, unsure of how to continue.
"Oh, you think so?" Mr. Alex interrupted, a soft chuckle escaping his lips. His amusement was palpable, and I felt my heart racing as I waited for his response.
"Are you not offended, sir?" I asked nervously, scratching my ear with my hand.
Mr. Alex's expression turned serious. "Oh, no, I'm not. Do you want me to continue?"
I hesitated, taken aback by his question. "Aren't you in a relationship, sir?" I asked, trying to deflect his inquiry.
You mean with you" he responded as he fad alighted with amusement his eyes crinkling at the corners as he chuckles loudly. His mouth is open wide, revealing a hint of his sparking white teeth, as he lets our a heart, unhibited laugh. I look at him with amusement unable to comprehend the reasons behind this loud laughter, I looked at him, bewildered. "Do I look funny?" I thought inwardly, checking my dress for any embarrassing wardrobe malfunctions.
"What's funny, Mr. Alex?" I asked, trying to comprehend the reason behind his laughter.
He composed himself, his expression turning sincere. "You think I don't know you're my girlfriend? How could I not recognize my own girlfriend?"
I felt a mix of emotions: shock, confusion, and curiosity. "How did you know? I thought you didn't," I asked, trying to process his revelation.
Mr. Alex took a deep breath before responding. "I didn't at first, but I realized it later. Mia, I'm sorry for what you found out about me today. I understand if you're scared and don't want me anymore. Whatever decision you make, I'll respect it."
His eyes locked onto mine, filled with a deep sincerity. I felt a pang in my heart, torn between my mind and emotions.
As I looked at him, memories flooded my mind: the first day we met, when he opened the door for me; the day he offered me a job; and the moment he revealed his darker side. My mind screamed at me to cut ties with him, to leave and start anew. But as I gazed into his charming, innocent eyes, I felt an inexplicable connection. I didn't want to leave him.
I was stuck, torn between my rational thoughts and my emotions. Mr. Alex waited patiently for my response, his eyes never leaving mine.