11. DELE
Chapter 11
DELE
After agreeing to marry Declan, I’d called Amaka to tell her about my decision and the agreement.
“I’m surprised you’re telling me after you’ve already decided,” she’d chastised.
“I’m sorry. I decided to just go for it and not overthink it.”
“He’s Osei’s brother, and we trust Osei; he can’t be a bad decision.”
“I hope you’re right.” I meekly stated.
“Relax, he can’t be that bad. At least you’re getting out of your comfort zone. I’m proud of you,” she says with excitement.
“Please, come and stand-by and for me, so I don’t run away before that day. He intimidates me.” She was quiet for a while. I had to look at my phone to see if the line had suddenly disconnected.
“Maks,” I call out.
“I’m here. Are you trying to tell me you’re attracted to him? I need to Google this guy, then.”
“Please, don’t Google him. Promise me you won’t Google him. Come and see him and make your assessment in person.”
“You still haven’t answered about the attraction.”
“You haven’t promised either.”
“Promise; now answer the question.”
“Yes,” I answer in a whisper, as the thought of voicing my attraction to Luke out loud is scary. “It doesn’t matter. He doesn’t like me, and he’s only agreeing to marry me because he doesn’t like me, and I won’t catch feelings for him.”
“How are you going to handle it when he starts fucking girls all over the place?” Trust Amaka to be blunt.
“I’ll bury my head in my books or find a guy who will fuck me into oblivion.” She laughed out loud.
“I’m so coming to see this guy, and I will try not to Google him.”
“You promised.”
“Fine,” she snapped. “Who’s helping you with your dress?”
“Jax has agreed to help.”
“Cool, I’ll bring all my stuff so I can get your makeup done for you.”
“Thank you.”
“Yay!” Her shrieking sound pierced my ears. “Dele is getting married!” She sings, and I can visualize her dancing. We ended the call, and I sent her all the details. As the week progressed, Jax and I managed to fit in a dress fitting and did a few errands for the accessories. I have diamond earrings from Osei and a bracelet from Nosah. I should be fine. I leave the rest of the plans to Luke.
Now that he has kissed me in a way that exploded the wires in my brain to the fact that he’s my balcony guy, I can’t decide if I should be happy or upset with him. I’ve struggled with my attraction toward him, while he was having fun messing with me. I couldn’t understand my crazy attraction to him, but he knew who I was, and he acted differently toward me. He made the bed, and he’s going to lie in it because there’s no way I’m going to make this easy for him. Luke holds onto my hand tightly, and I try to pull away, but he won’t let go.
Amaka pulls me into a hug. “He’s handsome and totally smitten with you,” she whispers. “Congratulations,” she says louder, but my mind is still reeling from the fact Luke is my mystery guy. I stare at him, but he turns to answer and hug Osei, who seems very happy, just as I would like to slap my husband. Damn it.
I try to pull out of his grip, but he’s not letting go. His friend Declan also hugs me and kisses my cheek. Osei pulls me into a hug and lifts me up, breaking Luke’s hold. Amaka is laughing. I turn to see Luke frowning at Osei and me. I still can’t believe he would do this. There’s absolutely no way he didn’t know all along that I was the girl on the balcony. We smile for pictures with everyone.
We thank the pastor, and we all head out to our place.
“Osei, I’ll ride with you,” I hear Amaka say out loud. I shoot her a glare, but she smiles at me as she follows Osei.
I’m left to ride with Luke. I get in his car with his help.
“Is your friend staying with us?” he asks.
“Yes.” I remain quiet as he drives.
My mind goes to our mysterious first meeting.