36. DELE
Chapter 36
DELE
I’m quiet on the drive, still a little shaken by the crazy guy grabbing me and pulling me into a strong hold. He squeezed my ass like he owned it, and I froze instead of fighting. I froze in the arms of my attacker. Why didn’t I fight him? He could have dragged me out of there without a fight from me, which would have been disastrous. I’m losing my grip on fighting. I’m glad Luke was there. Though he threw me off my game, a part of me knew he was going to be there tonight. I knew our dance around the imaginary wall was driving both of us crazy, but neither of us was ready to wave the flag.
Well, I’m waving the flag right now because I’m bound to have nightmares if he doesn’t hold me tonight. Jax bought me this dress last Christmas—it was her message to me that I should enjoy life, appreciate myself, and not give a fuck. I’m not sure I can live in a world where I don’t give a fuck.
Earlier tonight, when Osei and I stepped into the club, someone smacked my ass. I didn’t know who it was, but I knew it was intentional, not an accident. I started to feel uncomfortable, and Osei said not to let them dim my light, that I looked great. I was happy to have the ring on, hoping a few would get the message that I’m unavailable, even if it’s on paper only. I started to relax and enjoy myself as we battled with the other rappers.
“You are not sleeping alone tonight.” Luke’s stern tone interrupts my thoughts. I turn to him and nod.
I don’t want to sleep alone. The week in Hawaii, sleeping in his arms, was the best, but I didn’t want to start believing we were possible. We have a contract, and the main reason I was picked was because I won’t change the contract. So, the sooner I detach from Hawaii, the better. What happened in Hawaii stayed in Hawaii.
He pulls into the garage. We both get out, and he takes my hands. I embrace the comfort of his hands keeping me steady. We ride in silence to our unit. As soon as we close the door,
“Are you hungry?” he asks.
“No,” I murmur. “I’m just going to shower and get in bed,” I say, an octave above a whisper.
“Good, I’ll be there soon.” I nod and head to my room. I can’t decide if I should keep the dress or toss it. For now, I undress and get into the shower, letting the water soothe my body, calm and relax me. Once done, I put on an old T-shirt of Luke’s that I’d found in the dryer since I’d somehow lost Osei’s shirt in Hawaii. Luke probably won’t miss this shirt, but I like the soft cotton, and it makes me feel close to him.
He walks in, wearing lounge pants as I cream my legs. I lather it up. His hair looks damp, like he showered as well. He always takes my breath away every time I see him. The good thing is, he doesn’t know how much I’ve fallen for him, and it’s best I keep that to myself. We have a contract that I agreed to. I put the cream away, pull the sheets, and get into bed. He doesn’t say a word, but his eyes are on me as he gets in bed with me, turns off the light, and pulls me to him without any resistance from me.
“Nice T-shirt, by the way.” His warm breath caresses my ear, sending a slither of warmth down my body. I pull my legs close.
“The owner didn’t want it anymore, so finders-keepers.” He chuckles.
“Guess whenever I find certain underwear in this unit, I can keep it,” he teases.
“Not cool,” I say, a yawn escaping me.
“Go to sleep. I’ll stand guard and watch over you,” he states, and I’m comforted, knowing he’s with me and watching over me.
“Thank you,” I murmur and let sleep take over, trusting that I’m safe in his arms.