Chapter 287
Thea
Breakfast call had been made about a minute ago. I was already prepared before then but stayed glued to my mirror as I watched my sleepless eyes. How could I sleep knowing what occured between Angel and I? Hold on, Natalia was there too.
Each time I replayed the kiss of the previous night in my mind I felt tickles to my chest and my heart swole like it was truly the first time we kissed.
I let out a nervous breath thinking of how to comport myself once I went down for breakfast. I was feeling a little awkward already and I bet the others will notice if I didn’t get my act together. I took a deep breath making up my mind to head downstairs and join the rest.
If only Angel would not have his eyes glued to me the entire time or seize any opportunity to touch me like he did the other day at dining.
As I got closer to the kitchen, my heart drummed louder knowing I was a little late and everyone could be seated waiting for me. I’d be the centre of attention which I didn’t want.
I stepped into the kitchen and my heart leaped sighting everyone but then I sighed in relieve the moment I found Angel’s chair empty. I approached the the kitchen island and exchanged greetings with the rest.
I made some few observations. There was something different about Cassie and Knight. They seemed closer or whatever it was. She seemed a little shy around him and he appeared to be enjoying it.
I wondered if they had done it already.
Camilo and Caspian looked like the ‘it’ couple who had their shit together.
Through thick and thin they were always together and never apart.
I envied them.
“Thea, are you alright?” Florentine asked snapping me out of my thoughts. I gave her a weak smile and sipped from my glass of water.
“Your eyes, they seem tired. Did you not have any sleep at all?” She continued and I rubbed my shoulder to ease the aching I felt there.
“I did.” I lied but I didn’t think she bought it. She muttered and oh’ and turned her gaze towards the door. I guess she was watching out for Angel.
“Where’s Angel?” Caspian asked drawing everyone’s attention to it. I was startled the moment they all turned to me as if expecting me to say something. I squinted in confusion wondering what their gaze could probably mean.
“I wonder too.” I whispered and gulped water again. Why were they all giving me such uncomfortable looks?
Florentine cleared her throat followed by sighs from the others. Camilo and Cassandra must have told the men about yesterday and how they left me alone with Angel.
Was there a chance that the ladies hid by a corner and saw us kissing?
My eyes popped in shock and I gasped. It didn’t seem so, they didn’t look all that suspicious so why did I feel like my secret was made naked before all?
“I thought you’d have an answer to that.” Florentine whispered to me and at first I had thought she had read my mind but then I realized she was referring to the question about Angel. That was even more surprising. Why would she think I’d have the answer?
“What do you mean?” I asked her and she blinked nervously then an amusing smile crept up her face. “What is it Florentine?” I asked getting more serious.
“I didn’t mean to intrude but I caught you kissing when I followed Natalia yesterday night.” She whispered and I held her arm tight hoping she’d keep her voice a little lower.
“What have you two been whispering?” Camilo asked looking jealous. I feigned a smile and Florentine answered instead.
“Nothing important. Right Thea?” She asked and I nodded. She smiled more widly at me making everyone confused. She wasn’t one with a broad smile so it was questionable.
“What you saw between us, it didn’t mean….”
“Of course it meant everything Thea. Don’t try to deny it. One step at a time and everything will fall into place. You’ll both be happy again. I am glad.” She said and I sucked in my breath.
She was already hopeful from just seeing us kiss one night, what if she knew about the other times we had kissed before now.
“I think we have to dig into our meal before it gets cold. Angel might not be coming down for dinner. I wonder what happened to make him miss breakfast.” Cassie said with a suggestive undertone.
“Here comes the devil….” Caspian said and all eyes went towards the door. I let out a shivering sigh and stilled for some seconds before my heart began to pound so loudly seeing Angel walk through the door.
Fuck…..
I shut my eyes briefly and held the edge of where I sat firmly. I was finding it difficult to breath as Angel walked into the room. His eyes locked with mine and I was frozen for a moment.
I watched his lips curve into a smile which was directed at me and me alone because when I turned to see if there was anyone else the smile was meant for, I saw them rather looking at me curiously.
I decided to avoid Angel’s gaze and just look at the meal before me but then his scent suddenly hit my nose and it felt like a risk to inhale it but I did and was intoxicated then I felt the slight touch of his fingers as it slid through the head rest of my chair.
I felt chills so deep that I shuddered from the effect of his touch. Damn! Why was I being so obvious? I could tell the others trailed gazes from Angel to me and it made me tensed the more.
Angel sat down on his chair and I didn’t know when I looked at him. I found him watching me, my slightly parted lips to be precise. He looked so fucking sexy with the way he did and it increased my tension the more.
I let out a shivering sigh then gulped a mould of fluid slowly while he kept on watching me.
He gulped a mould himself and then his eyes caught mine again. I looked away quickly, breathing nervously.
Could you all just stop looking! I yelled within me. My fingers were trembling as I tried to grab my spoon so I dropped it.
“Sorry for keeping you all waiting.” Angel apologized.
“At least Natalia isn’t joining us for breakfast so you’re pardoned.” Cassie said and things went awkward between Angel and I at the mention of Natalia.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .
I tried to resist the urge to look at him only to find myself doing it just about the same time he had turned to look at me.
I blinked severally and quickly dug my fingers into my hair. I was feeling dizzy with all the stares I got from Angel.
“Was it that intense?” Florentine asked and smiled at me.
I remained silent while the others took over conversation at the table. Angel seemed to participate more but his gaze always came back to me at each point. I barely shoved my meal down my throat. I just wanted to leave and lock myself in my room.
Anywhere that I wouldn’t be close to Angel because I felt like my breath was being stolen by him.
It took a lot to actually be in his presence. Too much to thinking, too much caution of even the way I drank my water or held my spoon. Worst was that I even though of how to breath so I didn’t drag his attention but all these failed me. I attracted his attention so easily.
“So I was thinking or should I say I already planned something for you all.” Florentine said and we all paid attention to her.
“What might that be?” Angel asked.
“I am aware that you have your hands full and this might not be a suitable time but I am worried and believe you should a have some days rest from it all at least. Resting your mind will make you refreshed, think better and work better.
“I agree.” Knight said looking like he actually needed the rest.
“So what do you suggest?” Caspian asked seeming to concur.
“I already made preparations for you all to move to the penthouse and stay there for three days.”
“What?” The three men chorused screaming their disapproval.
“Florentine we have too much work at….” Angel tried to refuse but was cut off.
“I know this, which is why I’ve discussed with Mike about taking charge of your business and keeping you informed untill the three days is over. ”
“We can’t afford three days. We have Sparrow to deal with.” Caspian tried to reason with her but she shook her head.
“That is why Mike will keep you informed. Three days won’t kill you all. You need to rest!” She yelled startling us.
“It might not but Sparrow is planning hastily at the moment and we can’t afford the luxury of rest.” Knight said.
“He’ll plan wrongly because he’s in a haste but you… You’ll be resting and thinking of more strategic ways to carry out your plans.” She said seeming convinced herself.
We, the girls just remained silent like we were taken out of the conversation.
The men let out defeated sighs relaxing back on their chairs.
“So what are we going to do their all by ourselves?” Knight asked.
“I’d rather stay here and besides Camilo.” Caspian spoke his mind as well which brought a smile to Camilo’s face. They both held hands under and looked at each other in admiration.
Again I was jealous. Florentine smiled having an obvious solution to that.
“That is why the girls are coming with you. Once you get there, you’ll find a list of things to be done and you can be creative with yourselves as well.” She said making the place a little awkward with her last words.
Cassie cleared her throat easing up the atmosphere then she spoke. “What about Thea?”
“Never mind I’ll be fine by myself.” I said immediately and felt Angel looking at me. At least I won’t have to bump into him for the next three days.
“What do you mean Thea? You are going and you’re not allowed to refuse.”Florentine said and I became concerned. The penthouse together with Angel? No way!
“But Florentine….”
“Ah ah… No, no. You are going. No arguments.” She said firmly making me weak and helpless.
“What exactly are you running from?”
The place fell silent suddenly as Angel spoke. He didn’t just ask that in front of everyone? My breath hitched and my throat felt dry.
Angel leaned closer to me, his eyes keen on me.
I begged within me that he wouldn’t go further but he did exactly that.