Chapter 56: Chapter 56

NELINA

I opened my eyes, and the first thing my eyes laid on was a beautiful man sleeping beside me. His face was a resemblance of stillness. Moving out of bed was hard when I got to see his whole face, eyes closed.

Last night was difficult for him. I could tell by how he looked at his parents and when he returned after talking to them. I saw the pain in his eyes, like never before. I could never tell how hard it was for him, he tried to hide it from me, but a smile can't hide a hidden pain in his eyes.

My heart tightened and sore for him. Royce sees me through every trouble I was in, not considering how he was in his own dilemma. I feel bad for not looking after him, and I think it was all about me. How did I end up like this? I was selfish.

As his friend and his girlfriend, I should be the first to comfort him if he's in pain. But he never shared anything about his parents, except those shallow things about them. I don't think I'd have the nerve to ask him. But I have to make him feel better. I want to be with him this time and let him know that he's not alone anymore. My thoughts ran wild when he finally moved his eyelid, a dark circle forming at it. I waited until he would fully open his eyes.

"Good morning, baby," I greeted him first before he had the chance to utter a word.

"Baby," he replied as he pinched my cheek. "You woke up so early today. Are you working?"

"I think I'll take a day's break. What do you think?"

"Are you asking me? Why?"

"I was thinking of spending time with you since I've been busy lately and haven't spent time with you. You know, make up those times you're always there for me. I feel like I want to be with you. Maybe a late birthday gift? I don't know."

Royce chuckled, and he didn't force it. His eyes lit up; I was happy thinking I made his morning.

"Baby, I wanna take a shower," I said as I removed the sheet but refused to move out of bed.

"Sure, baby, I got everything you need. Check the room." Royce froze as he continued to lock stares at me. "What are you thinking, baby?" He asked, moving close to me.

"Why do you have everything I need in an instant? Last night was this sleepwear and everything underneath," I said, pointing at my own nighties and hesitating on the latter.

"I have had them prepared for you since we were together. I always wish you'll come with me someday soon, and I want to be ready and have everything you need."

"Really?" I said it in a questioning tone like I didn't believe what he had just said.

"What, you don't believe me?"

"Have you always had them for your girls before?"

"Girls?" He burst out in laughter at the mention of it.

"For the record, you're the only woman I brought here, okay? I had this condo after I lost my grandpa and wanted to start a new life by focusing on managing the business."

I rolled my eyes in response and didn't utter a word in the hope of annoying him. But what happened next was the opposite.

"You're jealous, thinking there might be someone else?"

"No..."

Royce playfully pinched my nose.

"If you say so... But for the record again, I don't sleep around if that will make you feel better right now."

"I didn't think of it that way," I said with conviction.

"Okay, so we're good?" Royce said as he pulled me close to him.

"Maybe?"

"Maybe? Then what would make you feel a lot better, huh?"

"For now, probably just taking a morning shower to wash out all the stress in my body."

"Great. But before you head for the shower. Can we talk about when you would stay with me temporarily? I'm apprehensive about you staying alone in your condo."

Royce was right; as I turned my thoughts to several incidents with the man in the hoodie, I was alarmed. With Royce beside me, I feel safe.

"I'm still contemplating on it; by the end of the day, I'll tell you whether I'll stay or not. And it all would depend on how you'd treat me today."

Royce chuckled. "Good enough. I only want your safety. You know that, right?" Royce said as he brushed off my hair from my temple.

"You'll have your privacy here. I will ask someone to clean the opposite room. You can stay there as long as you want while your mom and dad are in Manila. I promise you. No one's disturbing you when you want to work on your own," Royce added.

"Sounds like you're not giving me any other choice but to agree with your decision to stay with you, huh?"

"Nah, I'm giving you ideas on treating a queen like you. Now you can have your morning shower, my love."

I stayed in my position, still locking eyes on him.

"Do you wanna join me?"

His mouth fell open upon hearing my question.

"Are you serious right now?"

"Baby, you are so nasty this morning. What made my good girl right here act differently, huh?"

"I'm not gonna ask you again," I retorted as I moved out of bed.

I was on the edge of the mattress when Royce grabbed and scoped me in his arms. I squealed at his sudden action, but I didn't protest. It was sweet, and his arms were comfy. I clung to his nape as we walked to the shower room.

Royce put me down below the showerhead, and he immediately opened it, making us wet with our clothes on. My silk sleepwear mark on my body, my hardened nipples directly pointing at Royce. At first, I was embarrassed, but on second thought. It's Royce, the man I love and trust; there's nothing to be ashamed of.

Royce's eyes surveyed my whole body exposed on his eyesight under my wet sleepwear. He looked at me with love and lust that he couldn't take his hands off me. He touched my cheek and heated my body instantly.

"Baby," Royce said, his voice brittle, eyes were on my chest. I felt my face warm. "I'm hard as a rock right now."

I swallowed a lump in my throat upon hearing his confession.

"Is that so?" I asked as we locked stares at each other. My flesh was shivering, longing for his touch.

I lowered down my hand and slipped it inside his boxer shorts. And I did confirm it; he was hard.

"I'll take care of this."