14

It was late morning already and the room was filled with sunlight. His usual brown hair was now copper-gold because of the sunlight. His jaw had a day-old stubble and his lips were slightly pouty. He breathed rhythmically and his eyelashes wavered every time I exhaled.  

So I don't know how we ended up cuddling each other but it seems we did. His heavy arm was draped over my waist and so was mine over his. My legs were entangled in between his. When I woke up I had not so easily stifled a scream when I saw him and the way we were just an inch away from each other. For a really long time, I laid stiff as a board still thinking it was just a dream but even after blinking my eyes I could still see him right in front of me sleeping, peacefully. I was almost tempted to touch his face but I couldn't. I don't know how he could manage to look so good and lazy. Sweet nightmare or an impossible dream?  

Either way, you cannot have him but just imagine. Now get up, be gone for your own good.  

I shifted myself to get up from the bed but I couldn't because of his hand. I tried untangling my legs from his but it was like clipped in between, tightly. I again shifted backward but he only pulled me more close towards him. With one last try I pushed myself away I again but this time I was slammed against him.  

My eyes popped out and I almost cried out. It was not because of the most proximity but the very prominent huge bulge which ground against the lower abdomen. I didn't even dare move as I was trapped and also because of his iron grip over me. It would only worsen it. I guess. My eyes were at the edge of falling out. I didn't want him to get up not now at least.  

Close your eyes and try to ignore it.  

In this situation, my brain was functioning like a pigeon's brain or maybe it really did stop functioning. And just like that, his eyes snapped open. The green dominated the blue, not the usual equal shades of blue and green. Staring right into me it took him more than a minute to register the whole scenario. Now we were sitting at the two opposite ends of the bed. I tried to control my hyper heart and my ears were burning, well my whole face and tightly clutched at the bed. None of us said anything and I really wished he said something. The silence was not helping me.  

Clearing his throat he finally spoke.  "Where's Robbie?"  

"School, probably." After a brief silence, he spoke again.  

"What's the time?"  

"It's late around 10, probably."  

"I am late." He murmured and a couple of seconds later he got up striding towards the door. I followed him.

In the room, we bumped into each other as we both wanted to go to the bathroom.  

"You go I can-" But he was already gone inside. 

Leaning against the glass window I waited for him to come out. The bathroom door clicked open and the scent of his shampoo hit me. I closed my eyes inhaling the scent till it lasted. For a long time, I was still against the glass and only the closing of the bedroom door made me turn. He had left.  

I was sitting with my laptop open in front of me but every alternate minute I found my hand hovering over the keyboard, not moving. My mind was drifting again and again towards him. The morning's events replaying in my head, the ones at the beach, that one moment when he was staring at the ceiling. The sudden knocking at the door distracted me from my thoughts.  

"It's open."  The door was pushed and Selena peeked in.  

"Oh, you are working. Nevermind then."  

"What happened? Is it something important?"  

"No not really I just want to hang out with you. You know shopping. You will be free by when?"  

"I don't know I missed a day's work."  

"No, it's okay then some other time." She waved off and shut the door behind her.  

After wasting two hours in pointless daydreams I shook my head and plugged in my headphones to the laptop and switched on the music. Somehow I managed to finish half of the work but I was still lagging. Taking a break from it I laid on the couch, my legs dangling from. the other end I drifted again.

And then I resumed work again drifted off again, dozed off the couch again, woke up in the morning on the bed. Strangely again. 

This is what happened for the next couple of days. Drifting, working, dozing off on the couch, again waking up on the bed. The only thing which varied was my thoughts but the topic was the same. Dylan. Thinking what he would be doing now? Always end up imagining some different weird fantasy. I had to admit I really missed him most of the day. The only problem was that I never really saw him. I know he used to come back late but go early. Every morning the bed was half empty.  

Just another looping day and as I was really working for a continuous half hour (which was a record time), my phone suddenly pinged.  

We have to attend a party at my parent's place. Be ready by 6.

-Dylan  

I reflexively looked at the clock to see it was already three. For a while, I thought about what to reply back to him but then I decided against it. It was more like an order to me. A 'please' would have been fine I guess. But then for a busy man like him, I think messaging somebody personally it was a big deal. At least his secretary didn't call up informing me about it.  

"This is ridiculous". That was my conclusion after rummaging through my closet for a dress. I didn't really have anything to wear. My closet was limited one comprising of white shirts, grey and black trousers and a couple of jeans here and there with some extra t-shirts. I couldn't exactly barge into a high profile party in my ripped and stained jeans while he would look slick in his black suit.  

"Do you have something in black?"  

I was in Selena's room and the many dresses laid over her bed. I was almost buried in them.  

"Black? I don't know I didn't bring all of them here. Let's see."  

I pushed aside the dresses and went to her closet. While looking at the racks of dresses she had a box caught my attention. I picked it up.  

"Hey what's this?"  

"What?" Selena came near with two dresses in each of her hands.  

"Familiar?"  

"Don't remember. Open it."  

Balancing it in one hand I opened it to see a vintage looking beautiful coffee-colored dress with black lacey designs all over it and had mega sleeves. Bringing out it placed it over me to check it and it was just above the knees.  

"You like it?"  

"Yeah, this is it."  

"You can take and wear those black heels I gave you. It will look perfect."  

"Okay."  

"So what gift did you get for them?"  

"For whom?"  

"Well of course for Lucien and Miley. It's their thirty-fifth wedding anniversary, isn't it?"  

What?

I was staring at Serena as if she was said something crazy. It was their anniversary. The message flashed across my mind 'at parents place'. And at that moment I felt like a complete fool. How couldn't he just mention it to me! Not letting Selena know about it I fake smiled.  

"We have planned something for them and I can't tell you for now." I lied.  

I hope he did at least.  

"Tell me later but. It's 5 already you should get ready. Should I help you?"  

"No, it's fine. I'll manage it."  

I was ready fifteen minutes before six. The dress was really beautiful and I didn't have to accessorize it. The two-inch slingback heels didn't look that dangerous until I wore them. I wasn't used to heels at all and they only made me look like a six-foot giant. But that was the least of all my problems when I didn't know what did Dylan exactly would gift his parents and also slightly upset about the fact that he didn't mention it to me.  

Fixing my hair into a bun some of my hair fell over in a wavy manner across my forehead which I tugged it behind my ear. It was already six and I rushed out of the room with my purse. I slowed down as I reached the main hall carefully not clicking the heels against the stairs I tiptoed down.  

As I pulled open yet huge doors I saw him, his hand halfway to ring the bell. He looked towards me and his floating hand dropped limply. His eyes were burning green perfectly hinting something very dangerous. He wore a different black suit and his hair was neatly gelled and set back carefully swept over his ears and the hair at the back which extended was touching his inner white shirt's collar and one short strand of hair hung out. Damn it he always had to look so high and handsome making me self-conscious.  

At that very moment, a black Mercedes smoothly rolled in front of us. We both marched towards it and our car door opened and shut simultaneously.  

"Why didn't you tell me it was Lucien and Miley's wedding anniversary?"  

We were almost halfway to their house. I kept on looking out not glancing towards him once.  

"Who told you?"  

"Doesn't matter. Did you get something for them?"  

"Yes, I have."  

"What is it?"  

"I have arranged a trip to Thailand for them."  I turned.

"Thailand?"  

"Yes, that's where my parents first met."  

"When did you do that?" I asked surprisingly. 

"I have been planning it for the past two days."  

It was a genuinely good idea and I was more annoyed. He did it without informing me. Well, his parents so what? They were mine too right? By law, but still. And two days? He had been planning it for two days.  

For the rest of the trip, I was quiet. Sometimes I wished he would be more open to me. I was actually hurt about the fact he wouldn't consider my opinion for a second. The sudden thudding at the window immediately snapped me out.  

Paparazzi. Everywhere.  

I immediately recoiled scooting a little bit close to him. They barricaded us to go further ahead. They were swarming like the bees to the honey and thudding on the car made me shrink back in my seat. My breathing was rapid and short and I clenched my fists to keep control. There are two things that always gave me panic attacks. The speeding of the car reminded me of my parent's accident. And the flashlights.  

"Tessa, you alright?" He asked shifting towards me turning me towards him by the shoulders.  

"I am alright." I pushed away his hand.  

"You are shivering."

He said and started rubbing my back and my one hand in his. He was way too close to my ear and his breath was tickling me. And surprisingly that rubbing at the back was very soothing.  

"We will not stop just go straight for the entrance."  

"Give me a minute I'll be fine." I moved away from him. We finally stopped when the driver opened the right door of the car. The shouting and clicking increased which was earlier not to much. He got out first and then bent extending a hand towards me. I looked towards him then at his hand and again to his face.  

"You'll be fine." And he extended his hand furthermore towards me. Taking a deep breath I put my hand in his clutching it tightly and stepped out. The flashlights blinding me I instantly hid my face in his chest. He put an arm around my waist pulling me more towards him. True to his words we immediately made ours towards the entrance. Matching his strides I didn't stumble once. His wide body was blocking me from them from the right side but on the left I was bare. The guards had a tough time controlling them as they almost broke the barricade. I was practically walking on air as his hold was so tight on me that he lifted me off my feet.  

We were at the entrance in front of the inner open door. He still held me and lifted my face by my chin.  

"You alright?"  

He was looking at me with concern and frowning. I was surprised and touched by this small gesture.  

"I am fine." It was true.  

"Oh look at the lovers." Miley suddenly popped in front of us slightly stumbling a bit with the wine in her hand and Lucien just caught hold of her.

"I knew it was both of you. It went crazy out there." She pointed at us talking in high pitch.  

"Dad why is mom drunk?"  

"Because of you. She is so excited about the Thailand trip." Lucien took the wine glass out of her hand and passing it to one of the attendees. "Don't worry she is fine."

I finally spoke. "Congratulations to both of you."  

"Oh thank you, honey." She pulled me for a hug. "Wow, you are as tall as bamboo."  

"Mili," Lucien warned her.  

"What? She is. God, I can wait to kick out all of these people have you, Lucien."  

I laughed while Dylan and Lucien have similar uncomfortable expressions on their face. I think secretly even Lucien wanted to do that it was pretty much evident after Miley said that. Dylan looked embarrassed which made it more difficult to stop my laughter. All the four of us entered in and Lucien instructed one of the attendees not to serve more wine for Miley.  

Their main hall was massive resembling a huge old era auditorium. Huge sky-high engraved pillars and two staircases wounding up to the first floor where the guests filled. The french windows were draped with expensive curtains and opened into the balcony. At the corner of the room, there was a slightly raised small stage where a pianist played softly. The other far side of the hall contained the minibar, which was not mini at all. The ceiling was decorated with the chandeliers and I'm the center of it there was the most huge bright and beautiful one which threatened to fall over us. the whole room was so bright and golden that even my dark black eyes were gleaming.  

The people were dressed as if it was their own wedding anniversary. The whole hall was filled with them. The occasional clinking of glasses and the laughter both real and fake filled the atmosphere. The room smelled wonderful and expensive. I absolutely felt out of the place. There were the ones who had easily inherited riches to afford this and were capable enough to sponsor thousands of orphans like me. I was a working-class girl and I was not fit for high-class parties like these. I was criticized for working as I was "Dylan Gray' wife" but that didn't really deter me. I was proud that I earned not inherited money.  

After a countless number of introductions through which Dylan guided me. He hadn't left my side for one second and I was thankful for that. But that didn't really last long as he was called by Lucien and he told that he will be back. I was dragged to a ladies group who only knew to gossip about the latest fashion news and scandals. I was tortured by the random uncomfortable questions about Dylan which I didn't answer in much detail. They occasionally asked about how I felt because some X tweeted something horrible about some Y which I replied saying, "It is bad."  

Where is he?  

Not long enough I saw him standing tall at the stage preparing to give a speech. People were already turning towards him. To get a better view of him I went towards the minibar sitting on of the high stools.  

"Ladies and gentlemen"  

He said in a calm manner but it had so much power and confidence in it that that whole hall went silent at once. The ones on the first floor' a balcony also bent over the edge so much to get a good view of him that they might probably fall off it.  

At the end of the very emotional and inspiring speech in which he describes how it was his parents were responsible for his life and career and etc. The ladies were half swooning at his feet while the older ones were impressed. Even the men nodded in appreciation and all clapped.  

"You must be so proud of him."  

I turned to see a man in a grey suit sitting right beside me. He had brown wavy hair tied behind with olive eyes staring at me with scrutiny with the wine glass in his hand holding it dangerously between his two fingers.  

"Uh..." I didn't know how to answer that. Well, I was impressed a little bit by the way Dylan orated but I didn't want to admit it. Was I so easy to read?

"It was a good speech," I said plainly. Not bothering to look at him and clutched at my own glass.  

"Brandon Brewer."  

I looked up at him and he smiled at me in a welcoming way.  

"Irish?"  

"Yes ma'am." He grinned wide.  

"I am-"  

"I know who you are."  

After a while, I asked,  "Business partner?"  

"No, I am family." He sipped again but kept eye contact with me. I slightly frowned. "Lucien is my uncle."  

"Really?"  

"Yes, he is." He said in a half-laughing manner. "Dylan never told you about me?"  

"No, he didn't."  

"I am his favorite cousin brother." He tilted his head at an angle looking past me and then back at me.  

I was wondering how Brandon could be Dylan's brother. They did look similar but minutely. Their behavior was completely the opposite.  

"We have a very scandalous background." He gave a sheepish look then playfully winked.  

"It certainly is."  

Time flew and Brandon and I were still talking random topics. Well, he included the number of girlfriends he had or he could remember and how he got rid of them. Some of them as he described was scary too. Not physically but their behaviors. Talking about his childhood and he shamelessly agreed to some incidents in which somehow Dylan was targeted even though it was not his fault. We began from small talks to laughing our hearts off on his silly jokes and even more silly incidents. We got a couple of awkward stares but that didn't really deter our humor mood.  

"As brothers, you even share your girlfriends. That is really sweet."  

"I know right? From boxers to girlfriends."  He raised his glass to that. I think he had too much of his drink he seemed a little drunk  but his speech didn't slur.  

"Tell me, Tess."  

"Hmm?"  

"How do you end up with Dylan?"  

"Uhh. I don't know. But I did."  

"You are too good for him. That ass doesn't really deserve you." His breath was of that drink he had and he was closer than before.  

Have you ever seen him? I tell you it's otherwise.  

I didn't answer that. I really wondered how did I end up with him? Not in a bad way but it's actually the other way around. He is so high mighty person and I am just nothing in comparison to Glendora. They both would look good. It really made me feel down. As if I wasn't good enough or not just appropriate. Not good enough to be his wife. That really didn't matter but I don't know.  

"Hey what are you thinking about? " Brandon nudged me.  

"Nothing just nothing." I smiled to cover up.  

"Can I have your drink? You haven't really touched it.  

"Yeah. You can have it." I handed him my glass laughingly. Brandon sipped on my drink while I watched him.

"This is really nice. Ah, Tessa why does he always get the best?"  

"That is because I work for it, Brandon."  

A hard thing hit my back and a hand rested upon my shoulder. He was standing right behind me I didn't even have to look back.  

"Hey, brother." Brandon looked up giving Dylan a sharp look.  

"What are you doing with my wife?"  

"I was talking to her." He got up still holding the glass as Dylan rounded facing him. From the side, I could see he had a very hard expression which he was trying to control. He stared at Brandon with irritation while Brandon smirked a bit.  

"Oh really?"  

"Yes attending to her while you entertain the guests. Somebody has to do that."  

"I don't think so you need to that, Brandon. There are loads of ladies here who need your special attention. My wife doesn't need it from you."  

"What are you implying, brother?"  

His face turned too hard and he came to a step closer to Brandon, almost touching his face. In a low but threatening whisper, he said.  

"Stay away from her, Brandon." Even Brandon responded but in a cool taunting whisper.  

"Or else what dear brother?"  

His eyes were burning dangerously. The index finger of his limp hand in the side twitched. I immediately got up.  

"Dylan.."  

He raised his other hand indicating to stop me from speaking. Some of the guests had started staring towards us. I was panicking that he wouldn't just go violent on Brandon. Brandon didn't seem to be affected by his glare. He looked amused by it he didn't know how Dylan's hand actually twitched to hit him. Dylan's gaze fell on the drink which Brandon held and he noticed it. Giving a full smirk he commented.  

"The party is nice and so is this drink." Brandon cheerfully said it and raised the glass and sipped very slowly still in eye-lock with Dylan. Dylan's hand twitched again and I came to a step ahead in reflex.  

"Then enjoy it by yourself."  He said and pulled me towards him making me lose my balance but caught me in time. I was against his very hard but firm torso and he had a tight grip around my waist which was getting stronger per second. His jaw was tight with anger he barely controlled. He then glanced towards me. I saw anger accompanied by irritation. Why was he so irritated? For a brother, he treated Brandon like a lowlife.  

"I hope to see you again, Tessa," Brandon called out from behind a desk I waved at him. Dylan only gripped me harder and pulled me. It started hurting me a bit. I was not worried about the way he held me but our abrupt exit. People were stopping wishing to engage in a conversation with Dylan but he ignored them rudely.  

We got out of the mansion taking a sharp left turn. It suddenly grew dark and there were only a few lights in the distance. I again stumbled on the stony steps cursing the damn heels I wore but the more on the hard grip Dylan had around my waist.  

"You can leave me now." He didn't reply and we continued to walk. "Please you can leave me now."

No response again. My waist was hurting now and I couldn't bear it.  

"Dammit, you are hurting me, Dylan."  

He muttered something and loosened his grip on me. I slightly pushed him away.  

"What is wrong with you?"  

"Nothing!"  

"Nothing? I don't think so. You literally dragged me out of the party."  

"I did not drag you."  

"Yeah, you did. Everybody saw that."  

He looked at me for a split second and then started typing something on his phone. I was still glaring at him not budging at all and he knew it. He looked up.  

"Everybody." He walked towards me. "What about you Tessa? Weren't you aware of everybody while insulting me?  

"Insulting you? How exactly did I insult you, Dylan?"  

The next three words he said did hit me like a ton of bricks more precisely a boulder.  

"Flirting with Brandon?"  

Flirting? Hell, I was just talking to him. Well he mostly talked and I listened but his stories were funny. But that doesn't mean I flirted with him. I just...

"Weren't you thinking once when you were laughing out loud every time he said something and how all the guests who know me well stared at you? But you, fortunately, were too lost in him."  

Lost in him? Brandon? Is he crazy? Speak something, Tessa!  

"You really think I was flirting with Brandon?"  

"There is no doubt about it."  

Our noses almost touched and we were very close to each other but all that intimacy was gone due to his stupid allegation.  

"You're such an idiot."  

"Pardon me?"  

A moment later I regretted saying that but then to hell with it. He was an idiot.  

"You are the one who is flirting and you call me an idiot?"  

"Yes. No! I was not flirting with Brandon. He told me some stories which were amusing. That's it."  

"So you find him amusing and entertaining."  

"Yes, he is. And how dare you assume that I was flirting with him?" He laughed a bit in sarcasm and it just fuelled me more.

"I didn't assume, there was proof enough."  

His car rolled in front of us and it was not the same car we came by. He exchanged keys with Fred.  

"Come on."  

I nodded my head. I wasn't going to sit with him in his car. The last time he drove it he gave me a heart attack. He came around and opened the car door.  

"Get in the car, Tessa." He said with so much coldness which cause me to unnecessarily flinch. He was angry but so was I. How could he just accuse me like that? Proof enough?!  

I buckled as tight as possible I could. The other door shut and he too buckled. Starting the car he took a reverse and drove it out through the gates.  

We were silent for a really long while. Brandon is a charming guy for sure but I just talked to him. And I insulted Dylan. It made me laugh at it.  

"What is it?"  

"Me?"  

"Yes, you." His eyes were trained on the road. He still had that tensed face.  

"Funny you accusing me of flirting with Brandon."  

"It's the truth."  

"No, it's not. And it's you accusing me of that."  

"Why is that so?"  

"Don't you find it funny Dylan? You telling me that I flirt. These past months it's been otherwise."  

"What do you mean?" The car sped up a little.  

"Don't play innocent Dylan. You know damn well what I am talking about."  

"No, I don't Tessa. Do enlighten me."  

"You seriously don't remember in the past months what you have been doing behind my back? Practicing your own flirting with the other woman."  

"What?!"  

"Please don't be so shocked. Because even I have proof enough."  

The car's speed was increased dangerously and it started concerning me but that didn't hide the fact he was busy having his own little affairs.  

"Tessa I don't know what this proof you have but from my side, I am not involved in such things anymore. It's past. I haven't been involved since we got married."  

"Seriously?! If I start cutting out the pictures of the magazines and make a scrapbook of all they won't fit. Hell, I will need a whole room of books for that. The magazines are proof enough. Do you think I am a dumb person sitting unknown to this just because I am too emerged in my own office work? I know Dylan I know everything. So before pointing a finger at me you check yourself first."  

"You have got to be kidding me. Magazines." He cursed and still kept on driving. I didn't realize but the car was running at a dangerous speed. No sooner I realized it my panic attack kicked in.  

"Dylan slow down." He ignored and kept on increasing it.  

"Dylan slow down, please."  

The sound of the engine became prominent. He sat there beside me like a stone statue not moving a bit except for the robotic movement of his hands changing the gears and stirring the wheel.  

"Dylan," I called out again but he didn't budge.  

The car skidded as it curved down. If he didn't stop it right now we would be thrown over the cliff. I screamed.  

"Dylan stop the car! I don't want us to end up like my parents-" I caught his shoulder. As if he woke up from a trance he jerked and applied the brakes. The car stopped and I unbuckled myself. Stumbling upon the gravel I fell and gasped loudly. I was choking and I fisted my hand tugging at the little grass which outlined the edge of the cliff. My other hand draped over the metallic boundary and my head was drooped. I could hear fast footsteps behind me and more cursing.  

"I am sorry Tessa. I am really sorry. Here the water has some, please." He bent to give it to me but I just shifted. If I had the strength I could have slapped him but right now I was too exhausted. He kept the bottle beside me and stood waiting for me.  

After a long time, I took the bottle and emptied it in a few seconds. I tried to get up and he came forward to help me but I moved away. Very carefully with shaky hands, I opened the car's door and sat in. I buckled myself very tightly and waited for him. Let him know I was not so timid that I would get scared so easily even though it still haunted me. After a while, he came in sat constantly looking at me. He then paused before starting the car as if hesitating. I didn't say anything which encouraged him to go on.  

The rest of the journey was silent and smooth. He drove at normal speed and I was glad he had that much sense. We arrived at the villa all the lights were off except for the lampposts.  

We were in the room and had not switched on the lights. I got out of the sheets and had already planned to sleep on the couch.  

"Tessa I am sorry.."  

I continued ignoring him busy with my work.  

"Tessa please.."  

I dusted the couch making it comfortable enough for me to sleep and still ignored. Then I heard two sounds. A vaguely audible disgruntled and smashing of glass. I turned to see him sitting at the edge of the bed bent with his head propped on one hand. The floor glittering in the moonlight with pieces of glass. I put the pillow aside and walked towards the bed. I bent and started picking up glass pieces carefully.  

"Don't pick it up you will cut yourself."  

I cleaned it up most of it making a mound of broken glass in which even he helped. I noticed some dark red blood drops on the floor. A sharp cut right across the thumb of mine which I didn't even feel. Before he could say or do anything I rushed to the bathroom shutting myself in it. I turned on the tap and washed my wound. In the process saw my ring and immediately it brought tears to my eyes. Everything replaying in my head I took the support of the sink as my tears fell in the sink draining away.

I came out of the bathroom wiping my face and saw him sleeping on the bed. The floor was clean and he still wore his shoes. I removed his shoes keeping them aside neatly. I went to lay myself on the couch. We fought today and strangely I didn't feel upset. I almost forgot about what issue we were fighting. 

Why were we fighting?