TEACH ME NOT 2 HATE LOVE

21

👧Tajea POV 👧

What the heck just happened?

Oh, don't you dare play dumb, girl. You know exactly what just happened. You just don't want to believe it. You're scared it will change things. Ruined things.

But if you think playing blind to it or disregarding it makes it nothing, make it not true. Girl, think again.

I'm sure you've noticed the way Nik Anthony looks at you these past few days when he thinks you are not looking—with great intensity and desire. He's like a wanderer in the desert, seeking water for days and nights. You are the water he thirsts for.

You know he has feelings for you, right? And deep down, some part of you starts to care for him too. You desire him.

No. That's not true. I don't give a damn about that stupid scumbag, nor do I feel that way about him.

And even if he does have some form of romantic feelings for me, or so it seemed, it's just a trick to lure me in and destroy me. I won't fall for that.

Besides, I took an oath, and I will see it through to the end. I'm done with these men. I don't want anything to do with them romantically, and I'm dead serious.

OK. I enjoy biting off his head like a piranha and arguing with him way more than I like admitting. It's our thing, you know. I also like being here with him and little Nik. Of course, Ms. Radnor, too. That doesn't mean I have romantic feelings for the guy.

Does it?

Deep breath. Maybe I'm thinking too much about this. I'm probably making it into something complicated when it's really not.

OK. Enough of this. I don't have time to idle or dwell on this nonsense. There is work to be done here.

"Are you alright, my dear?" Ms. Radnor voiced concern, frightening the crap out of me. She was seated on the couch having tea, and I didn't even notice her until she opened her mouth. "You seemed troubled by something."

"Oh no. It's nothing serious." For F's sake, Taj. Be nice, and put on a smile. Fake smile. "I'm alright."

"That's good to know. Now, can you please take a break from your duty and come sit here for a moment with me?" She insisted, touching the place on the couch where she wanted me to sit, and I did.

"I know I don't say this ever, but thank you for taking care of my son and me. And a special thank you for helping out with my sweet grandson and being a mother figure to him these past few weeks. If there is any way I can repay you for this good deed, just let me know." Ms. Radnor spoke with gratitude, making me a little uneasy.

This is kind of weird, but I didn't read too much into it. "There is no need. I'm just doing my job."

"I know, and you are very good at it," she complimented. Oh, stop flattering me. You're giving me a big head. But I'm damn good at what I do. Yeah, I am. "Just promise me you will always be there for them. I mean for little Nik."

"Of course I will. I love that precious boy as if he's my own." I really do.

"I'm glad you feel that way." She smiled at me, and I did the same. "By the way, did Nik tell you that his birthday is this Saturday?"

Why would he? We're not best friends. "No, it didn't come up."

"Not surprising, since he's not into birthday celebrations." She sounded sad, but only for a short while. "Anyway, I'm planning a small surprise party for him this Saturday, and you are invited."

Oh no, not on my day off. Ugh. So much for staying in and sleeping all day. OK. Be nice, girl. "I'll be happy to be there." You damn liar. Fake smile.

"That's marvelous," she cheered on. "Just don't let Nik know about this. He'll get really upset."

What kind of idiot gets upset over a birthday party? Only a scumbag. But I'm curious to know his reasons for not liking his birthday celebration, though. On second thought, I don't.

"Alright." I nod to assure her I won't say a word to that prick.

"I'll get going then." She smiled briefly, then left with her teacup. And I left to go do my job, taking care of the household chores.