Intoxicated Nights

Foolish - Chapter 40

I apologise for the really long wait for this chapter. I have been away and busy but it's not an excuse. I hope you enjoy this chapter x

ANJEL

My arms feel heavy this morning. The scent of cedar wood and peonies whiffling around my head like a dream.

This is no dream.

The weight on my arm is fast asleep. Her breathing sounds up as her chest rises and falls in sync.

These past few days I haven't slept as well. Ever since I cut off business ties with Clarissa's family I've been on the search for new investors. It's been easy so far. My reputation in New York is impeccable ever since I took over after my father's death. The only problem about finding new investors is: finding new investors that are better than the ones I had before. Clarissa's family have been the biggest investors to our company since my grandfather.

Even though the money is dirty. One thing you learn about this world is; It doesn't matter where the money comes from, it's about not letting it slip from your hands.

I haven't been home often and when I have, I've been spending the nights in my office.
The guilt of leaving Daphne all alone without any interaction keeps me awake at times.

My mind keeps circling with pelicans words.

'She is alone at home. when she asks me where you are, i don't know what to say'

Why am I doing this to her?

She's not like Clarissa. She won't lie to me.

That's exactly what I said about Clarissa. She wouldn't ever lie to me. She did.

Fuck.

How long have I known Daphne for me to trust her? I trusted Clarissa and it turned out to be the biggest mistake of my life. My whole life, I only trusted 3 people.
Clarissa. My mother and pelican.

Trusting someone again feels impossible.

I let my thumb caress her arms slowly.
I don't realise she's awake until her hands reach up to my chest. I flinch, my gaze dropping down to her heavy eyes.
'Did I wake you up?' I ask, my voice cracking from not speaking. She blinks a few times as an answer.
'No' her tired eyes look into my cold gaze. Her warm touch goes to graze my cheek. I feel my whole body relax from her touch. I close my eyes, feeling her soft hands massage my jaw gently. 'That feels good' I let out a heavy breath. My mouth curling into a small smile before her fingers touch my lips.
'Anjel..' she lifts herself up with the support of my chest.
'I don't want to be the reason you don't come home'
I raise my eyebrow.
'I know your breakup was hard, and partly I'm the reason for it...' the uncomfortable feeling in my chest deepens.
I groan a heavy sigh.
'You're not at fault for any of it ange.'
I assure her. Bringing her closer to me.
Her tense body becomes looser in my arms.
'But if you do think it's my fault, I'll understand'
'It's not. Can we close this conversation now?' I snap harshly.

I didn't raise my voice but from the hurt on daphnes face it's visible my tone affected her.

This room is starting to bother me. I feel like the walls are closing in on me. Maybe I should change the decor?

Fucking hell, I want out.

I lift myself up and slide off of the bed, leaving Daphne laying alone.
'I'll tell pelican to grab us some breakfast'
'Where are you going?' She says softly from behind me.
'I'll be in my office' without anymore hesitation I leave the room and walk straight into my office.