Chapter 24: I NEED YOU HERE
As soon as I opened my eyes, I immediately got up from my bed. I didn't bother to look at myself in the mirror and just headed straight for the door. Baba told me yesterday that he was going to answer all of my questions today.
I couldn't properly close my eyes last night because of the anticipation. However, knowing that Baba and Dominic were discussing important things about our situation, I managed to collect myself and stay in my room. I have caused them enough trouble already.
When I pulled the door open, I was startled to see Dominic instead of the two bodyguards who were standing at my door last night. Dominic's eyes met mine, and for a moment, I forgot all the questions I had been desperate to ask.
"Dominic..." I whispered under my breath. Exhaustion marked his face, with dark circles under his eyes and a slight stubble on his jaw, evidence of a sleepless night. It looked like he and Baba had been talking all night. "Why are you here? Have you not slept yet?"
Why hadn't he taken a rest? There were other security personnel who could stand guard outside my door.
"Are you hungry?" he asked instead, his voice low and husky as his gaze dropped to my chest, his eyes burning with an intensity that made my skin prickle with awareness. It was only then that I realized I wasn't wearing a bra, and my nightgown was thin.
My cheeks heated up and my nipples hardened in response to the attention it was getting. I couldn't help but bite my lip and suppress a laugh as I remembered the first time we met. We've come a long way since then.
I was surprised when he suddenly took a step forward, causing me to step back. His sudden movement made my heart race. Dominic's pupils dilated, drinking in the sight of me, and tracing the curves of my breasts. I awkwardly let go of the door's handle.
"P'wede kong sabihan si Aling Ponsing na dalhan ka na lang ng pagkain," Dominic continued, closing the door behind him with his hand. I took another step back.
HIs presence filled the room, making it feel smaller than it was, and his tall frame made the space feel even tighter. The door clicked shut, sealing us off from the rest of the house. I shook my head to bring myself back to my senses.
Why am I thirsting over this sleep-deprived man early in the morning when I have better things to do? Focus, Mia! Don't let Maw control you!
"I'm not hungry," I forced myself to reply. "And why did you close the door? Lalabas ako."
He looked up to meet my eyes, but my gaze followed the movement of his tongue as he licked his lower lip. "How about you change your clothes first?" he asked. "There are a lot of security personnel outside."
Dominic's gaze was intense, yet his concern was evident. His words brought a flush of embarrassment to my cheeks. This guy... he won't just leave me and my clothes alone.
"Then why did you lock us both inside? Are you planning to watch your boss' daughter change?" A playful smirk formed on my lips.
A small chuckle broke out from him. I pouted when he didn't even look a little embarrassed about it. While I'm already deeply affected by the intensity of his gaze.
"I apologize. I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. I was just trying to make sure you're safe from anyone's eyes outside." He nods his head playfully, rubbing at his jaw. The white t-shirt he has on flexes under his biceps as well as lifts right above his sweatpants, which reveals his happy trail. "I'll step out now to give you some privacy, Miss Liu," he added with a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.
I watched him as he opened the door slightly, pausing to look back at me one last time. His smirk softened into a genuine smile, and his eyes held a warmth that made my heart flutter.
