Anyone But You~

12

Continuation of previous chapter: 

Meanwhile Robert, feeling frustrated and annoyed by Daniel's lack of reaction, continues to press the issue. 

Robert:  "What, got a soft spot for her now, huh? Letting her cling to you like that?"  

Robert's tone is laced with jealousy, and he tries to provoke Daniel further. Daniel clenches his jaw even tighter, his face hardening further. He takes a deep breath, trying to maintain his composure, but Robert's words hit a nerve. 

Daniel: "That's none of your business, Robert, She's not just 'some girl' to me. And I'm not going to stand here and listen to your petty jealously fueled remarks."

 He steps closer to Robert, his eyes locked on him with an icy glare. 

Daniel: "You better fucking mind your own damn business and stop hurting her...If I see you again near her...I'll kill you and I mean it" 

He says in a low dangerous voice. He sees Hazel still trembling in his arms, Daniel starts to lead her away from the pool area and towards his bedroom He tries to shield her from the cold air as much as possible, walking at a brisk pace. he glances down at Hazel, noticing how cold and uncomfortable she looks. Feeling a pang of concern. 

Daniel: "Almost there. We'll get you into some dry clothes, and I'll find you something warm to wrap up in." 

He opens his bedroom door and makes her sit on the bed then quickly runs to bring one of his hoodies. He comes back and starts drying her hair. 

Daniel: "You should take a warm shower" 

Hazel: "Not here...I'll go to the maid's quarter" 

Daniel: "Why?"  

Hazel: "Everyone might think something else and... Emma mam is here too" 

Daniel: "But Hazel-" 

she cuts him off. 

Hazel: "Please sir...I don't want to cause any trouble" 

He nods and leads her out of the room then calls Lilly informing her to take care of Hazel nicely. 

Lilly: "Whatever happened before was hot not going to lie" 

Hazel chuckled and hit her arm lightly they came to Lilly's room there she took a nice warm bath then wore a dress given by Lilly. 

Lilly: "Here have some coffee" 

she took the cup and began sipping on the hot liquid. 

Daniels Pov: 

I was in my room standing in the balcony trying to calm my anger down that's when someone knocked onto the door. 

Daniel: "Come in" 

I looked behind to see Emma. I knew why she came here I sigh and passed a small smile to her. 

Emma: "Daniel, can I talk to you for a moment?" 

Daniel: "Sure! why not" 

Emma: "I saw what happened between you, Hazel, and Robert earlier. It was pretty clear what he did, and I know he was just goofing around. But I wanted to ask you about something." 

Daniel: "Yeah! what's on your mind?" 

She pauses for a moment, as if choosing her words carefully.

 Emma: "I wanted to ask about your relationship with Hazel. I've noticed how protective you are of her; how quick you were to help her. Is there something going on between you two?"

He gets a bit shocked by her question, the way she was staring into his eyes looking for answers. Daniel's expression becomes somewhat guarded at the question. He hesitates for a moment, considering how much he wants to reveal. 

Daniel: "Hazel and I are just friends"

he says, his tone neutral. But his eyes betray a hint of something more, a flicker of emotion he can't quite hide. Emma doesn't miss the subtle hint in his response. She studies his face for a moment, still curious about the nature of their relationship. 

Emma: "Just friends but there seems to be something more, doesn't there?" 

Daniel clenches his jaw slightly, trying to remain calm and maintain his composure. He denies Emma's suggestion emphatically. 

Daniel: "No, there's nothing more. We're just friends. I'm protective of all my friends, you know that." 

His words come out too quickly, and there's a touch of defensiveness in his tone. Despite her curiosity, Emma can sense that Daniel is uncomfortable with the topic. She decides not to press the matter further, at least for now. 

Emma: "Alright, I get it, I didn't mean to pry. I was just curious, that's all."

she says, nodding her head slightly. 

She gives him a reassuring smile, hoping to make things less awkward. Suddenly there was a knock on the door 

Daniel: "Come in" 

Hazel came inside but she sees Emma and gets uncomfortable & awkward by her staring. 

Hazel: "S-sir uh...y-your hoodie" 

she came forward and gave it in his hand. 

Hazel: "Thank you for your help" 

she smiles at him then walks out of the room. Emma sighs then look at Daniel with a smile. 

Emma: "I should probably head home" 

Daniel: "You need a ride back home?" 

Emma: "No I-I'm fine I'll drive myself...Bye" 

Daniel: "Bye...Leave me a text once your home" 

she nods he opens the door for her till she goes out. He then closes and leaves out a deep breath. 

Daniel: "why do I feel so protective towards her!? what's happening to me?"