Run With The Devil

Unspoken Feelings

Deons pov

I was in my study, working through some paperwork when my sister walked in, a playful smile on her face. She plopped down on the edge of my desk, looking at me with an expression that could only be described as mischievous.

"Hey, Deon," she began, clearly excited. "I was talking to Lyra just now. I asked her if she liked you, and her answer was interesting."

I raised an eyebrow, slightly intrigued but also wary. "Interesting how?"

She leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "She seemed unsure about her feelings, but she mentioned a moment when you were really close to her. It got me thinking."

I shifted in my chair, trying to gauge her intent. "Okay, and what about it?"

With a glint in her eye, she continued, "I was wondering, how do you feel about her? Do you... like like her?"

The directness of the question caught me off guard. I'd been trying to keep things professional and straightforward, especially given the recent chaos. But now, with her asking, I had to confront my feelings more directly.

I took a deep breath, considering my response carefully. "You know," I began slowly, "Lyra's been through a lot. She's had a rough past, and I can see that she's struggling to find her place and manage her emotions."

My sister nodded, encouraging me to go on.

"But," I said, meeting her gaze, "it's hard for me to separate my concern for her from how I might feel personally. I care about her, deeply. I want to help her, support her, and make sure she's safe. And sometimes, when you care for someone so much, those feelings can blur lines and become more complicated."

She looked at me expectantly, clearly wanting more.

"I think," I continued, "I'm starting to realize that what I feel for her goes beyond just concern. There's something more. But right now, what matters most is helping her through this, understanding her better, and making sure she feels safe and supported."

My sister's eyes softened with understanding. "So you do have feelings for her, then?"

I nodded, feeling a mix of relief and apprehension. "Yes, I do. But it's complicated. I need to balance my personal feelings with my responsibility to ensure she gets the help she needs."

She smiled, giving me a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Thanks for being honest, Deon. It's important to acknowledge your feelings, even when they're complicated."

As she left the room, I sat back in my chair, contemplating her words. It was clear that my feelings for Lyra were evolving, and it was something I needed to navigate carefully. For now, my priority remained ensuring her well-being and helping her through her struggles. But understanding my own emotions was a step I had to take, one that would shape how I approached our relationship moving forward.

I leaned back in my office chair, the leather creaking under my weight as I stared at the ceiling. My sister's questions and observations from earlier kept replaying in my mind. The words she had spoken to me were simple, but their implications were profound and unsettling.

She had asked me if I liked Lyra in a way that went beyond mere friendship. And despite my initial reluctance to confront my feelings, I had to admit that her question had forced me to face the truth. I cared about Lyra deeply, more than just as a person I was responsible for.

I recalled our recent interactions-the moments of tension, the times of vulnerability, and the undeniable connection that seemed to build between us despite everything. The way she had looked at me with those troubled eyes, and how I felt when she was in pain or when she had that unexpected moment of vulnerability. It was clear now that there was something more than just concern.

The office around me felt like a cocoon of solitude, a space where I could think without interruption. I ran my fingers through my hair, feeling the weight of responsibility and the complexity of my emotions. It wasn't just about protecting her or ensuring she was safe; it was about understanding my own feelings and what they meant for us both.

I thought about the dynamic between us. Lyra had been through so much-her traumatic past and the way she had tried to rebuild her life. It was natural for me to want to protect her and help her, but it was becoming increasingly clear that my feelings went beyond mere duty.

I had to consider the implications of my feelings. Lyra needed support, not just from me as a protector, but as someone who could offer understanding and care. If I was going to be involved in her life in a more personal way, I needed to navigate this with sensitivity and respect for her boundaries.

As I leaned back further, I realized that my sister's insights had pushed me to confront the reality of my emotions. The professional distance I had maintained was blurring, and it was crucial to be honest with myself about what this meant for our relationship.

The silence of the office was punctuated only by the faint hum of the air conditioning. I took a deep breath, trying to clear my mind and prepare myself for what lay ahead. My priority remained Lyra's well-being, but acknowledging my own feelings was an important step in ensuring that I could provide her with the support she needed.

It was time to think carefully about how to move forward-balancing my personal feelings with my responsibilities, and ensuring that any actions taken were in her best interest. For now, the focus had to be on helping her heal and regain control, while navigating the complexities of my own emotions in a way that respected her and our evolving relationship.