The Billionaire's Awakening (Unedited Version)

Chapter 17: Request

"If you don't have the confidence to ask, you will never have the confidence to convince." ― Amit Kalantri

Vicky's POV

Deshawn stops and faces me as soon as we are a few meters away from Xandrous. When I look back at Xandrous, he was leaning against his car, facing us. His hands were crossed against his chest, his face is cold as the snow in the winter. 

"I'm sorry for bothering you, Vicky, but I desperately need your help." Deshawn swallowed hard and looks at Xandrous' direction and then back at me. Shoving his hands in his pockets he spoke. "I know," he looks uncertain, and all the more I was curious what could be bothering him. "All of you thought I'm into women, but honestly—"

I already knew where his words heading. "You're a gay?" my eyes widened in surprise, interrupting him.

"Shhh..." he instinctively puts his palm over my mouth, silencing me while he looks around us. I followed his gaze and suddenly alarmed, for him. I didn't intend to shout it out. I was just shocked.

"I'm sorry," I whispered, still dumbfounded.

"My two brothers are coming back from and they are all expecting us to bring you home with me—"

"Why me?" I interrupted. My eyebrows suddenly met, frowning at him in confusion.

He looks at me apologetically. "I'm sorry, I ..." he looks down then back at me. "I was cornered. Remember that news that came around, when we dine together at Itsu? My family believed that I'm dating you and I confirmed it because I thought, they would never meet you anyway." He explains intently. "I'm sorry. I never thought they would still remember it. My brothers who were in the army wants to meet you, they are coming back in a week. I thought ..." he looks at me, his eyes filled with worries. I suddenly felt sorry for him. Meeting his family and pretend would be easy, but I'm not sure if Xandrous would agree. 

"Deshawn, I understand you. I just don't know if Xandrous would agree," I told him what I'm thinking. 

"He doesn't have to know, Vicky. I'll just introduce you and of course, we don't have to stay longer than a week. I just don't want my brothers to know that I'm gay, especially my father," he sighed deeply. 

"I already agree to go with him tonight, back home," I said.

"I will go home next week. You can come after. I can pick you up at the airport," he looks determined. "Please, Vicky," he pleaded.

"Can I think it over?" I asked him. 

His face looks sullen as he nodded. "Sure," his resigned voice made me feel all the more remorseful.

"I'll let you know my decision tomorrow. I'll send you an email," I said. Patting his shoulder, I met his crestfallen eyes. 

"And can you do me a favor?" he asked before I turn my back.

"Sure," I said promptly.

"Nobody knew about my sexual identity. I hope you could keep it. Thank you, Vicky. I know you are not what people thought about you," he smiled and my heart swelled with pride.

"Your secret is safe with me," I smiled. "Goodnight, Deshawn," I said and he smiled, narrowing our gap, he pulled me for a brief hug. "I'll talk to you later," with that, I pivoted and headed towards Xandrous' direction. He stood straight as soon as I'm approaching him. His face looks detach and his gaze was directed at me, hard. I suddenly felt conscious at the intensity of his stare.

"What did he tell you that it took it so long, and do you have to pat him on the shoulder or hug you?" Xandrous asked in nagging voice, and I smiled.