Royalty [BWWM]

10. Welcome Home

April

I moved in for the week as promised. Instead of helping me physically like I thought Nick would, I came in one afternoon and everything was moved for me. Apparently he hired a group of people to do it. I wasn't complaining but it was unexpected. Everything was folded and washed and ironed. I was just so use to doing things myself that it seemed unreal to have it taken care of for me.

Steph and Ginny loved the new arrangement because it was like having our very own playground and five-star chill spot. The pool was large enough to dive in and the patio was to die for. Nick didn't mind, he even invited someone of his friends over from time to time and we all relaxed and took in the sun together.

When I got back my exam results, I knew it was time to go home but I didn't want to leave. Every time we got closer, it seemed we were pulled apart. It wasn't a good feeling nor was it avoidable so I couldn't ignore it. However, I wasn't going to allow him to pull away first this time. The last time almost ripped me open and I wouldn't be able to survive the second time around.

"I'm headed home tonight." I announced while he seemed preoccupied with his emails. His feet were heist on the coffee table as he held a pen between his teeth. We had just finished lunch and we planned on watching a movie in a few hours, but my dad called to see how things were going, and I knew it was best to ask him to drive down to get me.

"To where?" He wondered absentmindedly, still staring at the screen.

"Atlanta." I grumbled, preparing myself.

He stopped typing away at his laptop and looked up at me. "I was going to drive you down. How are you getting there?" He spoke through his teeth as he stood up. I could see the worry lines on his brows and the frown in his eyes.

"It's taken care of." I got up and headed passed my packed suitcases at the door. I couldn't do this while looking into his eyes. We both knew this was coming and granted this was probably not the best way to do it but it had to be done. I was tired of getting hurt. I never got to be the one to cause pain, but only to receive it. My dad was already on his way and I had to get ready regardless.

"Desi," He was right behind me following me up the stairs.

"Nick," I gathered my extra belongings and packed them in my handbag as quickly as I could without looking up. "My dad is on his way... It was fun." I probably shouldn't have said that. My heart was pumping and I was so scared.

"I understand that," He muttered as he watched me from a distance.  "But I want to see you off." His voice broke and I knew I wasn't being fair. "I get what you're doing." He wasn't pleased as he continued. He continued to stare at me, as I got dressed. "But this isn't a game."

I paused and thought about it. I bit my lip and sighed in irritation of my pounding heart. "No, it is, and I'm just learning how to play." I mumbled calmly.

"Destiny." He held my arm but I pulled out of his reach as he followed me down the stairs and outside as I opened the door to my waiting father.

"Go home, Nick." I pleaded once more. This was for my good and his. I heard the calls he received everyday, all day. They needed him home but he was too stubborn to acknowledge that. He was more stressed than anything but he tired to play it off. I cared too much about him to have him do that, and I cared about myself way too much to be hurt again.

"Hi, Mr. Miller." He greeted my father who wave back out of courtesy. I knew I was going to be asked an endless amount of questions when we were alone.

Being the one to leave first didn't make me feel any different. I still felt like shit and even worse knowing that I was hurting him.

"I will come visit you." He muttered to me when he helped me with my bags to the car.