Living with a Ghoul

Chapter 17: Love?

I step into the new apartment and marvel at it. I guess being rich has its perks. We had a nice penthouse uptown not far from where  Riley lives so she can keep an eye on us. I look around it some, it was so nice high ceilings, white walls, carpet and wood floors, I instantly go to pick out my room but I don't see how I possibly could there were like seven of them!

I run around the apartment giggiling like mad as Royce sets boxes of my stuff down. "Are you gonna act like a little kid in a candy store or are ya gonna help me?" He asks crossing his arms. I collapse on the soft red couch and completely melt. I wasn't even paying attention to Royce I was too excited to decorate and have the house warming party.

Soon I feel myself being slung over someone's shoulder. Of course it was a very impatient Royce. "Fine I'll help but do you have to carry me?" I hit his back and he just laughs. "Well you're lighter than a feather for one, and two I get a nice look at your ass every time I do." He replies. I feel my face begin to grow hot. He is so stupid! Grr, messing with me like this.

He puts me down and I take my boxes to my room. After I finish unpacking some things I decide on which room I should make into my office. This is just what I needed, to focus on something other than Royce and Xavier. Speaking of which, I wanted to ask Royce for the truth. The whole truth and nothing but the truth. Lately, Xavier has been getting real close to me and not just physically but he's been asking me questions about Royce and my relationship.

Like are we really a couple, or have we even slept together yet, or if he causes me any harm with his temper. I sigh and sit in the middle of the room. I picture where everything will go as I do. All while thinking about Royce and Xavier. Something I told myself I wouldn't do for the time being. It'll be hard to let Xavier go after Royce tells me what he has to tell me. Maybe I should've been trying harder to distance myself. But its so hard.

I have flash backs of all our little meetings before work. The sex was just so good, I have doubt's Royce is any better. Royce then leans up against the wall in the room and I blink. I didn't even notice he came in.

"You were thinking hard about something." He combs through his hair with his fingers and I bite my lip. "How could you tell?"

"You were staring at the wall for twenty minutes with a constipated look on your face." He smirks and I feel a blush forming. Aaron tells me the same thing when I'm thinking hard on something. But his words, "you look like you're taking a fat shit after eating one too many spicy tacos." Gotta love him.

Royce sits in front of me and I put a strand of hair behind my ear. "Wanna tell me what's on your mind?" Royce looks at me with sincere eyes and I look up at him. "Wanna tell me what's going on between you and Xavier?" Raising an eyebrow I mess with my nails. Royce heaves a sigh and looks out the window.

"I didn't wanna tell you because...he would've killed you. I can't let that happen." Royce says sort of quietly. I squint. Why am I refusing to believe this? Its hard to believe that Xavier is a killer or a ghoul for that matter. But then again, he never really eats when we're out and he's often sick from work. I've never noticed until the other day he smelled funny...like death...oh my god...oh my fucking FUCK! How could I be so stupid?! Not  even just stupid I'm clueless! I'm gullible, I'm, I'm UGH!

"Xavier is,"

"A ghoul...I kinda got that after you said kill." I stand and begin to pace.

"The council leader McCrea is Xavier's father, he was sent to kill you but he can't do that while I'm in the way. He attacked me that night at the track, and he's been trying to get close to you in order to earn your trust. That's why we had to move and he can't know where we live, he will come after you." Royce explains and I feel my heart begin to pound more. I was more angry than afraid.

I let him lie to me, I let him kiss me, I let him...touch me. I can only yell in frustration and punch the wall. Repeatedly. I only stop when Royce stands in front of me and I begin to punch his chest. Tears stream down my face as I stop.

I was so stupid and I was mad at Royce when all he was doing was protecting me. I let my dumb girly infatuation get the better of me. "Red calm down." Royce pulls me into a warm hug and I just keep crying. "Royce you don't understand He-he,"

"I don't wanna know...trust me he has that effect on girls. He used my sister for his personal game as well, I don't wanna see you get hurt like how she did." Royce runs his fingers through my hair which only makes me cry more. Ryan never said anything like this to me. Xavier only wanted one thing from me to take advantage and kill me. Royce he was actually talking to me as if he loved me. Does he?

I sniff and look up at him. He gently wipes my tears and kisses my forehead. "Remember how I said maybe I've fallen?" He whispers and I nod.

"I fell for you the day I saw you in the park...and I haven't stopped falling since." He says and it makes my heart flutter. He loves me? It seems hard to believe but the way he's holding me right now I guess its true.

"So would you say you're in love with me?" I ask.

"No...not yet." I could hear a smile in Royce's voice and it caused me to hug him tighter. I was okay with him not being in love with me, I'm not even sure if I'm in love with him...but I do love him.

"I said I was gonna protect you, and I'm sure as hell gonna do just that." Royce strokes my hair and I grip his shirt. Nodding I begin to cry again.
He maybe a demon, but he's more like my guardian angel right now.

And I'm greatful.