20 Days In His Bedroom

Chapter Forty one

I've just confessed that I miss this idiot.
How many times do I have to tell you, Twy—don't tell him how you feel. He'll take advantage, and then you'll be the one left bleeding. Again. And you won't even be able to blame anyone but yourself.

"Hey, you there?" Kyle's voice cuts in.

"Yes." I nod, too fast. I hate that he notices everything.

"Where do you want to go now?" he asks, eyes back on the road.

"Nowhere. Jack's place. I need to sleep."
Lie. I don't want to go to Jack's. But I need Kyle to think I do. Let him stew in jealousy for once. He deserves it.
...Or maybe he won't get jealous at all. Why would he? He doesn't love you. He left you. He didn't care if Jack showed up, didn't even bother to stay.

Stop it, Twy. Stop.

"Jack's place?" He raises a brow, and just for a second, I see something flicker behind his eyes. Anger? Good.

"Yes. Isn't that where I live now?" I say it sweetly, smiling like I don't care. But inside? I'm spinning.

"Twy, do you really want to go there?"
He pulls over, turns toward me. His face is serious now.

"Do I look like I'm joking?" I meet his eyes, refusing to flinch. His gaze is too much. Too warm. Too dangerous.

"You can't be serious," he mutters, shaking his head and staring past me.

"Kyle, it doesn't matter if I want to or not. What matters is I'm not going anywhere but there."

Truth. Even if I'd rather be with him. Even if everything inside me is screaming for him to say, Stay.

"Why? Why go back if you don't have to? Did Jack say something? Just tell me." He sounds... frustrated.

"No, he didn't. He's friendly. Nice. Loyal." I pause for effect. "Exactly like you."

He exhales sharply. "So you're punishing me?"

"I'm just stating facts. You left. That's all that matters."
I swallow hard. "You're not my brother, my father, or—"
My voice falters. Don't say it, Twy.
"—or my husband."

Shit.

"Husband?" He lifts a brow. "So you'd be okay with me being your husband?"

"No! I mean—yes. No. Ugh, look. If you were my husband, of course I'd stay with you. Like any normal person would. But that's not going to happen, so—no."
I cringe. That came out like a tornado of nonsense.

"Okay," he says.

That's it? Just okay?
Don't tell me he's really going to take me to Jack's. I messed this up. Great job, Twy. You're basically moving in with Jack permanently now.

"So... to Jack's, then?" He starts the car.

"Yeah," I say quickly. "But we could, um, have dinner first. I'm starving."

I am. But mostly, I just want to delay my glamorous arrival at Jack the Savior's place.

"Sure. I'm hungry too." He nods, but his voice is flat.

The silence stretches the whole drive, but he finally stops in front of a beautifully lit restaurant.

"Ooh, I love it already," I say, grinning.

"Good." Still cold.

Inside, the waiter greets Kyle like he knows him.
Great. A regular here? Of course.

"Same as last time, sir?" the waiter asks Kyle.

"Yeah, that was good." Kyle gives a thumbs-up.

Then the waiter turns to me. "And for you, miss Melody? The same?"

Wait—what?

"She's Twy. Twyla," Kyle says quickly.

The waiter's eyes widen. "Oh—I'm so sorry. I thought—"

"It's fine," Kyle cuts him off.

Melody. Who the hell is Melody?

"I'll have whatever she had," I say, smiling sweetly at the waiter.

"You don't even know what she ordered," Kyle says, visibly annoyed.

"So? I'll know in a few minutes." I shrug.

"You're weird."

"And you're secretive." I fold my arms.

"Who's the girl?" I ask casually, not casually at all.

"Who?" He's smiling with his eyes again. Oh, so now we're playing dumb?

"Melody," I say, and watch his face.

"Bravo," I add sarcastically. "You figured it out."

He laughs but says nothing.

"Who is she?" I ask again, this time calmer. Or at least trying to sound that way.

"Why do you care?" he says, tilting his head. "Relax, babe."

Babe?! Did he just—

"I'm totally relaxed," I snap. "Just curious who I'm copying tonight."

"Don't worry. She's got good taste." He smirks.

The food finally arrives—grilled skewers, rice, veggies, soup, and a red drink.

"What's that?" I ask.

"Haven't you ever seen it?" Kyle teases.

"It's red wine, miss," the waiter answers.

Wine. Of course.

"Oh, no thank you. I don't drink." I hand it back. Melody did though, huh?

"Give it to me," Kyle says, reaching for it.

I take it from him and hand it to the waiter. "No, bring him orange juice. He's not drinking this either."

The waiter grins like we're a comedy act.

"Who said I wanted orange juice?" Kyle asks, amused.

"No one. But you're not drinking that—not while you're with me. You can save that for Melody."

He laughs. "Twy, you're too innocent," he murmurs.

I stab a skewer and chew aggressively. "Eat before I finish yours too."

"Let me watch you first."

I blush and look down, chewing slower now. Please stop looking at me like that.

⸻

End of Chapter Message:

Hey lovies ❤️ I hope you're enjoying your summer!
If you liked this chapter, don't forget to tap that ⭐ below and leave a comment. It helps me keep writing even when life gets super busy.

Tell me—what do you think of Melody? 👀
Is Kyle just teasing, or hiding something real? Let's hear your thoughts!

Love you all,
—Roniiaa 💋