20 Days In His Bedroom

Chapter Forty Two

"Twy." He says my name. I don't know why, but I love it when he says it. Everyone else calls me Twy, but from him, it feels different. Sweeter. Is that because I love him?

"Yes," I finally respond, trying to sound indifferent.

"You can stay with me." His eyes are practically begging me. Good. I hope he learned his lesson. I'm not going with him. That's final.

"I know. But I'll stay with Jack." I nod, lips pressed in a hard line.

"Why?" he asks, shaking his head.

"Why?" I echo, raising my eyebrows.

"Why are you doing this to me?" His eyes are so intense. Oh God.

"Doing what? Pretending you care? Acting like Jack's some kind of monster?" I exhale sharply. "If he is a monster, then you're the one who left me with him."

"Why are you making this such a big deal? I came back. That's what matters."

"Oh, right," I laugh bitterly. "Because you thought he might hurt me? How touching. Your heart's still working then, huh?" I point at his chest sarcastically.

"Yeah, it still works. Want me to show you how?" His tone is challenging, eyes gleaming with something I can't quite read.

"Maybe." I roll my eyes, but inside I'm spiraling. What's he planning?

"Perfect. Just remember, you said yes." He suddenly stands up. Regret hits me like a truck. What did I just agree to?

He steps beside my chair. I look up at him warily.
"What?" I shudder. He's acting weird again.

"Shhh." He silences me—and then, in one quick move, lifts me over his shoulder.

"Kyle! No!" I smack his back. "Put me down!"

"Nah." He fishes some money out of his wallet and tosses it on the table. "Good girl," he adds, rubbing my butt like I'm a pet. I hit him harder.

"Oh, stop. Fuck!" His hand drops, and he wraps his arm tighter around my legs. Protective, or possessive?

"Don't touch me like that again," I growl.

He just laughs, and I hit his back again. Harder this time.

"Stop it, my bitch," he says, still laughing. Ugh, I hate him.

"I won't stop! Put me down! I'm not going with you!"

He ignores me. Keeps walking like I said nothing.

"Kyle?"

"Uhm," he grunts, finally acknowledging me.

"I'm serious—I'm not going with you. You understand?"

"Even if it's to Jack's place?"

"Put me down first! Why are you carrying me at all? I have legs, if you haven't noticed."

"Thank God I even noticed you," he smirks.

Jerk.

He carries me into his car, opens the door, and sets me down like I'm a piece of luggage. Then he jumps in beside me and starts the engine.

"Kyle?"

"Yes, babe." No glance, just that maddening calm.

"Are you crazy? Like truly? You can tell me, I won't tell anyone. Do you take meds, or just go to therapy?"

He says nothing. Doesn't even laugh. Oh, he's moody now?

"I just want you to stop talking. Can you do that?" His voice is cold, distant.

Then he adds, "My babe," and places his hand over mine. Player.

"Okay." I yank my hand away. He glances at me, surprised—but he started this game. And I know how to play.

He stops the car in front of a sleek modern house with a wide garden and a pool. Gorgeous. But where the hell are we?

"Where?" I ask, still catching my breath.

"Where what?"

"Where are we?" I repeat, more firmly this time.

"My new home. Over there." He gets out of the car like this is the most normal thing in the world.

Of course. He never intended to drive me to Jack's. Stupid, stupid me.

He opens my door. I stay still.

"Hey?" Kyle waves a hand in front of my face.

I look away.

"Oh right, you're used to this now," he mutters, then scoops me up again.

"No! Put me down. I can walk. I've got two legs, remember?"

"Thank God I noticed them," he says, clearly amused.

The house inside is incredible—sleek, black furniture, warm lighting. Cozy and sexy at the same time. I wouldn't have chosen black, but I love it.

"Where are you taking me?"

"To the bedroom. You need to sleep."

"Kyle." I hit his chest hard.

"Stop it, or..." he warns.

"Or what?"

He kisses me.

I slap him. Not hard, just enough to shake him.
"Do you even know what you just did?"

He puts me down.

"And do you know what you just did?" I snap back, ready for battle. He kissed me without warning. Who does that?

"I kissed you," he says simply, then pushes me against the wall. "And I'll do it again."

And he does. I push him away with all the strength I have.

"You bastard! I'm not like the girls you sleep with!"

"I know." He grins.

"Then watch yourself! Don't talk about Jack like you're any better."

"You don't know anything," he says, voice low. "You don't know how many nights I had to stop myself from touching you. You don't know what it feels like to know a girl like you is sleeping right there—in my room—and I can't do a damn thing but say goodnight and walk away."

"Then why—"

"Stop. Just listen." He cuts me off, eyes burning.

"You should know how much I suffered. How hard I tried not to feel something for you. I didn't even admit it to myself. But I couldn't help it—I was happy when you were around. I felt... safe. And scared. At the same time. I never showed it, I know. But I felt it."

He pauses, blinking hard.

"And I knew you'd leave. Any time. The second you find your parents, you're gone. That's why it was dangerous to feel anything. But I gave up trying. I give up."

"Kyle..." I whisper. My heart's pounding. Is this real?

He loves me.

As much as I wanted to hear it, I didn't expect it.
And I don't even know what I'm supposed to say back.

⸻

Hey lovies ❤️
Was that intense or was that intense?! If this chapter made your heart race (or made you scream at Kyle), don't forget to vote ⭐ and drop a comment. Your thoughts mean everything and keep me writing!
Love you all! 💋