Chapter 77: By his side
1229words
I rushed into the office the following day. I couldn't get enough sleep last night for a reason I didn't know. I thought Mr. Nathan would be at the door to scold me as usual, but the office was empty. I took a deep breath and sat behind my desk. I booted up my laptop and began work, hoping Mr. Nathan would spare me the scolding today. I spent almost an hour in the office, but I didn't see him. That was unlike him. His absence was making me nauseous. What could be wrong with him?
I picked up my phone to call him. 'You're late, Mr. Nathan. What should be your punishment?" I said as he answered the call.
'I can't make it today. Sorry I didn't call you earlier," he said weakly, making my heart catch in my throat.
'What's wrong with you? Are you fine?" I asked, concerned.
'I'll be fine; just caught some cold."
'What? Are you on medication? You were just fine last night."
'The darkness," he spoke and coughed. 'The darkness, Scarlett. It's making me sick."
'Wow, that's surprising. Anyway, send me your house address. I'll come see you."
'You don't have to. I'll try to be at the office tomorrow. Just take care of everything," he said.
'I'll round up early. Send the address now," I said and hung up before he had the chance to argue. Somehow, I wanted the day to run out as fast as a bullet. The office was silent and boring except for the clack of my fingers on the keyboard.
***
A servant led me to Nathan's room. I didn't wait for the company to close before I hurried away. I wondered why I was so worried about my crazy boss. I should have been happy he wasn't in the office to bug me, but I felt different.
He was lying on his side on the bed, covered up in bedclothes. 'He must have fallen asleep," the servant said before excusing us. I walked closer, looking around the large room. I sat on the edge of the bed, looking at his perfect face. I was tempted to lift a finger and touch his braids, but I held back.
'Scarlett?" he called, opening his eyes, and I quickly composed myself.
'I didn't know you would make it," he said.
'I promised to come see you, so I did. How do you feel now? Have you taken your medication?" I asked, avoiding his eyes.
'I've taken those bitter pills, but I still feel cold," he said, touching my hand. His hand was truly cold, and I felt goosebumps on my skin.
'I'm so sorry, okay? You're going to be fine," I assured him, placing my other hand on his. 'The drugs will start working soon."
'What if they don't? I've taken them for over five hours already. I hate being like this," he whined.
'Nobody loves to fall sick, Mr. Nathan. But you shouldn't expect to feel energetic after taking drugs once. Why do doctors prescribe many doses if they expect the drugs to work immediately?"
'I feel like I'm being frozen to death."
'I understand. Just endure it overnight. Some drugs work overnight," I said.
'What if I want your drugs?" he said, making me confused.
'I don't sell drugs, Mr. Nathan."
'What if you make the cold go away," he trailed his finger along my arm, making my heart race.
'I don't know what you're talking about," I said, pushing his hand away.
'I want you to lie beside me, and I'll show you what I mean."
'Gosh!" I exclaimed in surprise. 'You're sick, for God's sake, Mr. Nathan, and what are you thinking about? Sex?"
'I just want you close," he tugged at my hand.
'Stop misbehaving. I think I should leave. You're better now," I said, standing up. He grabbed my hand and pulled me down on the bed.
'Just stay," he whispered, shifting closer to me.
'It's getting late, Mr. Nathan. There'll be traffic," I told him, my heart pounding in my chest.
'Stay for the night then."
'I think the drugs are affecting your mind. Let me go."
'It's not sex I want, Scarlett. I just want you by my side. Just tonight, please."
I shook my head. 'I can't spend a night in your house, Mr. Nathan, let alone by your side. I'll drop by on my way to the office tomorrow."
'Scarlett, please. Don't go," he begged, his voice low. How could I resist those cute sapphire eyes? It seemed like he was crying as his eyes shimmered under the white light.
'I can't do this with you. You're my boss."
'It doesn't matter. I just want you near, please."
I couldn't resist the plea. A part of me wished to stay, and the other part wished to go, but I didn't want to have sex with him.
'Fine." I didn't know when the word left my mouth, and he smiled. 'You will not have sex with me," I added.
'I'm too weak to do that."
'I need to freshen up. I need a change of clothes. I need to eat, or I won't be able to sleep," I listed.
'The bathroom is there. Some loose fits are in the closet, and I'll tell the cook to get you something to eat. All your problems can be solved, sweetheart."
'Don't call me that," I spun to face the closet. I grabbed his loose white t-shirt and black shorts and went into the bathroom to change. I stepped out, dressed in his clothes, and he smiled at me.
'That fits," he said. 'Your dinner is served," he pointed to the table, and I walked closer. I pulled the table closer, sitting on the bed to eat.
'Aren't you eating?" I asked, looking at him.
He shook his head. 'I don't have an appetite."
'Let me feed you," I said, and he laughed.
Some moments later, I lay beside Nathan, putting space between us. We were both facing the ceiling.
'I'm sorry I'm forcing you to do this," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.
'It's fine."
'I love you, Scarlett," he whispered, shifting closer to me. I swallowed; I knew this was a bad idea. He turned my face to look at him.
'I love you with all my heart, and I promise to do anything for you."
My heart pounded in my chest, and I puckered my lips. 'I'm not interested," I managed to utter.
He leaned closer, propping on an elbow, and kissed me. The most annoying part was the fact that I kissed him back. He cupped my face with one hand, his thumb stroking my cheek, and deepening the kiss.
'You promised," my voice trembled as I tried to pull away.
He nodded. 'Don't be scared. I don't have the strength for sex either," he said. 'Just let me be close to you," he kissed my neck, sending shivers down my spine.
'Mr. Nathan?" I whispered, fighting back a moan.
'I'll make you love me back. I promise," he said, laying back and pulling me closer.
'Aren't you ridiculous?" I forced a smile, resting my head on his chest. His heart was beating so fast, it drummed in my ear.
He kissed my hair. 'Sleep tight," he said, and I relaxed in his arms.
