His Flower [DISCONTINUED]

36: Late Night Confessions

"Well I'm not letting you," I crossed my arms. "You're injured."

"Not really."

"Yes, really."

We engaged in a petty stare off.

Antonio sighed, though his eyes betrayed him. "You're not letting up, are you?"

"Nope."

"Good, me neither."

"Good."

We were silent for a few more minutes, until finally, Antonio gave up.

"Look, that bed is big enough for the both of us."

"But there's only one bed," I stared up at him in confusion. "Unless... are you suggesting we sleep together?"

"You make it sound like–"

"Do not finish that sentence," I warned.

He poorly held back a smirk. "Alright, fine. We'll stay on opposite ends of the bed." At my reluctant look, he said, "I promise I won't touch you."

I hesitantly nodded after a moment. "Alright, but no funny business. I mean it."

He lazily raised his arms in compliance. I glared at him before grudgingly crawling into my bed. To my alarm, Antonio took off his shirt. My cheeks flamed at the sight of his chiseled abdomen.

"What are you doing?" I inquired.

"Undressing?" He looked confused.

"I can see that," I gaped. "But why?"

"You expect me to fall asleep with clothes on?"

"You expect me to let you crawl into my bed butt-naked?"

"I never said naked!"

"That's what you implied."

"The boxers stay on."

"What about the pants?"

"No."

"Antonio!"

"Fine, I'll keep them on just for you. Happy?"

"Very," I sarcastically smiled.

At the end of our banter, I gestured for him to get into the bed. Once he did, I placed some pillows between us to enforce our no-touching rule.

"Really?" Antonio questioned my antics. "I wouldn't touch you unless you wanted me to."

The sentence surprised me. "I know," I softly muttered.

I wasn't lying. I trusted Antonio to keep his hands to himself. Frankly, I trusted him a lot. So much, to the point that I realized I was ready to tell him about my parents. The fact that he had come to me seeking a place to reside–our bond was strengthening in ways I'd never expected it to.

And so, I opened my mouth to reveal the gruesome details of my past, but I wasn't given the chance.

"Goodnight," Antonio huskily murmured before shifting onto his side.

I stared at his bare back with a small frown. "Good night."

I looked away. Perhaps my stories would have to wait. Besides, it was best we got some sleep. With that, I flickered off my bedside lamp and allowed my head to hit the soft pillow. Despite the darkness and silence, my thoughts prevented me from falling asleep. An hour passed of me lying on my back and staring into the darkness. When I could no longer take it, I decided to quietly whisper.