Dante's Love (18+)

Chapter 29

I tossed and turned all night.

He hasn't been back for 2 hours and 11 minutes.

I tried to scold myself, saying I didn't care.

However I found myself checking the time every single second.

Finally the front door opened.

I quickly wrapped myself under the covers. I did not want to see what he has been up to.

A warm hand enveloped my shoulder, shaking me up.

I pretended to groggily open my eyes, to find a small tired smile plastered on Dante's face. In his other hand was a glass.

"I thought you would like this." He whispered faintly.

"And if you were hungry, I got you this." He pulled out a small box containing tarts.

He presented them to me like a boy presenting his crush a card he had spend all night making.

His eyes grew more hopeful as I took a sip of the red liquid sloshing in the cup.

The uncannily taste of the pomegranate juice flooded my tastebuds.

How did he?

"Do you like it? I tried to get the chef to send me some but they hadn't arrived yet so I thought I could make you some."

"How is it?" He asked excitedly.

My heart tugged at this gesture yet I could not bear to bring myself to let go of this numbness that has been protecting me.

"I do not even like pomegranates that much." I looked into his eyes coldly.

I saw something break in his eyes. But I knew he tried to shrug it off.

"Oh. Thats okay. I can make a different fruit next time." He cleared his throat.

I turned away from him and snuggled deeper in the covers. I could not bear to see the forlorn look crossing his face.

-

I trudged into the office on a Monday morning. On my desk was a bright bouquet of flowers. I pursed my lips as it reminded me of the meadows in Sicily.

Annoyed, I threw the fresh smelling bouquet into the trash.

My phone rang, jolting me from my anger.

"Did you like the flowers?" Dante hopeful voice rang through the speaker.

"It was fine. But I rather you not."

"Oh was it the colours? Did you not like the roses? Maybe I can switch them out for daisies next-,"

"Look thanks, but I'm busy at work."

I cut the line before he got the chance to say anything.

"Was that him?" Gillie asked, training her eyes on the bouquet.

I nodded gruffly.

I was annoyed at Gillie too. After I confided in her on Minthe, she gently suggested to talk to Dante about what happened.