I dropped my gaze to the floor. Stupid stupid Drei. I wish I could melt right now. Ignoring their
laughter, I repeated the conversation in my head.
“Wait!”
They stopped abruptly.
“Err. Where wil I stay tonight?”
Anthony’s smile faltered abruptly.
Carley smirked. “With Anthony.”
This was definitely harder than I thought.
***
Chapter 22
"I'm sorry Drei."
My head snapped up. I heard the faintest crink of my neck. I wish he hadn't heard it. I couldn't
stand anything that might add up to my already full-blown embarrassment. "You don't have to
apologize Anthony."
"But--"
"It's not your fault, okay?" I interrupted him. Even I was surprised at how exhausted I sounded.
His eyes flashed how shocked he was, but he immediately hid it. He looked at some spot
behind me, not meeting my gaze.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have snapped at you. I'm just--"
"Hey, relax. It's fine," he chuckled, meeting my eyes again.
My embarrassment resurfaced, making me realize how fast I talked seconds ago. I ducked my
head, tugging at the hem of my shirt.
From the corner of my eye, I saw him stand up and go for the door. "If you want to take a
shower, go ahead, okay? I'll just stay outside so you won't feel..." He thought for a minute.
"Funny?" I supplied for him, not able to hide the amusement in my tone. I felt okay all of a sudden when I realized I wasn't the only one uneasy with the situation.
"Yea. That." He turned to face me, having that favorite smile I've grown so accustomed to.
I nodded, suddenly smiling cheekily at him. Oh boy. I think I have a personality disorder. He
nodded slightly, then reached for the door and disappeared behind it.
One moment I feel so down, then before I know it, I'd be okay the next minute. I think I'm going
insane.
I stood up from the bed, stretching my musles a bit. Scanning the room once more, I decided to
pace around it. The bed was large, though I don't have even the slightest idea what size it is. I
think this was the same with Drew's. But I'm not so sure.
I approached the bedside table, and reached for the drawers. When I found out that they
weren't locked, I pulled them open. There was an inspirational book, and a few keys. Realizing I
was intruding, I closed the drawer, then stood back up. Out of habit, I stretched again but this
time, I yawned too.
I trudged to the bathroom door. Like the rest of the house, the guest room bath was also well-
kept. It was a large room with the usual facilities, only a bit glamorous than normal. Good thing I only had to stay here only for a couple of hours (a couple of hours? forty-eight?). If not, I would start to think I'm a princess of some sort. Not only think that I'm one, maybe I'll even enjoy it.
Rinsing off the dirt and stress of the day, I emerged from the bathroom ten minutes later feeling
refreshed and renewed. I didn't care that I was sharing the room with Anthony tonight. It's not
that I'm going to get myself killed anyway. Embarrassment won't kill me. I winced. Just close to
death, maybe.
I found a fresh set of clothes waiting for me on the bed when I got out of the bathroom. Maybe
the maids put them here. I went inside of the bathroom again, trying to make sure that I'd dress
in a safe place.
I was halfway tugging the baggy shirt on when I heard someone open the bedroom door
outside. I could hear muffled voices, but I couldn't be sure if how many were there. I yanked the
sweatpants on and quickly arranged my hair. I didn't even bother checking my reflection in the
mirror because the voices started to get louder. I opened the bathroom door, unsure of what to
expect beyond it. When my eyes landed on Anthony, who shot me a worried look. He turned his
gaze to someone by the door. I followed his eyes and I saw Carley leaning by the wall near the
door, wearing an expression of delight. Whenever I see that look on her face, I feel nervous.
Before I could think of what Carley might be planning, my attention was caught by the man
standing by the doorway, close to Carley. Anthony's good looks had me the first time I saw him
but this guy's features were very fine and beautiful I could've believe he was just a mannequin.
He had an amused smile on his face, (probably because of their topic before I came out) and
his eyes were piercing but had a certain gentleness in them. His posture was good, though he
didn't show even the faintest sign of effort in maintaining it. When our gazes met, his smile
when from amused to a kind greeting. I shook off the expression I had on my face. Whatever it
was, I know it was harmful to what's left of my pride.
"You must be Drei?" The guy spoke.
I nodded stupidly. "Yes."
I think I saw Anthony scoff at Carley before coming to my side. "Uhh Drei, this is Zed. Carley's husband. Zed, this is Drei."
Zed reached his hand out and I clumsily held out mine. He took it and gave it a gentle shake.
"Nice to meet you." He said, flashing a good set of teeth.
"So, what can you say about my prince charming, Drei?" Carley suddenly chirped.
"Oh." I broke free from my trance. "Just like what a princess like you deserves." Finally, I managed to get used to things in here. It felt like I was in a fairy tale.
"I think you should spend some time alone now, Carley," Anthony suddenly was by the door, where the beautiful pair stood.
"Oooh." Zed and Carley cooed at the same time.
"It's not what you think!" Anthony suddenly looked uneasy, while he tried to get the pair out.
"Okay okay Anthony. We'll get some time alone now. Just like you and Drei." Carley teased, grabbing her husband's arm. "Sweet dreams, you two." Zed teased.
I sighed heavily. I felt tired all over again.
Anthony finally managed to get the door shut.
"Sorry if they're teasing us." I said.
"I should be
