Chapter 168: What Surprise?
(Arata)
"You were leaving without saying goodbye," the accusation was heavy in Karsten’s voice. My poor heart shuddered and I couldn’t bring myself to up my gaze and stare into those accusatory eyes of his.
"You were busy.....I didn’t want to distract you," I breathed out with difficulty, still staring at the marble stairs, finding patterns very interesting.
The nail of his thumb landed under my chin and nudged it up so our gazes could meet. Several creases on his forehead were visible.
"Why do I feel like you are avoiding me?" He asked, searching my eyes for any truth.
He knew I was never bothered by how many people were with him; if I wanted to get to him, I always did.
"We just had our final rehearsal together. Why would I be avoiding you? I need to get home before my family arrives." I blurted out, half-truths, half-lies.
Karsten stared at me so intently, his hands flat on the walls on both sides of my head. I knew he could detect something was wrong. I never shied away from staring directly at him and now it just bruised me.
He took his time speaking. His calculating sharp mind, making decisions.
"You are taking my car, and it stays with you until your family leaves. And you move right back into my home, once they do. Are we clear on this?"
So close, his body almost pressed into mine, and if he decided to move even an inch I could bet my life I wouldn’t be able to resist him.