Chapter 4 A SENSE OF HOME

A short stroll away from where my car sputtered to a halt, I find myself entering the stranger's magnificent apartment. Surprised? Well, it's not like I wanted to spend the night on that dreadful street, and he left me with no choice but to come with him. I couldn't bear the thought of spending the night stranded on that desolate street. And so, with a mixture of trepidation and curiosity, I reluctantly followed him to wherever he wanted to take me, and here I am.

Gladly, he didn't take to the woods. We are in his breathtaking abode. The guy is a compounded beauty, I tell you. From his four-wheel machine that we left behind with my Porsche, to himself, and now the beauty that is staring at me. He is the true taste, and he has got a spectacular taste that perfectly aligns with his demeanor. Beauty attracts beauty, huh?

As he carefully placed my belongings on the luxurious grey carpet, I stole a moment to survey the exquisite sitting room, soaking in the serenity that envelopes the space, taking in so much of the fresh aura that I probably need, and losing myself in the quiet moment. This is just all I need - Tranquility. Calmness. Peace. As I cruise my eyes around, I can't help but be impressed by the elegant furnishings and the peaceful ambiance. A stark contrast to the dimly lit streets outside, where shadows danced ominously under the feeble glow of streetlights, and of course, so contrast from my past. I love this. Even just for tonight, I will sample the peace that I have so much longed for for a long time. All thanks to this stranger.

The opulence of his mansion left me in utter awe, bewitching me like it would to everyone else. From the gleaming marble exterior to the tastefully decorated sitting room, it is clear that this stranger has impeccable taste. I had underestimated him, perhaps unfairly so.

I can't really tell for how long I had been turning around taking in the beauty and all sorts of beautiful intoxicants that this place is bleeding, but now, my eyes finally lock with his, meaning I have taken a complete 360-degree tour of the seating room. We stare again, me feeling awkward for having been caught so deep inspecting his house. But I am glad at least now I can scan his features with adequate light of his house. The inadequate illumination of the streetlights didn't do justice to the grandeur of his demeanor, I say.

These eyes, I can look at them the entire night and day and I will still be left dissatisfied. These jaws, ghosh! Can I touch them? Even just delineating them with my nails? I will try as much as possible to avoid the flesh contact, but I can't promise, honestly. And the lips...

"If you are done admiring my humble abode, feel free to make yourself comfortable on the couch," he speaks, breaking the silence that had settled between us. I nod sheepishly, taking my eyes away from those lips before I do something crazy.

"Thank you," I murmur as I sink into the plush cushions of the sofa, feeling a sense of gratitude wash over me.

"Excuse me. I will go change quickly. I will be with you in a flash," he says and walks upstairs.

As he excuses himself, I find my gaze lingering on him, unable to ignore the striking features that seem to captivate me effortlessly. His dark brown eyes hold a depth that draws me in, while his impeccably groomed appearance only tops his allure. He is hot, cute, smart, and I bet intelligent too. He is a charm, and everyone would fall victim to his allure. Including me who is having a handful of problems. Including me who just had a heartbreak merely a day ago.

I wonder what is happening back at home. What is Dad doing right now? Ordering the country's defense forces to embark on a search mission for me? And my friends? Is he going berserk or rogue on them thinking that they know where I am?

"What would you like to eat? Pizza? Chicken and chips?" I am startled out of my engrossed thoughts by him again, his voice pulling me back to the present moment. I shake my head, realizing that I had been lost in thought for longer than I had intended.

Clearing my throat seems to be the best option for me to blush the awkwardness. "No. Um...anything will do. Thank you," I reply, my words sounding somewhat muffled as I struggle to tear my gaze away from him.

"Weirdo," he mutters under his breath, a hint of amusement in his voice as he disappears upstairs again.

Weirdo? He is the only person who has ever found me weird. The problem is that I can't even blame him. Fear is written all over my face, and I have stuffed him with all sorts of weird gestures from the moment that we ran into each other back on the street. So, I might as well accept the nickname.

Sigh!

"Would you like to take a shower while we wait for the food to arrive?" he asks, interrupting my thoughts once again.

He should perhaps employ sending an alarm when coming and stop appearing from the blue like a ghost. He is creeping me out.

"I think I do," I say finally, pushing myself up from the couch and following him upstairs where he motioned me without a word.

A minute later, we saunter into yet another breathtaking room with hues of hot pink being the theme of the bed. As early as now, I can imagine a night under these covers. He would be an added warmth if he...

"Will you be okay?" he asks, his voice gentle and filled with concern.

I turn to face him, catching the sincerity in his eyes as they meet mine. For a moment, I was taken aback by his genuine expression, the concern etched into the lines of his face.

The question hung in the air between us, heavy with unspoken meaning. It is not just about my physical well-being; unknown to him, the question delves deeper than he can ever imagine, probing at the emotions I have been struggling to contain since the moment I started down this path. This path of escaping my father.