Chapter 5 Sleeping Head

Chapter 5

Sleeping Head

Feeling a weight on his shoulder, Dwayne glanced sideways and saw Ariana's head resting sleepily against him. A faint warmth spread across his usually stoic face. Without thinking, he subtly adjusted his posture, pulling her closer to make her rest more comfortable.

Morgan, catching the scene, grinned mischievously. "Well, well... Who would've thought? Our fierce special forces soldier, showing such gentle care. If your subordinates saw this, they'd be too stunned to speak."

Dwayne shot him a cool glance. "You talk too much."

Morgan laughed, taking a sip of his drink. "Alright, alright! So now I can't even talk? Are we still buddies or what?" He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "But honestly, Ariana reminds me of Claire. Dwayne, you're not still hung up on Claire and just transferring that attention to Ariana, are you...?"

Before he could finish, Dwayne's expression darkened dangerously.

Morgan immediately backpedaled. "Okay, okay! I won't mention it. I value my life, alright?" He hastily stood up to join the others, but as he moved, he accidentally brushed past Ariana.

Dwayne barely had time to react before Ariana, still half-asleep, lost her balance and stumbled forward-straight onto his lap.

Dwayne stiffened. Not because of the stumble itself, but because Ariana, in her drowsy state, instinctively nuzzled her face against him.

She murmured something unintelligible, shifting slightly to get comfortable, pressing her cheek against his lap.

It was summer, and the air conditioning in the room meant their clothing was thin. Dwayne could feel the warmth of her breath through the fabric of his pants, a sensation that sent an unbidden tension through his body.

Without hesitation, he grabbed her shoulders, intending to help her up. "Ariana-"

She whimpered softly, rubbing her eyes. Her half-lidded gaze, still glazed with sleep, met his. In the dim lighting, her lashes cast delicate shadows over her cheeks, her sleepy expression innocent and vulnerable.

For a moment, Dwayne found himself caught in her gaze.

Morgan's words echoed in his mind. Ariana looks so much like Claire. Are you still unable to forget her? Is that why you're so concerned about Ariana?

But... they weren't alike at all.

Claire had always been mischievous, a spark of cunning playfulness in her eyes no matter how old she got. But Ariana-her eyes held something different. There was resilience, quiet and unwavering, something that tugged unexpectedly at his heart.

Still struggling against sleep, Ariana let out a tired sigh and, without warning, wrapped her arms around his waist like a koala clinging to a tree. She rubbed her cheek against his firm stomach and mumbled sleepily, "Just five more minutes... Let me sleep a little longer..."

Her voice faded into a barely audible hum, her breathing evening out once again.

Dwayne's hands, which had been holding her shoulders, loosened. He should push her away. He really should.

But he didn't.

Ten seconds passed.

Then, all of a sudden-

Ariana's eyes snapped open.

Something felt off.

Blinking rapidly, she processed her surroundings. A vivid memory of Dwayne's face-way too close for comfort-flashed in her mind.

Wait.

Wait, wait, wait.

Her brain caught up with reality, and she stiffened.

She scrambled upright in a panic-only to realize that her hand was pressing down on something... not the sofa.

Her breath hitched. Slowly, hesitantly, she glanced down.

...Oh.

Oh no.

Heat flooded her face as realization struck.

With the speed of someone touching live electricity, Ariana yanked her hand back as if burned.

Like an ostrich retreating into the sand, she bolted to the farthest corner of the sofa, curling up as far away from Dwayne as possible.

Dwayne remained silent, watching her reaction with an unreadable expression.

Morgan, sipping his drink nearby, chuckled under his breath. "Well, that was entertaining."

The banquet finally ended, and Ariana let out a quiet sigh of relief. Finally, she could breathe.

Or so she thought.

Just as she was about to stand up and slip away, Dwayne grabbed his suit jacket and said in a dismissive tone, "I'll take you home."

"Eh..." Ariana froze.

Images of herself hugging him in her sleep-and worse, somehow managing to touch him in that place-flashed through her mind.

She immediately waved her hands, her voice slightly higher than normal. "No need! I can just take a cab home."

Dwayne's sharp, deep-set eyes narrowed slightly. He didn't say a word, nor did he display any obvious anger, but the temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees.

The man had a terrifying presence.

Ariana swallowed hard and forced a nervous smile. "Alright then... Uncle Dwayne, thank you for offering to take me home."

Dwayne didn't reply. He simply turned and strode out, expecting her to follow.

With no choice, Ariana hurried after him and climbed into his car. The ride home was silent, and tension lingered in the air.

When she finally made it back to her apartment, she collapsed onto her bed, tossing and turning for what felt like hours. The mere thought of him moving in with her made her feel restless-almost suffocated.

By the time she finally drifted into a light, fitful sleep, the sky outside was already lightening.

When she woke up again, it was already noon.

She groggily reached for her phone and saw a dozen missed calls. Seven were from Kira.

Ariana immediately called her back. "Kira, what happened?"

"Oh, you're finally awake? Where the hell did you run off to yesterday? A date with some handsome guy? You didn't even take your wages and clothes!"

"I had something urgent to do..."

"Never mind, don't explain. Just get over here! We have Mr Cassidy's metalwork practical at one. We'll talk then."

"Got it."

Rushing to get ready, Ariana arrived at school, retrieved her clothes and two hundred dollars from Kira, and let out a tired sigh.

Kira took one look at the dark circles under Ariana's eyes and smirked. "Didn't you go on a romantic date with that handsome guy? You look drained."

Ariana shot her a deadpan look. "I don't have time for romance, so stop teasing me."

"That's true. You sneaking off for a secret date? Behind my back? Impossible."

Ariana hesitated before lowering her voice. "Actually... I wanted to ask your opinion. Do you think I should move out?"

Kira's eyes widened. "Are you out of your mind? The guy provides food and shelter, takes care of your daily life, and you're thinking of moving out? Your brain must've been kicked by a donkey!"

Ariana sighed. "Alright, alright. I get it."

Kira's lips curled mischievously as she leaned on Ariana's shoulder. "Actually... your uncle is rich, you're not really related to him by blood, and he's crazy good-looking. Maybe you should consider-"

"What nonsense are you spouting?!" Ariana's face turned beet red.

Kira burst out laughing. "Relax, I'm just joking! Don't take it seriously. How about this-as an apology, I'll treat you to a late-night snack. Deal?"

Ariana huffed, crossing her arms. "...You better not back out. I'll eat till you're broke."

Kira beamed. "Eat all you want! If I even blink, I'm not fit to be your bestie."

The two of them went to a bustling street food market, munching on finger foods and seafood under the warm glow of streetlights.

But the moment Kira found out that Ariana's uncle was Dwayne Rickshaw, she nearly dropped her food.

"Wait-what?!" Kira's jaw practically hit the ground. "Dwayne Rickshaw?! The Dwayne Rickshaw? As in the Rickshaw family?"

Ariana lazily picked up a shrimp and popped it into her mouth. "Mhm."

Kira grabbed her arm excitedly, eyes sparkling. "If you don't want him, I do! Look at me-I've got the looks and the figure. Maybe he'd fall for me! And once I become your uncle's wife, I promise I'll treat you, my dear Ariana, very well."

Ariana rolled her eyes and shoved another shrimp into Kira's mouth. "Even stuffing your face won't shut you up."

Just as she finished speaking, her phone buzzed on the table.

Seeing the caller ID, she shivered.

It was Dwayne.

She hesitated before picking up. "Hello, Uncle..."

"Where are you?" His voice was calm, yet carried an air of authority.

"I'm out eating."

"I'm heading to your apartment now. Come back early."

Ariana nearly choked.

He's coming over now?!

Like a lightning bolt striking her brain, panic surged through her.

Her apartment-her living room-her clothes!

She'd thrown them all over the sofa at noon!

If Dwayne arrived first, he'd see everything!

Her mind raced, and she shot up from her seat like she'd been electrocuted. "Uncle, no need to rush! I'm heading back right now!"