Torn between two

Chapter 8

Dunya’s POV

I had a great time on my date with Elijah, and he seemed to have to. He called me right after I got home, to ask for my plans for the next day. Since Monday, was the first day of work, I told him I’d be pretty busy with my on-the-job training. As much as I’d love to go on dates with him, I had to focus on my job. I was new and couldn´t afford any screw ups. He understood completely and wanted to take me out on Friday instead.

Even though we didn’t go on dates, we would text, talk on the phone, or he’d just come for a surprise visit, or rather, a surprise make-out session. He was always a gentleman, he didn’t lose control, like in the car the other day. There was some point in our heated moment, where he´d just stop. I couldn’t wait for our next actual date.

Even though I was busy with work, I managed to see Layla too. She showed up at work for lunch, or after for a cup of coffee. It was like she didn’t have anything better to do. To be honest I didn’t mind, having new close friend in this new world was great. She understands me perfectly in everything, well except Elijah. She still hasn’t told me, why she dislikes him so much, without even getting to know him properly. All I’ve managed to understand is that it’s got to do something with their families.

Layla keeps talking about Daniel nonstop and I don’t mind, it’s her brother after all, and they’re really close. The constant reminder of her God of a brother hasn’t been easy on me though. We had really fun talking and I totally overreacted at the beach that day. I wanted to apologize to him face to face, but he still hadn’t come back. Our almost kissing moment haunted my mind, coming to me on my dreams. I had to focus on Elijah, he was my priority at the moment.

Finally, it was Friday and my date night with Elijah. We were supposed go to the movies, and he’d be picking me up in a few hours. I had plenty of time to get ready, so I was taking my sweet time pampering myself. I took a long and relaxing shower scrubbing, shaving, exfoliating, you know, the whole works, and as I was stepping out, I heard my doorbell ringing. That´s odd. I´m not expecting anyone.

Who could it be? Elijah’s not supposed to be here for another few hours and I did make myself pretty clear with Layla on having plans for tonight. Maybe one of my coworkers from the same building? I wrapped a towel around myself and tiptoed to the door, trying not to slip and break my neck. I opened the door and my jaw almost hit the floor.

“Daniel” I managed to blurt, while holding my towel with one hand. “What are you doing here?” He looked steamy in his black t-shirt and ripped jeans, he was holding a box of chocolate in his hand and a rose bouquet in the other.

“Hey. I wanted to apologize to you in person, and Layla gave me your address. So, I came bearing gifts.” He says shyly smiling and tries to hand me his gifts. He notices I was just in a towel and got stiff eyes wide.

“Um... Hey. Thank you.” I said smiling back at him, shocked at his gesture. “Could you come in. My hands are kind of tied, so could you put them down over there” I said pointing to my kitchen table. He stands still, just staring at me, drinking me in from head to toe.

“Daniel?” I asked him and he quickly shook his head and did as I instructed.

“Thanks.” I said trying to hold my towel tighter around myself like my life depended on it. I wasn’t going to embarrass myself in front of this God. He quickly turns to face me; his eyes still wide.

“Actually, good that you came. I was going to apologize to you, for overreacting. You were just being nice and protective, and I got annoyed easily.” I said apologetically. “You didn’t have to bring me anything, since you didn’t do anything wrong.”

“No, I did. I intruded in your business, it’s not like we’re friends.” he said sadly.

“Oh... I think of you as a friend” I gave him an assuring smile and held my hand on his arm. Once again, spark flew with our touch. Is this guy made of electricity?

“Glad to hear it.” he startled at my touch but smiled back at me. “I should probably go, since you’re clearly busy” he said as he walked to the door.

“You can stay” I didn’t want him to leave so soon, I hadn’t seen him for 5 days and his presence made me feel at ease. “I’ll just get dressed and make us some tea.” I continued. He stopped and looked back at me smiling.

“That would be nice” he said enthusiastically.

“Sit tight, I’ll be right back.” I said and went to my dresser to get some clothes. I could feel his eyes on my back, watching my every move. I grabbed some underwear, shorts and a top and went to change in the bathroom.

When I came back, he was already sitting at the kitchen table with the bouquet in his hand. The roses Elijah gave me, were still on a bucket on my balcony. This is the second time in a week I get flowers. Why weren't the men back in Finland like this? I thought to myself as I set a kettle full of water on the stove.

I looked at the roses and searched for my newly purchased vase. I remembered I put the vase on the highest shelve of the kitchen cabinet, thinking I wouldn’t need it so soon. Damn my logical thinking. I went on my tippy toe to pick it up, with no luck. Suddenly I sense Daniel behind me, only inches away from my back.

“Here, let me” he says as he puts his right hand on my waist and grabs the vase with his left hand. My heart starts to race and once again I feel sparks flying everywhere. I turn around to see him still standing inches away from me and staring directly into my eyes. His warmth radiating all over my body and scent filling my nostrils. Before I do anything stupid, I quickly grab the vase and squeeze my way the sink to fill it up. I can hear a quiet sigh as he goes to sit back down.

Daniel’s POV

I watched as she struggled to get the vase from the top shelve. She was on her tippy toes, all stretched up, and still too short. She had a pair of black shorts on, that tightened around her ass, when she stretched up. She looked mouthwatering good, and I could feel blood pumping down to my manhood. I could’ve watched that amazing scene for hours, but I had to help her.

I walked right behind her, getting the vase. Her heart begins to race franticly. It feels good that I have this kind of effect on her. I know the mate bond is strong for her too, she wouldn’t be so nervous around me otherwise. She quickly grabs it and walks away. I sigh and return to my seat. Why is she resisting so hard? Why is she more interested in that leech than me, her soulmate?

Once the water was boiling, she pours tea into two cups and hands me one. She sits down across from me and smiles shyly.

“So, how was your trip home?” she asks intrigued.

“It was fine, I had to see a friend” I reply looking at her. She’s beautiful without make up, her hair is still dripping wet, water drops falling from her shoulder, wetting her top.

“Okay. It just sounded so sudden, when Layla told me.” she says curiously.

“No nothing like that. I just needed help with something, and it couldn’t be done over the phone.” I reply truthfully.

“Okay. Mysterious” she chuckles raising her brow. “How long are you two going to be here, by the way? I asked Layla, and she said it depends on you.”

“I don’t know yet. Depends on our office here.” I answer her, trying to gather the courage to ask her out. She looks at me curiously, seeing my struggling face.

“Would you want to go out with me?” I manage to blurt out. She looks confused. Oh no, I made this totally awkward.

“Umm... like on a date?” She asks with a raised brow.

“Yeah.” I manage to mumble. She looks confused, as if doesn’t know what to say. Yep, definitely made it awkward.

“I’m seeing Elijah, and even though we haven’t really talked about being exclusive, and it’s way too early...” she mumbles. “I don’t feel comfortable dating two men at the same time...” she says apologetically.

“Ohh…” I sigh disappointed. I should´ve seen this coming. “No, it’s okay. I understand.” I say and scratch the back of my head. LIE. I don’t understand s**t, you’re supposed to be with me and not a douche bag Elijah.

“We can still be friends” she says almost pleadingly. “I mean if that’s okay with you?”

“Yeah, of course. We’re friends” I smile at her, even though it hurts deeply. I don’t want to be friends. I want to have her all for myself. But if that’s what she has to offer right now, then I’m taking it. I’ll take everything she gives me.

“I should go, I made this awkward” I say standing up.

“No, stay. You still haven’t touched your tea” she says with a soft smile.

I really need to get out of here, even though it wasn’t an official rejection, it still stung. She was choosing a leech over me. I sip my tea down with one gulp. “Finished” I grin at her. “I should really go; Layla is expecting me, and I came here to bring my peace offering.”

“Okay... Well, it was nice of you to come. And thanks again for the gifts, you really shouldn’t have.” she says smiling at me widely, making her dimples pop up again.

“You’re welcome, I’ll see you around” She quickly comes and hugs me goodbye, making my skin tingle everywhere. Her embrace is warm and comfortable. I hug her back, smelling her sweet scent in, as if it was the last time, I’d get to do it. After a very long minute, I reluctantly let go of her, for I don’t know how long I can keep my beast from coming out and claiming her. I quickly walk out the door, not looking back. This is going to be hell, but I’m going to win her over.