My Husband's Secret

Chapter 8: Restless

--- A R L I A H ---

“Thank you,” I said to the bartender after he put the shot glass of my order in front of me. He gave me a small smile before he attended his other costumers.

I started playing the content of the glass while staring at it, like doing it would entertain me and distract from my deep thoughts.

And it temporarily did, but what happened earlier this evening was still fresh to me.

I could still feel Red’s lips on mine, as if it left a mark in me and I could not get rid of it easily.

I shut my eyes tight and downed the alcohol in one gulp.

Stop thinking about him, Arliah! You are not here to let that playboy distract you! To let you worry about this things! You are here to have peace of mind and escape from your problems, even for a while! You are here to enjoy!

But d-mn. Why am I reacting like this?

He’s a usual playboy whom frequently send some signals to me whenever they are interested. And I easily reject them mercilessly, without feeling the attraction and whatnot.

But to this certain Red Montenegro? Why is my body reacting on the small touch of our skin? Why am I on rush at the thought of our kiss? Was his s*x appeal really that strong that even someone like me could be swayed by his words and presence?!

Oh my god! This is alarming!

“Another one, please.” I said to the bartender when I saw him done attending some costumers. He immediately nodded his head and started mixing me my drink.

I waited. I was in daze as I continued to play the ice inside my glass.

The reason I am here in a new found resto-bar was because of that playboy.

After the kiss we shared, I could not sleep even for a blink. My body is tired because of my morning activities but my mind is very much alive and it keeps playing the way Red kissed me and how his eyes looked at me with so much need.

When I realize that I could not sleep, I decided to find some peaceful place where I can have my drink.

Sure, my room would be enough place for that. But I think I needed some scenery or some music as distraction. I might end up losing my mind inside my villa while thinking about Red Montenegro.

When my order was served, my attention was redirected on it. But my attention was caught by someone when he took the vacant seat beside me. I should give no mind if the stranger is only ordering for his drink.

But no.

His body was facing my direction and he already has a drink on his hand. From my peripheral, a playful smirk is wounding his lips. And I knew right there and then on what was going to happen next.

“Alone?” I heard the stranger ask. I almost rolled my eyes in pure annoyance.

Does people with common sense are rare this days? This man saw me being alone here and now he’s asking me if I am or not?

“Sorry… I’m not interested. I have a boyfriend.” I said coldly before the man could even say more about my loneliness.

He fell into silence upon hearing that. I exhaled a deep breath. Finally, a more time for myself.

That line is still very effective to some strangers who understands its meaning. The only headache to me was those persistent men who won’t stop pestering you unless you gave them an believable lies.

Just like Red Montenegro.

I thought the stranger had left but then I noticed him from my peripheral that he did not moving an inch on his seat. That made me looked into his direction. And the first thing that greeted me was his surprised expression.

My brows furrowed as I looked at him with wary.

“I told you I am not—"

“I-I’m sorry.” He interrupted which made me taken aback. He heaved a deep sigh and gave me weary smile. He placed his drink on the counter and faced me fully.

“It was not my intention to ruin your lone time but can I stay here for a while?” he asked. My brows furrowed even deeper.

“Sure. I can find some other seats—” before I could even finish my sentence, he suddenly grabbed my wrist.

“No. Please don’t leave.” He said with urgency. I quickly pulled my hands away from him and looked at him with horror.

“I’m sorry.” He quickly apologizes. He then put his hands into the air. I could see the caution in his eyes, as if he was trying his best not to scare me.

“Let me explain. I am not here to do you any harm. I was doing a dare out of the game and my friends wanted me to approach you and stay with you for an hour. If I manage to do that… they’ll stop sending me to another stranger. So, I am here to ask a great favor from you. Don’t worry, I am not here to ruin your night. Well, that is… if it’s alright with you that I stay here for a while.”

I stared at him for a while and notice that he keeps glancing behind his back. I follow the line of his gaze and saw a group of men in a distance. They were looking in our direction and when they saw me looking, all of them raised their glass for recognition.

I looked away and brought back my gaze to the stranger in front of me. He meet my gaze and somehow, seeing his weary expression made me give him the benefit of the doubt.

“Alright. I’ll hold into your words then,” I said then took a sip on my drink. He did the same and we were silent for a few minutes. I notice him getting uneasy on his seat.

But the stranger seemed to be not the silent person when he strike a conversation.

“I’m Javier, by the way…” then he showed me his hand as he introduced himself. I looked at his hand. I stared at it for a while before I accepted it.

“You can call me Leah,” I said in reply, wearing a small smile on my lips.

“So… have you toured the whole island?” he asked, maybe to bring up some topic since he’ll be with me for about an hour.

“I haven’t yet.” I simply replied.

He strike another topic and somehow, I was finally getting comfortable of his presence. He seems friendly. And he apologizes for the second time on his sudden disturbance while I was having my peace. And he seemed genuine with his apology.

Somehow, Javier’s presence also became a distraction for me of thinking more about Red. And that is what I needed as of the moment. He was quite funny whenever he tried to ease the tension between us.

I did not know that an hour had already when he finally bid his goodbye.

We both looked at the direction where his friends were but only to find out he left him here in the resto-bar alone.

“Oh. It seemed that they assumed that we’re knowing each other well,” I said to Javier with a smile.

“Yeah. And I apologize once again for bothering you earlier.”

“If you’re a real bastard, I would have leave you right away,” I said to him. He smiled at my remark.

“I paid for your drink as my p*****t for allowing me to be with you for an hour.”

My eyes widened at what he just had said. “There’s no need, but… thanks anyway.”

“I shall leave you here then… It’s nice meeting you, Leah.” He said with a smile.

“Wait. I’ll just finish my drink. Let’s leave together.” I said after a quick decision. I have no reason to stay here further anyway.

I drank the remaining content of my drink before placing it back on the counter. I thank the bartender before leaving my seat. When I turned around, I saw Javier waiting for me. I gave him a small smile. Before I could even go near him, a man heading toward in our direction caught my attention.

“I thought you’re tired that’s why you can’t have dinner with me. Why are you here, darling?” His lips were smiling but his expression has no trace of humor on it.

I exhaled a deep breath.

Damn. Why is he here?