Diego’s POV
Her grip on the spoon tightened. She swallowed, setting her spoon down with deliberate slowness. “That won’t be necessary,” she said, voice even and calm, though I didn’t miss the slight hitch in her breath.
I chuckled, but I didn’t push.
She ate and I cleaned up after her. I watched as she left the kitchen, heading up towards the room and I just remained in the living room, going through a couple of things Fernando had sent to me. As I was lost in work, my thoughts wandered back to what Dave said.
Sex. We never agreed on sex but we did agree on whatever to make the baby grow healthy and now sex was included in it. We’d have to erase the no sex rule but do I really want that?
I’ve never for once paid attention to her sexually or even slept in the same room as her even though she stayed in what was meant to be our room ever since those two nights we had spent together to get her pregnant again. It had taken me weeks to get the scene out of my head. Keeping my distance made it easier. I always preferred staying in my office and it’s a miracle how we’ve been keeping that from Nana.
How would she react if I just decided to go in and sleep there tonight? Tsk. All this thinking was so unlike me. I closed the laptop with me shut before heading up towards the room. I hesitated for a few seconds before opening the door and stepping into the room.
She was already in bed when I entered the room, curled up with her back to the free space on the bed. I’ve seen the sight a few times whenever I came in here at night to get a thing from my stuff. She really looked small in that bed.
I’d expect her to sleep more comfortably since she had the bed all to herself. We weren’t meant to sleep like couples since our relationship was nothing but a contract.
I might have been hesitant to her before but seeing her by Nana’s bedside, crying and taking care of her despite being in a coma and her being hurt herself. That meant something to me. And for her to be able to actually talk sense into me. If our relationship would be short, at least I shouldn’t act like an ass and just give her the stress-free life she required.
I headed towards the bathroom, to take a shower. Stepping into my closet, it was just as I had left it. Neat and everything is in the same position. I changed into a sweatpant and walked into the bedroom.
I walked over to the bed and got in, ignoring the way she stiffened. I lay on my back, staring at the ceiling, drowning in the silence.
“You don’t have to stay frozen just because I decided to come sleep here tonight. I know you’re awake.” I said after a while.
She hesitated before exhaling softly. “And?”
“And nothing. Just so you know, I’ll be staying here from tonight.”
She let out a dry laugh. “Well, it’s about time you also played your part in fooling everyone. Or is it because of what the doctor said? I doubt it’s needed.”
I turned my head to look at her but her back was turned to me. Even in the dim light, I could see the outline of her figure over the blanket and her hair spreading over her pillow majestically. “We agreed we’ll both do what it requires to make sure the second pregnancy is a success. If you go ahead ignoring the doctor’s warnings, that’s a big step to losing the child again through stress.”
She scoffed but didn’t say a word.
“And besides, I can’t just come in demanding to have sex and return to my space. So get used to it.”
She let out a dry chuckle. “Really?”
I didn’t reply right away. How would I explain to her that just by actually relaxing my thoughts and seeing how she loved Nana and cared for her, did everything I told her to despite being feisty and fierce, I’ve gradually come to start caring? We both hated each other a few weeks ago. How would anyone even understand? Even I don’t understand, there was no way on earth she would understand.
“Go to sleep,” I said instead.
She huffed but didn’t argue. I turned back to face the ceiling and she shifted in bed as if getting farther away but it wasn’t like it bothered me. She’ll get used to it soon.
It’s been long since I had a good sleep, the scent of jasmine and honey filling my senses as I closed my eyes but soon, I realized she wasn’t going to bed. Every time she stirred and got out of bed, I opened my eyes to watch her walk into the bathroom and return. Then go back in after ten minutes of sleep.
Was that what he meant by she wasn’t having enough sleep?
Turning on the lights, I got out of bed and returned with a cup of tea for her. She stared up at me as I handed the cup to her. “Take some of it, it’ll help you.”
“No, I feel nauseated.” She replied.
“It’ll help”
“I said I’m not.” She snapped, her lips twitching in irritation. Taking a gulp of the tea, I grabbed her chin, placing my lips on hers and she instantly gulped down the entire content. “Fuck, what is wrong with you?” She pushed me away but I didn’t budge.
“Would you like it better if we had sex now to help you sleep or just take the tea? Trust me when it comes to my child’s health, I’d do everything. Even though I don’t do it normally.” I whispered and I could see the goosebumps rise on her back as I said this.
“Why are you doing this now, Diego?” She asked, her voice calm and low. I could see in her eyes that they were dilating and despite the fierce act she put up, she was affected by the kiss.
“I was asked to care about you and my baby. Can’t I do that?” I asked, leaning forward to suck on her neck. She wanted to push me away but I bit her neck teasingly, making her shudder.
“Stop. Why are you doing this? I don’t… nngh.” She gasped, covering her mouth. I pulled away and I could see her flushed face as I stared at her.
“You’re that sensitive? You look sex-starved.” I said and she chuckled.
“Thanks to who?” She retorted
“Well, how about we make up for that by using today’s dose of intimacy?” I drawled, leaning further into her.