59
~LEONA~
I rushed after him when he left the balcony. He walked into his room and banged the door then I heard him locking it.
I just hope he's not mad at me.
I got into my room and lied down but couldn't sleep. I felt restless and that's not because I have Lando hot on my tail but because there was a man next door who didn't seem okay.
I yearned to know how he's fairing and what he's doing now.
I got up and walked to the door that connects our rooms. I turned the knob but it was static.
He locked this door too? Why would he?
"Dave," I called and hit my foot against the door.
"Dave?"
No response.
"Dave please open up. Are you okay?"
No response.
"Dave? Dave I'm sorry. " I knocked harder.
" Please open.. "
The door suddenly opened and there he stood in all his glory, jaws clenching; I wonder why. Instantly, I hugged him.
"What is it? Are you okay?" He asked with concern. We disengaged and he scanned my body probably to check if I was hurt.
He always cares, even if he is hurting and I'm the one responsible.
" You were not answering me. I thought something happened to you."
" Are you crazy? I'm in a hotel, not a lion's den so I'm fine." He walked to his bed and laid down. " Besides, I can take care of myself."
I followed him into the room.
" See, I was just sleeping, that's why I didn't hear you. You should also go to sleep."
He was sleeping?
He just entered; he couldn't have slept so soon.
"Then why did you lock the door?"
"I did that when I was about to. It's normal to close one's door before sleeping. "
I walked to his bed and crawled to his side.
"What are you doing? " He asked and shifted a bit from me.
" I want to sleep beside you," I answered.
" Why? We got two rooms for a reason."
Now he's bullshitting me.
" I know but.."
" There's no "but", Leona. Please just go and sleep. We have work tomorrow."
Okay. This is more serious than I thought. It's clear that he doesn't want me in his room.
" You're clearly kicking me out, Dave."
" Stop thinking that way. I just want us to sleep in our own rooms so that we can wake up early... You know what I mean."
Blood rushed to my cheeks" Yeah I know that's why I just wanted us to sleep"
" Okay. You can." He answered too sharply but I didn't mind.
I went under the duvet immediately before he changed his mind.
I shuffled closer to him but he turned his back to me.
"You're acting so fucking weird."
"Oh am I? You should try asking yourself that question instead." His voice was distinct.
" What do you mean?"
"Don't play dumb with me. Why are you even here in my room? Are you not scared that I might murder or rape you? Aren't you?!" He ripped the duvet from himself harshly and got out of the bed.
I was startled and shocked. I didn't expect such an outburst from him.
"What is wrong? Why do you seem mad? Is everything okay?"
"Just stop it, Leona! Please! Just stop it. Why do you keep making it look as if I'm the one who there's something wrong with? Why do you have to act as if everything is okay when in actual sense they are not? Why are you here with me when you don't even trust me? Are you that careless? What if I harm you?"
So many harsh questions. Which do I answer first?
" I thought we're done talking about that? Why are you still bringing them back?"
" I am not bringing anything back, Leona. I just don't understand why you're coming around when you don't trust me?"
" What makes you think I don't trust you?"
" Everything"
" I'm not hiding anything Dave! How many times do you want me to say that?"
" You just have to prove yourself, that's all."
"You know what, I can't stay in the same room with someone who's suspicious of me." I got the duvet off and stepped down from the bed.
" Me either. You think I want you with me? Well, here's news for you; I don't want to be around someone who hides almost everything from me. It's risky. Who knows, you're just some spy or criminal sent to ruin me. Else what is your reason for lying to me." He runs his fingers wildly through his hair.
"What? What.. are ..you saying? Where did you get those horrid thoughts from? "
" From your actions, miss. " He turned and pointed an accusing finger towards me.
I wiped a tear and whispered, " so you want me to leave?" As if he hasn't made that clear already.
He turned away.
"Yes, Leona. Just get out of my room!."
What!
"Alright, I'm leaving but not your room alone. I'm leaving Seattle and I'm leaving your life for good." I didn't mean to say that. I just wanted to see his reaction but it hurts coming from my mouth.
I never intend on leaving Dave and not even when Lando threatens me to. I just realized it.
" Yes, go! I don't care. Just tell me when you're leaving and I'll book a flight for you right now."
That came like a blow to my gut. My heart sank and ached. Hearing him telling me to leave with no regrets or emotions in his voice hurts more than anything.
So he really wants me to leave?
"Fine... I'm going." I whispered and a traitorous tear escaped my eyes. I didn't realize I was crying.
I got to the door and slowly held the knob.
I still don't believe he said I should leave his room and not only that, he doesn't care if I leave Seattle and out of his life. He doesn't care at all.
I turned to see him one last time and I met his eyes. If he's not faking the look on his face, then I'll say that he's also sad just like I am.
If he's really sad then why won't he stop me from going? Or is it because our egos are too huge that we can't let it aside and prevent ourselves from making a mistake?
A mistake?
What I'm I even thinking?
This is the perfect opportunity for me to leave Dave and go back to Lando without any issues but why are my feet feeling reluctant to walk me out of here. That's what he wants right? Then why can't I accept it and leave?
I tried to move again but when I couldn't, I turned in the opposite direction and it was then my feet gave way.
I ran back and threw myself on him as sobs flew out of my mouth.
"But I don't want to leave, Dave. I don't want to leave you." I sobbed
He tried to remove me from him but I clung onto him.
"Please." I whimpered.
When he succeeded, he made me look into his eyes and what I saw in those blue eyes of his got my knees weak and left me in a daze. The vulnerability there was heartbreaking.
"Thanks." He sighed and gathered me in a tight hug. He hugged me so tight as if I was going to slip away from his hands as if to confirm if I was indeed standing in front of him.
"I also don't want you to leave, Leo. Ever." He whispered, kissing my hair.
" I'm sorry. I didn't mean to shout at you. I'm sorry Leo. I'm so sorry."
I hugged him back, crying in his chest.
"I swear, I didn't mean whatever I said, please forgive me. I don't even know why I was doubting you. I got angry for no reason and I..I.."
" It's okay, Dave. You were actually right."
We parted and he stared down at me.
" You were right, Dave. There's nothing actually wrong with you. It is me who has the problem. There's something wrong with me and I'm indeed hiding too much from you."
" No, what are you saying? I said I didn't mean it."
" No, Dave. I'm actually a...a criminal as you said. Yes I am a criminal and I'm too ashamed to tell you but now I will."
" What? You really shouldn't take what I said seriously, Leona."
"But it's the truth and I'm ready to tell you everything now, Dave. But before that, you have to promise me something."
" What are you saying?"
" Please just accept and promise."
" Okay, what is it?"
" Promise me that no matter what, you won't interfere with what I'm about to tell you in any way."
" How am I to promise when I haven't even heard what you wanted to say?"
" Just promise me please, I know what I'm doing"
" Okay, I promise"
" Thanks. And please promise me that after telling you, you won't look at me differently and your opinions about me won't change. I don't want what I'm about to say to change anything between us even though I know it will but please, after hearing everything, don't get mad at me for too long. You can pick the time you want to forgive but please don't let it take long..."
" Now I'm scared. You sound like you murdered my granny. " He chuckled.
He's obviously not taking any of my words seriously.
"Look, I'm being serious..."
"Yeah, I know. I know you're being serious but can't I joke a little to release tension? You're making whatever you're coming to say so scary."
" Well, it's because it is. "
" Who cares. Whatever it is, I'm not going to judge you, Leona and no matter how bad it is, it's not strong enough to destroy the relationship we've built together. You have my word. "
I felt a bit relieved hearing that from him.
"All that being said, I want to tell you once again that you were right about me being...well...a criminal. I'm indeed a criminal, Dave! "
***....***
I hope you're enjoying this ride.