CHAPTER EIGHT :
Distracting myself from the sight of him shirtless, my eyes wandered around the room once more until they landed on a photo album laying on the cupboard. I picked it inspecting it further. It was a picture of a younger version of Orton beaming at the camera flanked by a woman who I immediately assumed was his mother — he had her eyes — and a man wearing a cold, grim look. holding I immediately recognized as Orton. He looked stern standing there stiffly in the picture.
Orton looked alot like his mother.
" That's my mum and dad " I jumped slightly, turning to Orton to see him lying on the bed his eyes closed.
" Your mum is beautiful "
He grinned, though it didn't reach his eyes " Now you know where I got all this good looks from "
A small laugh escaped my lips before I could catch it.
He shot up from the bed, his eyes wide with mock disbelief
" Did you just laugh ? "
" No " I said quickly clearing my throat and shoving the picture back into place.
" You did " he was grinning fully now " I made the ice queen laugh "
I winced walking up to him " Don't call me that "
As I got within arm's reach, his hand shot out, wrapping around my wrist. With a sudden tug, I gasped, tumbling onto the mattress. Before I could scramble away, his arm hooked around my waist, pulling me flush against his warm chest.
" Relax " he murmured his voice vibrating against my sling as he tucked his head into the crook of my neck. " I just want to cuddle "
My heart hammered against my ribs and every inch of me became hyper-aware of the heat radiating from him, the steady rhythm of his breathing, and the faint scent of sandalwood and rain that seemed to cling to his skin.
" I miss her " Orton says after a long moment of silence.
" Who ? " I whispered
" My mum " he murmured against my neck " She's dead " he took a ragged breath and I felt him shudder like saying those words hurt him.
" Oh " I didn't know what to say. I sucked at comforting people, I've never had to as I never had any friend.
" I was seven when they came .. the burglars .. "
" Orton you don't have to tell me this … " I wanted to stop him but he cut me off.
" I want to. " He pulled back just enough to look at me, pressing his forehead against mine. His eyes were squeezed shut, lines had formed on his forehead and he had a pained expression on. Without thinking , my hands reached up yo straighten the lines. He let out a shaky sigh sinking into my touch.
" My dad was away on a business trips " his teeth's clenched " at least that's what he called it when he goes to fuck his mistresses."
He swallowed, his jaw tight.
" We were alone. Mum had just put me to bed when there was a loud noise downstairs. They barged in demanding for money, jewelries, everything . Mum put up a fight and threatened to call the police with the phone on her hand until one of them pulled out a gun and pointed it at me. She was so scared she led them to the safe and gave them everything. We thought they wouldn't hurt us "
A tear escaped his closed eyes, trailing down his cheek.
" Orton " I whispered reaching out to brush the tears away.
" They got everything they wanted so they wouldn't hurt us right " he continued his voice breaking into a sob " they were walking out the door when one of them turned around and shot mum – that bastard just shot her." he was now sobbing really hard.
He broke then, a raw, jagged sob tearing from his throat. I didn't think; unconsciously my arms moved on their own wrapping around his neck and pulling him into a tight embrace. I held him as he cried.
I cupped his tear-stained face and did something I never thought I'd do. I leaned in and pressed a soft, lingering kiss to his forehead.
" Thank you for telling me this " I breathed.
He let out a small laugh " You know, I've never told anyone this but you …. " he tugged a strand of my hair behind my ears " You make me want to tell you everything "
We stared at each other not saying anything. The silence unnerving but comfortable.
" Will you go on a date with me, Ophelia ? "
My breath caught. " Orton "
" I like you a lot and I know maybe you think I'm lying cause I'm drunk but I'm a lot sober now and if I'm not, drunk words speak sober thoughts " he buried his head back in my neck
A chuckle left my lips and I looked down at him.
" Why ? "
" Hmmm ? "
" Why do you like me ? "
" I think you're hot " his voice was muffled against my neck. I threw my head back another throaty laugh escaping my lips.
" You can't be serious "
" But I am " he looked at me a cheeky, lopsided smile on his lips " when I first saw you, I thought ' damn, she's hot ', I thought you were the prettiest girl I've ever laid my eyes on and I knew immediately that I wanted you to be mine " he laughed " you are the very first girl that's never showed any interest in me, do you know that ? "
I smirked " I bet that hurt your man ego "
" Oh you have no idea small " he chuckled, his laugh died down and his expression grew insanely tense " I've never liked any girl — never wanted to but you make me want to give loving a chance. You make me want to be me. I love your snarky replies and comebacks, I love the way you blush when you are around me, I love how nervous you get when you're around me … "
" I don't get nervous around you " I lied, my voice betraying me a bit.
" You do " he smiled " like right now, your heart is beating really fast "
He took my hand in his placing it flat against his chest. Underneath my palm, his heart was thundering — faster than mine.
" it's okay. You make me nervous too " he murmured leaning in, he pressed a soft lingering kiss on my forehead that made my toes curls.
He rested his head against mine a pure look of vulnerability crossing his eyes.
" I'm falling for you Ophelia so please give me a chance "
If you didn't smile in their chapter …. F you.