Chapter 137: Beautiful Lying Lips
- RAYA -
Despite how fun a sleepover sounded, Rory and I didn’t do much in the fun department. After hearing from Dex about his father passing, there was no desire left in me for anything other than to be able to comfort him. Not having that ability is making me restless and anxious.
Now I’m at work, and I’ve been chewing my lower lip all morning unable to concentrate on anything other than the fact that I haven’t heard from Dex since last night when he told me about his father.
Why hasn’t he answered calls or texts? He’s obviously upset. His father unexpectedly passed. I can’t even imagine how he’s feeling right now with the shock of that loss. But how upset is he? Dangerously upset? On the brink of breaking upset?
The morning finally comes to an end with the noon hour, and I eagerly pack up my things to leave for lunch despite the fact that I have no appetite. Being stuck at work is making my restlessness worse. I wish Dex would have told me to come to him last night even though we would have had to turn around and come right back. It would have been worth it for the peace of mind. I’m only halfway through the day and it already seems like an eternity. I have no doubt the afternoon is going to crawl by just as slowly before he’s supposed to pick me up from work—before I can see with my own eyes that he’s okay.
That’s the exact thought hovering in my mind when I push out of the building’s doors and see Dex standing right there in front of me like I manifested him out of thin air. My mouth falls open, and all I can do is stare at him, wondering if he’s real.
He’s wearing a jacket I don’t recognize. It’s long and dark, its collar high around his neck and sleeves past his knuckles. But when I notice a dark shadow that was cloaking him lift at the sight of me and his honey brown irises flicker with relief, I know it’s really him and that I’m not hallucinating. My mind can’t replicate the complexity of emotions in his eyes.
"Dex," I say on a breathy exhale, rushing forward into his arms. I don’t even care if anyone from work sees us. "You’re here, thank god. I hadn’t heard from you. I was worried. You’re early!"
All the thoughts come rushing out of my mouth at once when the familiar security of his arms surrounds me. It’s more than relief that I feel in this moment. So much more.
I know Dex feels the same when his arms tighten and he just holds me against him, not moving and not letting go like he’s found an island in the midst of a stormy sea. His embrace loosens for his hands to draw up my back, caressing my hair before pulling away so he can look me over with those intensely sorrowful and attentive eyes.
"Oh my god, what happened?" I gasp, reaching up to cover his hands on my face with mine.
There’s something much more in those eyes than the loss of his father. I can’t quite explain it, but it feels like Dex is standing on the edge of a cliff and I’ve just come up behind him to realize how far down the drop is. I want to scream, ’don’t do it!’ and drag him back to safety.
It reminds me of the way I felt after the accident. I was standing on the edge of an abyss waiting for it to swallow me whole.
"What happened?" I repeat, tears welling. Surprise flickers across his face, and then he blinks.
"You know what happened. My father died."
My brows pinch, looking now at his lying lips. His beautiful lying lips. But I can’t call him out on it. I’m not going to argue with someone whose parent just died and insist that they’re lying, but even his tone confirms that there is something else—something more that he is battling.
Instead I reach out and caress his face, and he leans into my touch.
"Let’s go," he says, straightening and tucking me against his side before steering us down the block and away from the building.
I imagine we’re going to catch a cab or that he already has one waiting. What I don’t expect is for us to be walking straight to Luciano’s SUV. Dex opens the back door without explanation, boosts me up, and then slides in after me.
"Hey, Auraya. No sister today?" Luciano calls from the front seat.
"No," I frown in confusion, "we don’t work together."
Dex growls, a noise apparently intended for his cousin, and then turns back my way. "Luci picked me up from the airport."
"Oh," I nod. "I thought your flight got in later."
"I caught an earlier one," he says, taking my hand into his lap and rubbing his thumb along my palm.
"So quickly?"
"It was a private jet. Someone my uncle knows," he mutters.
"I’m so sorry about your father, Dex."
He doesn’t say anything, but there’s a small smile that tries to form as he stares at my hand.
"Where are we going?" I ask, resting my head on his shoulder.
Nothing else matters than him being here right now. Being able to see him, know he’s okay, feel him next to me... that’s the only reassurance I need, and the restlessness and anxiety that has been plaguing me vanishes. We can get through anything as long as we’re together. I’m here for him for whatever he needs. He’s been here for me, and I’m here to return the favor.
"Home. Don’t worry, I’ll tell your boss you’re sick," he says, chuckling to himself and leaning his head on mine as he continues caressing my hand.
"Good, I wouldn’t want to get fired," I tease, and I can feel his smile against my hair. "Actually, scratch that. Let him fire me. You’re worth it."
He doesn’t say anything in reply, but he kisses my head and then sighs deeply. It’s the most loaded sigh I’ve ever heard. My chest should ache for him, but I’m honestly too relieved to feel anything else.
Nothing else is said until Luciano pulls into Dex’s driveway.
"Thanks, Luci," Dex says and opens the door to get out.
"See you later, cuzzo."
I might be wrong, but it sounds like Luciano is amused about something. I cast him a glare without meaning to, and he winks in return.
