CHAPTER 29.
HARA
Jason was taken aback by my question and I blamed it on how intense my tone was when I'd asked it.
His brows were arched and the glass had stopped halfway into coming in contact with his lips.
Slowly, he placed the glass on the counter and adjusted it on the stool.
“Why do you ask?“ His voice was in a whisper.
“Nope, no reason.“ I shrugged, trying so hard to be as nonchalant as I could. Although, I doubted he bought the act. His hooded gaze was still hard on me. “I mean, ever since he made the papers and the lady showed her firm support of him, they've been all everyone is talking about.“
“Uhmm…yeah. She's just like you heard, his fiancee. Except, there won't be any wedding, not with her,“
“Why not?“
“Because their relationship is missing the most important thing it should have,“
“What's that?“
“Love,“ he breathed out and downed the last of his drink.
Love? That's silly. The lady had been so clear on how much they were a loving couple, blessed by the moon Goddess herself. She couldn't have said all that if it wasn't true
“What's on your mind?“ He husked out. Not that I was being stupid or excessively imaginary, but there was something about his husky tones that sounds a little more like the Alpha-prince. But then again, that's just me, being obsessed.
“Nothing. I just don't think the lady would tell the whole world that they were madly in love if it was all a lie.“ I said.
“But it is,“ He repeated firmly, like he was so sure. “Ciara just loves fame and would do anything to keep it. Lying is a small feat for her,“
“You don't seem like a fan of hers,“ I gave a small laugh. “But isn't badmouthing your future Luna punishable?“
“No, I'm not a fan of hers. And no, she's never gonna be our Luna. Not in this lifetime.“
“You seem so sure….“
“That's because I am.“ He finalized.
A brief silence, “Do you think the Alpha-prince is losing his mind, just like the papers say?” I asked, wanting to know his stance on the issue.
“Except from gradually turning into a simp, I can assure you his mind is at the right place,“ He sputtered out, somewhat irritated.
“A simp?” I repeated confusedly.
“Nevermind that.“ He chuckled, shaking his head. “Just some sick joke,“
“Okay…“ I drawled, still itchy to know what that meant tho.
He was searching my eyes in a way that made me writhe from discomfort.
“What is it?“ I mumbled.
“Nothing. Just trying to figure out why you're so concerned, or should I say disturbed over this,“
I flinched at his words and quickly went for my rescue. “I'm not dusturbed–“
“Yes, you are.“ He cut me off firmly. “You're downright disturbed and I don't understand why. Or why you're denying it,“
I was quiet, unable to say a word and unable to meet his eyes. What could I possibly say? That I was affected by a man who I met just for a day, but the meeting had left a lasting imprint in my heart?
Do I tell Jason that I was becoming obsessed over a man way out of my reach and I wasn't sure why?
How do I explain to him the sickening feeling I had when I watched that lady on the news profess her undying love for the Alpha-Prince?
None of what I was feeling at the moment made any sense. So how do I make someone else comprehend it?
He huffed, sliding away his glass with his fingers. “I'm getting tired of this one-sided interrogation. You ask me loads of questions and I answer them. I ask you one and you go mute on me. You're not playing fair, lady.“
A wave of guilt crept down my spine and I looked up at him. Although his voice had some irritation in it, his eyes were calm, warm.
”I'm sorry,“ I said.
Just then, we were interrupted by a lady, who looked like she has had quite a lot of drinks.
“Hey, can I get a bottle of beer?“
I was going to go get the order but Jason held my hand. He turned his head to her direction abd said, “She's on a break. Go meet the other bartenders,“
“What?“ the slim, brunette was pissed. She opened her mouth to say something but belched directly into my face.
“Yuck! Get your gross, drunk ass out of my sight,“ He gave her a hard push that her ankle twisted and her four inches cowboy boot lost its footing. She fell into a couple of drinking men and they gladly held her up.
“Jerk!“ She flipped Jason the bird and stormed away.
“Was that really necessary?“ I asked, sliding my hand out of his soft grip.
He ignored my question, and said,“If you're really sorry, then tell me why you're here. What are you doing here in Red Cross pack?“
I hesitated, not willing to discuss that sensitive issue with him.
“Either you answer me, or you tell me why you're so bothered about Ciara and the Alpha -Prince. But I'm not leaving here without getting an answer,“
Caught in a dilemma, I was having a hard time making a choice. But somehow, discussing my painful past didn't seem like a big deal anymore. I'd do it over a thousand times, rather than discussing my misleading feelings.
“I'm running away,“ I said in a low tone, away from earshot.
“From who?“
“My mate,“ I admitted. Just then the clock ticked midnight. “I'm sorry but I gotta go change and head home,“ I said quickly and hurried to the back.
Dressed in my own clothes, I exited the bar, thankful that it wasn't raining. Just drizzling.
A car pulled up in front of me and the front door opened. “Hey, get in,“
“Jason?“ I took a quick check of the car and it was screaming millions. Different from the one he drove me home with yesterday. What is this guy, really?
“No, Cupid himself.“ He laughed at my stunned state. “Get in already,“
Shaking off my doubts, I slid into the car. “Is this yours?“
“Nah, I picked it up from the parking lot. I loved it so much I had to steal it,“ he had a smile that spelt 'sarcasm.'
“Jerk,“ I scoffed, still admiring the interior of the car. “It's beautiful,“
“Not as much as you are,“ He muttered, but I heard him clear enough. “Tighten your seatbelt. I'm gonna take you home.“