Alpha's Obsession: His caged Luna

Chapter 17: Unexpected

Raine's POV

I didn't know what to expect when Desmond said he wanted to go on a date with me. I'd imagined a few things, but not even once did I picture that we would be lying side by side on a beautiful rooftop, watching the night sky while he tries to know more about me.

What scared me? The fact that I didn't hate it at all. Hell, I'd been smiling so much that my cheeks felt strange. Smiling wasn't my usual expression, unless I was faking it. This night, there was no fake bone in my body.

"What do you want to know?" I was aware of his gaze burning into my face. I reached for one of the cheesecake cupcake and bit into it, closing my eyes as the flavour exploded on my tongue.

"They might be personal. But you don't need to answer if they make you uncomfortable."

My stomach swarmed again. "Okay." I continued with the cupcake.

"Tell me," his voice brushed over my skin. "If things were different with your family, if your parents weren't so strict, what would you be doing right now?"

My head swam with a variety of possibilities, many I'd considered numerous times over the years. Some were practical, others unrealistic. I was stuck in my parents home without anything to do. I had a lot of free time to dream and fall into delusions.

I shrugged. "Probably living in my own house, have friends, travelling when I want to..." I let out a sigh to relieve the ache in my chest. "Build my own crochet brand and try out modeling. Then I'll spend a lot of time clubbing. Hell, there was a time I even dreamt of having my own club."

Desmond's eyes bulged, and I almost laughed at the comical expression. I didn't blame him at all, because who would expect someone as poised and proper like me to want anything to do with a club?

"That's... unexpected."

I smiled. "It came from the desire to want to live life a little. I'd been so caged in that I desire something that would give me the avenue to let go completely and also see other people live life without the burden of fear."

His gaze melted into something close to awe and admiration. "And the crochet and modelling? Where did come from? Tell me more."

My cheeks reddened. It wasn't everyday that I talk about my personal interests. But Desmond was eager to listen, and for some reason, I felt safe opening up to him this way. "I know how to crochet. I've designed so many clothes, rugs and bags from wools and yarn. I have a lot of free time, so I was able to develop the hobby." Even though my mother thought it was a waste of time. I've always thought that it would be amazing to see people wearing my designs... I also think it will be fun modeling for myself, you know? I know this is silly and it probably won't come true and..." I was beginning to ramble out of anxiety, so I did the wise thing and shut up.

Desmond didn't laugh at me like I expected he would. I wanted to see the expression on his face right now, but I was too embarrassed to turn to him.

"I want to see some of your designs."

"Oh, no no no. I don't think so. I only think they're fine because I made them. But..." Was I not the one talking about how I would like to see people wear them? And now the thought of showing him a few designs was making me recoil?

"You belittle yourself."

I laughed awkwardly. "You're giving me too much credit." Kill me now.

"But this little fantasy of yours is something you really want, don't you? The possibility of it being real excites you, doesn't it?"

"It doesn't matter. Really. I'm fine... Don't worry about it."

"You'll never know the outcome if you don't try." I swallowed. "You might tell me that you're fine, but I know that you will keep being haunted by 'what if' scenarios if you don't try. You're so much smarter than you give yourself credit for, Raine."

My lips parted, but words didn't form. My heart ached again. Not because of what he did— in fact, I was beginning to forget that, but because he was telling me the truth. There was so much more I wanted to do, other than just being the perfect daughter and the perfect mate to whomever was the highest bidder.

"You speak like you know me so well."

"I don't, but I'm trying to read meanings and make theories from the glimpses you show me."

I rolled my eyes, my face flushed.

Desmond sat up suddenly, and before I could ask what he was up to, he was already covering my legs with a comforter. Lord, I hated how easily he made my stomach flutter.

"You're getting cold." He clarified, before lying beside me again.

"What about you?" I asked. "Are you immune to cold?"

"Sort of." He chuckled when I glared at him. He didn't look cold and he might not be, but still, I wasn't comfortable with him being so thoughtful and taking care of me while neglecting himself. "There's only one comforter."

"Let's share. It's big enough."

His grin was wide enough to reach the back of his head. This was probably what he hoped for when he said that there was only one comforter.

He covered himself with the other end, scooting closer to me, making my heart pound even faster. He grabbed some crackers and casually began to chew.

"Feels so good." He murmured with his eyes closed, and I had a feeling he wasn't talking about the crackers. I took the opportunity to steal a quick look at him. From this close, there was no hiding the details. Desmond was... unfairly handsome.

Sharp facial features—high cheek bones, strong jaw dusted with a neat line of stubble, lips that sent my mind into harbouring unwelcome thoughts, making me bite mine in restraint. Thick brows, full lashes that casted shadows against his skin. Tousled hair that glistened under the moon light.

"You do know that you're free to do whatever you want with me, I won't resist." His lips curled into a naughty smile, and my face burned with shame. He'd caught me.

"Dream on." I murmured, but even my voice sounded flustered.

Desmond and I stayed for a little while longer, before he sat up. "We never got to finish our conversation. About you."

"Uhm..."

"Come, let's go for the next activity. I want you relaxed while we talk. You look too nervous now."

"Have I told you that I hate you before?"

He watched me for a little more than a second before bursting into a full belly laughter. I couldn't understand what was funny.

I watched him in annoyance, but when he continued to laugh, I couldn't help myself when my own lips curled up.

This man was dangerous for me.