Alpha's Obsession: His caged Luna

Chapter 18: Drop it

Desmond's POV

We stopped at the bowling alley next, some floors below in the same building. Raine and I were the only ones there since I booked the entire place for us.

I was certain Raine didn't realize it, but she was a little less stiff than the time we arrived. She didn't even hide the excitement on her face when I brought her in here. I had no idea what kind of games she'd like, but I went with my guts feeling, and here we were.

For the next hour, we didn't have any serious conversation. We just focused on the game. For someone who didn't go out, she was surprisingly good at it. I planned to go easy on her so as to give her the chance to win, but when I saw that she wasn't helpless, I leaned into my competitive side.

Over time, she became more and more animated, talking more often, celebrating every time she knock down the bowling pins. I had no idea what I expected coming here, but seeing her this happy and free was already enough to make my night.

At the end of it, I ended up winning by a small margin, but Raine didn't think so. She said I miscounted and she actually won. I had no idea if she truly believed that, but I was okay anyway.

After we were done, I took her to another floor. The room we entered was filled with round tables and two seats attached to each table, obviously meant for couples, but we were the only ones there. The tables were draped with fine linens and sparkling glassware. The lit candles and the song playing in the background added a romantic touch to everything.

Raine gasped. "Desmond you... You're full of surprises."

"I'm not trying to bribe you, I swear."

She let out a laugh. "I didn't say that."

"I never know what you're thinking. I wanted to keep everything simple so you'll not think I'm trying to buy you again, but I wanted... Now thinking about it, a dinner date is unnecessary. We ate at the rooftop." I scratched the back of my head sheepishly.

"I like it." She said with a smile.

"Does that mean that you like me now?"

Her gaze narrowed. "Now you're reaching."

"You can't blame me." I shrugged. "I know that you're gonna like me soon anyway."

"And if I don't?" She placed one hand on her waist, glaring, but I could see the amusement in her eyes.

"Your heart will not give you the choice."

Her eyes widened. "You're definitely reaching."

"Do you like to dance?" I asked instead, and she shook her head.

"I'm a horrible dancer. Think of the simplest move you know, and I will not be able to do it even if my life depends on it. I'm that bad."

I let my gaze trail the length of her body. She looked flexible and athletic, nothing about her physical appearance depicted an inability to dance. "You don't look like you can't dance."

"That's what people say until they see me dance. Well, nobody ever sees me like that though."

"How about you show me? I'm an awesome dancer."

She shook her head firmly. "No. Never. I'll not embarrass myself here."

"I promise, you will not embarrass yourself in front of me. I'll not laugh."

She wasn't persuaded. "You have a better chance convincing me to take off my clothes than making me dance."

My eyes gleamed in mischief. "Do I take the offer then?"

This time, her glare was hot enough to burn.

"Fine. Keep your clothes on. And I'll keep my dance lessons to myself."

"I never asked for it, and I'm perfectly fine never learning, thanks for the offer though."

We took our seats after I failed to convince her to take dance lessons with me. Now it was time to make orders and I didn't feel like eating anything. I was sure Raine didn't want to either.

"Would you try their cocktails here? They're good at it."

She nodded.

So we spent the next thirty minutes tasting cocktails and wines. I wanted to keep it alcohol free, but Raine requested it, and soon she was all flushed.

"My parents will kill me if they get to see me right now. My mom will lose her mind, while my Dad..." She rolled her eyes as if the mere imagination of him was enough to irritate her.

Now that there was no heaviness in our conversation anymore and she was visibly relaxed, I wondered if it was time to resume the talk we were having at the rooftop. On one hand, I wanted to know her, so I could understand the reason she feared her parents so much and had to do everything they say. On the other, I didn't want to ruin the moment. She was laughing so much right now.

My curiosity won.

"Why are you at Sienna's pack?"

I noticed the moment the temperature dropped, like that single question was enough to suck out all the joy from the atmosphere. I held back a groan. "Vacation."

"Doesn't seem like that to me."

She didn't respond.

"What will happen if you move out of your parents' house finally? You can stay somewhere within the pack or even move elsewhere. I'm sure you can find somewhere." I was willing to offer.

Her fingers tightened around her wineglass. "Desmond..." My heart skipped. It was the first time I heard her say my name. But her next words made the organ drop. "Drop it please. There are things I just can't explain."

Something about her parents made her so uncomfortable. Even more than that. From the slight tremor in her voice—I would have missed it if I wasn't paying so much attention to her—I could tell that she was terrified of them.

Something was at play behind the scene. Something I was so desperate to know. I didn't want to ruin what I was already building with her, so I'll respect her wish and drop the topic. For now.

"As long as they are not hurting you."

She shook her head. "They're not, I promise."

I nodded, having no other choice.

I hoped that with time, she'd come to trust me and open up to me.

So for the next hour, we continued trying different drinks, until I noticed her slowly getting drunk. I then called it a night and drove her back to Sienna's pack.