Aromantic Desires

XIII

Kenneth and Audrey were cackling in the corner of the tavern. Their alcohol tolerance was not as tough as their stubborn ways and poise. Kenneth tried to his best ability, to look after her, still he was elsewhere; exploring rather than protecting. His hands were all over her, on her chest and thighs which made her gasp and moan lightly.

Kenneth's POV:

She has never let me come this close to her. And honestly I cannot blame her, since my unruly thoughts will get the best of me. I do try my best not to scare her off or allow her to get this foul picture in her head of me, yet it always will be so. Yet, why does she look at me as though she hates and adores me all at once? Knowing her, she must be playing some sort of mind game, to see what I will do. Honestly, I do not care. She can think of me how badly she wants. But she cannot think of me badly, when she herself knows how much I care. So I must show her.

Even when the alcohol is at its peak with me.

"Might I have this dance", I whispered, causing her to stop sipping her wine.

She spun around, gazing at me with awe. Again, this must be the alcohol. I reached out for her hand, patiently waiting, while the sounds of the harp and flute were in the midst of the air.

She placed her dainty hand into mine. Her palm felt warm, yet distant. Even when she was this close to me, she was still far. She gulped so hard even I could have heard. That made me wonder what was in her little mind.

I pulled her towards my embrace, quite a bit rough. Audrey gasped, then giggled, as her feet could not support her. Rolling my eyes at her, I was about to say something, when the music suddenly stopped playing their melodic and cheerful tune.

Dancers and drinkers all round argued with the musicians. Audrey spared me a shy glance, then quickly turned her attention back to the musicians that were pushing off people from the table. I looked at her and smiled, wondering what's going on in her head at this time. Why the change of mood all of a sudden?

A soft, romantic violin played at this time. I for one thought it was rather foolish that at a time like this, such music should be playing. Audrey on the other hand, was swaying to the pull of the strings, gracefully lifting her petticoat, as she danced with the violin in sync.

The people of the tavern, slowly shifted from minding their own, to a graceful trans by her. I know in my bones that she does not have a clue what she is doing. And it looks like she does not really care. But then this could be her coping mechanism.

She should not have to go through something like this at a young age. More so now, as it takes a toll on her emotional state. You could see it in her eyes, that she just wants peace. I don't think anyone else sees what I see in her eyes. So I like to believe. Being here for her is the best I could do. Letting her enjoy her life. Letting her cry when she's frustrated. Letting her talk for hours about anything and everything. Giving her the sweetest love she—

Oh, for the love of Christ, this is not the time. Let her enjoy her evening.

My thoughts really do get a bit wild after some time. I cannot control it. Strong enough to feel quite murderous actually.

"This music is so beautiful", she screamed, above the cheering group of people.

"Not as beautiful as my view, darling", I muttered under my breath. How can a cold, guarded woman such as herself, be so childish and playful within? She really did a good job hiding little Audrey, I must say. Honestly, seeing her like this reminded me of our childhood together. From soft chuckles of her enjoying my foolish mockery, to the loud cries she did, when she bruised her knee, or when her parents were fighting.

Some things don't change. They just hide until they are safe and free. Sighing after, and chugging down the last bit of red rum left in my cup, I gazed at her once more.