Morning Blues
1117 Words
Mila's POV
I couldn't breathe.
What should I say?
My thoughts swirled like a storm as I stared back at him, nervous as hell.
Confused and completely dumbfounded, I tried to piece together something coherent, but one truth rose above the chaos.
I wanted him close to me.
Right now.
Even if I tried, I couldn't say no to him.
"Yes... I'll stay with you," I whispered as I stepped closer.
A flicker of relief softened his eyes, and the tension in his jaw eased into a gentle smile.
We slipped beneath the covers, and Mr. Harris pulled me into his arms. They were firm yet surprisingly gentle, wrapping around me with a warmth I hadn't expected. He pressed a soft kiss to my forehead, and with that single touch, the nervousness inside me slowly melted away.
I couldn't bring myself to protest.
His steady heartbeat echoed against my ear, its rhythm so calming it felt like a melody written just for my restless soul. A faint smile found its way onto my lips as I surrendered to his embrace, letting it anchor me in the moment.
I looked up at him and saw a side of Angel Harris I'd never seen before.
He looked peaceful.
Unguarded.
Almost vulnerable.
His fingers absentmindedly played with my hair while sleep softened every sharp edge of his face. He seemed so different from the intimidating man who commanded every room at work.
Maybe... just maybe... we could have something more, I thought, my heart beating a little faster.
Taking a slow breath, I closed my eyes and let sleep pull me into the darkness.
Oddly enough, it was the best sleep I'd had in months.
Peaceful.
Comforting.
As though I'd been wrapped in complete tranquility.
I never wanted it to end.
But like all good things, it did.
Half-asleep, I reached across the bed, searching for his warmth.
My fingers met nothing but cold sheets.
Blinking away the last traces of sleep, I sat upright, confusion tightening in my chest.
Where did he go?
Did he leave without saying goodbye?
The realization hit me like a punch to the stomach.
"Damn it," I muttered, throwing the blanket aside.
My chest ached with the sting of his absence.
He just left.
Like last night never meant anything.
A surge of anger cut through the humiliation clawing at my heart.
What was I even thinking?
"He didn't even care enough to leave a note," I scoffed, my voice trembling with restrained emotion.
You're nothing to him.
Just his employee.
I stormed into the bathroom, desperate to wash away every reminder of the previous night.
The cold water shocked my skin, grounding me instantly.
It numbed the whirlwind of emotions threatening to consume me.
By the time I stepped out, I felt lighter.
Clearer.
I changed into my gym clothes, determined to work every ounce of frustration out of my system.
At the gym, I threw punch after punch at the heavy bag, imagining every hit landing on the confusion inside my head.
He's just a guy.
Just my boss.
The steady rhythm of my workout drowned out everything else.
For the first time that morning, I felt like I had some control again.
Ding.
My phone buzzed.
Hi, babe! I know you're at the gym, but can we meet for drinks later? I want to introduce you to someone. Maya's message read.
Sure, love. I can make that work, I replied, grateful for the distraction.
Back home, I showered, ate, and eventually drifted off for a nap.
The ringing of my phone pulled me awake.
Still groggy, I answered without checking the caller ID.
"Hello?"
"Precious."
My heart skipped a beat.
"Armando?"
"Did I wake you?"
"No, no. I'm up," I lied, quickly sitting upright.
"Good. Get dressed. I'm outside your house, and I'm taking you to dinner."
"What?"
I hurried to the window.
There he was.
Leaning casually against his car with that signature smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
"How did you even..."
"That's for me to know," he interrupted with a soft laugh, "and for you to get dressed."
"I already have plans with Maya..." I said, biting my lip.
"Invite her to meet us at the restaurant. I really want to see you."
Groaning dramatically, I gave in.
"Fine. Give me a minute."
I slipped into a short blue dress that showed off my legs and paired it with silver stilettos.
My hair fell in soft curls around my shoulders, and I kept my makeup simple but elegant.
The moment I stepped outside, Armando's eyes lit up.
"Damn, Precious. You look stunning."
He leaned in and pressed a gentle kiss against my lips.
I froze.
For the briefest second, the memory of Mr. Harris's kiss flashed through my mind.
I quickly pushed it away and forced a smile as Armando opened the passenger door for me.
The drive was unusually quiet.
I stared out the window while my thoughts tangled themselves into impossible knots.
Armando rested his hand lightly on my thigh, his thumb tracing slow circles against my skin.
"You're tense," he murmured.
His tone was light, but something was searching in his eyes.
Should I tell him about Angel?
Would it even matter?
A few minutes later, we pulled into La Vida Guerra, the most exclusive restaurant in the city.
La Vida Guerra
"How did you manage this?" I asked, my eyes widening.
He smirked.
"Nothing really, I am just a part-owner. The Harris family and I own the place together."
My stomach immediately tightened at the mention of Mr. Harris.
So much for forgetting him, I thought bitterly as my eyes landed on his initials discreetly engraved into a nearby wall.
Maya arrived not long afterward, practically glowing as she introduced her boyfriend, Danny.
"When did this happen?" I asked, genuinely surprised.
"Last night!" she giggled. "I couldn't wait to tell you."
I smiled and squeezed her hand, genuinely happy for her, even though my thoughts kept drifting back to Angel and the unanswered questions he'd left behind.
Dinner passed in a blur of laughter, delicious food, and flowing wine.
Armando was charming.
Attentive.
Everything I should have wanted.
Yet the connection he shared with the Harris family lingered over me like a shadow I couldn't escape.
When the evening came to an end, Armando drove me home.
"Thank you for tonight," I said.
He leaned over and brushed another soft kiss against my lips before wishing me goodnight.
I stepped inside, kicked off my heels, and collapsed onto my bed.
The weight of the day settled over me all at once.
Tomorrow...
I'd have to face Angel Harris.
And I wasn't ready.
- Writer
