He’s My Mother

CHAPTER 10: The heart thief

Duke's POV

I remembered the fun that we had hours ago. I slowly opened my eyes and I saw the clock right away that's placed on the bedside table of Shania's room.

I was able to slowly move as I roll my body from my back to check if Shania slept with me on the same bed and I was correct.

She is peacefully sleeping, smiling as she sleeps on her side, putting her hands together and rested her head on it, facing my back. I noticed that she hasn't got a blanket that's why I slowly got up to reach the covers and pull it up to cover her body.

I looked at her and I can see myself smiling. There's something about this woman that is always catching my attention. She's always telling me to make her feel that she's beautiful but she never realize that she's already possessing this quality. She's beautiful inside and out, I could say.

The next morning, I was able to wake up ahead of her that's why I just left a simple "thank you" note on her table. I was able to get to my place for a few minutes. I am more inspired to go to work, thinking about George and the idea of seeing him again.

I wore a simple red long-sleeved shirt and pants with my black Nike sneakers on. I am smiling as I greeted the employees of that building as well. One thing I liked about my life is that I was away from my hometown miles from the big city of Manila that's why only a few people know who I am.

I am more comfortable with that. Of course, when people know you as the son of a prominent figure in politics, they will also buzz about you nonstop. That's why I prefer to stay away from my family and live on my own to a place where I could be myself. Where I can be free to move without those eyes following wherever I go.

"Duke!" Somebody from my back caught my attention. It made my heart raced so fast.

It was George again.

I literally froze. My heart already know him, how much more his voice?

"Are you heading to the office now? How about going with me for a coffee? It's still early." He said, smiling. He was able to take a glance on his watch as he comes near me. I can feel that my cheeks are getting red. I hope he can't see this embarrassing effect he is causing me. He smiled more. I almost avoided his gaze.

"Uhhh..." I am torn between saying "yes" to his invitation and "no" because I have to do it because it's the right thing to do.

I am weighing my options when suddenly, he was able to grab my hand and pull me to as we head to the cafeteria that is before our office. It's like he is the one who decided for his advantage. Holy crap.

I hope that he can't feel the coldness of my palms because it is really unexpected. He's not afraid of people judging him, or either of us about what he did. I noticed other people are all eyes on us, too.

We are seated right on the center aisle of that cafeteria. I looked at George as he walked directly to the counter to order cups of coffee for both of us. He was quick and confident as if knowing the flavor that I liked best.

"French vanilla?" He proudly presented the hot cup and I can't help but smile with amazement because it's like he knew me for a long time. He laughed at my reaction. It was epic.

How did you know it's my preferred flavor?" I curiously asked, still shocked.

"It's more of a wild guess." He winked as he put on the paper container full of coffee with a black lid on the table. "Aw!" He slightly shook both of his hands because he's been holding the cup for a longer time.

"Careful." I timidly cautioned him. he gave me a pleased look. He is seated next to my chair. It feels terribly good to even feel the tip of his hand touching my arm. I meet his gaze and it's a bit awkward because he's directly looking at me as if studying what I'll do next. I frowned at him to hide the underlying tension that I feel deep inside of me.

"You're always looking at me as if I did something wrong." He was able to break the silence that's building between us. As much as possible, I don't want to start any conversation because I don't know how to.

"Yes. I don't like you for my sister. I hope it is clear to you this time." I warned him. But looks like, I can see that he's grinning and never cared about what I said instead he faced me, as he inched closer, moving his chair near mine.

"Who do you want for me, then?" He chuckled when he saw me slightly gasped as I meet his gaze.

"I don't know...but stay away from my sister." I finally told him but it never made his reaction different. He even teased me more by smiling as if challenging me to not avoid his gaze. He laughed when he sees that I am becoming uncomfortable.

"Hey...it's just me." He held my hand tight and I glared him back. I slowly looked around and I heaved a sigh of relief when I see that there were only a few people that are in the cafeteria. Others are just busy with talking to other people. Most of them just don't care about what's happening around them. They'll just sip their coffee and scroll on their phones and tablets.

"Whatever you're planning for my sister, don't ever do it, or else..." I was hesitant for a moment.

"Or else what?" He confidently asked, holding my hand tightly this time.