Page 62 of Red Queen
It’s not like we haven’t slept together before in each other’s arms, but that was different. That was cuddling after sex, not forced to sleep beside my fake girlfriend. We walk a little more inside, and I start inspecting the room. There has to be somewhere else I can sleep.
“There! Look, there’s a couch.” I try not to sound too enthusiastic, and as much as it seems uncomfortable, that’s my best shot. We don’t have to make our ‘relationship’ any weirder than it already is, so I’ll gladly take the couch.
It’s a little separated from the main room, so we can even have a little more privacy. She sighs, then contemplates her answer for a moment.
“We’ll talk about sorting when I’m back. Just a couple of hours to cool things down with everyone. If I don’t come back by eight, please go and find me; they might have buried me alive. You’ll…be good here until?” She takes a step closer, a sweet smile spreading on her face. God, I wish she wasn’t so beautiful that it’s distracting me from my thoughts.
“Mhm. I’ll be a good boy. As promised.” She rolls her eyes with a smirk, then steps out of the room with one last wave.
I’ll be alone for at least two hours. What the hell am I going to do here?
Turns out, there is quite a lot of stuff I could’ve done here, but after I discovered there’s a gym, I stayed there. I worked out forabout an hour; I mostly just ran, since I can’t do any normal thing with the plaster on, but time has passed.
Now Rosa’s back. I’m scrolling on my phone on the couch, ready for bed, while she’s in the shower. She’s taking her time in there, but she looked really tired. She deserves it. Reminder for me, try not to think about her in the shower.
She groans, stepping out of the bathroom in her pajamas, the oversized clothes making her look smaller. She falls onto the bed, but quickly props up on her elbows.
“So, let’s get down to business,” she says with a serious expression, and I try my best not to laugh.
“Alright. I’m sleeping on the couch. No negotiation,” I answer, putting down my phone and fully facing her.
“That’s not how businesses work, Teo.” She shakes her head, not liking my answer. “I can take the couch too. It’s just for two nights anyway.”
“You could, but you don’t have to. It’s an important day tomorrow, and you’re already tired. As you said, it’s only for two nights. I’d love to sacrifice my back for your success.” She laughs, shaking her head again. Fuck, I love this sound. Brightens my whole day.
“Are you a hundred percent sure? You swear you won’t make me pay for it?” she asks playfully.
“I am a hundred percent sure, and no, I won’t make you pay for it. This is not a favor. I’m just being nice. So take it while you can.” I wouldn’t ever change my mind, but she won’t know that. I’d even sleep on the damn floor for her if that’s what she’d need.
She thinks about it for a moment, then finally gives in. “Okay. Then thank you. Really.” She rewards me with a smile, and that’s all it takes for me to make my worries disappear about how uncomfortable I’ll be through these two nights.
“Good night, Rosa,” I say, waiting until she’s tucked in under the covers, then switching off the lamp.
“Good night, Teo.” I hear her mutter, then quietness takes over the dark room. Great. One more day survived. Now we can sleep.
“Teo! Mateo!” I jolt up in bed, startled by Rosa’s voice calling out to me.
My breathing’s heavy, my clothes are sweaty, and Rosa’s kneeling next to the couch, with a worried expression. Shit. I’ve dreamed about that night again. It’s been a while.
“I’m… I’m okay. Thank you.” I squeeze her hand that’s on mine to reassure her, but she seemingly doesn’t believe me.
“You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” She sighs, then sits down next to the couch, still keeping her hand on mine, now rubbing it in a soothing manner. “Do you want to talk about it?”
“I’d rather not,” I answer immediately. This is not a story she has to know about yet. “But thanks. Maybe someday.”
“Okay. But just so you know, I’m right here.” I smile weakly at her, peeling the wet shirt off me.
“Thanks. I should…take a shower.” She nods, scooting away from the couch, watching me disappear in the bathroom.
I don’t take too long this time, I’m too tired for this right now. I step out of the bathroom in fresh clothes, then realize that my pillow and blanket are now sitting on the king-sized bed next to Rosa.
“Why is my stuff there?” I ask, sitting down on the edge of the couch, already afraid of the answer.
“I thought it was time we negotiated those business terms.” She pats the spot next to her, inviting me to lie down.
“I can still sleep on the couch.”
She scoffs, dismissing my answer. “Absolutely not. It’s wet. You’ve had a nightmare. And we’re adults, I think we can sleep in the same bed without having to make it weird.”
