The Dark Man [COMPLETE]

CHAPTER 10 - QUALITY TIME

The air was still and unbelievably uncomfortable. For an outsider.

But as a stone hearted man who spent close to a week with her, I wasn’t bothered. I knew she needed the support even before I met her in Hawaii. I wanted to be there for her, she wouldn’t let me. What could I do?

Mr Simmons scoffed, “You’re being so serious about this when you say you don’t want anything serious. And no one is perfect Alina, I’m sure you’ve hurt Kieran somewhere along the week with your constant rejections.”

I looked at him, curiosity sparking in my veins, “Has she always been like that?”

He nodded, “She doesn't accept people easily Kieran. You're the first guest we've had since Connor. You're really lucky.”

“I’m still here you know, just because I’m a little tipsy doesn’t mean I can’t communicate like a proper human being,” Alina pushed her empty glass away and fiddled with her fingers.

The simple nervous gesture made me feel as empty as her ring finger. 

Was there a way for me to rectify it?

“Well I’m glad she didn't kick me out of here. It's a big win for me,” I gazed at her and her eyes glimmered with unspoken emotions.

I barely ever heard the ticking of my watch, but tonight, I could hear every second pass. It haunted me.

I helped to clear the dishes from the table and Wilson nearly chopped my head off when I insisted on helping. He was adamant about letting the maids wash the dishes so I gave in on that aspect.

The three of us then went to the living room for a movie but eventually settled on watching ‘Master Chef’. Alina dozed off on the couch while having mindless banter with her father over butter and oil. She leaned against my shoulder, her arms around my waist. I brushed her hair away from her face and she snuggled close, tightening her hold on me.

“She likes you Kieran, I’m glad she does,” Mr Simmons continued staring at the chefs beating egg whites with sugar and I kissed the top of Alina’s head.

“I’m not as good of a man as you think I am.”

“A man who can acknowledge that he’s not a knight in shining armour and who doesn’t make promises he can’t keep is good enough for my daughter. No pun intended by the way.”

“I’m sure Connor passed the test on that but he turned out horrible.”

“Nah, he made Alina fall in love with the idea of him. He wasn’t a nice guy, I could tell. But you know how Alina is when she gets absolutely stubborn with something. She couldn’t see the negatives and that’s why she’s being so hard on you.”

“I’m not going to continue this with her Mr Simmons. We had a mutual agreement and I can’t promise her a life of bunnies and rainbows. I’ve gone through things that will prevent me from loving her to what she deserves.”

“Goodness just call me Alexander, Mr Simmons is so extravagant. And just so you know, she hates rainbows. Give her some time, she’ll come to her senses. For you on the other hand, you care for her. You’ve been truthful with me about your intentions, it’s time you’re truthful with your own conscience.”

My heart pounded, as if Alina's father was acknowledging its presence, “I can’t give her enough.”

“It’ll be more than what I can give her. The only reason the doctor let me return home was because he wanted me to spend some quality time with my family before I go. But I can tell Kieran, my time here is coming to an end. Say I’m desperate for someone to take care of her, but I know a good man when I see one. She’s going to be devastated once I’m gone, I just hope you’ll be there for her.”