Strings of Fate

92- Seeing and staying

“Uhh, so… Where should I leave this?” I hold up the bag awkwardly, then immediately lower it again. It’s heavier than I realised. Bellamy freezes and looks me over, a calculating expression on his face.

“Well, you can stay with me if you want. Or I can set up one of the empty bedrooms. If you don’t want to be alone or… with me… then I’m sure Megan wouldn’t mind if you stayed with her.” He seems to be assessing my expression. I don’t even know what kind of look is on my face right now, but he must not be finding it encouraging because he doesn’t look too happy.

“What would YOU prefer?” I ask. I figure it’s better to have all the information before making a decision.

“I won’t lie to you. Right now the idea of you being anywhere I can’t see you leaves me on the verge of a panic attack. But I should also say I always want you to stay with me. I don’t want to pressure you though. I just want to make it clear that I’m not just saying it because

I’m…” He stops

trying to think of a good way to say it, probably looking for a word that

won’t scare me off or freak me out more than I already am.

“Concerned?” I suggest. He shrugs.

“Sure, concerned. But don’t worry about me. What do YOU want? I’ll find a way to make it work.” He promises. The fact that he is being so accommodating, particularly when I can see that it is nearly physically painful for him to make the offer makes me want to accommodate.

him instead. I’m just a little concerned that if I’m staying in his room it will make things hard for him (innuendo completely intended) but I suppose he can make that decision for himself. I’m also worried that it will become glaringly obvious to people that I’m meant to be his

mate.

“I… I wouldn’t mind staying with you. As long as it remains private, I’m still not ready to deal with everyone, particularly not while dealing with some psycho leaving me creepy notes.” I

runs a

aren’t allowed upstairs. That’s for family only.” He states firmly. I raise an eyebrow. I’ve been making myself comfortable all

were rules.

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92- Seeing and staying

official or not.” He gives as an explanation. I smile weakly and nod my acceptance. My eyes are drawn to a spot of blood on Bellamy’s grey top. The bandage on

need to clean up a bit.” I

amazing. I don’t think I’ve ever really had the chance to relax in

luxuries

I tell him warmly. He takes my bag from me, although I was only holding the strap while the bag rested on the floor. We head upstairs.

is gorgeous, done in grey and gold with one of those freestanding tubs

only dream about.

doesn’t have a tub.” He explains as he moves around the bathroom. Then, as if it’s totally natural,

a generous amount of what must be bubble bath into the water. He continues pointing out the

there any products you like? I’ll get them for you while I’m at it.” he offers. Is it weird that he’s running

and I really don’t think he is listening to what I’m saying. I sigh and roll my eyes. That’s a battle for another time I

gestures to the tub.

smiles proudly. I stand there waiting for him to move

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92- Seeing and staying

he is.

to stand there… while I take a bath?” I say pointedly, an eyebrow raised. Bellamy’s expression falls and I see horror and fear flash across his

hadn’t thought about…” he looks vaguely unwell. Did it honestly not occur to him that for me to take a bath he would be expected to leave? Or maybe he didn’t realise just how

really struggling with this, aren’t you?” I