Chapter 123 - Sulking

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"Buying protective gears for you."

I laughed under my breath.

A while ago, after camping, on our way home, we made a detour to a bike shop to pick a bike for me. After so much deliberating, we decided on a white vintage bike and helmet.

I scooted over to him on the bed. It was ten in the evening and little Pluffy, after I brushed his teeth, slumped his way towards his comfy new bed –– dead tired.

I glanced at his laptop, and my brows furrowed even deeper.

"Cain, you do know that I'm going to a school and not on a battlefield, right?"

"You can never be too sure. Your safety is my number one priority."

I sighed, seized his laptop, and placed it on the bedside table.

"It's late, what time will you be leaving tomorrow?" I kept my voice neutral as much as possible as not to make him worry.

Cain's eyes lost its luster. "After you and I walked annoying furball."

"Oh . . . , then we should go to sleep."

Even with forced, I couldn't suppress the crack in my voice. I pushed a button to dim the lights and lay on the bed, my back facing him so he wouldn't see the tears in my eyes.

Getting used to his warmth every day, and then he would suddenly be gone for a month. Even my years of indifference couldn't battle the desolation.

It all took a lot of restraint and self-control on my part not to blurt out that I wanted to go with him.

Don't be too clingy! It's only a month! I scold myself.

. . .

. . .

He rose and hovered over me. I closed my lids shut so that he wouldn't see the sorrow in my eyes.

"Leanna . . . , I'll get this over quickly and return to you," he said, barely above a whisper.

He tucked my hair behind my ear before his lips softly but firmly kissed my eyes.

I turned and faced him. Cain's mirrored the longing and sadness on my face. I caressed his cheek, fingers outlining every contour, memorizing it. My hand trembled as it slid down to his collarbone, down to his chest, and stopped on his pelvis.

My eyes flicked to his, waiting for his approval. The tremor in his eyes broke the coldness on his face.

I smiled bitterly at myself and retracted my hand. I turned my body sideways and closed my eyes.

"Don't worry about me. Just . . . ," I choked and cleared my throat, "take care of yourself . . ."

. . .

. . .

"Mmmm . . ."

He laid on the bed, resting his arm on my waist. I knew he knew what I desired, and I knew he wouldn't give it to me. But still, I couldn't help myself.

I want to feel his love before he goes.

My lips pursed, and my cheeks puffed, sulking like a spoiled child who didn't get what she wanted.

Sensing my temper, Cain hugged me from behind without a word.

Minutes passed like that, and yearning and heartaches replaced my disappointments. I faced him, placed my leg on top of his, and hugged him tight, burrowing my face against his warm chest.