Chapter 36: chapter 36
As we stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, Eliana's eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint. She took my hand, her fingers intertwining with mine, and led me to her bedroom.
The room was dimly lit, the only sound the soft hum of the air conditioner. Eliana closed the door behind us, her eyes locking onto mine.
"I didn't want anyone to walk in on us," she whispered, her voice husky.
I smiled, my heart racing with anticipation. "I'm glad you didn't," I replied, my voice low.
Eliana's eyes sparkled with amusement, and she took a step closer to me. I could feel the heat emanating from her body, and my own body responded in kind.
Without another word, Eliana's lips met mine, and we were lost in a world of our own making. The room around us melted away, leaving only the two of us, wrapped in each other's arms.
We both went into her bedroom and dozed off.
I sat up with a start, my heart racing as I took in the unfamiliar surroundings. Eliana stirred beside me, rubbing her eyes as she too became aware of the little boy standing in the doorway.
"Hey, Jason," Eliana said softly, a smile spreading across her face. "What are you doing up so early?"
Jason didn't respond, his eyes fixed intently on me. I felt a surge of unease, unsure of how to react.
"Hey, buddy," I said, trying to sound friendly. "My name is Xavier. What brings you up so early?"
Jason's gaze didn't waver, but after a moment, he spoke in a soft, high-pitched voice.
"I'm hungry," he said. "I want pancakes."
Eliana laughed, sitting up and wrapping her arms around Jason.
"Okay, little man," she said. "We'll make some pancakes. But first, let's get dressed, okay?"
Jason nodded, his eyes still fixed on me. I smiled, trying to reassure him.
"Hey, Jason," I said. "I'm happy to help make pancakes. Do you like chocolate chips in yours?"
Jason's face lit up, and he nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! I love chocolate chips!"
Eliana smiled, getting out of bed. "Okay, let's get started then. Xavier, can you help me make the pancakes?"
I nodded, throwing off the covers and getting out of bed. Jason watched me with interest, still looking a bit wary.
As we made our way to the kitchen, Eliana whispered to me, "Sorry about Jason waking us up. He can be a bit of a handful sometimes."
I smiled, ruffling Jason's hair. "It's okay, I don't mind. I'm happy to help make pancakes."
Jason looked up at me, a small smile on his face. "Thanks, Xavier."
As we cooked the pancakes, Jason chattered excitedly about his favorite toppings and how he liked his pancakes extra fluffy. Eliana and I exchanged amused glances, happy to see Jason's enthusiasm.
Once the pancakes were ready, we sat down to eat. Jason dug in with gusto, covering his pancakes in syrup and chocolate chips.
As we ate, I couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and belonging. Being with Eliana and Jason felt like being part of a family, and I realized that I was starting to feel a deep connection to them both.
Elvis pov
Elvis called royalty asking to meet at his house.
Royalty answered on the first ring. "Hey, Elvis. What's going on?"
Elvis's voice was laced with concern. "Royalty, I need to talk to you about something. Can you come over to my house?"
Royalty's tone turned serious. "Of course, Elvis. What's wrong?"
Elvis hesitated, unsure of how to articulate his worries. "I'd rather talk about it in person. Can you please just come over?"
Royalty's voice was reassuring. "I'm on my way, Elvis. Just try to stay calm until I get there."
As Royalty arrived at Elvis's house, she could sense that something was off. Elvis opened the door, his expression worried and preoccupied.
"Hey, thanks for coming over," Elvis said, stepping aside to let Royalty in.
Royalty followed Elvis into the living room, where he gestured for her to take a seat. "So, what's going on?" Royalty asked, her curiosity piqued.
Elvis took a deep breath before launching into his concerns. "It's about Xavier and Eliana," he said, his brow furrowed with worry. "I've noticed that Eliana seems to be...controlling him, or something. She always seems to be calling the shots, and Xavier just goes along with it."
Royalty's expression turned thoughtful as she listened to Elvis's concerns. "That does sound unusual," she said. "But maybe there's more to the story than you're seeing?"
Elvis shook his head. "I've known Xavier for years, and this isn't like him. He's always been confident and self-assured, but around Eliana, he seems...different. Almost submissive."
Royalty's eyes narrowed as she considered Elvis's words. "I think we should talk to Xavier and see what's really going on," she said. "Maybe there's a reasonable explanation for his behavior."
Here's a revised and improvised version:
Elvis's expression turned serious as he looked at Royalty. "Please, Royalty, can you talk to Eliana? I'm really worried about Xavier, and I think you're the only one who can get through to her."
Royalty nodded reassuringly. "Don't worry, Elvis. I'll talk to Eliana and see what's going on."
Elvis's face relaxed slightly, but then his expression turned vulnerable. "Can I ask you something else?" he said, his voice low.
Royalty's curiosity was piqued. "Of course, what is it?"
Elvis took a deep breath. "I was thinking...about us. We've both been hurt before, and I know we're both scared of commitment. But seeing how Xavier and Eliana's relationship is going...it's making me realize how much I value what we have. I don't want to lose you, Royalty."
Royalty's heart skipped a beat as she processed Elvis's words. She could see the sincerity in his eyes, and her feelings for him swelled up inside her.
"I don't want to lose you either, Elvis," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I care about you deeply, and I think we have something special."
Elvis's face lit up with a warm smile as he heard Royalty's words. He felt a sense of relief wash over him, knowing that Royalty felt the same way.
"I'm so glad you feel that way, Royalty," Elvis said, his voice filled with emotion. "I was worried that I might be feeling things too strongly, but hearing you say that makes me feel like we're on the same page."
Royalty smiled back at Elvis, her eyes shining with happiness. "We definitely are, Elvis," she said. "And I think we should take things to the next level. See where this relationship can go."
Elvis's heart skipped a beat as he heard Royalty's words. He had been hoping to hear her say something like that, and now that she had, he felt like he was walking on air.
"I'd like that, Royalty," Elvis said, his voice filled with excitement. "I'd like that a lot."
As they sat there, looking into each other's eyes, Elvis knew that he had found someone special in Royalty. And he was determined to do everything in his power to make their relationship work.