UNHOLY DESIRE

DEIRDRE POV

I didn’t know how long it had been, but Leslie was still speaking. The only contribution I had made was just nodding my head at whatever she had said.

I couldn’t exactly say anything since I was eating, and Leslie didn’t mind I said nothing.

The soup and drug I took made me feel better. Although the headache had barely lessened, the queasiness I was feeling had disappeared.

I stretched out my legs from underneath me and used a pillow to brace my back before staring at Leslie again.

“You are not listening,” She said.

“I was,” I denied, rolling my eyes.

“You weren’t,” She pointed out. “If you were, what was my last statement?” she asked me.

“You spoke about…” I trailed off before shaking my head.

“You see, I wasn’t joking, and I am slightly offended,” Leslie narrowed her eyes, but I believed she was kidding.

She didn’t look anything angry.

The only time I had ever seen her being serious was on our first day here. She had looked like she would give me a tough time, and I had wanted to dislike her instantly, but I was glad I hadn’t.

“How can I get Boytoy number 2 to notice me?” She asked.

“What do you mean by Boytoy number two?” I asked her.

“You know exactly whom I am speaking about.” She said.

“Vittorio?” I asked her, and she nodded.

“I want him to notice me as much as he noticed you. I mean, you shouldn’t be the only one getting the attention. Besides, you are already taken, and I am single,” She pouted.

“What is your secret, Deirdre?” she asked.

“I have none,” I laughed. Why would she think I had one?

“You have such a natural appeal; I am so jealous,” She groaned, falling back on the bed.

“Hey,” I said. “It’s not my fault Vittorio noticed me. Also, it’s sometimes weird because I have never thought of him in such a manner.”

Even though I didn’t understand the way he felt about me, I was sometimes uncomfortable when he came closer to me.

“You should always redirect him to me, put in good words for me, and I am sure he would stop coming to you,” Leslie suggested.

“I’ll try my best,” I told her.

“Great, I love you!” She squealed, gripping my lower body, making me wince.

“Sorry, sorry,” She said.

Just then, Matteo stepped into the room, and Leslie stood up.

“That’s my cue to leave,” She stood and waved, but before she left, she said, “Do not forget your promise.”

“What promise?” Matteo asked as soon as she left.

“It’s silly,” I dismissed.

“Girls talk?” he asked, and I nodded.

“Girls talk,” then I added, “Where did you go?”© 2024 Nôv/el/Dram/a.Org.

“To find a damned doctor for you.” He said, pushing a hand through his hair.

I saw the frustration he was trying to hide.

“I am not sick, Matteo besides Leslie brought drugs, and I am better now,” I said. “I doubt a doctor is necessary.”

“A doctor is necessary, Deirdre. We don’t even know what exactly is wrong, and what if you got worse?” he asked.

“Are you afraid for me? It’s funny to see you concerned about my well-being.” I said.

“I’ve always been concerned about your well-being, Deirdre, and you are the mother of my child. What kind of man would I be if I decided to turn a blind eye to what was happening?” He questioned.

“A jerk, perhaps,” I replied.

Well, he was still a jerk, although I think he was becoming less of one this day.

Matteo ignored me; he paced around the room briefly, then halted. He stepped towards the bed, sat on it, and gripped my hand.

“I’ll look for another alternative, Deirdre.” He said.

I pulled my hands from his, giggling. “You’re hilarious, Matteo. Why are you making it look as though I am seriously ill? Even if it gets serious, I am going to be fine.”

Was this the first time he was around a sick person? I doubted.

But he was acting really strange, as if I was going to die if he blinked his eyes.

Or worst, disappear from his life.

Yes, I wanted to disappear, but definitely not in this state.

“You should sleep, Matteo. You have dark circles under your eyes, and I fear you might be sick too.” I rubbed his taut cheek before cupping it.

“I can’t,” He said. Matteo shook out his hair before brushing a hand through it, tousling it further.

“Why not?” I asked him. “Are you afraid I am going to leave?” and when did he start fearing that I would?

This was Matteo Ferrari. He was barely afraid of anything.

At least, even if he were to be afraid, not for me. I had never seen him genuinely care about me until now.

“I can’t, Deirdre,” His voice sounded strained.

“Why not?” I asked him again.

Matteo stood to his feet, stepping to the door and ignoring my question.

He pulled out a mobile phone from his pocket and tossed it towards me.

I gazed at it; it was a two-way radio.

“I have an extra,” Matteo said, showing it to me. “I use it to communicate. At least I try to use it. Anyways, I am going out, and if you desire to reach out to me, you should use it.”

Matteo stepped out soon after. He hadn’t given an answer to my question. Also, he didn’t tell me how to use the two-way radio. I had never used one before. I wonder how he wanted me to communicate with him when he gave no instruction whatsoever.

Sighing, I lay on the bed, gazing at the ceiling. For a while, my mind thought of random things, but mostly, it was Kendall and potential pregnancy.

Eventually, I grew exhausted, and my eyes were heavy. Even though I tried staying awake to wait for Matteo, I couldn’t.

I gave in to the slumber soon after.