SAFE (mxm)

Chapter 83. An Inglorious Plot (David)

   (Present time)

   I sense the gentle touch of familiar soft lips pressed against my shoulder. They move to the side of my neck, follow the curve of my cheekbone, and finally stop on my mouth. I am not fast asleep. I am certainly not awake, either. But still, I know this is no dream. 

   No one has ever kissed me in my sleep, at least as far as I can remember. It is wonderful. The feeling is warm and cosy. I am too drowsy to respond, but smile because I know who this is. 

   "Watashi no kanpekina otoko (my perfect man)," Ryo whispers and places another kiss on my forehead. I try to open my eyes, but my eyelids won't move. So damn tired. I've never been so tired in my life. He quietly laughs. "I guess you caught up on sex, and now you're not so excited to see me."

   I want to give him a biting, ironic retort because I adore him, but he is still an ass. Even more, I wish I could tell him that I will miss him like crazy, and count the minutes until our next date. But my overloaded mind refuses to formulate a clear sentence. I only let out a muffled, inarticulate mumble.

   "Shhh, sleep," he hums in my ear. "I'll call you in the afternoon. See you soon, lover."

   I bury my face in the pillow and sigh in content. It is so different now than last time. I am not panicking. His number is on my phone. There is no uncertainty. I trust Ryo. My boyfriend will call me when his business meetings are over. I do not doubt it. 

   I can laze around all day and enjoy the peace of mind that I have not felt in years. It is still strange to me how I remember the past without freaking out. I am in love in the present without all the protective walls around me. I am hopeful for the future. This state of tranquillity is more valuable than wealth or power and much rarer.

   I hear the front door open and close. A few beeps indicate that the security system is automatically locking all possible entrances to the house. I am once again alone in my impenetrable fortress, but no longer lonely.

   Unfortunately, old habits die hard. The same mind that was so happy with its newfound freedom and carefreeness a few moments ago quickly returned to its usual desire to analyze, overthink, and plan. My time is limited. Ryo gave me a deadline to reveal who I was. I am pretty sure he already knows, but he still has some doubts. I am going to use it.

   I open my eyes and peek at the phone. It is ten a.m., time to grab the bull by the horns.

    Sarah must be mad as a cut snake. I carefully avoided dwelling on the fact while Ryo was here. It was pointless. Either way, if she saw my number, she wouldn't have picked up for at least two days. However, it is also her limit. There is only so much she can take without checking on me. It means I might have a chance this morning. 

   I crawl out of bed and slowly walk down the stairs to the kitchen without bothering to put any clothes on. The muscle fever is excruciating. My ass is in pain. I guess sitting is not an option today. It feels as if a whole herd of buffalo has trampled over me, even stopping for some disco dancing on my back. I thought I was fit. Not so sure anymore. I don't usually like painkillers, and I don't drink much coffee, but right now both are lifesavers. I take two pills without hesitation and make a strong double espresso.

   After slowly drinking the hot beverage and gazing at Anthony for an hour, I gather the courage and dial the number.

   Sarah picks up on the first ring. Ten seconds of tense silence follow. She knows I am counting and patiently waits.

   "I am so sorry, Boo-Boo," I mutter. "You know that under any other circumstances, I would have left with you... I just had to be with him... It has nothing to do with our friendship..."