13 Right here with you

Lisandro snapped his fingers before me. His facial expression was different as it was filled with frustration. I couldn't understand what I'd just imagined. A flesh-eating monster will search for me! They were after me.

"I'm asking you a question," he sighed then caressed his chin exhaustingly. "You looked pale?" It was not a statement, rather it was a question.

He then narrowed his brows and looked straight into my fearful eyes as he tried to read what was inside of my head. It had the same effect since the first we'd each other in his office. Those powerful golden-brown eyes, his ensnaring lips that always awakened me was still the same and perfect.

Lisandro covered his face with his bare hands. He tried to think, to concentrate until he gave me an assuring smile. He said, "Forgive me to say this, but…" he paused and took a long, deep breath. "I should stay wherever you go. That's the only way to protect you, Andy."

I didn't understand what he just told me. His deep, mysterious eyes filled with fear that I'd never seen since day one. It was real. It was something that I couldn't explain. Lisandro is my boss and it would be uncomfortable if people would see us every single day.

"I… don't understand. Why… why you have to protect me? No one will hurt me, Lisandro!"

"It's hard to explain this… but believe me. I will protect you while you're working with me. Do you understand?"

It felt good. It was a genuine feeling I've been searching for. And Lisandro made me feel that I deserved everything—except his heart. I couldn't own something that seemed unreachable. I should know my place, my limitations, and those impossible dreams in my head.

Suddenly, I yawned like a child. I was sleepy and my eyes were too heavy. "Let's go back to sleep," I said then crawled into my bed. I don't care if he would lay down beside me as long as I knew someone was willing to sacrifice anything to protect me.

"If you want to sleep here, just lay down gently and don't make any noise," I mumbled as I quickly covered my scarlet face with a white blanket.

I wanted to thank him for staying tonight, but I didn't want to be naïve anymore. I must keep this feeling until the right time came.

"I thought we shouldn't be in your room?" he suddenly chuckled that making my heart beat too fast.

Secretly, I took a glimpse of him while he took off his shoes. His broad back, his hair that perfectly matched his body were only a few of the things that I like about him. Lisandro looked different from a typical man.

I could feel he was a strong man who would do everything to protect those people who have a special place in his heart. And I wondered if I am one of those special persons in his life.

"Don't try to be aggressive or I will push you down to the floor." I rolled my eyes, but he just shrugged off his shoulders and turned to me with his usual mischievous gaze.

He said, "I made a promise to you, Andy."

It was a convincing response that somehow soothed my soul and relaxed my mind. I couldn't hold it back. My weary eyes, my back, and my heartfelt the same way and slowly, gentle energy pulled me down into a deep sleep.

"Good night, Lisandro."

–

–

A bright, swelling light had touched my face. It felt warm, shining, and awakened me from a deep sleep.

I then slowly opened my eyes with a wide smile on my lips. I clearly remembered what happened last night and I felt happy for everything because of him.

But the moment I changed position; I'd realized that he was gone beside me. He probably woke up before the sunrise.

"Where did that man go at this time?" I quickly jumped off from bed with no hesitation and doubt. This strong feeling in my chest had forced me to search every corner of this house.

I won't stop until I found him, safe and sound.

"Lisandro!"

"Where are you?"

I could hear my voice echoing around. The birds chirped; the trees swayed because of the rhythm made by the wind. The sky seemed happy as it is blue as what it was when the days were better. I saw how the birds flew high as they savored the perfect, sunny weather.

But I must look for him now. I then ran to the living area, yet there was no trace of him. I then walked straight into the backyard, still, there was no Lisandro around.

"Huh! Don't tell me he went back home without leaving a note on the side table?"

I'd started to imagine possible answers at the moment. I didn't find him and I don't know where he went while I was asleep. My heart thumped strangely. It happened every time I'd felt something wrong around me.

I'd hated this feeling since Andrea was rushed into the emergency room that day. I hoped it won't happen again. I was there in the middle of the wide backyard listening to the heartbreaking sound of my vulnerable heart.

I began to feel sad and guilty at the same time. I should have welcomed him warmly in my place and impressed him while I have the chance.

"Where are you, Lisandro?" I said with regret in my voice.

For a couple of seconds, I closed my eyes as I put my hands on my chest. I'd hoped the moment I opened my eyes; I would see him before me with a naughty smile on his face.

I then took a heavy breath, listened to the heartbeat of the mother nature that surround me.

"Andy." A man's voice whispered into my ears. It sounded real and how I wished it was him.

"I'm just here behind you," he said softly which convinced me to open my eyes.

"I'm right here with you."

At that moment, I knew it was him. His husky voice brought me into a paradise that we only both knew. I then slowly turned around, faced him with a pout on my lips.

"I thought you went somewhere and left me behind," I told him as he shook his head in disagreement and cupped my face afterward.