Chapter 15 The Gentleman

"What were you doing there?" Arnold asked after he closed the door behind him. He took her to his room. When he released Ciara from his grip, he saw how terrified she looked. It was so difficult for him to ignore how she shook violently and knew what she heard wasn't meant for her ears. He walked to her and embraced her. She began to tear uncontrollably. She was beyond terrified. After tearing for about ten minutes, she finally said;

"I want to go home"

"It's late. I'll take you home tomorrow hopefully." Arnold replied.

When Ciara pulled herself from his embrace, she noticed how she'd wet his shirt with her tears and snot. As if reading her thoughts, he said;

"Don't worry about that. I will change the shirt" Arnold said and walked towards his wardrobe. He took a new shirt out and changed into it near Ciara. Ciara couldn't look away when she saw his upper body. His firm torso and abs were enough to hold her eyes for long.

"Stared enough?" Arnold asked, drawing Ciara out of her daze. She felt embarrassed for being caught by him. She didn't plan on ogling, she only wanted to take a look and she was dazed already.

Arnold pulled Ciara to his bed and sat beside her on the bed. He casted worried glances at her before he finally asked;

"What happened?"

"I couldn't sleep. I felt thirsty and miserable. I walked to the kitchen to quench my thirst. After emptying one bottle, i heard your voice. Well, it sounded similar to yours. I thought it was you. I followed the sound and found myself on this floor. I heard another voice and had wanted to walk away. Somehow, your name came up in the conversation and I felt intrigued. I was confused about why you were being discussed when you were there with the person. I walked closer so that I could see those conversing and realized you weren't there with them. But the owner of the voice that sounded just like yours, was there. I felt afraid after what I heard and decided to leave. But keeled over and here I am" she said and forced a smile.

"What did you hear?" It was obvious Arnold couldn't keep his curiosity at bay. Ciara stiffened when he asked and he knew it was going to be difficult to get her to talk. Unexpectedly, she burst into tears and Arnold embraced her again, patting her back softly.

"You know what, Ciara? Don't force yourself to tell me anything now. I will be willing to listen, whenever you are ready to talk about it. " he said and planted a soft kiss on her forehead.

"I think I have to take you back to your room" Arnold said as he stood up.

"No, i don't want to be alone" Ciara pleaded.

Arnold raised an eyebrow and looked at her.

"Ciara, do you know what you're asking for?"

"Don't try to scare me. You're a very good gentleman. You won't do anything against my will"

"Is that what you think?"

"Yes, that's what I think"

Ciara saw what looked like a faint smirk which didn't linger long on his lips.

"I won't do anything, because i will be putting on my full armor of self control tonight. But i don't know how long it'll last before I remove the armor"

When he realized Ciara wasn't planning on leaving, he laid beside her on his bed. After a few minutes, he heard her even breath and walked slowly to the bathroom. He needed to cool his nerves before he jumped on her. After composing himself, he crawled into the bed and slept like a log.

Ciara woke up the next day and realized Arnold was not in bed. His side of the bed was cold which meant he'd been out for long. She stood up and walked out of his room only to run into Kelly.

"Wait, why are you coming out of his room?"