Chapter 34 His Aftercare
Alice’s P. O. V.
I suddenly wake up, and my eyes widen in surprise as I see Master, staring at my wound with guilt etched in every line of his face.
What is he doing here? Has he come here to check on me?
“I’m sorry.” He whispers before leaning down and placing a soft kiss on my wound, vanishing away all of my pain with the magical touch of his lips.
Earlier, I was so furious at him for harshly pushing me, but now I’m so touched by his genuine apology. I know he didn’t hurt me deliberately. He is fighting a battle with himself, and he’ll take time to accept his feelings.
When he raises his face to look at me, I immediately close my eyes and pretend to sleep. I want to know what he truly feels for me tonight as well because it gives me the strength to endure his utterly fake rudeness.
“Just to prove myself heartless, I’m hurting this pure and innocent soul. I know she doesn’t deserve this, but I have nothing to give her except pain.”
As I feel inching in my hand, I mistakenly move it, forgetting that I’m pretending to sleep.
As I feel him moving away from me, I partially open my eyes and can’t stop myself from smiling when I see him hiding under my bed in the mirror.
For the first time, my hot Master appears to be adorable.
I deliberately throw my hand out of the bed, and my smile broadens as I see him clutching his hand, resisting his urge to hold my hand.
At last, he gives up and takes my hand in his, causing a contented smile to spread across my face. It feels so good because it’s the first time he has taken my hand in such a soft grip.
Is it my dream? Am I still sleeping? Because I just can’t believe that he is hiding under my bed, holding my hand like this.
And if this is not a dream, I hope that one day he will hold my hand in such a tender way, even when I am not pretending to sleep.
As he smiles, my breath catches in my throat. He looks even more captivating with a smile adorning his face. But why is he smiling? What is going on in his mind?
I once more close my eyes and pretend to be asleep as he emerges from under the bed. I just can’t wake up because I know if I wake up, he’ll be rude again, moreover, I want to see what more he’ll do.
He startles me by suddenly lifting me in his arms. I bury my face in his chest, and my lips curve up into an ecstatic smile as listening to his soothing heartbeat gives profound peace to my soul. It feels out of the world to be in his warm arms.
He is taking me somewhere; I think in his room.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.
But why?
How could I forget about my punishment that I must sleep in his room for a week?
As soon as he places me on the plush mattress, a longing for the warmth of his arms overwhelms me.
I think he has laid me on his bed, and now I’m confused that why he didn’t lay me on the floor.
I hear the drawer open, followed by the sound of it closing. Then I feel him sitting beside me on the bed.
After a few seconds, a sharp hiss escapes my lips as the ointment he applies to my wound stings. However, my pain fades in an instant as he blows his warm breath over the affected area.
“I’m sorry.” He murmurs before placing a soft kiss there and stealing my heart.
Honestly, I’m falling in love with this caring side of Alexander, and I just can’t believe that he is my monster Master.
Then I hear his footsteps receding away from me.
After a while, when the room goes silent, I partially open my eyes to see where he has gone.
My face contorts in disappointment as I see him sleeping on the sofa, not with me. I thought he would sleep with me on the bed.
I shouldn’t be upset, rather I should look at the brighter side that he made me sleep on his bed and apologise to me.
He is sleeping on the sofa that he does not even fit into, with his legs dangling off the edge and resting on the floor. The sofa is too small for this tall man.
I’m upset to see him in such an uncomfortable state, knowing that he’ll struggle to get a restful sleep.
What should I do?
I know I’m being stupid by caring about the man who just hurt me a few hours earlier.
However, his aftercare was well worth the pain. If I get to see the soft side of him after he hurts me, I’m willing to be wounded by him millions of times.
I doze off, pondering about him.
Next morning,
I wake up the next morning on my Master’s bed, and my lips curve into a smile as I recall about the last night. I wish he treats me with pure affection always.
As he steps out of the dressing room, ready for the office, I approach him.
“How did I come to your room?” I question him as if I’m completely unaware of what happened last night.
“I brought you because it’s your punishment to sleep in my room.” As he responds, concealing his actual emotions behind his stern tone, I purse my lips and try hard not to smile.
“My punishment was to sleep on the floor, so why did you make me sleep in your bed?” I question, raising my brows at him.
‘Now, how will you escape from this question, Master?’ I stifle the giggle.
“I’m your Master, so it’s my choice, I’ll make you sleep on the floor or in my bed, and I’m not answerable to you, Alice.” He replies to me in a curt tone and walks away, causing me to roll my eyes.
Again, the rude billionaire is back.
However, I am no longer hurt by his words because now I know his rudeness is not genuine, just he’s using this to mask his true feelings.
He stands in front of the mirror and runs his hand through his hair while I fix my piercing gaze on him.
I will see how long he can conceal his feelings for me.
Honestly, I’m enjoying it because now I’m certain that he is only pretending to be a monster.
“See you at night.” He leaves the room after glancing at me.
***
Me: I’m sorry, Master. I can’t meet you tonight.
In the evening, I text him because I have severe periods cramps.
Master: You’ll have to take the punishment if you don’t come.
I roll my eyes, reading his reply.
God! How do I tell this punishment-giving monster about my problem? I feel so shy and awkward.
Me: I’m not well, Master.
Master: I don’t care if you’re okay or not. You’ll arrive on time.
Me: I can’t. Please.
He immediately calls me, and as I pick it up, he asks, “What’s the problem? You never denied me like this before.” His voice is soft and resonant with worry for me.
Although the excruciating cramps torment me, my heart fills with joy at his evident worry for my well-being.
“Master, I have periods cramps. I can’t even move.” I finally tell him because I can’t hide this from him.