The Bully's Obsession novel Chapter 58

　　 GRACIE

　　He wouldn't leave his room, but I noticed the frequent glances he threw in our direction from the bedroom window. So I sent Hazel to him, I knew he would listen to her.

　　And he did...

　　Going out for some air would refresh all of our minds a bit, not to mention that it would also make Hazel happy.

　　When we returned it was already quite dark, I would say everything went fine even though he had barely spoken no more than two words to me, it felt as though he was avoiding me.

　　Hazel's eyes were already drooping closed when the car drove to a stop. We entered the house and I quickly ran her a bath and tucked her in bed.

　　Some time later I noticed his presence behind me

　　"She's asleep " I whispered

　　He nodded slowly and took a sit beside the bed , his hand brushing over mine, I looked up wondering if it had been intentional, wordlessly we watched Hazel sleep for a while. I sat rooted to my spot, after a while he walked straight out of the door, probably to his room after kissing Hazel goodnight. he had paused for a moment, giving me a look that told me he wanted to reach out for me but decided against it at the last moment.

　　A sigh escaped my mouth when he totally disappeared from view.

　　It wasn't going to be easy for the both of us, everything couldn't just be erased in just one day, I bet he was fighting an internal battle with himself just like I was. we both needed some time, so I decided to leave him alone and lay down beside Hazel on the double bed.

　　I closed my eyes as I slowly drifted into a dreamless slumber.

　　*

　　*

　　Next morning I searched all over for him, I finally found him in the gym, I don't think he realized my presence as he kept delivering hard punches to the bag.

　　The upper part of his body was completely bare, his wet hair tossed over his forehead, I stood on the door way watching him for a while.

　　He delivered one final punch and went to a stand to grab a towel to wipe his glistening body .

　　He turned around and for the first time I got a full view of his face, if he was surprised to see me he didn't show it, it made me think that he'd been aware of my presence all the while but had just decided to ignore me.

　　I approached further into the room

　　"Hayde..." I had barely started when he cuts in

　　"Do you need something? "

　　"No but.... "

　　"Then I'm leaving " he made his way past me and just reached the door when I called out.

　　"You said you would try for us then why are you avoiding me? "

　　He paused midway , I took it as an opportunity to stand in front of his path...

　　"What makes you think I'm avoiding you? "

　　"It's obvious, even this moment you are running away "

　　His gaze flickered like he was struggling with himself .

　　"Because i don't want to hurt you dammit! You really don't understand? " He clenched out.

　　"And you think you won't hurt me if you ignore me? "