My CEO Boss Is A Masked Internet Sensation-Chapter 168: What Surprise?

(Arata)

"You were leaving without saying goodbye," the accusation was heavy in Karsten’s voice. My poor heart shuddered and I couldn’t bring myself to up my gaze and stare into those accusatory eyes of his.

"You were busy.....I didn’t want to distract you," I breathed out with difficulty, still staring at the marble stairs, finding patterns very interesting.

The nail of his thumb landed under my chin and nudged it up so our gazes could meet. Several creases on his forehead were visible.

"Why do I feel like you are avoiding me?" He asked, searching my eyes for any truth.

He knew I was never bothered by how many people were with him; if I wanted to get to him, I always did.

"We just had our final rehearsal together. Why would I be avoiding you? I need to get home before my family arrives." I blurted out, half-truths, half-lies.

Karsten stared at me so intently, his hands flat on the walls on both sides of my head. I knew he could detect something was wrong. I never shied away from staring directly at him and now it just bruised me.

He took his time speaking. His calculating sharp mind, making decisions.

"You are taking my car, and it stays with you until your family leaves. And you move right back into my home, once they do. Are we clear on this?"

So close, his body almost pressed into mine, and if he decided to move even an inch I could bet my life I wouldn’t be able to resist him.

My hands hurt from how tightly I had shut them. His scent, which always invigorated my senses, I was deeply inhaling to store into the crevices of my brain.

I nodded, not trusting my voice, knowing it would break. Arguing with him was fruitless, he was going to have his way one way or the other.

And then his hands found my face, he cupped it like holding a delicate glass vase. His warmth wrapped around me like the sunlight on a cold freezing day.

"What is it, Arata? Talk to me, please. I know something has been bothering you since yesterday."

Calmly I placed both my hands on his wrists and dragged them slowly down from my face. The action alone seared my soul.

The hurt passed in his eyes like a flash of electricity but he didn’t put his hands back up, respecting my action.

"It’s nothing, you are overthinking. I have to go now."

I tried to scramble away from him but he caught my arm. Not roughly but firmly. With his other hand, he grabbed my coat and blue muffler.

"I will see you to the car," he said with such finality which revealed it wasn’t up for debate.

I didn’t argue.

He held out the coat for me, letting go of my arm. Turning around I let him help me slip inside it. Rotating me back, Karsten reached out and buttoned up the coat before putting the muffler around my neck.

He then adjusted my hair, taking his time and making me extremely restless.

Once he was done, I let him take me downstairs. The rest of the journey passed in silence and I was grateful he didn’t drag it.

Reaching the car, Caysir was waiting for us. Karsten gave him a bunch of instructions while opening the door for me so I could take my seat.

Once he was done, his gaze settled on me.

"Text me when you reach your apartment. Anything happens, anyone looks at you wrong. Call me," he instructed without any hint of humour.

What was he going to do? Become a vigilante hunter? The thought of him in a mask, ninja costume and a sword sprung in my mind and I had to fight back a giggle.

"I will." Giving me one last concerned look, Karsten closed the door.

The charcoal-shaded shirt sat so snuggly against his torso as I levelled my gaze with him while the car slowly rolled away. He stood there watching me until the car disappeared from his sight.

Frustratedly sighing, I leaned back into the snug padded seat and tried to relax. But that permanent ache in my heart wouldn’t let me rest.

Caysir began his chirpy conversations; he was sharing tidbits about his daughter, and I was thankful. Anything to keep me distracted.

"Bring her along someday, Caysir. I would love to meet her."

"Sure, Miss Arata. She will like that very much," he beamed. I admired how much he cared about his little girl. It reminded me of my Baba.

I missed him and wished he was here. To see me walk the ramp like he had done in his youth.

I reminded myself to ask Zaylen to take a lot of pictures for Mom and Baba.

Soon, we arrived back. Caysir guided me to my apartment and then left to pick up Zaylen and Stella from the airport.

I hurried inside. Quickly, taking off my winter coat and muffler, I hung them up and turned on the heat so the place was cosy by the time they arrived.

Grabbing my phone I sent a quick text to Karsten, knowing he would get worried sick otherwise.

Zaylen had said he would fetch food but I decided to make some fish for them. Taking it out, I set to work; it’s then that my phone pinged.

I thought it would be just Karsten replying to me. Wiping my hands with a hand towel, I grabbed the phone and checked.

My heart skipped a beat.

It was a message from an unknown number. With shaking hands, I unlocked my phone and dreadfully began to read the text.

{I have a surprise for you tomorrow....} Words were ominous and I didn’t need to be a detective to know who this was from.

My heart sank like the ship’s anchor, and I couldn’t shake away the feeling something horrible was about to happen.

The new number was only with a few people and yet he was able to acquire it.

Tomorrow was the Winter Gala and this man was going to do something dangerous.

The question was, should I tell Karsten or not?