My CEO Boss Is A Masked Internet Sensation-Chapter 150: Difficult Decision

(Arata)

Karsten handed the bowls back to Olphi so he could return them while I steadied myself and formulated a response.

"About that, I don’t think that’s a good idea."

Karsten sharply turned to watch me with slight confusion.

"Why not? You didn’t enjoy it last time? Or did I do something wrong?"

Oh! No, you sexy man, you did everything right, too right and now I can’t get you out of my head.

"You didn’t do anything wrong but let’s just pause on this." My heart hammered so loudly as my eyes scanned his.

What was going through his mind?

Was he disappointed?

Olphi returned to the car but before he could take the wheel, Karsten turned his attention towards him and ordered.

"Take a cab, I will drive." The poor man quickly removed himself from the car and stepped away with a nod. Karsten unfastened his seat belt and did the same with mine.

"Come, sit in front with me. We need to talk."

My heart plummeted. He seemed disappointed with my words. It wasn’t like I didn’t want to sleep with him.

On the contrary, I felt like if I slept with him again, I would hopelessly fall in love with him.

And that was not a possibility.

Karsten Chevalier had ensured that many times and I knew, he didn’t do love.

Olphi opened the door for me and made certain I was comfortably settled in the front seat. Closing the door he walked away.

Karsten leaned in, letting me douse in his fresh scent. That didn’t help my case at all. I wanted to dip my nose into his soft hair as he fastened my seatbelt.

Once he moved away and started the car, I breathed out. He was clutching the steering wheel too tightly, I could see the veins like blue streams of melted sapphire poke out of his hands.

’Stop staring at his hand,’ I reprimanded myself.

"Arata, I know we should have spoken about the intimacy we shared two days ago. Both of us were in pain and going through emotional turmoil. But I wanted to give you space, considering what you went through." His jaw tightened as he carefully manoeuvred the car and continued.

"So speak to me. Whatever you are feeling and if you thought it was a bad idea. Remember I will never touch you without your consent."

Oh! Karsten, how you always know when and how to say the right words.

I stared down at my hands, still wrapped in white bandages. I had used sex as a distraction. That was the truth, but it would be a lie if I didn’t rank it as good as Azul’s.

The gentleness with which he had handled me because of my injuries.

The way his gaze had drunk my body like a hungry serpent coiled up on his neck.

But going forward, I needed to guide my heart; if we continued down this road, nothing good was going to come out of it.

"If you believe I regret sleeping with you, then no. I don’t," I calmly answered but there was nothing calm inside me.

"Then why?" He asked, side-glancing at me.

How would I explain to him that I was catching feelings and couldn’t keep it casual? I was afraid of his reaction, afraid of him shutting me out.

"I don’t like sleeping around Karsten. I was in a vulnerable state that day but I can’t continue taking this path, knowing we are just faking it."

Hearing my words, he slowly breathed out; the force he seemed to exert at his jaw to keep it clenched could crack a walnut.

His eyes focused on the road as he didn’t speak for a few seconds.

"I just wanted to keep you distracted so you wouldn’t spiral into depression. I understand your apprehensions and won’t push you but I am here, if you would need me, in any capacity." His words seemed pained and disappointed and he didn’t glance in my direction but concentrated on the road instead.

"Thank you for understanding," I murmured.

The silence fell between us after that and I had no clue what to even say to him. Turning my head I began to silently stare outside.

Everyone seemed to be in a rush to get to their destinations.

Karsten took a turn, and we entered the street, which led to his villa. As we arrived outside, the guard opened the door, and the car rolled in.

Killing the engine, Karsten sat still for a few seconds, holding on to the steering as if he wanted to yank it off.

His face hardened like graphite. I wanted to reach out and touch him so some of that tension would ease.

What was he thinking?

Turning towards me, our eyes finally met and there was a sea of desperation in his.

Why, though?

He could sleep with whomever he wished. It wasn’t like he lacked women willing to sleep with him.

So why was he so glum?

Reaching with his hand he paused near my face as if seeking permission to cup it.

Stupid man. I didn’t forbid him from touching me.

I inclined my face forward and let it rest in his huge hand. His fingers curled against my skin, his touch so peaceful like a breeze through a cherry blossom.

"I can still touch and kiss you, right?" He implored, his eyes roaming my face, probably trying to decipher my mood.

"Yes, you can."

I guessed he was seeking permission because we still needed to act the part of a fake boyfriend and girlfriend.

His hardened face slackened only slightly.

"Good to know. Come, you must be tired." He retreated his hands and exited the car, taking away his warmth with him.

The door of my side was opened by Caysir and I climbed out, thanking him.

Karsten led me inside but there was this awkward silence that had fallen between us.

"Welcome back," Asbela warmly greeted us, while Karsten gave her instructions for dinner since he didn’t eat ramen. I decided to call it a day and just sleep.

Reaching my room, I changed into my night attire, brushed my teeth and slipped into bed.

Sadly, sleep had evaded me and I couldn’t get a wink no matter how much I tossed and turned.

Grabbing my phone I decided to text Azul. Someone with whom I had no strings attached. It was going to be a long night and no way was I going to be spending it alone.