Love Punched | COMPLETED

35. Interested?

(Derek's P.O.V)

"Why are you mad at me?"

I decided to take the direct approach.

Although Kitkat thanked me, it was simply customary. There was no warmth in her words. She was drawing a line between us subtly but problem was I knew her.

I knew Kitkat enough to pick up on her actions and mirco-expressions. Because she had me obsessing over her every word, every move, every touch without my knowledge.

And I knew what she was trying to do.

She would do it slowly enough that I might not realize until it was too late that she was shutting me out and pulling back her walls. Walls I'd put in conscious effort to break.

Lila stared at me and shrugged. "I can't remember. Must have been something trivial."

"Liar." I whispered against her ear and she shivered much to my delight. Then I straightened back up.

I eyed her critically, "Do you think I'm stupid?" Then quickly, "Actually, no, don't answer that." I sighed as I saw her close her mouth and snicker.

"Lila Adele Smith."

Kitkat gave me a dry look but I saw her grey eyes waver.

I softened my eyes, "Why are you shutting me out?"

Surprise flickered over her features for a nanosecond before she blanked her expression. "I'm not. You're thinking too much."

I wasn't but I decided to concede for the moment.

"Alright, let's believe that lie for a while." I pursed my lips and then nodded towards the porridge. "Eat."

Her already fair skin looked paler and I itched to touch her and nurse her back to health.

"How do you know all this?" Her expression was blank but her eyes were guarded and I sighed internally.

"I was the one who usually took care of my sister if she was sick and vice-versa. So I learnt a thing or two." I shrugged as if it wasn't a big deal.

She nodded, "That's useful."

Useful.

These are not the responses I'd expect from Kitkat. I'd expect her to tease and roast, not shut down every topic of conversation.

But then she added something as she ate the porridge and I was surprised. "Your future wife or ex girlfriends must've been lucky."

I tilted my head and a frown creased my forehead. That was random and weird.

Sure if someone else said the same thing, I wouldn't bat an eye. However, coming from Lila.....

Something about girlfriends and wives and complimenting me? Yeah, no. Something was definitely wrong.

"Well, I'm glad you realize my value. You should keep me hidden from others then."

She slowed her chewing at my remark and gave me a critical once over, her lip curling. "Wouldn't just killing you be a better alternative?"

She went back to earing but I stood still.

That wasn't a joke. It wasn't like the many times Kitkat threatened me in a playful manner.

The expressions might be the same but I could just feel it instinctively that Lila actually almost meant her words.

Worry twisted its lazy claws inside of me and my stomach sank.

Okay. Let's change the topic. Might have better luck there.

I tamped down the hurt and grinned. Fake as it was, it was still my signature facade.