Page 73 of Light in Your Eyes

I walk back toward the stove and pour the mushroom soup into a bowl. After placing it on a tray, I head back to Kellan’s room.

When I come inside, I see him already sitting on his bed, waiting for me.

“Did you cook for me?” he asks.

“Yes.” I smile. “Your favorite mushroom soup.”

I walk toward the bed and sit on it. Kellan leans closer to me. He looks really hungry.

Since he can’t wait to try the food, I feed him, but then he almost spits it out because it’s still too hot.

“Sorry,” I quickly apologize. “I forgot that it’s still too hot.”

We wait for a while until the food is a bit cooled. When I feel like it’s done, I try the soup first.

“Now, it should be okay.” Then I feed him again.

Kellan swallows the food and sighs in contentment. My eyes soften as I watch him eat eagerly. I keep feeding him until he finishes the soup.

My heart soars with satisfaction. It seems that Kellan likes my cooking better than the mansion chef’s. I put the bowl on the nightstand and help him take his drink. He lies down again and closes his eyes.

I watch him for a few moments. After he sleeps again, I stand up and take the tray.

But then, when I’m about to walk off, his voice makes me halt.

“Where are you going?”

I turn around to face him again, surprised that he’s apparently still not asleep. “I’m just going to put the tray back in the kitchen.”

Kellan shakes his head in disagreement. “Stay here a little longer.”

I sigh and put the tray back onto the nightstand. I smile gently at him. “Okay. I’ll be here until you sleep.”

I don’t know whether it’s just my eyes or not, but I think I see him almost smiling. The corner of his lips twitches as he closes his eyes again.

Chapter 28

Layla

More days pass, and Kellan has recovered from the flu. I haven't seen him all evening today, so I make my way down to the basement.

It's about time that Kellan has his dinner. I wonder if he has lost track of time.

I push through the door and find him in the boxing ring. As usual, he's practicing alone. There's no one else here. The entire place would be deserted if it weren't because of us.

I step closer toward the ring, watching Kellan. He's doing his martial arts moves so fast, like the wind, and so precise.

He's beautiful, just like his lonely soul. If only he could see it himself.

If only he could let himself be happy again.

Kellan Romero is better than he thinks he is, better than most of the people spending their lives in this place.

It seems that he can feel my movement because he suddenly stops. He turns his body in my direction. "Whydidn't you wait in my room?"

A sigh leaves my lips. I don't answer him and walk closer instead.

He grabs the rope at the side of the ring and jumps out of it. I pick up his towel, which is lying at the corner of the ring, and meet him halfway.