Chapter four.
Anastasia's POV.
"Wake up, Anastasia." I hear a familiar voice that jolts me up from the cramped position I had slept in.
"Nicholas..." My voice is low, barely audible. I raise my hand to touch his face, but he withdraws and that's when I realize something odd.
That's a woman's face.
Kyra.
"Kyra." I say, firmly, blinking my eyes open. Jeez! Did I just have a lucid dream? Oh, my God.
When I stand on my feet, Kyra is in front of me, having her arms crossed over her chest. "What?"
I try to be nonchalant about it, fully knowing she's not the type to give up easily. "Oh, a what? You just mentioned Nicholas in your sleep."
"No, I did not." My voice is demanding that she doesn't further it.
"Yes, you did." She presses. I look at the wall clock and panic.
"Jeez! Someone is coming here in an hour."
"What, and you didn't tell me since...since whenever you've known that. My face is literally painted with a—this..." She trails off, her hands gesturing the facial cream she has on, covering all of her facial skin.
"Oh, I forgot to tell you. I have a contract to sign today." I look at the floor, dirtied from yesterday's celebration. "Kyra, I need you to clean up the living area while I go pack my things."
She frowns at me. "I can't explain right now. I'll be resuming work on Saturday, but I'd have left here by Friday."
"What?!" She's dramatically screaming at me.
"We didn't have time to talk further last night. I love you." I disappear to my room and begin picking out some clothes I would need before Monday, when I can come and carry the rest of my things.
About twenty minutes later, I am finished with that task. After, I am quick with finishing my morning routine and get ready for the day. When I get back to the living room, I see it's clean. Kyra has gotten her face cleaned, and she's now cooking.
I have less than seven minutes before starting to expect the contract to reach me.
"So, I'm making us pancakes." She tells me and I smile.
"Aw, sweet of you."
"Well, I'm glad I am when you're not." Ouch. Touché. What is with her?
"What's with you?"
"What's with me?" She scoffs. Oh, have I hit a nerve? I can't help but grin. "I'm the one here who's telling the other things ahead of time. Like, for example, we need to go to the grocery store today to get some things. There, was it not so easy to talk about?" She rolls her eyes at me.
I exhale heavily. "I'm sor..." A knock, landing on the door, makes me pause. "Did you hear that?"
I did not wait for her to reply. Getting to the front door, I attempt to calm myself before I open the door.
"Good morning, is this Miss Sanusi's house, please?" In a formal manner, the man is speaking.
"Yes, it is." I say and take a glance at his appearance. What's with all these hot fellows, Mr Nicholas has as his workers?
The man has a black official cloth on with caramel skin that's brightly matching with his brown eyes. If I've taken into account intricately, there's something similar with his skin and Mr Nicholas's and his friend and even Olivia. They look too clean and pale, almost lifeless in a sense, like one of an animation. I don't know if that make any sense. Although, it makes them differentially hot.
Oh, I'm stalling him.
"Oh, sorry. Please, come in..." I laugh nervously and he joins in.
"Mick. I'm Mick." He tells.
I gesture for him to take a seat on the one-seater couch. "Would you mind drinking something? Maybe water, or juice?"
"Yes, I would."
Oh, is he not welcoming? He had looked and seemed like it.
"Here's the contract." He tells me, passing some white paperwork from the folder in his hands to me. Taking a seat, I look over it and read the content intricately and intensely.
So, I get to live in Mr Nicholas's house, which I already guessed and am to take care of his two boys and also manage all of his home works, that is, works that he can't do in the office.
The rest is just pretty much unneeded things that needs to be taken into notice. When I'm done and content with it, I sign and give the paperwork back to Mick.
"Thank you, ma'am. You'll receive a mail from your consultant."
"Yes, thank you." I say and he nods.
"What about your bags? I'm supposed to drop them for you today."
"Oh, sure. Give me a minute." I state and leave for my room. Inside, I grab the case and bring it to him. He collects it from me.
"I'll take over from here, Miss Sanusi and take my leave now." He says to me and stands to his feet. I follow him out of the door and watch as he gets into an SUV that drives him away from my compound.
Kyra comes out from the kitchen and say, whispering. "That man: he is fucking hot!"
I groan. "You can never change. I've signed the contract and will be leaving for Mr Nicholas's house tomorrow. Just so you know." She gasps.
"Wow. You're so fortunate."
"What? You're so cheap to think because I'll be living with him, then I'm fortunate. I'm sure he must have a girlfriend." Although, that thought didn't settle too well with me. Regardless, I do not mind.
"Hehe, see who's naughty now. Anyway, fuck you in advance, Anastasia, if you miss the chance to get into his pants or him get into yours. Whichever." I walk past her figure into the kitchen. I'm hungry.
"Can we finish cooking now?"
"Of course, boredom-mate." She teases and I laugh.
The rest of the day went on quickly until it was evening when we needed to go to the grocery. I hadn't wanted to go because I was so tired, but eventually, Kyra used cupcakes, my weakness, to make me come with her.
We just finished with the lists of things we need to buy when someone calls for my attention from behind. At first, I wasn't sure but upon repetition, I turn my back. By the way, Kyra has gone to pay at the counter.
"Hi, I'm sorry to disturb you. Name's Sebastian." He outstretches his hand for an acquaintance shake.
"Anastasia." I reply and accept his offer. He's smirking, calmly. My eyes caught a tattoo around his left arm, which makes me questioning. It's familiar and so antique. It is a three ring symbols that's on his upper arm.
I raise my gaze back to his face. His tanned skin is elegant to the eye, as his bright turquoise orbs that could hypnotize anyone and an old-fashioned accent, and he has his blonde hair dressed such that it covers his forehead, plus goatee beard.
His voice brings me back to the now. "I wasn't sure it was you at first until I came close." I narrow my eyes, not understanding what he meant. "I saw you in Eclipse the other day. I'm one of the staffs." Oh, really?
I smile brightly, now knowing where he knew me from. "Oh, I'm so sorry. I hadn't seen you."
"Yeah, I understand. There is a lot of people in that room for you to look at." He says and I nod, agreeing. "So, do you stay around here?"
"Yes, just in the next street, third building." Woah, I was too descriptive.
"Well, that's good to know. I might drop by someday and say "hi."" We both laugh. "Er, I just thought I should make your acquaintance, so I'll leave you be now." He finishes.
"Thanks." I scoff.
He is about taking his leave when Kyra comes to join me. Her eyes land on me before shifting to Sebastian. She has a surprising look there.
"My, oh, my... Sebastian Hunter in the flesh?" And she just had to be overly descriptive.
"Oh...and you know who I am." He chuckles, his voice dimly authoring.
"Of course, I follow you on all media handle." She exchanges a handshake with him while I stand there, stunned.
Oh, jeez. I just met an acquaintance with Sebastian Hunter, son of Mr Cole Hunter, the Third. But wait, I don't understand why he would be working in Mr Nicholas's office. That doesn't add up at all.
The Hunters are an exclusive existence, their presence, inclusive in every part of the globe, from one continent to the other. They are a group of people that over the years have taken one another as a private family, and they are said to help in supporting the government in protecting the people. Like I said, they are exclusive, so no one really knows much about how they do it. And what they do within their buildings.
The media subjected them to have come a long way. In the ancient times, they are known to fight inhuman beings, therefore, maintaining peace amongst humans. Probably, that's why their last name is Hunter while the numbers is to differentiate different Hunter in each parts of the globe.
"Well, it's nice to meet you ladies. I'll see you tomorrow, Miss Sanusi." And he knows my last name. That means he was just trying to make himself a stranger, so I don't think he's some stalker or so. Smart.
After he leaves, Kyra looks at me with such glare I wish I could disappear. "And you know Sebastian Hunter? What else am I supposed to know?"
"I don't know!" I lowly squeal and hurry to the car. Oh, gosh. How am I meeting influential people in the state of Los Angeles?
Chapter five.Anastasia's POV.I spend the rest of my evening in my room, stocked up with streaming on Netflix. I just feel odd, not wanting to explain anything to Kyra. Although, I think the reason for my actions are plainly differently reacted to.I feel like there's a cloud of thoughts in my head, hovering. I stop the movie I'm currently watching when a mail drops on my laptop. Opening it, I gasp. What the heck? I was expecting Olivia's mail, not his, definitely not Mr Nicholas's.Why would he mail me when Olivia could?My heart thuds for unexplainable reasons as I read through the message.Subject: Contract Approved Plus Details That Might Need Your Attention.From: NicholasTo: Anastasia Sanusi.7 mins ago. View details.Hello Miss Sanusi,The contract has been approved, and you are encouraged to be seen tomorrow in the company, as have been told in the contract.By the way, I hope you're having a nice evening. I am not. The kids are really in need of care, which I hope you can o
Chapter Six.Anastasia's POV.A just so you know: entering into the building, it all went like the last time. Blonde number one checked me in before asking me to take the elevator to the second floor. In the second floor, blonde number two checked in for my appointment with the CEO, Mr Nicholas, before she told me to take the elevator to the twentieth floor. Unlike the last time, I'm calm and less intimidated with their exquisite choice of dressing. I get into the elevator and just when I thought the door would close, a leg stops it. My eyes shift from it to its owner. Zeroing my eyes on Mr Nicholas himself, my mind got all shaken up and all of a sudden, it's like I can't think again. I manage to compose myself on the outside as he enters with a daunting smirk on his face. He watches me from the corners of his eyes, as he lowly says, "Miss Sanusi, good to see you early today." I think he's realized I am not about to answer after the smile I return to him, and so he adds, "to my flo
Chapter Seven. Anastasia's POV.Sebastian Hunter, son of Mr Cole Hunter, the Third in media. Sebastian. He's really proved to be a confusing one, because of his actions towards Olivia. The way he had addressed her when he asked for my attention. I mean, after he came to meet us, he and Olivia had a little chat that didn't quite last long and sadly enough, I barely heard anything. Then, he asked to see me, to which Olivia agreed to when he was pestering. I am currently leaning on the cool iron rails before the glassy part of the building, waiting for Sebastian to talk. He's been standing next to me for the past five minutes or so, and I can't take the silence anymore. My head's booming, and I'm tired of looking out into the distance. Just knowing I'm close to the glassy area is scary enough. "So, what's to talk about?" I say and look at him. A smile forms on his face right away, before he winks. "I was waiting for you to start up the conversation, and you did." Okay, that's weird
Chapter Eight.Anastasia's POV.The road is busy at this time of the day. When I check my phone, it's one minute past three in the afternoon. Wow. I'm glad time went fast today. Entering the small shop after Hillary, my eyes flare at the waiting line. There are too many people here, meaning it'll take long before it gets to our turn. "There's too many people here." I say out part of my thought, only making Hillary chuckle. "Ana, go find us a seat. What would you like to order? I'll get yours and mine." He sounds so cool once again, like it's not enough to be panicky about, even in the least.I chew the inside of my mouth softly, as I think about it. "I want cold chocolate tea, please, make it thick with some cupcakes with banana icing on top." He smiles a ghosty smile, "I like that order. A woman that knows what she wants." Him, saying that word, I blush right away and instinctively, my fingers go to my hair to brush it to the side, exposing my right ear. I leave him to do my par
Chapter Nine.Anastasia's POV.I had just placed my phone back into my bag when the door opened and Mr Nicholas walks in. Raising my gaze up to meet his, I find myself almost losing control and gasping right away. My eyes flare, and on the inside, it's like it might pop out any time from now, for staring too much. He looked away from me for a moment, and I take that chance to admire the handsome fellow that he is. He has a sour facial expression, like he's tired or something, but to me, it doesn't very much seem like it. His hair is sprawled around his head, so he's using his left hand to rake it, but sadly enough, the strands wouldn't do as bid and I feel the urge to want to help him out on that. Oh, my God. This usually happens to my female leads in my novels. How could I be also feeling the same?Mr Nicholas's hands swipe down at his coat to remove wrinkles just before he gets to my front. "You stayed, Anastasia."Of course, I would... especially after having seen this gorgeous
Chapter Ten.Anastasia's POV.The walk to the play room for Nicholas's kids is spent in silence. I keep roving my eyes around the space, watching at the fine materials that made up all these eclectic decorations. Oh, my... I can't get enough. Plus, I'm going to be living here, in this paradise-like place, and I'm sure I'll be having a lot of fun. Jeez! I've got a lot to talk to Kyra about. Oh, yes, I'll do a video call with her to show her all these. I shun my train of thought when we get to a door. Nicholas takes a second to breathe in and then, turn his eyes on me before he opens the door. "Prepare yourself." He murmurs...to whom? Me? Of course, it's me, stupid: I tell myself. He can't possibly be talking to Kira.As the door opens, and I take a glance of what's inside, I could have sworn for the first three seconds, my mouth dropped to the rugged part of the floor. The kids did a mess to the inside. I watch my steps as we walk inside. The whole place smells of mint candies, piz
Chapter Eleven.Anastasia's POV.A cheeky Kira in media."Did I mention it earlier that I like you, too, right back?" Kira's voice says to me and I smile. Her accent is American, by the way."Thank you, Kira." I reply. "You make it simple-ish. And you made a good first impression once again." Nicholas chimes in with a smile that makes my hand, unconsciously, brush my hair behind my ears, as I blush faintly."I told you. I have my ways with kids.""Nah, you did not.""Did I not?" "You did not.""I don't believe it. I thought I did on my first day, on the interview day.""I have a good memory, trust me, and you did not.""Can you two stop stupidly arguing and go check up on the boys, like right now! That bathroom is about to regret ever being built in the first place." Kira says, although funnily, when I am sure it's not. I know kids, and they don't do a little mess. Fast-forward: Nicholas says I won't be cooking any more today, since it's late, so we just get the kids to sleep after
Chapter Twelve.Anastasia's POV.*In media are majorly Kira and Kyra.*The next morning: I wake up to the sound of birds, chirping in the background. They voice sounds so angelic and so smooth that I smile at the tone. But wait, apart from that, my ears pick up the sound of waves, like at the ocean. My consciousness confused, I rub my eyes with my hands.My eyes open slowly at first before it snap wide, and I bolt out of the bed as in front of me is a wave, and I'm suddenly in the middle of an ocean. Jeez! My body feels like it's wet, and I can't see any bed here anymore. Oh, no! It must be a lucid dream! Not a reality, please.I scream, but then, stop when like a reverse, everything is back to normal. I feel like a psychopath right now. Like, insane!There's now a bed. There's now a room. There's now a wall, surrounding me. I'm back to the actuality I was in last night. Oh, shit! My brain dings and I yell, "Kira!""I'm sorry..." Her voice is tiny, like that of an adult that's known