Chapter 7

Serena’s pov

My new room was beautiful, far beyond anything I’d ever imagined, it was nothing short of luxurious.

The bed was large and soft with fluffy white sheets that made me want to sink into them immediately. The walls were painted in soft cream tones, Elegant drapes hung from the tall windows, and warm light from a crystal chandelier bathed the room in a soft glow. I took a deep breath, the subtle scent of lavender and vanilla soothing my nerves.

I didn’t have anything except the dress I was putting on which looked horrible, but fortunately, my new job hadn’t just come with shelter and food, it had come with clothings which was nice and beautiful.

Although not what I used to wear, but beautiful nonetheless.

I decided to take a look around. The housekeeper had been in such a rush when she showed me the room that I barely had time to ask any questions. Still, I was here, safe for now, with a job that might just be my fresh start.

I peeked into the room next door which I had been told was where the little boy I’d be taking care of stayed.

The moment I stepped inside, my heart melted.

The room, I had been told, was soundproof. It was cozy and childlike, filled with toys neatly stacked on shelves and a soft, plush rug that covered most of the floor.

In the middle of the bed, a small boy was curled up, fast asleep, his chest rising and falling gently. His cheeks were flushed, and a mop of dark curls framed his peaceful face. He clutched a stuffed wolf with one hand. My heart softened immediately.

He’s adorable!

I closed the door carefully, a smile tugging at the corners of my lips. Maybe this job wouldn’t be so bad after all.

The house was grand, the environment serene, and the little boy I was to care for seemed sweet and quiet.

As I turned to head back to my room, I changed my mind and decided to take a tour of the mansion. I hadn’t walked very far before I came to the huge living room. I wanted to walk past when a noise caught my attention.

A low chuckle.

I turned my head toward the sound and gasped.

A light blonde curly haired man lounged casually on a velvet couch, his long legs stretched out in front of him, completely at ease, his hand holding a remote, The glow from the enormous flat-screen TV bathed his face.

My eyes widened as I realized what I was seeing. The unmistakable sounds and visuals of a very inappropriate scene filled the space. My cheeks burned instantly, and I froze, unsure of how to handle this bizarre situation.

The man didn’t seem the least bit embarrassed. In fact, he seemed amused by my horror. His dark sea blue eyes, sharp and playful, met mine. There was something about his eyes that pulled me in, unable to break eye contact with him.

He leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees, his gaze never leaving mine. “Well, this is interesting,” he drawled. “I didn’t expect an audience tonight.”

I clamped a hand over my mouth to stifle a sound of mortification.

“Relax,” he said with a smirk, picking up the remote. “It’s just a movie. Educational, even.”

I didn’t know what to say. My mouth went dry and My tongue felt tied, my cheeks burned hotter than the sun, but his eyes never left mine, gleaming as though he could see right through me- right through the thin satin dress I was wearing to my bare skin.

I swallowed hard, willing myself not to look at the screen again. “I… I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to intrude,” I stammered, my voice barely above a whisper.

He grinned, clearly enjoying my discomfort. “Intrude? Sweetheart, you’re free to watch with me if you want. It’s a classic.”

What? Has he got no shame?

“N-No, thank you!” I blurted out, taking a step back, my face now as red as a tomato.

He chuckled, leaning back against the couch and crossing his arms, his gaze never leaving mine. “You’re shy. Cute. I like that.”

He looked…he was handsome, but not the normal kind of way, with his curly blonde hair along with the way his eyes darted around and the way his lips curled up when he spoke, he looked like a playboy kind of… I mean who watches something like this in the living room? Where everyone could see?

“I….I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to…” I found my voice and gestured vaguely toward the TV. “I’ll just go now.”

He raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. “Go? But you’ve only just arrived.”

I found myself rooted to the spot and he bit his lower lips as he glanced at me.

“You seem tense,” he murmured. “The kind of tension that only builds up when you don’t… let it all out.”

I gasped and he chuckled.

“Stop it,” I whispered, although my voice lacked conviction.

“Stop what?” His smile made his eyes glow. “Talking? Or making you think about what’s happening inside of you right now?”.

I swallowed hard, somehow my body was reacting in a weird way to him. It’s getting hot, making me feel uncomfortable.

“I can see it,” he continued, his voice dropping lower. “The way you breathe. The way your lips part, like you’re trying to find air…”

My feet moved before my brain could catch up, but before I could take another step, I collided with something solid.

Not something…. someone.

A wall of heat pressed against me, and I stumbled back with a startled gasp. My eyes shot up, meeting the deep gaze of none other than the man who had saved me that night from the rogues.

He stood directly in my path.

Droplets of water clung to his bare chest, tracing lines over taut, sculpted muscle. A white towel hung low on his hips, and his brow messy hair was damp, curling slightly at the ends. He narrowed his eyes at me.

I stumbled backwards.

“Are you always sneaking around?” His voice was low, cold, and filled with accusation. “Or do you make it a habit to barge into places you don’t belong?”

“I-I wasn’t..."I averted my gaze , my breath hitching in my throat. “I was leaving—”

He took a step closer, and I instinctively moved back, too far back. My foot slipped on the smooth floor, and I flailed. My arms shot out in a desperate attempt to steady myself.

My fingers found fabric.

A towel.

The towel.

The world seemed to slow as I gripped the edge of it for support. It gave way under my grasp, and before I could comprehend what was happening, the towel slipped from his waist.

Time stopped.

His eyes went wide, a mix of shock and fury flashing across his face.

I stared.

He stood there. Completely. Naked.