Face Your Fears

Chapter Six

Nova Pov : Face your Fears 

The past week has been like an intense virtual reality game between me and Grant.

I leave early for my internship, trying to avoid him, but no matter how big this mansion is, we somehow run into each other early in the morning. When I come back in the afternoon, it’s the same thing. Especially since we share breakfast and dinner, and he frequents the kitchen, gym, and library just as much as I do.

I’m tired of playing this game. Today, I’m putting an end to it, also to prove to Mr. Calloway, a.k.a. Grant, that I’m more than the “little girl” label he slapped on me.

The cook brought the dishes to the table, and soon after, Grant walked in, impeccable as always in a sharp suit and freshly styled hair. His black hair, streaked with silver, was the only evidence that he wasn’t getting any younger.

“Hope you had a nice day at work.”

I had to force my bravado to pull that off, and I almost regretted it when he just kept eating, acting like I hadn’t just swallowed every ounce of pride to speak to him.

“Fine.”

His voice was mechanical. Fine? Just fine? Ugh—this man is infuriating.

“How was it fine?”

The words sounded awkward the moment they left my mouth. I cringed internally. Ana Huang and Nora Roberts would disown me if they saw my flirting skills right now. But I was on a mission, and I wasn’t backing out midway.

“Just fine.”

Clipped. Straight to the point. I’d seen his cold side before, but I knew there was more to him than an ice cube.

I swallowed my food, sipped my drink, and switched tactics.

“The food is really nice. Are you enjoying yours?”

“Yes.”

“Should I get you more servings?”

“No.”

“More drink?”

“No.”

“What about salad?”

“No.”

I’ve tried. I’m done playing nice. Screw Mr. Calloway, it’s time to take this head-on.

“Grant, why are you being dramatic? You’re not still holding a grudge over what happened last time, are you?”

“No.”

Another one-word answer. I rolled my eyes and dropped my fork onto my plate with a clatter.

“Am I disturbing you? You can tell me. After all, it’s your house.”

“Yes.”

Did he just—

“Yes? Should I pack my—”

Before I could finish, he slammed his fork down and walked out toward his wing of the house.

Seriously? I wasn’t even hard on him. Okay… maybe I was being extra, but how am I supposed to survive months with a man who answers my greetings with a “Hmm,” like speaking more than one word will kill him?

Fine. Maybe I stressed him out. But no, I don’t feel sorry… okay, maybe a little. Still, if I apologize, he better say more than “okay” or I might actually lose my cool.

I got up and made my way toward his study, following the sound of his voice. I raised my hand to knock then froze when his next words reached me.

“If any motherfucker wants to settle a grudge, let him come to me head-on.”

His voice was colder than it had been at dinner. A burning candle would freeze in the chill of his tone.

“Don’t be a bitch sneaking up on my family. The next person I catch won’t leave disabled” 

A brief pause 

“I’ll kill the fucker myself and send his severed head in a bag to his family.”

Silence. Someone was replying on the other end.

When Grant spoke again, his voice was so low I had to press my ear to the door.

“Let this be the last time you reach out to me on behalf of anyone stupid enough to come near my territory.”

I wrapped my arms around myself against the chill creeping into my bones.

“I don’t do threats, Nick. I do action. And not just any action, it’s the bloody, long-torture kind.”

Goosebumps rippled across my skin. Before I could step away, the door flew open and I stumbled right into the arms of the man who had just promised to kill someone.

He held me steady until I found my balance, then let me go.

I couldn’t even look at him.

Fuck me. ‘Cause why couldn’t I just eavesdrop smartly like a normal person? Why do I have to be clumsy around him every single time?

My cheeks burned. “I’m… I’m sorry,” I mumbled, barely above a whisper.

I could feel his eyes on me, heavy and unreadable. After what felt like an eternity of silence, his deep voice cut through.

“Let’s have a meeting.”

He didn’t wait for me to follow as he walked back toward the dining room, which the staff had already cleared.

“My employees abide by my rules,” he said, his voice sharp with authority.

“Anyone under my roof is no exception. I’ve given you enough time to get used to the way things are.”

I nodded quickly, not wanting to provoke that cold scowl any further.

“Rule Number One—don’t you dare intrude on my privacy.”

He held up a thick pinkie finger.

“Rule Number Two—never speak to me unless I speak to you first. Except it’s an emergency.”

Oh wow. Authoritarian much? Is this supposed to scare me? Because honestly, his alpha energy is giving me ideas and I’m not ashamed to admit that none of them are wholesome. Involving leather straps, lingerie, handcuffs, and a sultry chorus of Yes, sir. And if I’m lucky, maybe one or two orgasms.

I’d tuned him out completely in favor of my little fantasy, so I didn’t notice he’d stopped talking until his gaze locked on me, his cold mask slipping into confusion.

“What’s that?”

He adjusted his wristwatch, eyes narrowing.

“What’s what?”

Had I said something? I didn’t say anything. Did I? Oh no.

“You said—no, you moaned ‘Yes, sir.’”

He made air quotes when he repeated the words, which could only mean one thing… Fuck me 

I’d been thinking out loud.Again!!! 

And not just thinking out loud, I moaned out loud.

Right next to a very pissed-off Mr. Calloway.