In his arms

Helen’s POV

Yesterday, my thoughts were wild, but I had to lock them away. I’m here to earn a living—nothing more.

I got out of bed, ready to start my day with work vibes only. I rushed into the bathroom, had my bath, and got dressed in my uniform—ready for the day.

Before leaving, I decided to give Ashley a call.

I was supposed to call her last night, but my imagination did me dirty. Foolish, how on the first day of seeing Sebastian in person, I was already tripping.

But not anymore.

I reached for my phone and gave Ashley a call.

On the first ring, she answered.

“Hey, big sis. Good morning,” she greeted, her voice laced with joy.

“Good morning, cutie. How was your night?”

“It was short, but okay though,” she responded.

“How so?” I asked.

“I was up till the early hours reading.”

Yes. I’m impressed.

The fact that she was also giving her all to achieve her dreams brought a proud smile to my face.

“Alright, study well. I’m off to work. If you need anything, send me a text.”

“Okay. Take care of yourself.”

“Love you,” I said before hanging up.

I slid my phone into my pocket and left for the mansion.

My foot still ached slightly but not as much—it was already closing up. I had rapid-healing skin.

On getting to the mansion, I exchanged greetings with my colleagues and headed straight to Sebastian’s room.

It’s Wednesday—a workday.

According to the portfolio in the booklet Lisa gave me, I’m supposed to arrange his work outfit and prep the documents he needs for the day.

I exhaled loudly upon reaching his room. I knocked, and he responded, “Come in.”

“Good morning, sir. I’m here to get you ready for work.”

He lifted his eyes from the document he was reading and smirked. “I don’t need assistance bathing. So, no thank you.”

That’s not what I meant.

Why did I even say that?

“I’m sorry, sir. I didn’t mean it that way,” I clarified quickly.

“I have a meeting with the board. I need something elegant,” he instructed.

I think I know the perfect suit for that.

Besides, all his clothes were elegant—my type of elegant.

They all had a brooch attached to them and his signature cufflinks.

Days before, I’d laid eyes on a striped navy blue suit—perfect for a board meeting and definitely elegant.

I walked into his closet and took out the suit. I was just turning toward the shoe rack when I froze—he was standing behind me.

“Is there a problem, sir?” I asked, my tone measured, but inside, my heart raced.

He didn’t say a word.

He just stared—his gaze heavy, intense—like he wanted to devour me.

“If you don’t like the suit, I can pick another,” I said, trying to pull his gaze away. But his eyes, those damn eyes, refused to leave me.

Instead, he stepped closer. Just an inch of space separated us.

My stomach fluttered. My heart thudded harder, my breath hitching in my chest as his warmth engulfed me.

Not again.

His hand reached for my waist, and before I could even process it, he was pulling me into his embrace with a firm grip. His presence was overwhelming.

“Sir—” I stuttered, trying to steady myself, but it was no use. My composure had vanished, slipping away like sand through my fingers.

He leaned in, his lips so close I could feel the heat radiating off of him—and I shut my eyes.

This is it, Helen. This is what you’ve been imagining—Sebastian’s lips on yours.

But then—his grip loosened. His presence vanished like a shadow, leaving only the lingering warmth of his touch.

I opened my eyes, stunned, only to see him walking away, a strap in his hands.

Fuck.

What the hell was I thinking?

I felt so embarrassed. Damn it.

Why did I assume he was going to kiss me? Why did I close my eyes?

I couldn’t face him after that. I stood frozen for a few more seconds, my body still tingling from his proximity. I decided to stay in the closet, hiding from the wave of embarrassment crashing over me, until I could gather my thoughts.

The sound of the door clicking shut told me he’d left. I couldn’t find him anywhere. Was I imagining it? Had I really just let myself believe that would happen?

I sighed deeply.

Carefully, I placed the suit I’d picked out on the bed, then grabbed the matching shoes and cufflinks.

I chose black shoes and silver cufflinks.

I had no idea which documents he needed, so I left the room and waited in the hallway for his return.

I had time. Storm doesn’t wake early—usually around 10 a.m.

It surprised me, but then again, she had nothing pushing her to be up by 7 or 9.

Her princess treatment was top-notch.

“Why are you seated here?” Zara asked as she spotted me on one of the hallway sofas.

“I’m waiting for Mr. Sebastian,” I answered.

“Alright. I’m off to the garden.”

I nodded, and she left.

She mostly worked in the garden. I think she’s a florist—though she helped with domestic chores occasionally.

I sat still, staring at the gliding wall clock. It was already 8:05, and he wasn’t back.

Board meetings I know of usually start by 9 or earlier.

Just as I was wondering where he could be, I heard footsteps on the stairs.

I turned—and it was him.

I stood up quickly, heart hammering in my chest.

“I’m going to the office by 8:45. Get the file ready,” he said, walking into the bathroom.

Seems he went to the gym.

I hurried to the bed where the documents were laid out.

Not knowing which he’d need, I arranged them in order of priority:

Dubai Project Conclusion

New York Reimbursement

Worker Salary Upgrade

The files weren’t many, but the topics were heavy.

I waited for him to exit the bathroom.

When I heard the door to the closet open, I called out, “Sir, I’m still in the room.”

Didn’t want him walking out naked or anything.

He didn’t respond—just walked out of the closet with a towel around his waist.

My jaw dropped internally. His body was—damn.

And the wet hair? It made him even hotter.

“I packed the documents that were on the bed. I wasn’t sure which ones were needed,” I said, clearing my throat.

“They’re all needed,” he replied, voice low, as he looked me over like he was seeing me in a whole new light.

And with that, I left the room to let him get dressed.

I was out of his room, but my mind wasn’t.

Images of his half-naked body loomed in my head.

How can one man be both handsome and sexy?

He’s the real definition of beauty—not Ryker, my ex boss and his polygon head.