Rose.
The room changed temperature, as Caelin strode inside casually. The air thickened with danger, suffocating, and pressing against my lungs. Even Madam Tovia stiffened, her mouth snapped shut.
He stepped into the room like he owned the air. Maybe he did.
He wore a black shirt, sleeves rolled just enough to show inked veins. His steps were not hurried, he didn't act surprised, and there were no traces of anger etched in his features.
The maids bowed so fast their foreheads nearly hit the doorframe.
"Out," he said, voice even.
Just one word and nobody argued, they fled. Madam Tovia turned towards me, folding her arms across her chest.
"You too," he said, shooting her a deadly look.
She opened her mouth to protest, but the words got stuck in her throat. She reluctantly walked out, shutting the door behind her. Silence fell over the room again.
Caelin didn't look at me, or at the soaked bed. Not even at my shaking hands or at the water pooling around my feet. He walked to the window instead.
I stood there, wet and exposed and furious and terrified, hugging myself like that could calm the fury brewing inside me.
He stared out into the compound.
"Rose," he called.
"Y…yes, sir," I stuttered.
He paused for a while.
"Have you heard about me?" He asked.
I hesitated, furrowed my brows in confusion.
"I dont understand, sir."
He scoffed, still looking out the window.
"I'm sure you've heard about me," he said, before turning toward me.
His eyes were now dark with what I couldn't name.
"But I'll give you another chance," he continued. "Do not think you'd be getting many chances after this,' he added, striding towards me.
I moved back slowly.
"I cherish loyalty," he paused. "And you have proven you are loyal, that is the only reason why you have this opportunity."
"Opportunity?" I asked, softly.
He nodded. "Stay Loyal, Rose. Because I won't hesitate to put a bullet through your beautiful face if you ever decide to go beyond your boundaries."
My blood ran cold. What was that for? Why was he suddenly threatening me?
My mind ran wild with questions, but I stayed put.
He moved closer, too close that I could feel the heat from his body.
Using a finger, he tilted my head. "I love beautiful things, but I get bored easily."
My heart dropped.
He paused and searched my eyes for a moment, then added.
"It'll be a shame for me to plug those beautiful eyes out because of what they see."
That was when it dawned on me. He had seen me snooping around last night.
I forced myself to breath and tried looking down, but he held my chin and kept my face tilted.
He stared at me longer than necessary. Not lustfully, not like something he cherished, but like something he couldn't wait to destroy.
My neck began to hurt from looking up for too long.
Suddenly, he let go and put his hand in his pockets.
"There's been an emergency," he informed me. "Pack your things, we have a business trip to make in 30 minutes.'
Before I could process the information, he walked out.
After he left, I didn't waste time packing my things.
I had never been on a business trip, so I didn't really know what I would be needing. I packed up everything I could and headed outside to meet him.
"Going somewhere?" a voice asked, as I approached the mansion.
I turned to see Hayden standing at a corner.
I furrowed my brows and nodded slowly. "Yes. I'm going on a trip with the boss."
He tilted his to the side. "But, you're still healing from your gunshot wound."
The sympathy on his face was unmistakable. So different from his ruthless brother.
I shrugged. "It's work."
Just then, a deep voice echoed behind me. "You should get something to do with your life, instead of messing around with any of my employees.'
Cealin.
Hayden did not say a word, but just turned and walked away.
"I thought I was clear when I said I'm the only one that gives orders here," he shot at me.
I bowed my head slowly. "I'm sorry sir."
***
We landed at a resort in the outskirts of town. One of Caelin's resorts.
Caelin was so busy that he was nowhere in sight, or even in the resort. This made me question my presence on this trip.
At midnight, he came back. Drunk, but still composed, with only his breath and slow speech giving him away.
"You're too beautiful to work as my servant," he belged, as he stepped into my room.
I covered my nose with the back of my hand. Not because his breath stunk, but because I don't do so well with alcohol.
"I'm fine as a servant," I replied.
He laughed. "Come on, Rose. Allow me to place the world under your feet," he offered.
I smiled and looked away, but he pulled me back and slammed my back against the door.
I winced and folded my hands into a fist, fighting the urge to punch him so hard in the face.
"I know I promised to let our friendship be neutral, but I cant stop thinking about you."
"Please, stop. I can't do this with you,' I insisted.
He paused and looked down at me for a moment. God, he was so fine. Too fine to be an asshole that he was.
"Is it because I threatened you earlier?" he asked, his breath brushed my face.
I shook my head. "No, this is not right.'
I tried to push myself away from his grip but he caught my wrist and pulled me back. Before I could put up a fight, he pinned me back on the door and pressed his lips on mine.
Not rushed, not hungrily, but surprisingly calm.
I froze, my heart dropped, my pulse quickened. Even worse, I didn't protest. I just stood in shock as his lips claimed mine.