Finally, you've got time for me," I muttered, not looking at him. Jake's voice softened as he stepped closer. "Don't be like that. I have to make sure they treat you well."
I rubbed my temples and sighed. "Okay… I'm exhausted. I just want to rest now." Without another word, Jake bent and effortlessly lifted me into his arms, carrying me in bridal style. I could feel the steady thump of his heart as he walked into his room and gently laid me on the bed.
He crouched down, removed my sandals, and began massaging my feet. I let out an involuntary groan it felt heavenly. Then I blinked, realization hitting me. "Jake… why am I in your room? Take me to mine."
He paused, staring at me, then quietly stood up without saying a word and walked out of the room."Hey wait! Wait!" I called, sitting up.
But he was gone.
I huffed.
"Like hell I'm apologizing. There was nothing wrong with what I said!" Mumbling under my breath, I stormed into the bathroom and took a cold shower. The chill helped soothe the frustration bubbling under my skin.
Back in the room, I rummaged through his closet. Since he forgot to tell me where my things were kept, I slipped into one of his oversized shirts. It fell over me like a warm blanket, his scent clinging to it.
Knock knock."You may enter."
A maid stepped in, head bowed, placing a glass of milk and a pill bottle on the bedside table.
"Where is Jake?" I asked immediately.
He asked me to bring you these, ma'am."
"I asked a question. Where is he?" The maid hesitated before replying, He said… his whereabouts shouldn't be known by you, ma'am." I scoffed. "Oooh I see."
Meanwhile…
Jake paced along the hallway, tugging at his shirt collar in frustration. What was she even thinking?" he muttered to himself. I would never force her into anything… Argh, I hate this feeling."
He ran a hand through his hair. His chest felt tight. All he wanted was to keep her close, to make sure she was alright. But it felt like she kept slipping away fighting every little thing.
He exhaled sharply, twisting the doorknob and stepping inside. There she was his Aurora curled on the bed, reading. The light from the lamp cast a golden glow on her soft features.
"Won't you sleep?" His deep voice filled the room.I looked up, startled. His presence caught me off guard. "Has your anger subsided now?" She asked. "I just came to check on you… Wait—what are you wearing?"
I said nothing. Silence filled the room.
Jake stared at me. One day. It hadn't even been a full day since she arrived, and here they were already fighting.
"I asked you a question," he said again, voice firmer this time. Jake, quit your nagging already. I have a severe headache. Please, just leave me to rest."
His jaw dropped slightly. She was pushing him away again. "Fine," he muttered, defeated. "But I'm not leaving this room."
He walked into his closet, changed into his pyjamas, and climbed into bed deliberately keeping his distance. He lay stiffly, trying to give her space.
But somewhere in the dark, something shifted. He turned, unintentionally rolling toward her his body hovered over hers.
"Wha—wh… what do you think you're doing?!" I yelped, trying to push him off. "Let me go before I scream!" Jake's lips curled into a teasing smirk. You may scream all you want… This estate belongs to me. No one will dare question me."
My eyes widened. "You what?! Jake—get off me! Please!" But he wasn't trying to scare me. His hands didn't wander, his voice remained calm, and his eyes… God, his eyes.
They weren't hungry with lust they were filled with longing. Intensity. Love. Jake stared into my eyes like I was the only thing he ever needed. He wanted me to be his, to stay by his side, to come to him willingly.
So, he didn't move closer. He just… stayed. Above me. Watching. A war of emotions raged silently in the room desire, fear, restraint, affection.
He finally whispered, his voice a quiet storm in the dark—
You have no idea how much I'm holding back right now. But I'll wait for you, Aurora… No matter how long it takes."