Hazel stepped out of her room, her eyes scanning the halls. The silence was unsettling... like walking through a vampire's mansion. Moments ago, the place buzzed with life. Now, it was empty.
A chill crept up her spine.
She tiptoed down the corridor, her footsteps echoing in the eerie quiet. The air felt heavy, as if the mansion itself was holding its breath.
As she moved, Hazel noticed the CCTV cameras mounted in every corner. Her instincts kicked in. She straightened her posture, pretending not to notice, masking her unease with calm curiosity.
Descending the grand staircase, she looked around in confusion. The life and chatter from earlier had vanished, leaving only shadows behind.
Where is everyone?
The silence pressed in.
She stopped in front of a room with frosted Thai glass. Something about it pulled her in. She slowly turned the knob and stepped inside.
Bookshelves lined the walls, stretching from floor to ceiling. The scent of old paper filled the air... a strange comfort in the unsettling stillness.
Is this a library?
Does he really like books?
She ran her fingers over the spines, pausing at one in particular... Little Women.
Leaning against the edge of the table, Hazel resisted the urge to sit. Instead, she propped herself up and opened the book to its first page.
She knew she had other things to do, but the story pulled her in.
Then—warm breath brushed her cheek.
Startled, Hazel snapped her head to the side. Her eyes widened. Someone was standing close... too close.
Francisco!
His breath skimmed her lips, and her heart jumped. The book slipped from her hands. She stumbled back, bumping hard into the edge of a table.
"Aw..." she gasped, gripping it for balance.
Francisco stepped forward and placed his hands on her waist.
"Did it hurt?"
Still in shock, Hazel gave a small nod, trying to steady herself.
Before she could react, Francisco effortlessly lifted her and set her on the table. Her eyes widened in disbelief.
"Mr. Francisco!" she exclaimed, a mix of surprise and confusion in her voice. "What are you doing?"
Francisco didn't answer. He bent down, picked up the fallen book, and placed it beside her. Hazel shifted, trying to avoid his eyes, but he stepped closer, crowding the space.
He leaned in, placing both hands on the table, boxing her in.
The unexpected closeness sent a chill down Hazel's spine. Her gaze locked with Francisco's, and for a moment, everything else faded.
He stood before her, shirtless... only in trousers... his sculpted body looking like something straight from a film or the cover of a romance novel. Still, Hazel kept her expression steady.
"You really like reading?" Francisco asked, breaking the silence.
Hazel nodded calmly.
"So… should I give you something to read?" he teased, flashing a charming smile.
Her lips curled into a subtle smile.
"What kind of genre do you like?" he continued, stepping back and finally giving her space.
Hazel stepped down from the table, smooth and poised.
"Honestly, I read whatever catches my interest. No specific genre."
Francisco turned to her, wet hair clinging to his temples, adding to his already magnetic presence.
"Then, do you like whatever I give you to read?" he asked, a playful glint in his eyes.
Hazel tilted her head, her smile now tinged with mischief. Francisco took a deep breath, quietly shaken by her reaction.
"You shouldn't be this cute, Hazel," he muttered to himself, jaw tightening as he struggled to stay composed.
Still, he picked up a book and handed it to her.
"I think you'll like this one."
Hazel took the book, her curiosity sparking as she read the title and flipped it over.
"A romance novel?" she guessed, raising an eyebrow.
Francisco smirked.
"Read it and see," he said, his voice low.
As Hazel flipped through the pages, drawn into the story, Francisco's gaze drifted down... landing on her bare feet.
Without a word, without warning, he scooped her into his arms.
Hazel gasped, eyes wide.
"What are you doing? Put me down, Mr. Francisco."
He didn't answer. His firm grip and intense stare silenced any protest. Hazel's breath hitched, her resistance faltering under the weight of his gaze. She lowered her eyes.
I need to calm down, she told herself, heart pounding.
I can't overreact. If I want that drive, I need to get close to him. This is just part of the job... nothing else.
She hugged the book tightly to her chest, trying to ground herself.
Without breaking eye contact, Francisco carried Hazel into the dining room and gently set her down on a chair.
"Serve her quickly. I have something to take care of," he said abruptly, then turned and walked away.
Hazel blinked, stunned by his sudden shift. She remained still, trying to make sense of it.
He's not staying?
What just happened?
Her gaze followed him as he moved down the hall. The soft light caught a tattoo on his back, sharp and mysterious. Just before he reached his room, he turned. Their eyes met.
Hazel's breath caught in her throat. She looked away quickly, as if caught thinking something she shouldn't.
The click of the door locking echoed in the quiet room.
She stared at her plate but didn't lift a hand.
I can't keep going like this, she thought.
I need to change the plan... fast. The sooner I finish this, the sooner I'll be free of him.
Her fingers tightened around the book she still held.
I'm sorry... whatever I do next—it's for the mission. Just the mission.
Love, I'll come back to you soon.