"Of course," Selena nodded, her eyes still locked on Jakob's. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. She tied her bikini top back into place, making sure it was secure this time. It came loose so easily. She also adjusted her suit bottom, making sure it was comfortable and in the right position again. That was close.
As she smoothed out her hair, Selena couldn't help but think about how close they had come to giving in to their desires. She had been so caught up at the moment, so swept up in Jakob's passion. But she had managed to stop herself, to remember the potential consequences of their actions.
"That was too close," Selena muttered to herself, shaking her head. She took a deep breath, trying to clear her head. She needed to focus on the present moment, on the danger that still lurked outside.
She steadied herself and shrugged off the embarrassment of that moment. Selena turned to Jakob and nodded. "I'm ready," she said, her voice firm.
Jakob nodded back, his eyes still burning with desire. But he said nothing, simply turning to grab a pair of pants from his closet. As he pulled them on, Selena couldn't help but notice the way the fabric hugged his muscular legs.
She shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. This was not the time to think about Jakob's physical attributes. They needed to focus on getting through this.
Selena walked timidly out into the hallway, her heart racing with concern for Liam's well-being. She made her way to his room, where she found him lying on the bed, a look of pain etched on his face. Gunn was by his side, holding a makeshift bandage to the wound.
Selena's eyes welled up with tears as she rushed to Liam's side. "Liam?" she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. "Gunn?" she called out, her eyes scanning the room for any sign of danger.
Gunn looked up, his face set in a determined expression. "We're here. Come, hold this and apply pressure while I get help," he said, handing Selena the bandage.
Selena pressed down on Liam's wound, tears streaming down her face. "I was so scared, Liam. Oh my god, you're hurt so bad," she sobbed, her body shaking with emotion.
Liam looked up at Selena, his eyes filled with deep affection. The saltwater in their pool had curled her hair slightly, and she looked like an angel to him. "I wish I could take the pain from you, block it. Fuck, I don't know what I would do without you," she whispered, her voice shaking full of emotion.
Tears streamed from Selena's big, beautiful cocoa-brown eyes, and Liam reached up with his uninjured arm to wipe them away. The girl he loved cared so much for him, she cared so much that she would rather be alone than hurt anyone but them. Liam felt his reluctance to face Jakob and Gunn's threats weaken. He loved this woman, but he loved and couldn't hurt his brother.
"Don't cry," Liam weakly consoled Selena. "It will be fine," he comforted her, his voice full of reassurance. His face was white with pain. Selena's hand shook as she held the bandage in place. A wicked tattoo would adorn his arm later, a symbol of his love of science.
"Who will I compete with if you go?" she asked, her voice trembling. This was a man who jumped into the Loop behind her in the past, regardless of how much he knew her, to save her. A man who cried for her. She remembered his sweet tear tear-filled face looking at her before she was pulled from him. He might not remember it, but she did.
"I have worked so hard, Liam. So I can be worth-." Gunn interrupted, bringing the paramedics into the room. Liam was touched by Selena's words, and he felt a sense of pride and love for this strong and determined woman.
"Oh, thank God," Selena said, shaking with relief as the paramedics took over. She had a bit of Liam's blood on her, and Gunn helped her stand as she shook.
As they worked on Liam and put him on a stretcher, he joked to his twin brother, "That was the shittiest birthday I've ever had." Jakob looked at his brother, a mix of concern and amusement on his face.
The happy 17th birthday banner hung loosely, riddled with damage from the gunfire. Corpses lay on the floor, a grim reminder of the danger they had faced.
As soon as Liam was taken downstairs, Claire streaked upstairs to check on Selena. Her heart caught in her throat when she saw blood on Selena's arm. "It's Liam's," Selena said, reassuring Claire.
Claire checked Selena's condition, her eyes scanning her body for any signs of injury. She was like a mother cat fretting over a kitten, her concern and care for Selena evident in every movement. Claire made a quick call, and a change of clothing arrived at the house 15 minutes later. A box of luxury clothes, her makeup, and her shoes were delivered.
"Hey, Jakob, I'm going to take Selena to hose off in your bathroom. The pool house is wrecked," Claire announced her voice firm and commanding. Her care for Selena was evident, and she was determined to make sure her mistress was taken care of.
Jakob nodded, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he smiled. "Keep track of her swimsuit," he said, his voice low and teasing, as he gave Claire a wink.
Claire's gaze flicked to Selena's bikini, and her eyes narrowed as she spotted the SD card-shaped square hidden in the fabric. Claire's gaze shifted back to Jakob, and she gave him an incredulous look.
For a moment, Claire's expression was stern, her eyes boring into Jakob's as if to say, "What are you thinking?" But then, her face softened, and she turned back to Selena, helping her mistress towards the bathroom.
Selena stepped into the warm shower, feeling the luxurious water envelop her body. She reached for her favorite Lux shower gel, shampoo, and conditioner and began to lather herself up. The sweet scent of the Lux products filled the air, and Selena felt her tension melt away.
As she rinsed off the soap, Claire entered the bathroom, a warm towel at the ready. She handed Selena the towel and turned her back as she wrapped herself up in the towel, making sure she was cozy and warm. Selena smiled, feeling grateful for Claire's attentive care.
Claire had a deep respect for the team that had prepared the bathroom with all of Selena's favorite products. It was a level of quality befitting the heir, and Claire made a mental note to thank the staff for their attention to detail.
As Selena dried off, Claire helped her apply a rich body cream, followed by a spritz of perfume and a quick spray of deodorant. Selena's skin glowed with a soft, radiant light, and Claire couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in her work.
Next, Claire helped Selena into the stunning Chanel party dress, carefully zipping up the back and adjusting the delicate straps. The dress hugged Selena's curves in all the right places, and Claire couldn't help but admire the way it made her mistress look.
Selena's wet hair was tied back into a sleek ponytail, and Claire helped her slip into a pair of high heels that added a touch of glamour to the overall look.
Finally, Selena applied a quick layer of makeup, enhancing her natural beauty with a swipe of mascara, a dusting of powder, and a bold lip color. As she finished up, Claire stepped back to admire her handiwork.
Selena looked stunning, a true vision of beauty and elegance. Claire felt a sense of satisfaction, knowing that she had helped her mistress look and feel better after all that. Caring for her soothed her.
As Claire and Selena left Jakob's room, they were greeted by Jonah, who couldn't help but smile at the sight of the two women. Claire, in particular, caught his eye, looking stunning in a party dress that accentuated her delicate features and beauty. The cream-colored number made him dream of the day in the future when he would make her his, completely. He imagined a bouquet in her hands.
"She looks so delicate, but no one would guess that she can hack a person's head off in less than 3 seconds." Jonah thought as he was struck by the contrast between Claire's elegant appearance and her exceptional talents as a vassal guard.
Meanwhile, Jonathan was waiting nervously in his office, having controlled the media and police presence to eliminate any mention of his family or the vassal drop-off. He was anxious to see the twins return home safely.
When Selena arrived, Jonathan called her into his office, looking rattled. "So, was that supposed to happen?" he asked, his voice laced with worry. "Why didn't you tell me?"
Selena explained, "Yes, Daddy, it had to go on like it did. It was important for motivating future key events."
Jonathan's expression turned from worry to fear. "I was frightened," he admitted, his voice cracking. "Selena, you've only been home for two years. I kept picturing you being hurt or being taken advantage of."
Selena reassured him, "Jonah and Claire would not let that happen. Do you think that your daughter would allow others to touch her without a hell of a fight?"
But Jonathan's concern only deepened. "Do not be too cocky. Even in predetermined events, things can go wrong. An extra person can get shot. A bodyguard can die. Next time, tell me. Tell me everything that Dônn will allow. I don't care what it's needed for. Just let me help you keep everyone safe."
Jonathan's emotions overwhelmed him, and he hugged Selena tightly, kissing her head. The depth of his love and concern for his daughter's safety was palpable, and Selena felt a surge of affection for her father.