The drive to Lewis's house was long and silent.
I sat in the back of the luxury car, staring out the window as the city buzzed with life. People walked the streets, laughter echoed from a nearby café and couples strolled hand in hand. Everything looked so normal, so different from the turmoil inside me.
The driver, a middle aged man with a composed demeanor didn't say much but I caught him watching me a few times through the rear mirror. After weaving through quiet upscale streets, we pulled up in front of a towering iron gate.
With a smooth motion the gate slid open, revealing a sprawling estate that looked like something straight out of a movie
The car eased into the driveway, coming to a halt before the entrance. Before I could reach for my door the driver stepped forward and opened it for me.
"Welcome, Miss" he said politely, nodding toward the entrance.
I hesitated for a second before stepping out, gripping the strap of my bag tightly.
I barely had time to take in the breathtaking exterior of the mansion, tall, elegant and exuding power.
The large double doors swung open. A middle aged woman dressed in a crisp uniform greeted me with a warm smile
"Good evening, Miss Priynka" she greeted with a polite smile. "I'm Hilda, the housekeeper"
"Come in" she gestured, stepping aside.
I stepped in, my breath hitching at the sheer elegance of the place.
A massive crystal chandelier hung in the grand foyer, casting a warm glow over the gleaming marble floors. The walls were lined with tasteful artwork and an elegant staircase curved up toward the second floor. The house exuded power, sophistication and wealth just like its owner.
Hilda led me upstairs, her steps graceful and measured.
"Mr. Bradford isn't home yet, but he's expecting you" she said as we walked down a long hallway lined with sleek modern doors. She stopped in front of one and pushed it open.
"This is your room" she said warmly.
The bedroom was stunning.
Soft golden lighting bathed the room, highlighting the delicate blush colored walls and the plush cream colored bed covered in silk sheets.
A massive floor to ceiling window revealed a breathtaking view of the city skyline. The walk in closet was twice the size of my bedroom back home and a beautiful vanity sat against one wall, its crystal clear mirror reflecting the room's soft glow.
On the vanity table were cosmetics from expensive brands.
It was beautiful. Feminine. Cozy.
Had he prepared this for me?
"I will let you settle in. If you need anything just ring the bell by the nightstand"
I had almost forgot she was still standing in the room, I turned to her.
"Dinner will be ready soon"
With that she left, closing the door gently behind her.
I let out a deep breath, taking in the surreal reality of my new living
The walk in closet had the scent of new clothes. They were hang and folded neatly in various compartments on the shelves. I unpacked my clothes into the empty spaces.
I pulled out a dress from one of the new clothes, it was a blue blazer dress with silver buttons. I pulled out a few others, each looking like a perfect fit. How did he know my size?
I made my way to the en-suite bathroom.
It was luxurious, golden dim lighting embedded in the marble, a deep jacuzzi in one corner and a sleek glass shower cubicle in the center.
Stepping into the shower, I let the warm water wash away the exhaustion of the day.
By the time I stepped out, dressed in my soft pink Hello Kitty pajamas, the house was still eerily quiet. My phone buzzed from my purse, I had missed a call from Lorna and now she texted.
I quickly returned her call, she had a lot of questions. After showing her the interior of my bedroom, she was more excited.
A soft knock pulled me from my conversation with Lorna. I blew her a kiss and ended the call.
I opened the door to find Hilda holding a tray of food.
"Dinner is served, Miss Priynka" she said with a kind smile.
She placed the tray on the bedside table..a meal of rice, grilled chicken, juice and a bowl of fresh fruits.
"Thank you" I said, genuinely grateful.
The only thing I could chew down was a slice of toast after Lewis left my house with his scent hanging in the air.
The quiet was unsettling.
I wasn't used to silence. I was used to Lorna's chatter, to the distant hum of our neighbors' TVs and to the occasional honk of a passing car.
Here, it was nothing but stillness.
After eating, I took my tray downstairs to the kitchen. I figured I might as well wash the dishes since I wasn't sleepy yet.
The sleek kitchen felt almost untouched, like it belonged in a magazine rather than a home. As I rinsed the plates the storm outside began to build.
A loud crack of thunder suddenly shook the house.
My breath hitched.
I gripped the sink, squeezing my eyes shut.
Not now. Not here.
Another. Even louder.
I screamed, dropping the dish into the sink with a sharp clatter. My heart pounded as I backed away, my hands flying to my ears.
Then came another, a deafening roar that sent panic surging through me.
Without thinking, I bolted out of the kitchen, running blindly down the hallway.
I crashed into something hard.
No, someone.
Strong hands gripped my arms before I could fall.
I gasped, my eyes wide and my body trembling as I realized who it was.
Lewis.
His grip was firm, steady, holding me in place.
His eyes, dark and unreadable locked onto mine.
For a moment, neither of us spoke. The only sound was the storm raging outside and the rapid beat of my own heart.
"Priynka" his voice was low, concerned and almost confused.
But I was too shaken to answer.
The eerie sound burst again and I jumped impulsively, my arms wrapping around his neck, my legs clinging to his waist.
I felt his body tense beneath me.
For a second, he didn't move.
Then, his hands shifted, securing me against him as he let out a slow, exasperated breath.
"Are you seriously this scared of thunderstorms?" he muttered.
I buried my face in his neck, refusing to respond.
He sighed. "Alright. It's fine, I'm here"
And with that, he carried me down the hallway, his warmth the only thing grounding me as the storm raged on outside.
LEWIS'S POV
I wasn't home when she arrived.
I hadn't planned on being home early at all.
But the moment I stepped inside, I could feel her presence.
It was strange. This was my house, my space and yet, knowing she was here made the air feel… different.
The house was dimly lit and usually quiet.
Hilda approached me as I walked in.
"She's settled in, sir" she informed me with a warm smile.
Hilda was more than a housekeeper, she worked for my parents and has been a part of the family.
Mother wouldn't leave me alone, I know Hilda gives her details of my life here while she's away.
I gave a curt nod. "Did she eat?" I asked loosening my tie.
"Yes. I served her dinner in her room"
I headed upstairs, aiming straight for my bedroom but as I walked past her door, I hesitated. Just for a second.
I could picture her inside, sitting on that bed, probably wearing another set of those lace lingerie she had on at her house.
That image was burned into my mind, the way she had stood there in that sheer red lingerie, completely unaware that I was watching.
She'd been a vision.
Long, toned legs. Soft curves. A confidence in the way she moved, like she was utterly comfortable in her own skin.
That was the problem with Priynka.
She wasn't just attractive. She was alluring.
And I hated that I still remembered every damn detail.
I gritted my teeth and pushed the thought away, walked to my bedroom.
I dropped my phone on the nightstand and took off my wrist watch trying to relax from the day's exhaustion but my mind wouldn't cooperate. Instead, it drifted to her..
To the way she looked when I first saw her at that club. The sharp edge in her voice when she spoke. The fire in her eyes when she had the audacity to slap me.
She was a contradiction. A mix of bold and vulnerable, sharp and soft, trouble and temptation.
And for the first time in a long time, I didn't know how to deal with it.
I was still deep in thought when the storm started.
Then, moments later a scream.
It was muffled but sharp. It sent a pulse of irritation through me.
I sighed. Was she really screaming because of thunder?
I could hear the sound of her hurried footsteps, I set out of the room heading towards the noise.
She ran straight into me with a force that nearly knocked her down. My hand quickly gripped onto her arm steading her.
She was trembling with fear, her eyes clouded with tears.
"Priynka" I called. Confusion trailed through me to see her disheveled like that.
She always had an answer for everything, a sharp tongue to match her sharp mind. But now, she looked small. Vulnerable.
The thunder roared again and before I could process it she jumped on me.. her arms locked around my neck, her legs wrapping around my waist as if I were some kind of lifeline.
For a moment, I froze.
My hands instinctively caught her, gripping her thighs to keep her from slipping. Her breath was warm against my neck, her body trembling still.
"Are you seriously this scared of thunderstorms?" I muttered, trying to make sense of the situation.
She didn't answer.
Instead, she burrowed closer, her grip tightening as if she thought letting go would kill her.
I exhaled, feeling the weight of her in my arms. Her scent was subtle yet intoxicating.
I wasn't used to this. Women didn't cling to me. I didn't comfort. I didn't soothe.
Now, here she was wrapped around me, her body warm, soft and pressed against mine in ways that made my jaw tighten.
I found myself adjusting my grip, securing her even closer.
Not the same way I had wanted to the night I saw her in the club in that silver mini dress that clung to her like skin
That night, I had wanted to pin her against the nearest surface. Now, I just wanted her to stop shaking.
"Alright. It's fine, I'm here" My voice was quieter than I intended.
I didn't know what the hell was happening to me.
All I knew was that I was standing in my hallway, holding Priynka Wald in my arms and for some damn reason, I didn't want to put her down.