ALINA'S POV
My body went stiff, my mind hadn't caught up to what just happened.
My thoughts scattered, unable to process the sudden kiss.
My body started feeling numb from the weight I was carrying. And my right palm was also bleeding from the several cuts caused by the broken plate.
I tried pushing Brian off my body with my left hand but he was not budging. I tried again, this time also using my injured palm and staining his white shirt with my blood.
Finally I was able to push him off onto the rug, I then stood up and went to the sink to wash my right palm of all the blood.
The cuts bled so much that blood spilled over my palm and dripped quietly on the ground.
I winced the moment the water touched my palm, instinctively pulling my hand back from the water.
Gritting my teeth, I forced my palm back under the running water. After washing my hand, I cleaned it with antiseptic wipes and wrapped my palm with a bandage. I then swept all the broken pieces of plates from the floor and cleaned the rug of all the blood.
Brian still lay on the floor asleep.
I left the kitchen to call someone to help carry Brian.
I came back with two security guards that were on duty, they both carried Brian, one held his both hands and the other one held his both legs.
Finally Brian was put to bed.
Then I started making my way to my room, when I immediately sighted Anders walking down the hallway toward me.
I tried hiding behind the pillar, but unfortunately Anders had already seen me, he doubled his pace, It was past 9pm, everyone had already retired to their rooms, except for Anders who seemed like he just finished swimming, his towel hung around his neck, exposing his smooth sculpted chest, well defined biceps and muscled arms.
"Alina!"
He called out.
"Are you hiding from me?" he asked, standing right beside the pillar.
"No sir," I answered, coming out from behind the pillar.
"I feel like you have been avoiding me since the wedding," Anders said, stepping even closer to me, while I slowly stepped back.
"No sir I haven't been avoiding you, I have been really busy," my echoed through the still hall. reminding me of how alone I was.
"You don't have to be formal with me, you can call me by my name" Anders said grinning widely.
"Do you want to go out for ice cream and get some fresh air?"
He asked with his right palm caressing my cheek. My eyes widened, freezing for a moment as his fingers brushed my skin.
"I'm sorry but it is late and I'm really tired," I explained, expecting him to understand, while gently pulling my face out of his palm.
Your lips are very beautiful, Anders said, his fingertips brushing lightly over my lower lip, tracing it as if he was memorizing the shape, sending shivers racing through me.
Anders instantly grabbed my right hand, making me wince as his grip tightened over the injury on my palm, then he pulled me so close, leaving no space between us.
He paused the moment he saw me wince in pain, letting go of my hand, i took a few steps backward.
"What happened to your palm?" Anders asked softly, taking my hand and inspecting it carefully.
"It's just a minor accident that happened when I was making dinner," I lied. withdrawing my hand. "I'm really tired," I explained.
"Oh yes that's right" Anders said making way for me, "you need a really good rest he said following me up to my room door.
Good night, sleep tight" Anders said at the door.
"Good night I said," before locking the door and then i collapsed into my bed.
The next morning….
It was past 10 a.m on a Saturday morning. I was done serving breakfast to the Vanders. Brian's seat was empty, and Anders couldn't take his eyes of me, constantly staring at my palm.
I was making my way to my room when a cleaner approached me probably coming from his room, she told me to prepare breakfast and take it up to Brian's room
I quickly returned to the kitchen, plated Brian's food neatly on a tray and headed to his room. Reaching the door, I paused then knocked.
Tap,Tap. I knocked on the door.
There was no response
I knocked again.
"Who's there?" Brian asked, his voice coming from behind the door.
"It's the head chef. I'm here to serve you your food."
"Come in, it is open" Brian said.
I came in with a tray of food and a cup of ginger tea.
" Good morning sir" I greeted, my eyes lowered to the tray.
Brian looked up from his phone and gave a brief nod.
"Good morning." He said.
My eyes caught his blood stained shirt that was on the floor.
Without warning, Brian's stomach growled loudly, echoing in the quiet room.
His phone buzzed with new messages non-stop as he was about to reach for it.
where should I place it, sir?" I asked, still unable to look at his face
"Place it on this table," he said impatiently.
I quickly set the food tray on the table and lifted the cover, revealing the well-plated lump crabmeat omelette. A rich mouthwatering aroma filled the room immediately.
Brian's eyes fell on my bandaged palm.
"What happened to your palm?"
"Nothing sir," I said quickly, hiding my hand behind my back.
"Okay you may leave," Brian said, already lost in the sumptuous meal.
Later in the evening….
I sat at the poolside, with my legs dangling in the cool water, the soft night breeze brushing against my face. Anders was in the pool, his wet curls glittering under the balcony lights.
He said something that made me laugh, a genuine soft laugh that I hadn't realized that I needed. He swam closer, and before I knew he took my right hand in his, examining my injured palm.
"Excuse me," a male voice said politely.
I turned. Daniel stood a foot away, his expression slightly tense.
"Yes?" I asked, quickly pulling my hand back from Anders.
"I've been trying to reach Mr. Brian," Daniel said. "He's not picking or replying to my messages, and I don't know if he's in.
Anders glanced between us but said nothing.
"Daniel continued, please if he's in, give this to him ," Daniel said, handing me a lunch bag. Tell him I forgot the it in the car yesterday. The food spoiled before the office went out for drinks. I've washed the flask."
"I was close by so I decided to just drop it off," he said.
Oh okay, I said confused. " Alright I'll let him know."
"Thank you," Daniel replied with a nod before turning and walking away.
As soon as he was out of sight, Anders laughed softly. "You see? Even his assistant can't find him."
I smiled faintly, though something about Daniel's words lingered in my mind.
Was it the food I carried following Linda yesterday?, I thought.
"What are you thinking about?" Anders said, looking into my eyes as he took my right hand back in his, gently caressing it.
"Nothing," I said, snapping back to reality.
"Does it still hurt?" Anders asked, his fingers gently brushing over my injured palm. The touch was unexpectedly soothing.
"A little bit," I admitted, feeling heat rise to my cheeks.
Then his lips pressed softly against my palm.
"Does it still hurt?"
"Yes it does" I murmured, my eyes fixed on the water.
"And now?" He asked, his lips trailing slowly up my wrist.
"Just a little" I whispered.
"And now" he pressed again, leaning closer to my neck. His breath brushing my neck, sending shivers to my body
"It still hurts," I admitted again, barely audible, completely lost, unaware of what I was saying.
"And now?" His voice was low, teasing as he moved closer, this time brushing his lips against my lips.
I froze and instinctively, placed my hand on his bare chest, leaning back, my heart pounding.
"What's the problem?" Anders asked, his eyes locked onto mine, trying to see through me. His fingertips brushing the corner of my lips.
Before I could even answer, his hands cupped my face, his lips pressed against mine, his tongue in my mouth, Each kiss deeper, more insistent than the last, pulling me in. His hands tangled in my hair, holding me close, and for a moment the world outside ceased to exist.
I looked up.
Brian.
He stood there watching us, his jaws clenched.His gaze dropped to my hand.
Not just a glance-he stared.
His eyes caught the lunch bag that was close to me, Something flickered in his eyes, brief as if he recalled something.
Without a word he turned back and walked back into the house.
Immediately I pulled away from Anders.
"What's the problem?" He asked, leaning closer, positioning himself between my legs while still in the pool, his fingers on my thigh.
My heart raced, confusion and fear tangling in my chest.
"How touching"
A voice came from behind me.
My blood turned cold, my muscles froze.
I knew that voice.
Mrs. Clardy stepped into the light, her sharp eyes fixed on me, piercing straight through my soul.