Chapter 6

• It was late afternoon, as the rain drummed softly against the windows, I glanced at Alex, who was curled up on the sofa with a book.
• I wanted to break through the barrier he had built around himself. An idea struck me, and I leaned in closer. “Hey, Alex,” I said softly, trying to catch his attention. “Would you like to show me your favorite spot in the house?”
• He glanced up, blinking slowly as if considering my offer. “There’s nowhere special,” he mumbled, turning back to his book.
• He clearly didn’t want to be disturbed, but I was not willing to back down either.
• “But I bet you have a secret hideout somewhere,” I pressed, a playful smile creeping onto my lips. “Every kid has one.”
• He paused, his interest piqued despite himself. “Maybe,” he muttered, a hint of curiosity breaking through his usual shyness.
• “Why don’t we go find it together?” I suggested, standing up and extending my hand to him. “I promise it’ll be fun.”
• After a moment of hesitation, he took my hand. I felt a flutter of excitement as we moved through the house, exploring its nooks and crannies. We wandered past the grand staircase and into a hallway lined with family photos.
• “Do you see that door?” I pointed to a slightly ajar door at the end of the hall. “It looks like it could lead somewhere interesting.” I grinned mischievously.
• I know Mr. Bennett said not to trespass but I doubted this part of the building was one of the red zones.
• Alex’s eyes widened. “That’s the storage room,” he whispered, glancing around as if making sure no one was watching. “It’s full of old things.”
• “Perfect!” I exclaimed, nudging the door open wider. “Let’s check it out.”
• As we explored the room, I pointed out various odd items—a rusty bicycle, an old globe, and a stack of vintage board games. “Look at this!” I said, picking up an ancient-looking game. “Do you know how to play?”
• “Yeah,” Alex replied, his voice barely above a whisper, but I could see a spark of interest in his eyes. “I used to play this game with my mom.”
• “Oh,” I muttered, unsure of how to react, knowing that his mom was late. “Let’s set it up!” I quickly suggested, not letting him dwell on the moment.
• We cleared a space on the floor and spread out the game, laughter bubbling between us as we took turns.
• Before long, it was 6:30 pm and Leah came to call us down for dinner. I also knew my departure time was close, just half an hour more and I will be on my way.
• As Leah and Alex left the room, I put back the items in place and stepped out as well. Just then I noticed a room at the far end of the hallway, the door was painted differently from the rest.
• I know I should have walked away but curiosity got the best of me and so I went to take a peek. I mean, what could possibly go wrong?
• Against my better judgment, I knocked on the door and when no one responded, I turned the door knob. I was about to push it open when that manly voice cut through.
• “What do you think you are doing, Miss Miller?”
• I felt my heart leap into my stomach and I immediately turned to face him. “Mr.… Mr. Bennett?” I stuttered in shock.
• He was back? Good Lord, I am fucked!!
• I looked up at him, taking note of his expression. No, he wasn’t angry, not at all. He just wore this cold emotionless look that made my stomach churn in fear.
• Slowly, he started coming closer to me and I unconsciously stepped back. “Mr. Bennett?” I muttered again, nervousness creeping up my chest.
• He had his hands tucked into his pants and his eyes glued on me, I could barely keep eye contact with those burning gray eyes, they set fire to my soul. Still coming closer, his footsteps barely audible, I panicked.
• Fuck! I was terrified; no… the word is intimidated!
• “Curiosity killed the cat, isn’t that what they say, Miss Miller?” he asked calmly.
• I nodded, then gulped down saliva as my throat was dry, I stretched my hand backwards for any obstacle and it met the wall. My back was not far from the wall.
• “Sir… I… I…”
• I couldn’t even find the words, I could barely think straight with him up close in my space. My back hit the wall and there was no place else to go. He got to me and gently placed an arm on the wall beside my head. It was at this point that I realized that he was nothing less than 6.2 ft. tall, and those muscles? Damn!
• “Do you remember my instructions, Miss Miller?” he asked in a cold voice, his eyes staring death into my soul. “The rules!”
• I nodded, my throat as dry as the Middle East deserts. “Yes Sir, I do.”
• “Remind me again, Miss Miller?” he asked calmly.
• “I am not permitted to be in some areas of the house, and my primary concern must be Alex at all times.” I managed to speak without stuttering.
• “Great, since your memories are working fine, can you tell me what you are doing in this room, Miss Miller?” he asked in that scary voice as he gently held my jaw and raised my face to stare at him.
• I froze, instantly! His cologne hit me and everything paused, the world around me paused! I can’t explain this feeling, it wasn’t just nervousness or fear, it was something different, and I had never felt this way with a man before, and as much as it made my heart flutter endlessly, scaring the life out of me, I loved it!!
• “I will pardon you this time, Miss Miller.” He spoke softly. “This is one of the prohibited rooms, I wouldn’t want to find you here ever again. Am I clear?”
• “Yea… Yes! Of course Sir, I won’t come anywhere close, I promise.”
• “Good.” He muttered. It was at this point that he realized how close he was standing to me, our lips were just a little distance from kissing.
• Mr. Bennett pulled back immediately. “I think you should leave, Miss Miller.” He said, not so nonchalantly this time. I think I saw something in his eyes, an emotion I couldn’t decipher.
• I nodded, then let out a sigh of relief. Good Lord, this man would give me a heart attack! Why the hell do I feel so nervous and empty around him, I can barely stand when he is this close to me.
• “And don’t be late tomorrow.” He added as he turned away from me.
• That was when it crossed my mind. “Sorry Sir, about that… I actually have a favor to ask.” I said hesitantly.
• He paused and turned around to face me, a frown on his face. “Are you ever out of favors to ask, Miss Miller?” he grumbled.
• “I know, but this is the last one, I swear.”
• “You swear a lot, did anyone ever tell you that?”
• I smiled nervously. Okay, bad habit!
• TBC!!