Aurora’s heartbeat quickened as she feared that the man’s sexual desire would lead him to make love to her that morning. However, it turned out she was overthinking it. Julian merely kissed her lightly and then left, pulling the door open and heading downstairs. Only when he was gone did Aurora breathe a sigh of relief and open her eyes. Was she safe now?
She quickly got out of bed. Her dress had been soaked in the bathtub the previous night, and she had been carried to the bed wrapped only in a towel by Julian. Searching through the wardrobe, she found only men’s clothes. Desperate, Aurora considered the humiliating prospect of leaving the house undressed. She grabbed one of Julian’s white shirts and wore it, clinging to the hope that her clothes from last night had dried.
When she saw her underwear and dress still floating in the bathtub, despair set in. How was she to leave the villa today? She had planned to slip away quietly, unnoticed by others. Now, it seemed that the plan was ruined. She had no choice but to ask the maid to prepare a suitable outfit for her.
It seemed escaping so easily three years ago was due to Julian’s disregard for her back then. She feared he would not let her leave easily today. Aurora continued to search his wardrobe, hoping to find clothes left by another woman who might have stayed the night. In her mind, a man like Julian would never lack for female company. It was a common occurrence. She was so engrossed in her search that she didn’t notice the door open. Julian, having just finished breakfast, came up to see if she had awoken.
He pushed the door open to find her in his white shirt, which hung loose on her frame yet had a special allure. Beyond that, she wore nothing else, revealing her long, straight legs, especially as she tiptoed around the wardrobe. Sunlight streamed through the gaps in the curtains, casting a golden glow on her, merging her and the room into a single enticing vista.
The room was carpeted softly, and she was barefoot, her black hair slightly curled and casually draped over her back. Aurora appeared languid and enchanting. Julian approached quietly, the carpet muffling his footsteps. He embraced her from behind, his voice magnetic. “Looking for something? Let me help.”
Startled by his sudden presence, Aurora nearly screamed. His hands gently encircled her waist, the mere gesture making her heart pound. She was all too aware of the saying “A spark can start a great fire”. And right now, she had no rope to bind Julian with.
She hadn’t forgotten what she had done to Julian before. He had spared her last night only because she was asleep. Now that they were both awake, if he truly intended to misbehave, she was on his territory and escape would be impossible.
She stood still, trying not to provoke him, and pretended as if nothing was amiss.
“You soaked all my clothes last night. I need something suitable to wear.”
Julian leaned in and whispered, “In all these years, you’re the only woman who has been in my room. How could there be another woman’s things here? Just inform the butler if you need something.”
“Mr. Barnet, do you think I can go out dressed like this?” Aurora asked coldly.