Aurora’s POV
I was still lost in thoughts of Ryan when his voice cut through the haze. He appeared in front of me, holding the food he’d just fetched. My heart stuttered as I realized I’d been thinking about him far too much. What was worse was how little time we’d actually known each other.
“What are you thinking about?” he asked, his tone casual but curious, startling me from my daydream.
“Nothing,” I blurted out quickly, maybe too quickly.
He raised an eyebrow but didn’t press further. Instead, he handed me a takeout box. “Here’s yours,” he said, settling onto the bed.
I glanced at the pristine white duvet and frowned. “We should go to the couch so we don’t stain the bed,” I suggested, standing up with my box in hand.
Ryan didn’t move immediately. Instead, he studied me with an unreadable expression. “Why do you always startle eighty percent of the time I talk to you?” he asked suddenly, catching me off guard yet again.
I blinked, unsure of how to answer. “I don’t know. It just… happens,” I replied, my voice quieter than I intended.
He finally stood, and as he walked towards me, I couldn’t help but notice how effortlessly he carried himself. There was something regal about the way he moved. Like a prince.
He is indeed hot. Stop it, Aurora.
Ryan sat across from me on the opposite couch, and we began eating in silence. Normally, silence didn’t bother me, but his presence made it feel different-heavy. I was hyperaware of every little sound, from the scrape of his fork to the occasional rustle of the packaging. And his eyes. His eyes were on me, watching, observing.
I couldn’t even swallow properly. Damn it.
When we finished eating, I busied myself tidying up, putting the trash neatly together to make it easier for the cleaners. Anything to keep my hands occupied and my mind distracted.
By the time I turned back, Ryan was already on the bed, leaning against the headboard with his arms crossed. His shirt was slightly unbuttoned, revealing just a hint of his chest. My cheeks warmed at the sight.
“You should sleep, Aurora. We’re going to have a long day tomorrow,” he said, his voice softer now, almost coaxing.
“Okay,” I replied, feeling the weight of exhaustion settling over me.
Today had been a whirlwind. From Craig’s disgusting attempt earlier to the unexpected kiss with Ryan… my emotions were all over the place.
What a day, Aurora. What a day.
I climbed onto the bed, careful to keep my distance. My heart skipped as I lay down, knowing he was just inches away. I made sure no part of my skin touched his, but the proximity was enough to make my pulse quicken.
Strangely, I didn’t feel scared or uneasy sharing a room with him. On the contrary, I felt safe. Safer than I had in a long time.
With too many thoughts swirling in my head, my eyelids grew heavier. Before I knew it, sleep claimed me, pulling me into its warm embrace.
*****
My eyes fluttered open, and I blinked against the morning light streaming through the curtains. It was morning already. I turned to look for Ryan, but the space beside me was empty. My heart sank for a moment before I heard the sound of running water coming from the bathroom.
Oh, he’s in the shower.
I sighed, sitting up in bed, stretching lazily. As I waited for him, I decided to sort out the outfit for the day, mentally going over what I might wear before remembering he planned to get me something new.
The bathroom door opened, and Ryan stepped out, his hair damp and tousled, a towel wrapped around his waist. Droplets of water slid down his chest, tracing the ridges of his muscles. I swallowed hard and looked away quickly, my cheeks heating up.
“Good morning,” I said, trying to sound casual.
“Morning,” he replied, his voice deep and smooth.
He walked over to the closet, completely at ease, as if he didn’t notice the effect he had on me. Or maybe he did, and he was just pretending. He knows what he’s doing.
“We’ll get going this morning,” he said, turning to face me. “I booked a makeup session here for you. After that, we’ll head out to get the dress for the party. It’ll probably take a few hours.”
“Oh,” I murmured, still trying to steady my thoughts.
“I could have ordered something online, but I wanted you to choose. It’s important you feel comfortable in what you wear,” he added, his tone sincere.
I blinked at him, caught off guard by his thoughtfulness. “I don’t know what to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything. Just go take a bath and get ready so we can leave,” he said.
He walked to the balcony, adding over his shoulder, “Take your time.”
I smiled at his gentle tone, feeling a warmth spread through me.
I quickly showered, dressed in a simple outfit, and applied a bit of lipstick, as always. When I emerged, he was still on the balcony, looking out over the city.
“I’m ready,” I said softly.
He turned, gave me a quick nod, and gestured toward the door. “The driver’s already waiting for us.”
We left the suite together, his hand lightly brushing mine as we walked. When the driver opened the car door, Ryan motioned for me to get in first.
The drive was quiet, but I didn’t mind. I found myself gazing out the window, admiring the city. The buildings, the people, the movement…. it was all so alive.
When we arrived at the boutique, I instantly felt out of place. The store was luxurious, far beyond anything I’d ever experienced. But Ryan’s hand on mine grounded me, making me feel less like an intruder and more like I belonged.
An attendant approached us with a warm smile. “How can I help you today?”
Ryan’s voice was steady and firm. “Bring out the best clothes for her, something suitable for a night party.”
The attendant nodded and turned to me. “Follow me,” she said, her smile kind and genuine.
Before leaving Ryan’s side, I glanced at him and said, “I don’t want you to see what I pick. I want it to be a surprise.”
He chuckled softly. “As you wish, little one.”
I spent nearly three hours trying on dresses. Some were too heavy, others too revealing. Nothing seemed right. Then I saw it, a dress that felt perfect. It wasn’t just beautiful; it felt like it was made for me.
When the attendant told Ryan the price, I hesitated. My stomach twisted with guilt. “I can’t accept this. I’ll just return it and wear something I already have,” I said quickly.
Ryan frowned, his expression serious. “Aurora, don’t ever say something is too expensive when I’m the one paying. I’ll do anything for you.”
The firmness in his tone silenced me. He paid for the dress without another word, and the attendant carefully packaged it for me.
As we walked out, I couldn’t help but smile.
His words echoed in my mind. “I’ll do anything for you, Aurora.”
What are we? I asked myself.
When we reached the car, I felt a sudden chill. A strange, cold feeling crept over me, and my skin prickled. It felt like someone was watching us.
I turned quickly, scanning the area. That’s when I saw her. A woman with long hair, standing in the distance, watching. The moment our eyes met, she disappeared behind a wall.
My heart raced as I climbed into the car. Who was she? Why was she watching us?
What scared me the most is that I didn’t get to see her face properly.
Or maybe it was nothing and I’m just overthinking always