Aurora’s Pov
The journey through Ryan’s mansion felt endless. Every corridor, every towering wall, every flickering candle in its ancient sconces screamed of mystery and power. There was something about this place that made my skin crawl, not in fear, but in awe. The dark, gothic vibe of the mansion reminded me of a novel straight out of a dark romance book. If I weren’t in pain, I might have taken a moment to admire it more.
When we finally reached Ryan’s room, my breath hitched. It was grand. No, more than grand. It was breathtaking. Massive windows framed by thick, dark curtains. A king-sized bed that looked softer than a cloud. Chandeliers that cast a dim, golden glow, giving the room an intimate, haunting beauty.
Ryan walked in without hesitation and gently laid me down on the bed. His touch was careful, almost too careful, as if I would break at the slightest pressure. He pulled a blanket over me, tucking it around my legs. His gaze softened as he looked at me.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
I smirked, even though it took some effort. “You’re such a romantic.”
His brows furrowed. “Stop.”
I grinned. “So, no one has told you that before? That you’re romantic?”
“Less talking, Aurora,” he said, his voice laced with warning.
I let out a dramatic sigh. “So, we’re doing that now, huh?”
I attempted to shift my body, hoping to stretch or at least adjust to my new surroundings, but the second I moved, a sharp pain ripped through me. Okay, maybe I wasn’t as healed as I thought. The burning sensation was enough to remind me that, yeah, I had almost died.
Ryan noticed immediately and shot me a disapproving look. “I have something to tell you,” he said, sitting on the edge of the bed. “No stepping out of this room without me. You don’t go anywhere. You don’t take unnecessary meals that could harm you. I’ll make sure the maids prepare proper food for you. And you are not to stand up from this bed.”
I blinked at him. “What if I have to pee?”
His expression remained deadly serious. “I’ll carry you.”
I scoffed. “Oh, please.”
Before I could argue further, my stomach let out a loud growl, betraying me.
Ryan’s lips curled slightly, almost as if he was amused. “Are you hungry?”
I immediately shook my head. “No.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Don’t lie to me, Aurora.”
And just like that, my heart stuttered. The way he said my name, it sent shivers down my spine. He said it with such authority, such ease, as if it belonged on his tongue.
He moved closer, his presence overwhelming. “How long do you think you’ve been unconscious?”
I hesitated. “I… I don’t know. A day? Two?”
His gaze darkened. “Six.”
My eyes widened. “Six days?!”
He nodded. “Yes.”
I swallowed hard. “How did you know I wasn’t dead?”
“Because your body still felt warm after giving you some herbs,” he said without hesitation. “And after the second day, your pulse came back stronger.”
I stared at him, my heart pounding in my chest. Six days. Six whole days unconscious, and yet, Ryan had never left my side. He had been watching over me, waiting for me to wake up.
“We had help from Selene,” he added after a moment.
I frowned. “Selene? Who’s Selene?”
“I don’t know,” he admitted. “She comes, she checks on you, then she disappears.”
His expression turned unreadable as he added, “And I need to introduce you to the person who saved your life.”
I didn’t know what to say. My mind was already racing, my emotions tangled. But one thing was clear, whatever was happening here, I wasn’t alone in it.
And maybe, just maybe, I never would be again.
“How come you don’t know who she is? I mean, Selene.”
“She practically saved my life. So how don’t you know?” I asked, tilting my head as I studied his face.
Ryan’s gaze didn’t waver. “I was focused on you, Aurora. No one else.”
His words sent a shiver through me. My fingers curled around the blanket draped over my lap, unsure how to respond to that.
Before I could say anything, a knock echoed through the room.
Ryan’s jaw tightened. “Come in.”
The grand doors swung open, and two young women stepped in, their hands carefully balancing silver trays of food. My stomach grumbled softly as the rich aroma filled the air. But my mind was still spinning.
Who was supposed to eat all this?
They approached the bed, keeping their heads lowered as they placed the trays beside me. Their movements were careful, calculated.
“Leave,” Ryan commanded, his voice sharp and cold.
The way he spoke was so different from how he speaks to me. It made the hairs on my arms rise. The girls flinched before bowing quickly and scurrying out of the room.
I frowned. “You shouldn’t be so hard on them.”
“I wasn’t.” His response was dismissive, as if the conversation wasn’t worth his time.
I sighed, deciding not to argue. My energy was better spent on the food in front of me. The sight alone made my mouth water.
“How and when did you get them to prepare all this?” I asked, raising a brow.
Ryan’s lips curled slightly as he picked up a tray. “I have my ways.”
Of course, he did.
As he moved the trays closer, I noticed something…. the height had been adjusted perfectly to my reach. A small detail, but one that made my chest tighten. Someone had thought of that. He had thought of that.
Ryan helped me sit up, his strong hands warm against my back.
“I’ll feed you,” he said.
I blinked. “There’s nothing wrong with my hands, boss. I can feed myself.”
Ryan didn’t even blink. “I’ll feed you.”
It was useless to argue. I sighed dramatically. “Fine, have it your way.”
His smirk was almost imperceptible as he lifted a spoonful of food and brought it to my lips. I took a bite, and the flavors melted on my tongue. He was gentle yet firm, making sure I ate enough.
At some point, I crossed my arms. “I won’t eat another bite unless you eat too.”
Ryan’s gaze darkened, as if I’d just challenged him. But after a long pause, he finally picked up a piece of fruit and took a bite.
“Good boy,” I teased, grinning.
His shot me a warning glare, but there was amusement in his eyes
I let myself relax, stealing glances at him as he ate. His sharp jawline, the way his hair framed his face, the effortless grace he carried even when doing something as simple as eating, it was mesmerizing.
He looked so effortlessly perfect, like a fallen angel with a dangerous edge.
“Ryan?” I called softly.
He lifted his eyes to mine. “Yes?”
I hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath.
“I want to have sex.”