CHAPTER 17
ALEXIA P.O.V
I looked up—
Straight into those familiar emerald eyes.
Deep.
Endless.
Like an abyss that pulled me under every single time I stared too long.
His scent wrapped around me—dangerous, intoxicating—making it hard to think.
That's when I noticed—
His hair.
Wet.
Droplets of water slid down his face… down his neck… falling onto my skin.
He had just come out of the shower.
And he was wearing nothing but a loosely tied bathrobe.
My breath hitched.
I could see—
No.
Focus, Alexia.
Reality crashed back in.
The position we were in—
Way too close.
Way too inappropriate.
I quickly tried to steady myself.
"I—I'm so sorry, Mr. Slade," I stammered, struggling to stand properly on the slippery floor. "I didn't mean to come in here. I promise—it won't happen again."
My heart was racing.
My thoughts a mess.
"I was told to—"
Before I could finish—
My foot slipped again.
"Ah—!"
I lost my balance completely, falling backward—
But not before grabbing onto him.
The next second—
Cold.
Freezing.
Shocking.
I had fallen straight into the bathtub.
"W-what—?!"
The icy water sent a jolt through my entire body. Instinctively, I held onto him tighter—
And then—
Everything stopped.
Because suddenly—
His lips were on mine.
My eyes widened.
We were—
Kissing.
For a moment, my mind went completely blank.
It felt like electricity surged through me, spreading from my lips to every part of my body.
Overwhelming.
Unfamiliar.
Terrifying.
And then—
I choked.
Actually choked.
Mortifying.
I pushed him away immediately, scrambling out of the tub, soaked from head to toe.
My hair clung to my face, my clothes dripping, my thoughts completely scattered.
I couldn't even breathe properly.
Cold wrapped around me instantly, making me shiver as I hugged myself.
Then—
Warmth.
A thick towel was draped around me.
I looked up at him—
Then quickly looked away.
I couldn't face him.
Not now.
Not after that.
Without saying a word, I walked out of the bathroom, aware of him following behind me.
I was still freezing.
I needed to change.
And there was no way I was going downstairs like this—
Not to face them.
Not after what just happened.
"Wear this."
I blinked as something landed in my hands.
His clothes.
An oversized sweater.
Of course it was big.
Everything about him was.
I didn't argue.
I couldn't.
I went into his wardrobe to change.
And just as expected—
The sweater hung loosely on me, stopping just above my knees. The sleeves swallowed my hands, but at least…
I was warm.
I stepped out—
And froze again.
He had changed.
Black trousers.
Nothing else.
His bare torso illuminated faintly by the moonlight.
Defined.
Sharp.
Unfair.
"Stop staring," I muttered to myself under my breath, forcing my eyes away.
"Thank you, Mr. Slade," I said quickly, fidgeting with my fingers. "For your… hospitality tonight. And I'm really sorry for everything—the… mischief earlier, and the bathroom incident. I promise it won't happen again."
Silence.
I glanced up.
He was just staring at me.
Unreadable.
"What was that name you called me?" he asked suddenly.
I blinked. "Huh?"
Then it hit me.
Oh no.
"…Mr… Robot," I muttered, lowering my head slightly.
A soft hum left him.
"Was that your first time?" he asked.
I froze.
"…First time what?"
"Kissing."
My face burned instantly.
"No," I said quickly, looking away.
A scoff.
"Try harder when you lie."
I didn't respond.
I was too tired.
Too overwhelmed.
"Mr. Slade," I said softly, "I'll be leaving now."
He didn't stop me.
So I left.
Downstairs—
Silence.
Empty.
"Hello?"
No response.
"Did they… leave me?" I muttered.
Right on cue—
My phone buzzed.
Naomi:
Hey A, sorry we had to leave early. Clara drank too much and I started feeling tipsy too. Allen gave us a ride. Don't be mad, okay? Love you!
I stared at the screen.
"What?!"
So while I was upstairs—
Almost drowning in embarrassment—
They left?!
Unbelievable.
I huffed, grabbing my bag.
"Whatever. I drove here anyway."
I reached for my keys.
…Nothing.
I checked again.
And again.
My bag.
My pockets.
Everywhere.
"Where are my keys?"
Panic slowly crept in.
I asked the staff.
Nothing.
No one had seen them.
Great.
Just great.
It was already past midnight.
Walking home alone?
Not happening.
Calling a ride?
Risky.
Staying here?
…Absolutely not.
I was still trying to figure out what to do when—
"Ma'am," the butler approached politely, "after informing Sir of your situation, he has permitted you to stay the night."
I paused.
"I… see."
I didn't even ask.
But at this point—
I had no choice.
"Thank you," I said quietly.
"Please follow me."
I nodded and followed him upstairs.
He showed me into a beautiful guest room—simple, elegant, comfortable.
"Thank you," I said again.
"It is not me you should thank," he replied. "I only follow orders."
Of course.
I didn't have the energy to think about that.
The moment I lay down—
My body gave in.
Exhaustion took over instantly.
And within seconds—
I was asleep.
But just before I completely drifted off…
I felt it.
A presence.
Someone else in the room.
Watching.
I was too tired to react.
Too tired to care.
And just like that—
Darkness claimed me.