Devin
She's moving in today.
This morning, I saw Aurora on my tablet. Thanks to the security camera I was monitoring, as she came into my mother's mansion.
She wore a mask of a delicate tulip flower, fascinated by the mansion design. She tailed after the butler, Walker, pushing the luggage cart.
Behind that mask was a woman made of steel.
Aurora left every staff she got in contact with murmuring to themselves. She had been super friendly, greeting with bright smiles, making a vulnerable impression.
Disappointment crawled up my face.
This version of her was not part of the subscription I settled for five days ago.
When she showed up for dinner in an outfit that could send a man on his knees, worshiping her like a fucking goddess.
The image of her curves in that dangerous sequin white dress; revealing her cleavage, along with the fire in her eyes that night, is still etched in my memory.
Aurora and Walker were at her door; I was in her room.
She disappeared from my sight when she came in.
I turned around to find her standing still.
Her smile turned upside down; there was no fire in her eyes now, and it pissed me off.
The plum satin kaftan blouse and wide-legged pants she wore highlighted her slender figure, waking up an unwanted heat in my gut.
Her presence made my body react in a way it did with no one else, and she was my enemy.
" This room belongs to you."
Her suite was three rooms away, which felt distant but was actually near.
One of her brows rose." Then why are you here?"
"There's no harm in greeting you face-to-face."
I closed in on the gap between us, towering over her.
" So no shared rooms until marriage." She played with the chain on her neck. "How kind of you; it's difficult to believe you're such a gentleman."
"It's difficult to believe that you aren't interested in sleeping with me."
A small smirk curved my mouth as warmth climbed up her neck and reached her face in one rush.
"I never said I wanted to sleep with you." She stated, " You must be unaware that sleeping in the same room before our wedding night is a scandal. A disrespect to my parents. A sin."
She's the religious type.
" You're a Catholic, perfect." I dipped my head towards hers, " You can abide to my rules."
" Rules?" She asked.
Inhaling her sweet pineapple fragrance as I moved on with my unscripted intention.
" There would be no dates, sweet treats and flowers."
Aurora couldn't back away, pinned against the pivot wooden door.
Surprise and confusion lingered in her eyes as my fingers caressed her jawline.
"Aren't we supposed to be courting?" She stared right into my eyes.
" This is a business arrangement, not a fantasy movie, buttercup."
I tilted her chin up; her skin was creamy, like milk poured on glass. Almond-shaped hazel eyes full of hope with tiny freckles dotted across her nose and cheeks.
" I take back my statement of you being a gentleman." My gaze hovered over her rosy, plump lips.
The heat in my gut traveled up my stomach
" Delete every thought you might have of us falling in love, living happily ever after on an island. It will never happen."
I trailed my finger down; grabbing the back of her neck.
Shivering under my touch, she blurted out, "How romantic."
" No outdoor activities until we are official to the public." Aurora's deep breaths became labored and thin. With one slight shift from her and our lips would touch. "Have you heard me?"
"Of course, I'm not deaf as you are to your feelings."
I ignored her wry insult and continued, " And when we are the gossip on every magazine in public, then we can play the perfect match. We can smile for the camera, attend events together and pretend we are fond of each other."
I reached down her waist, pulling her close.
The air between us was thick with electricity. It caused my skin to sting, tensing my muscles and increasing the blazing fire in my stomach.
"You do know how to make me head over heels in love with you." Her insults were like darts fired at a steel amour.
Sharp yet I felt nothing.
" I'm being flexible." My voice dropped to a deadly calm. I released my hands of her body and stepped back with a sheepish smile. " Welcome to my mother's home, buttercup."
Aurora's eyes sparkled with uncertainty.
" The housekeepers will unpack your bags; if you'd excuse me, you are in my way."
She remained quiet, moving to the side, looking straight into thin air.
I left without waiting for her response.
The warmth of Aurora's skin lingered on my palm as I marched past the hallway to my mother's office.
*********
I switched on the lights; my fingers brushed the textured wall as I walked to the kitchenette.
The nutty aroma made my brain tingle with anticipation as I poured the grounds into the ceramic mug.
The electric kettle hissed; I mixed the steaming water with milk in a separate glass, adding two drops of vanilla extract. I poured the mixture into the mug and sprinkled in salt. An old habit I couldn't break.
I took deep breaths after the coffee burned my throat.
A moment of peace from the chaos. I gazed at the vacant office chair; it reminded me of where I came from and the heritage I need to build.
I was aware I needed to conquer my bad habits and prevail.
I picked the tablet up and rang Steven.
" Hey, Boss." He asked, his voice husky.
" I need you to run a background check on someone. Keep it confidential. "
" Who?"
" Aurora Fabian. I want every piece of information about her, down to every strand of hair she has."
He laughed in response, " If you want me to stalk her, you could walk up to her and ask for her number instead."
" No jokes, Steven. Get to work. " I said coldly.
"Take it easy, Boss. I'd work on it." I ended the call.
As an intelligent private investigator, owner of a luxury resort in Houston, CEO of the Apex Security Agency. Steven knew everything.
I will reveal the news of Marcel's blackmail shortly after he delivers her file.
He's the only one I can trust to track down and destroy all the evidence.
I glanced at the security footage once more, watching her being toured around the mansion with Walker.
With a champagne glass, she moved through my mother's home gracefully, her hair behind her.
Aurora was a nut I've longed to crack. She wouldn't be the first I'd deal with, and she wouldn't be the last.