It was almost like she’d turned over a new leaf in the short period of time she’d been here. Strange. However, her eyes were still as fiery as before, but different. I couldn’t explain it, but there was something about her that I couldn’t quite place my finger on.
She was more relaxed these days—fought less and obeyed more. Why? Why the sudden change in attitude? The girl was still wild, no doubt. However, for some reason, she’d taken a pause on making trouble and threatening to burn the whole house down.
Perhaps I liked the old her better; that was why I was starting to question her newfound loyalty. I watched her every move—down the halls, in the garden, and even in her room. Nothing was out of the ordinary. Just a captive trying to adapt to her reality.
Yet, there was still this void inside me that I couldn’t fill. Something felt wrong—even though everything appeared fine and things looked like they were starting to fall into place.
On several occasions, I’d caught her gaze lingering a little too long on some corners of the estate, including the exits and front gate. A possibility crossed my mind, and I thought, maybe she was taking in the details. Maybe the girl was plotting her escape—and to be honest, it would be fun watching her try to break out of this fortress.
Over the years, I’d learned to expect the worst possible outcome from every scenario. That way, nothing surprised mebecause I had anticipated everything before it happened. That was why I was always two steps ahead of my enemies.
This girl had proven that she wasn’t someone to be underestimated. She was a force to be reckoned with.
I could do my homework on her, find out who she really was. Yadda yadda yadda. But part of me seemed to enjoy the mystery surrounding her. Running a background check wouldn’t cost me anything, but where was the fun in that? Why ruin it when two could play this game?
I’d seen a lot of women in my time, but none of them had intrigued me like this one. She was different—fascinating, mysterious, and a puzzle worth solving. There was something about her that pulled me in like a moth to a flame. Maybe it was her fiery spirit, her unwillingness to break easily, or perhaps this new art of deception she portrayed.
Whatever it was, it was both intriguing and dangerous at the same time. Deep down, something warned me not to play too long, lest I get lost in the game.
She was a fire with no filter. I guess it was a good thing that I was better at burning than getting burned.
I had just come back from the office that evening and was walking down the hall when I turned a corner and ran into her. Our bodies collided in a split second, her gentle curves pressing against my torso. Soft.
So tender.
A strange warmth spread across my body after the collision. And when her feminine perfume drifted into my nostrils, a sudden chill ran down my spine.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t—” The words fell off her lips, her eyes rising to meet my gaze.
I watched her breath hitch and her brows narrow, almost like she was shocked that I was the man she’d bumped into. Afaint scowl flashed across her face, and she swallowed the rest of her apology. Literally.
A glint of defiance flickered in her eyes as she took a step back.
“You should watch where you’re going,” I said to her, my expression soft but blank.
“Funny.” She raised her brows. “You took the words right out of my mouth.” Her eyes locked onto mine, her voice soft yet sinister.
Silence.
I was speechless, especially by that challenging look on her face. This was the same person who’d apologized a few seconds ago, because she didn’t know who she’d bumped into. However, now that she’d found out, the crazy, wild girl decided I was undeserving of an apology.
No woman had ever spoken to me like that, cold and defiant. No one dared to. Yet, this little scoundrel looked me dead in the eyes and said what she said.
I should be offended. I should punish her. But instead, a faint smirk lined the corners of my lips, intrigued by her effrontery.
Watching her in silence, I absorbed the details I had previously missed. First of all, she was more beautiful than I had thought. Maybe this was because the night I bought her, she was covered in dirt and bloodstains. After several days of proper rest and a thorough bath, nothing was left to hide her true beauty.
Her pale skin simmered under the soft light, and her brown hair was piled up into a messy ponytail. Her stormy green-gray eyes held a glint of defiance and hatred, the kind that stirred something inside me.
My gaze hovered over her body as she stood before me barefoot, the hem of her dress grazing her alluring thighs. Myeyes flicked back to her face, discreetly tracing the curve of her mouth.
The air was charged with something strange, the kind of tension that I wasn’t ready to name. She held my gaze, refusing to look away—almost like she was waiting for my response. I said nothing and did nothing but stare at her with a hand in my pocket.
I was amused by this little stunt she pulled. And the longer my eyes bored into hers, the more awkward the silence between us grew.
Finally, I broke it.
“Careful, little scoundrel,” I began, watching her expression turn ugly. “Being sassy will only land you in trouble.”
