Even though I had only ever seen him from afar, usually when he came to drop them off, I still recognized him immediately.
The features described in the novel were unmistakable—dark hair falling neatly over his forehead, sharp features carved with precision, and those deep, almost unreadable dark eyes that now rested on me with unsettling focus. He stood tall, broad-shouldered, his presence alone enough to make the already vast space feel smaller.
No wonder he sounded so scary over the call.
His gaze didn't waver, studying me intently in a way that made it hard to even breathe properly.
I had to say it. I needed to tell him I couldn't do this and leave before things got worse—but why couldn't I bring myself to open my mouth? Was it because I was already imagining his reaction? "Then why did you waste my precious time?"—that cold, irritated expression forming so clearly in my mind that it made me hesitate even more.
"Have we met before?" His voice broke through my thoughts, deep and cold
Huh?" I blinked, taken aback, finally lifting my gaze to meet his.
Up close, his eyes were even sharper than I expected—steady, observant, like nothing escaped them.
How could we have… when I belong to a completely different—
"I don't think so," I replied almost immediately, a small, unintended smile forming on my lips at the unfinished thought—something that would make no sense to him even if I said it out loud.
No, what are you doing..just tell him idiot.
Shaking my head lightly, I tried to gather myself.
"Uh—"
Is that so?" he cut in flatly, taking a step closer before I could finish, closing the distance just enough to make me aware of how intimidating he actually was up close.
"How old are you?"
"Eighteen."The answer slipped out before I could stop it.
"What?" For a brief moment, his brows drew together, a flicker of surprise crossing his otherwise controlled expression.
I should have just said nineteen… I would be in a few months anyway, and Jessie and Mark are older—it would've been fine.
Then again,
Nooo-what was I even thinking? It didn't matter. I didn't even want this job.
I looked up at him, almost expectant, a small part of me hoping—yes..yes that's it… reject me, kick me out.
Well… that's fine, I guess. It shouldn't be a problem."
…What?
The words came out without warmth, almost indifferent, but they weren't what I expected. I frowned slightly, confused, trying to read his expression but getting nothing from it.
What is he even thinking…?
"No… I—I can't do this job," I finally managed to say, my voice coming out weaker than I intended, like I was some lost puppy standing in front of something far more dangerous.
"What?" This time, he looked properly surprised. "Why is that?"
He stepped closer again, his height and build making the movement feel more imposing than it should have.
I swallowed, avoiding his gaze. "Because—"
The words died in my throat.
His hand had already reached out.
A finger slid under my chin, lifting my face before I could react.
"Huh—?" My brows lifted in pure surprise as my eyes were forced to meet his.
His gaze locked onto mine, sharp and searching, like he was trying to find something.
Jeez… what is it with these brothers and grabbing people's faces…
Then his hand shifted, fully cupping my face..his larger and calloused palm ..felt like covering my whole face , warm and firm, leaving me completely frozen for a second.
What is he doing…? I'm not Lily.
And then—
He stopped.
Just for a fraction of a second.
Something in his expression changed—subtle, almost unnoticeable—but enough to break that steady intensity.
And just as suddenly—He pulled his hand away.
Too quickly.
He cleared his throat, turning his face slightly, his composure slipping for the briefest moment before settling back into place.
I just stood there, completely confused.