My Nanny My Mate

2.

Lost in my thoughts, I absentmindedly stepped into the intersection, too preoccupied to pay proper attention. The blaring of a car horn snapped me to attention, and I looked up just in time to see a luxury vehicle speeding towards me. Cursing under my breath, I stumbled backward, landing ungracefully in a puddle just before the car's path.

The car screeched to a halt beside me, surprising me. I half-expected it to speed away after such a close call. What astonished me even more was the person behind the wheel when the window rolled down.

Henry Luca, the CEO of WereCorp.

Henry was known not only for being the youngest CEO in the company's history and heir to the world's largest fortune, but also for his striking looks. Despite the hurt and anger coursing through me, I couldn't help but notice his chiseled features, powerful physique, and striking face.

Before I could voice my grievances about his reckless driving, he appraised me and tossed a handful of bills out the window, then revved his engine and drove off. The man who could have seriously injured me with his car had tossed me money like a beggar. It was a stark reminder of how arrogant werewolves could be.

I tossed the cash to the ground and got to my feet, muttering to myself as I realized the sorry state of my soaked and dirtied clothes. I'd need to scrape together enough change to get them cleaned at the laundromat if I wanted to continue my job search the next day. For now, though, drowning my sorrows seemed like a more immediate priority.

After walking a few blocks, I finally spotted a quiet-looking bar. I took a deep breath and smoothed down my stained shirt, then entered and approached the bouncer.

He scrutinized me, his eyes narrowing, and assessed my disheveled appearance. He even took a curious sniff of the air in front of me.

"No entry for humans without a member escort," he grumbled, arms crossed.

I frowned. "Member?" I queried. "I'm a paying customer. Can't I just order a drink?"

The bouncer shook his head, herding me towards the exit like I was an unwelcome guest.

"Is this even legal?" I wondered aloud.

"I won't stand for this!" I exclaimed, my voice rising. "You can't simply discriminate against humans like this! Is my money worthless here just because of..."

"She's with me," a firm and authoritative voice interjected from behind.

Both the bouncer and I swiveled around to see a man in a sharp suit standing on the stairs. Henry Luca. "She's with me."

The bouncer turned to face Henry, while I stood there, eyes wide with surprise. It dawned on me that the mysterious man who had helped me gain entry to the bar was none other than Henry Luca, the CEO of WereCorp. This was the same person who had nearly collided with me in his car, only to promptly toss me a wad of cash, as if I were a destitute stranger.

I considered making a hasty exit, but before I could act, Henry descended the stairs, dismissing the bouncer with a wave, and fixed his steely gaze on me.

"Come on," he urged, glancing out the door at the gathering rain. "Looks like it's going to pour again. You don't want to be caught in the rain, do you?"

Though there was a hint of condescension in the wealthy werewolf's tone, he was right. Rain had been a constant companion throughout the day, and it was already starting to drizzle once more. I didn't relish the idea of trudging home even more drenched than I already was. So, I wordlessly followed Henry up the stairs.

"You're still wearing those dirty clothes," Henry remarked in a somewhat chilly tone as we reached the top. "I gave you money to replace them. Why didn't you use it?" I furrowed my brow.

"I may be human, but I won't accept money from rude and arrogant individuals who toss it at me like I'm a beggar on the street."

Henry clicked his tongue, appraising me for a moment before turning abruptly to a woman nearby. She appeared a touch older than me and sported a plain black staff uniform. He mumbled something I couldn't quite catch, and she nodded, extending one arm toward me with a warm smile.

"Please, follow me," the woman said, her voice welcoming as Henry disappeared into the bustling heart of the bar. I stole one last glance at him before the woman gently led me upstairs to an exclusive room. As she unlocked the door and swung it open, my eyes widened in astonishment. The space was a treasure trove of opulent attire, a symphony of expensive clothing, footwear, and accessories.

"What's all this?" I inquired, turning to face the woman.

"We strive to offer the very best to our esteemed patrons," she explained, a warm smile gracing her lips. "This room is dedicated to our female clientele, a sanctuary for touch-ups, makeup adjustments, or even an outfit change in the rare event of a wardrobe mishap. It's not customary to extend this privilege to a... human, but given Mr. Luca's significant ownership in this establishment, you're more than welcome to select whatever you like. Please, take your time."

Before I could express further gratitude, the woman closed the door, leaving me in quiet seclusion. I surveyed the lavish garments and exquisite jewelry, a perplexed expression on my face. Was Henry Luca not as callous and overbearing as I initially thought? Did he harbor some remorse for our near-collision on the street and seek to make amends, or was this all part of some twisted jest?

Despite the turmoil from my boyfriend's earlier betrayal, this unexpected turn of events offered a chance to salvage the evening.

Emerging from the room, I was draped in a simple yet elegant black dress that flowed gracefully to my ankles. It embraced my skin in smooth silk, featuring delicate straps and a modest V-neckline. I paired it with strappy black heels and a matching clutch purse.

Descending the stairs beside the woman, my heart quickened. Henry's gaze lifted from his table, fixating on me. Time seemed to slow, elongating those moments until he eventually redirected his attention to the man beside him.

"To make amends for the earlier incident on the street, Mr. Luca has kindly offered to cover your expenses for the evening," the woman informed me. "This includes any drinks, food, and of course, the attire you've chosen. Please, feel free to take a seat at the bar."

I looked down at the elegant dress, a blush warming my cheeks. This was a far cry from my usual attire, and now it was mine to keep? I looked up to ask more, but the woman had already disappeared.

Taking a steadying breath, I ventured into the main area and settled onto a barstool. The bartender approached, ready to take my order.

"Um... Gin and tonic, please," I requested, fingers playing with the clasp of my purse. I glanced around, observing the other patrons engrossed in their conversations and drinks. A woman in a crimson gown graced a small stage, her fingers dancing across the piano keys.