THE SPACE BETWEEN US

FRIEND OR FOE

*Selena's POV*

I slid my headset on, and just like that, all my problems melted away. I don’t even know why I love music this much — but I was obsessed. It was the only place I felt safe.

“AHHHHHHH....”

A tap on my shoulder scared me half to death. I swear I thought it was a lizard or a cockroach.

“Lizzy, what is wrong with you? You scared me,” I snapped, yanking off my headphones.

“You haven’t heard?” She gave me that gossip glow in her eyes.

“Heard what?” I asked, probably looking like a tired child.

“Young master is back,” she whispered, like we were plotting something.

“Which young master? Ma’am has two sons.”

“Elijah. Jake is supposed to arrive in the evening.”

“That was quick. I thought they weren’t due until evening.”

“Newsflash: he’s here now. And ma’am said she wants you to serve him. He’s in the dining room.”

I stared at her.

“Why didn’t you lead with that?”

“Oops, forgot,” she said, with the audacity to look innocent.

I bolted. Straight to the kitchen. The meal was already arranged on the counter. I took a deep breath, picked up the tray, and headed out.

“What took you so long, Selena?” Ma’am’s voice cut through the room.

“I’m sorry, ma’am. Lizzy didn’t tell me on time.”

“You’re always looking for one excuse or the other.”

“Motheeer... take it easy. She’s here, isn’t she? You know I’m more tired than I am hungry.”

That voice.

I didn’t dare look up. It melted over me like honey — calm, steady... almost safe.

I set the tray down and began serving. Small portions. Head down.

“Oh, sorry. I don’t take salmon.”

He stopped me just before I could place the fish on his plate.

I nodded, set his plate in front of him, and turned to leave.

“Uhm, please. I need a glass of water.”

Again. He stopped me right before I could escape.

All this while, I’d kept my eyes on the floor. But to hand him the water, I had to look up.

And he was even more handsome than the pictures in the house.

Honey-brown hair, perfectly gelled to one side. Porcelain skin. And his brown eyes — warm, disarming.

I mumbled an excuse and practically ran back to the kitchen.

He’d smiled at me like we were friends.

But I couldn’t be sure. Was he friend... or foe?

Especially with my mission here, I couldn’t afford to let my guard down. Not for anyone. Not for him.