The Werewolf Billionaire

Chapter Five

Finally, he managed to get her out of the hospital and into his car. Still feeling the tension between them after they made that eye contact.

He was nervous, he admitted. How could this average young lady be making him this nervous?

"I, um, hope you're feeling alright. I'm really sorry about the accident. I didn't see you coming." He apologized.

"Well, congratulations on finally noticing me now. And yeah, I've had better days, but I'll survive." Adele replied with a little smirk on her lips.

"He wasn't all that bad," she thought.

He looked relieved, she wasn't all that rude anymore.

"That's good to hear. Do you need anything? Water, maybe?"

"Nah, I'll pass. But you know, next time, try to keep your eyes on the road, not your daydreams." she said while shrugging.

"Fair enough, you got me there. Look, I feel really bad about this whole thing. Can I at least take you home?" he offered.

She rose an eyebrow.

"Home, huh? That's cute. But sure, why not? I'll take you up on that offer, Mr. Good Samaritan." she paused.

"Where do you live?" she proceeded to ask.

"Oh, well, I actually live just a few blocks from here. It's pretty close." Orion replied.

"Great, so you can't drive a car without hitting people, and you can't even give proper directions? Wonderful!"

Orion blushed. He couldn't understand why he was blushing at a mere woman's words.

"I swear I'm not always this bad. Look, I'm really sorry about earlier. I promise to drive more carefully from now on," he replied.

She waved it off.

"Save your apologies. So, tell me, Mr. Not-So-Bad-After-All, what do you do when you're not running people over?"

"Oh, nothing so much or fun, I just work at my family's company."

"You're just full of surprises, aren't you?" she said, teasingly.

"I guess you could say that. So, what about you? What do you do when you're not dodging reckless drivers?" he replied, playfully.

He enjoyed her presence, she knew how to keep the conversation going. Not only was she gorgeous, but she was funny and interesting too.

Adele leaned back, trying to avoid the question. She didn't have a job. She decided to follow what she loved the most; Art. Unfortunately, it felt as though that was the biggest mistake she had made in her life.

"Oh, this and that. Nothing too exciting. So, tell me more about you. Got any hidden romantic secrets in there?" she managed to reply.

"Well, maybe a few. But I can't reveal all my secrets just yet." Orion said looking down, a bit bashful.

"You're holding back, huh? Mysterious, I like that. But let me guess, you're probably a sucker for a woman with a tough exterior but a soft heart, right?" she said, smirking.

Orion was blushing again.

"You could say that. There's just something intriguing about someone who's sarcastic and strong, yet hides vulnerability underneath it all."

Adele's expression softened for a moment, then she quickly put on a smirk again.

"Well, aren't you perceptive? You should try your skills at becoming a detective."

Orion laughed.

"Maybe I should consider it. But seriously, I really would like to take you home. It's the least I can do after causing you this trouble." he offered again.

Adele hesitated for a moment then deflected.

"Alright, alright, you win. But don't expect a love poem out of this or anything."

"I wouldn't dream of it. I'll just be glad to know you're okay. So, it's settled then. I'll wait until you're ready to leave, and then I'll take you wherever you need to go." he said, smiling.

"Fine, but don't expect a friendship bracelet or anything sappy like that. Deal?"

"Deal. No sappy stuff, I promise. Just a ride home and a newfound cautiousness on the road," he replied.

On their way to Adele's home, the two continued bantering and chattering on.

They arrive at Adele's rundown home, and Orion can't help but notice the sad state of the place as he helped her up the stairs that were nearly falling apart.

"Nice place you got here." he said, trying his best to be polite.

"Oh, it's a dream come true. A real fixer-upper," she replied, sarcastically.

He felt guilty again.

"Look, about the accident. I promise I'll take care of any expenses for your injuries and damage. Why don't you just follow me home? At least there I can look after you properly. Do you even have anyone to look after you if you stay here? What if you need something?"

She began to build up her wall and became defensive again.

"Look Mr. follow-me-home, I've been through worse situations. I don't need your help or pity."

He hesitated.

"You know, if you want, I could stay for a bit, just to make sure you're okay."

She softened slightly.

"You don't have to, really."

Orion looked at her genuinely.

"I want to. It's the least I can do after hitting you with my car."

Adele smiled faintly.

"Suit yourself."

"The interior of her home was way worse than the exterior," Orion thought as they walked in.

As they walked into her living room, he was greeted by an overwhelming sense of neglect and decay. The exterior paint, once vibrant and inviting, had faded and peeled, revealing the worn and weathered wood underneath. The roof appeared patched and tattered, suggesting numerous leaks during rainy days. Overgrown weeds and unkempt grass surround the house, adding to its neglected appearance.

As he cautiously entered, the creaky floorboards protested under his weight, the once polished surfaces now dull and scratched. The air inside felt stagnant and musty, suggesting poor ventilation and a lack of fresh air. The faint smell of mildew permeated the atmosphere, hinting at a history of water damage left untreated.

The furniture, if it can still be called that, was a motley collection of mismatched pieces, each showing signs of heavy wear and tear. The upholstery on the old sofa was threadbare and stained, the cushions deflated and uncomfortable. The coffee table stood wobbly on its uneven legs, and its surface was marred by years of use without proper care.

The walls, once painted in warm tones, now bear faded patches and scuff marks. Cobwebs dangle in forgotten corners, and the dim lighting only added to the gloominess of the interior. Dust clinged to every surface, indicating that cleaning and maintenance have been neglected for quite some time.

The kitchen was a sight of disarray. The cabinets were chipped and peeling, their handles loose or missing. The sink was stained, and a dripping faucet added an annoying soundtrack to the disheartening scene. A sparse collection of mismatched plates and utensils sat haphazardly in the cupboards.

The only nice thing about the apartment were the paintings it was decorated with. A large canvas hanging in the living room captured a whimsical nature scene. The brushstrokes breathe life into a lush forest, where colorful birds take flight amidst a kaleidoscope of blooming flowers. The vibrant hues and dreamlike quality of the painting instantly draw the viewer into a magical world.

In the kitchen, a playful pop art painting infused the space with energy and nostalgia. Drawing inspiration from the iconic pop art movement, this piece featured bold colors, comic book-style graphics, and imagery of popular culture icons.

He had to compliment how beautiful the paintings were to Adele. He watched her blush.

But he still regretted agreeing to her staying her with no assistance. He couldn't let her stay here. He wouldn't let her stay here.