Undercover Desires

Territory

Krystal

I practically sprinted down the damn stairs, my hair still a little damp from the shower, because of course I’d overslept.

Shit.

Rounding the corner, I slowed my steps just enough to look somewhat composed before stepping into the massive dining area. Everyone was already seated—Mrs. Johansson at the head of the table, Travis across from her, and Ryland… right f*****g there, dark eyes pinned on me like he’d been waiting.

“Sorry, I’m late,” I muttered, sliding into the chair next to Travis.

Mrs. Johansson waved a hand, shaking her head with a soft smile. “Oh, sweetheart, you don’t need to apologize. You’re a guest, not a prisoner.”

I smiled sheepishly, grabbing the coffee Travis slid in front of me. “Thanks.”

“Sleep well?” Travis asked, amusement flickering in his gaze.

I took a sip before answering, “Yeah. Though, I knew you were rich, but I didn’t know you were this rich.”

That earned a round of chuckles from the table.

Except for one person.

Ryland was silent. Still. His fingers curled around his coffee mug, his gaze locked on me, unreadable, unwavering. The weight of it sent a shiver up my spine, but I refused to f*****g squirm.

“Have you explored the mansion yet?” Travis asked, dragging my attention back to him.

I shook my head. “Didn’t get the chance yet. I was thinking of heading out later, maybe checking out the neighborhood too. You free?”

Before Travis could answer, Ryland’s voice cut through the air like a blade.

“I’ll take you.”

Silence.

I blinked, unsure I’d heard him right.

Travis turned to him, brow arching in clear f*****g shock. Mrs. Johansson glanced between the two of them like Ryland had just offered to donate a kidney.

Travis let out a low whistle, leaning back in his chair. “You offering to help now? That’s new.”

Ryland didn’t even look at him. His gaze stayed locked on me, unwavering, intense as all hell. “Just being nice.”

My breath hitched slightly, my fingers tightening around my coffee.

Bullshit.

But hell, if I wasn’t intrigued as f**k.

Travis shot me a knowing look, but I ignored it, clearing my throat. “Alright. Sure.”

Ryland’s lips curled slightly, a ghost of a smirk, but he said nothing more. Just lifted his coffee to his lips, took a slow sip, and then stood. “Tell me when you’re ready.”

And with that, he f*****g walked off, leaving me staring after him, anticipation curling in my gut.

Damn it.

This was going to be interesting.