THEIR BROKEN MATE

CHAPTER 5- SAMILA.

"Were those guys twins?" My initial thought upon encountering both of them in the entryway was a question that reverberated in my mind, their resemblance strikingly uncanny. In retrospect, it occurred to me that I could have embarked on a more sensible conversation, perhaps commenting on their striking similarities rather than inexplicably inquiring about the presence of a dog.

However, my train of thought quickly derailed when they informed me that they, in fact, did not own a dog. My perplexed mind then sought an explanation for the mysterious noises that seemed to permeate the surroundings, rationalizing it as perhaps the neighbor's doing. Nevertheless, Charlie, one of my enigmatic new employers, had an explanation that was best left undiscovered at that particular moment, likely because of my status as the new recruit.

Despite the curious turn of events, I reasoned that it was not my place to pry into my bosses' personal affairs. If they deemed it appropriate to divulge such information, they would do so in due time. Moreover, I couldn't help but notice that these men exuded an undeniable attractiveness, a fact that both intrigued and disconcerted me.

As they stared at me, their expectant eyes seemed to implore me to ask questions or initiate a conversation, but I was determined not to stir up trouble on my very first day of employment. This job was of paramount importance to me, offering not only an incredible salary but also the precious gift of time, which I yearned to spend with my beloved Pilar. Thus, I maintained my silence, forcing a reassuring smile onto my face to mask the jumbled emotions coursing through me, a turbulent mixture of nerves and a burgeoning attraction.

Summoning the strength to speak, I finally addressed them, a feeble attempt to bridge the awkward gap in our conversation. "I've come to inform you that the food is nearly ready. Would you like me to arrange it in the dining area or on the kitchen island?"

Daniel, ever the soothing presence, offered a response that dispelled some of the tension lingering in the air. "The kitchen island suits us. It will make cleanup more convenient. What do you think, Charlie?"

Charlie, though he concurred, emitted an undertone of tension in his voice, hinting at the mysterious complexities that surrounded their lives.

Relieved that I had navigated this precarious situation without incident, I discreetly retreated, making my way to the kitchen. Their hushed conversation echoed behind me, further deepening the intrigue of my enigmatic employers.

I came to an abrupt halt, my curiosity piqued, yearning to eavesdrop on the conversation of my new bosses. However, a sense of decorum and the inherent rudeness of such prying ears deterred me from lingering. So, I decided to distance myself, stepping away from the intriguing discourse unfolding behind me. Yet, in my retreating footsteps, a fragment of their exchange found its way to my ears, uttered by the unmistakable voice of Danny, who declared, "I can't wait to taste her food; it smells divine." Those words, innocent as they seemed, cast a ripple of tension upon Charlie, visible to any discerning eye.

Charlie's discomfort was palpable, manifesting itself through the tautness of his shoulders, the agitated tic in his jaw, and the clenching of his fists. Observing this display of unease, I couldn't help but conclude that being alone with him might not be the wisest choice, though the undeniable pull of attraction still simmered beneath the surface.

In all honesty, both of them sent shivers down my spine, but Charlie inspired a deeper trepidation than Daniel. The question of how to address them loomed in my thoughts, exacerbated by Daniel's insistence that I use his first name, while I remained skeptical that Charlie would extend the same privilege.

As I meticulously arranged the final elements of the meal on the table, the two of them strode in, with Daniel's arm casually draped over Charlie's shoulder. Charlie, still adorned in his suit, appeared distinctly irate, a stark contrast to Daniel, whose goofy smile appeared almost comical in comparison.

"I'm almost finished," I informed them, placing the dishes before them as they claimed their stools. Daniel, in his characteristically easygoing manner, encouraged, "No need to rush; take your time." However, when I dared to meet Charlie's gaze, he fixed me with a piercing stare, resembling someone feverishly solving a complex equation with my presence as the elusive variable.

I couldn't help but wonder about his sudden shift in demeanor. Why the sudden change? My brow furrowed in perplexity, an expression I failed to mask quickly enough, for Danny noticed and discreetly elbowed his brother, accompanied by a hushed utterance that escaped my comprehension but was met with an infuriated glare from Charlie.

As Danny redirected his attention to me, his congenial smile returned, and he reassured me, "Don't mind Char here. He's usually on his best behavior, but today, I suspect he's got a bee in his bonnet. I'm the perpetually grumpy one." His statement invoked a deadly glare that had been directed at me mere moments ago.

Danny, the grumpy one? I couldn't help but harbor doubts, thinking he might have things a tad mixed up, or perhaps he simply failed to recognize that his brother embodied the role of the ill-tempered individual.

I yearned for the mere sight of his elusive smile, a deep-seated desire intertwined with the belief that it held the power to ignite an ineffable brilliance within his eyes, rendering him irresistibly captivating. There I stood, a silent observer, across the expanse, bearing witness to the intricacies of their brotherly camaraderie. On the surface, they may have appeared as if they were constantly at odds, an illusion of discord, but deep down, I harbored the conviction that should any external threat encroach upon their sanctuary, they would coalesce into an indomitable force to be reckoned with.

The connection they shared, so inherently beautiful, painted a grin across my face - a genuine, uninhibited, and perhaps slightly foolish grin. It was a rare occurrence, a smile born of unadulterated joy, one that I had seldom experienced since the day I welcomed my daughter into this world. Indeed, the memory of her birth was the last moment of such radiant happiness, apart from the times I spent with Pilar, who was presently growing at an alarming pace.

Lost in contemplation, I often drifted into reveries of what my life might have been like had I been blessed with siblings, be they brothers or sisters. Such musings seemed to have the power to draw attention, for it was in one of these thoughtful moments that I sensed eyes upon me. Gazing upward, I met their gazes, but it was not a mere glance. No, they saw beyond the façade I had skillfully crafted over the years, penetrating to the heart of the real me.

"You should grace us with your smile more often," Danny chimed in, his words weaving an image of my smile as radiant as the sun striking the gilded edges of a sacred temple. "What were you thinking about? That smile reached your eyes, lingering for more than five precious seconds," he continued, inadvertently erasing the smile he had just praised.

Even Charlie, who had been perpetually scowling, had temporarily abandoned his usual demeanor to regard me with a sense of wonder. My gaze shifted from one brother to the other, and I cleared my throat, attempting to regain my composure.

With an air of composure, I announced, "Everything is set. Please, savor your meal." My intention was to gracefully make my exit, allowing them to enjoy their dinner. However, Charlie's unexpected words halted me in my tracks.

"You should join us," he declared, an invitation I had not anticipated coming from him. I began to formulate a counterargument when Danny interjected, concealing his own surprise at his brother's uncharacteristic generosity. 'That makes two of us,' I mused silently, recognizing that Charlie's unexpected kindness had caught him off guard as well.

"Absolutely, you should unquestionably consider joining our gathering. You devoted a substantial chunk of your precious morning hours meticulously toiling in the kitchen, conjuring culinary wonders for our delight. Allow me the privilege to invite you to occupy this vacant seat," he warmly insists, gesturing towards an unoccupied stool with grace and enthusiasm.

Just as I'm about to assert my culinary role, a response that aligns with my employment, Charlie interjects once more. "Beyond your culinary talents, I aspire to know you on a more personal level, as my trusted housekeeper. I originally intended to conduct your interview, but an unforeseen twist of fate materialized. This poor fellow here," he points toward a somewhat sheepish Danny, "was meant to attend to an urgent meeting but was hindered by an untimely bout of illness."

It dawns on me that Danny, despite his unwell state, was presiding over my interview. I can't help but express my concern. "Why didn't you inform me of your ailment? I would have gladly prepared a comforting bowl of soup for you," I inquire, directing a sympathetic gaze toward him.

Charlie, however, interjects with a statement that initially perplexes me, "I'm certain he's more than okay, in fact, he appears to be in exceptional health." While this remark leaves me bemused, it clearly holds some significance for Charlie.

Danny retorts with a jest, "Had I known you'd be willing to play the role of the attending physician, I might have been more forthright. Alas, I didn't wish to distress you by insinuating the possibility of contagion. Now, please, have a seat and let us relish the delectable feast you've crafted." His smile is warm and inviting as he pats the stool in a welcoming gesture.

With a nod of agreement, I gracefully traverse the kitchen space, arriving at the stool placed at the end of the island. Danny obligingly shifts to make room for me, allowing me to assume the position between the two of them.

As I initially take my seat, a wave of apprehension washes over me. However, as the trio begins passing dishes brimming with tantalizing delights and filling their plates with portions seemingly exceeding one's capacity for consumption, I gradually find myself easing into the convivial atmosphere, more than ready to partake in the feast laid out before us."

Regret gnawed at me like an unrelenting predator, whispering that I should have seen it coming. Deep down, I knew his true intentions all along. He didn't care about me; he merely coveted the paltry sum I had, a meager resource he could squander on his vices, whether in the pursuit of gambling or drowning his sorrows in liquor. It was painfully evident now, as I lay sprawled on the cold, unforgiving floor, each blow landing upon my stomach with merciless precision. My voice, weak and quivering, struggled to form words of apology, yet the question lingered like a specter: Apologize for what? I had lost sight of the reason, desperately yearning for him to cease this merciless assault.

Then, as if emerging from a cocoon of distress, a gentle and comforting voice reverberated in the confines of my mind. "Shh, my dear, you're safe now. He can't inflict harm upon you any longer." This soothing presence jolted me out of my nightmarish memories, tears streaming down my face. When had I even started crying? How had I ended up nestled in Danny's lap on the couch? When had we relocated?

Desperate to regain my composure, I made a feeble attempt to rise, to distance myself from the tumultuous past and its haunting echoes. But there, the hands clasped firmly around my waist refused to release their grip, like an unyielding fortress of support. "Relax, my dear, I've got you. No harm can befall you now," Danny's reassuring words echoed like a lifeline. It was the first time in an eternity that I allowed myself to let go, if only for a fleeting moment.

The sensation of being held, cradled in safety, was a revelation. It was the kind of solace I yearned to hold onto, as if clinging to a lifebuoy in the tempestuous sea of my existence. The world outside may have been a tempest of chaos, but in this haven of refuge, I yearned to preserve this feeling for an eternity, a respite from the torment that had haunted my life for far too long.