His Crode Clutches

Ride me!

|| Author POV ||

Rosa’s eyes roamed over the closet, filled with clothes. He arranged everything for her. Was this what he meant by taking responsibility for her?

How long was she going to stay here?

She was here out of sympathy, right?

Rosa didn’t know how she would ever repay him for everything he had done, but she would find a way.

Living here felt like a constant weight on her shoulders, as though she was a burden to him. But did she truly have any other choice?

Shaking off her thoughts, she searched for something simple until a dress caught her eye. A soft smile appeared on her lips.

A few moments later, Lilia gently combed Rosa’s hair, her fingers working with care. She then helped with light makeup, enhancing Rosa’s natural features.

“You look beautiful.” Lilia beamed, watching Rosa gaze at her reflection in the mirror.

“Did you tell him you’re going to your friend’s birthday?” she asked, tilting her head curiously.

Rosa met her eyes through the mirror and gave a small shake of her head. “I was thinking to.”

Lilia smiled warmly. “Have fun, then. I’ll get going now.”

Rosa felt quietly thankful, glad that Lilia had insisted on helping her.

“Thank you so much.” Rosa whispered, her eyes soft with gratitude.

“You’re most welcome, my dear.” Lilia said, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder before stepping out.

---

Rosa peeked out of her room, her mind swirling with thoughts. It felt necessary to inform him, didn’t it? After all, she didn’t live in her own home, but in his.

It seemed right, it felt like she needed his permission, like an obedient little girl asking for approval.

It’s not like he’d stop her from going, but still.

Rosa stood in front of the large door, fingers clutching the small gift bag. Slowly, she raised her hand and knocked.

Gripping the hem of her dress, she stared at the door, waiting… until she heard a soft click.

She swallowed. The door swung open, revealing him.

Tall and Intimidating.

Her eyes met his, lips parted just slightly when she noticed his numb gaze on her, draining all her strength. She couldn’t speak.

Meanwhile, his gaze lingered on her small figure. Killian looked like a giant before her. Rosa looked impossibly small, barely reaching his chest, standing at 5’2” while he towered well above 6’4”.

Killian’s eyes were sharp as he scanned her from head to toe with silent precision.

The soft sky-blue dress wrapped gently around her petite form, tiny pearls twinkling on the shimmering fabric that flowed just to her knees. Two thick strands of her hair were pulled back and clipped neatly, her light makeup giving her a delicate, almost doll-like appearance.

Rosa’s fingers curled tighter around the fabric of her dress, clutching it as if it could steady the chaos inside her. His eyes, so dark, so cold, were fixed on her.

How was she supposed to speak when he looked at her like that?

“Where are you going?” His voice came out rough.

Rosa shakily exhaled. “Y-you know Aria… from my class? It’s her birthday.”

Her doe-like eyes, laced with nervous innocence, unknowingly sparkled as they met his piercing blues.

Rosa felt her heart losing its grip on sanity under the intensity of his gaze. He was staring at her like a predator eyeing his prey, like he might eat her alive without a second thought.

No trace of emotion touched his sharp features. A perfect poker face.

Feeling small under his gaze, Rosa thinned her lips and looked down at her feet, gripping the hem of her dress to keep her hands from trembling.

“I won’t stay long, I-I promise.”

Her voice grew smaller toward the end, her wide eyes flickering with hesitation as she met his unblinking gaze.

“Wait here.”

Killian mumbled coldly before turning and walking back into his room, leaving her puzzled and frozen in place.

Rosa stood like a statue, clutching the small bag, her heart was beating faster. It didn’t take long before the door creaked open again, and he stepped out, startling her.

“Come with me.”

Killian instructed before she could even look up, his voice firm. He didn’t wait for her reply before walking past her, heading down the stairs. Rosa hesitated for a moment, then followed without a word.

She stared at his broad back. So he went in to grab his jacket? Will he give me a ride? she thought.

The soft jingle of keys caught her attention, her gaze dropping to his right hand where they dangled loosely, echoing softly with each step down the stairs. In his other hand, he held his jacket. ‘Why isn’t he wearing it? It must be cold outside.’ she thought.

As soon as they stepped out of the mansion, Rosa’s body stiffened. The icy air hit her skin like a wave, brushing against her bare arms and exposed neckline.

A violent shiver ran down her spine and goosebumps rose instantly, making her freeze in place.

She swallowed, watching him walk further. Despite the freezing chill that stiffened her body, she quickly took small steps to catch up, her breath visible in the cold air. She moved until he stopped near his car.

Killian glanced over his shoulder, his piercing blue eyes met hers. Rosa stood there, her lavender gaze wide and her body shivering in the cold.

The discomfort was clear on her face.

His expression remained unchanged. Without a word, Killian stepped toward her and settled the jacket over her shoulders.

Rosa blinked in surprise, feeling the warmth of the jacket surround her fragile frame.

A sudden masculine scent immediately hit her nose, a mix of musk and cedarwood. For some reason, her cheeks flushed red. Her heart fluttered sweetly in her chest.

Her breath faltered. It smelled like him, captivating, addictive, and all-consuming, like a part of him clinging to her.

Killian averted his eyes, ignoring the little girl who was staring at him with those soft lilacs. He turned back to open the car door, and when she didn’t move, he glanced back again.

Rosa was standing there motionlessly, his jacket hanging down her shoulders and her eyes were still on him.

“What happened? Why are you just standing there?”

His voice was rough as usual, the vocal cords grazed dangerously.

Rosa couldn’t form any words. Her eyes lingered on him softly. She was dazed. The scent of his jacket consumed her senses. Emotions swirled in her chest.

“Are you going to ride me?”