Episode2
1092 Words
Anita’s POV
When Jerry's sharp green eyes met mine, my breath caught. He held my wrist firmly and unforgivingly.
"I’ll ask you one more time," he said in a dangerously low voice. "What are you doing in my study?"
With my mind racing, I swallowed. I was unable to reveal my secret. Not right now. I gritted my teeth and spoke in a voice that shook just enough to be credible.
I stumbled, "I… I got lost," I said. "I was looking for the kitchen and—"
Jerry's grip relaxed a little, but he held on tight. "Misplaced? in my study?"
I gave a brief nod. "Yes, sir. I—I made a mistake. I'm new here.
His angular features became unreadable as his jaw tensed. For a long moment, he watched me, searching for a break in my falsehood. I didn't breathe.
Then, eventually, he freed my wrist.
"Stay out of my office," he ordered coldly. "If I catch you here again, you won’t like what happens next."
I nodded quickly, my heart beating as I turned on my heel and marched out of the study. My hands trembled, but I forced myself to act normal.
I had barely made it out, but I wasn’t safe yet. Jerry Alfred was no fool. I could see it in his eyes that he suspected me. And that was risky.
I tried to avoid Jerry after my near-miss in his study. However, it was almost impossible to avoid him in this enormous but strangely deserted mansion.
I ended up at the main hall that evening after completing my tasks. The room's towering walls were dotted with golden shadows due to the low lighting.
Jerry had a glass of whiskey as he stood by the fireplace. I assumed he was unaware of my presence.
He had his eyes fixed on a painting.
It featured a female. Her smile was gentle, and her eyes were lovely. She was stunning. However, there was something about Jerry's gaze on her that chilled me.
Was it melancholy? Feeling sorry?
Curiosity winning out, I took a step closer. The silence was abruptly broken by Jerry's voice.
"You like spying, don’t you?"
I went cold. My throat tightened with each breath.
Slowly, he turned to me, his mysterious green eyes locking upon mine.
"I—I wasn’t spying," I lied hurriedly. "I was just passing by."
Jerry let out a chuckle, but there was no amusement about it. "All right. Similar to how you lost yourself while I was studying."
With heat creeping up my neck, I swallowed hard. "I didn’t mean to intrude."
He moved in closer. "Then stop sneaking around."
I nodded against my will. "Understood, sir."
Jerry gave me another long look and then returned his attention to the picture. With a racing heart, I hurried away.
However, one thought lingered in my head as I walked away.
Jerry Alfred was more than just an aloof billionaire. There was something—or someone—that troubled him.
I had trouble falling asleep later that night. I couldn't get Jerry's face out of my head as he looked at the artwork.
I had to know more.
In the hopes of catching another glimpse of the picture, I quietly slipped out of my room and made my way into the grand hall. However, I heard footsteps as I got closer.
I ducked behind a pillar in panic.
Jerry entered with his sleeves rolled up, shirt unbuttoned, and an unreadable expression. With a heavy sigh, he ran a hand through his dark hair.
I ought to have gone. However, I was unable to.
He was pouring himself another drink as I looked around the corner. It appears he was carrying a burden that no one else could see from the way he moved and the way his shoulders stiffened.
Then he turned abruptly.
Our gazes met.
A harsh breath came out of my mouth. My ears were racing with my heartbeat.
Jerry approached me with cautious, methodical steps.
"You don’t listen, do you?" He whispered.
My heartbeat was irregular as I pressed myself against the pillar. Now that he was so near, I could smell his perfume, which was a blend of alcohol and Musky cologne.
Silently, "I—I was just passing by," I said.
His mouth curled slightly. "Is that so?"
He reached up and brushed a flyaway hair out of my face. My breath caught.
The atmosphere between us changed for a second.
Then he retreated as swiftly as he had entered my personal space. "Go back to bed, Anita."
I swallowed hard and nodded. I quickly turned and left, but my legs felt weak.
What just took place?
After that, I was unable to sleep. Every scene in the hallway was replayed in my racing head.
I went about the mansion because I needed to clear my brain. With only the sound of my gentle footsteps on the marble floors, it was strangely quiet.
I ended up close to the indoor pool. The air smelled like chlorine and something else, something heady, and the lake glistened in the moonlight.
I didn't hear the footsteps behind me since I was so absorbed in my thoughts.
"Couldn’t sleep?"
I whirled around, gasping.
Jerry watched me from where he stood. Wearing only a loose white shirt and dark sweatpants, he was barefoot.
I cleared my throat. "I—uh—needed air."
He grinned. "You seem to need a lot of things."
He moved forward before I could reply. "Ever been in a pool at night?"
I blinked. "What?"
He suddenly reached out and grabbed my wrist, drawing me close.
As I struck the water, I let out a startled yell. The chill took my breath away from me.
I came up gasping. "Are you insane?!"
Jerry's laugh was rich and deep. "Maybe."
I glared at him while splattering water at him. "You’re unbelievable!"
His words, "You looked like you needed a distraction," came as he swam closer. "Did it work?"
I wanted to feel angry. However, I felt sick to my stomach because of the way he was staring at me and the way the water was dripping from his dark hair.
I felt a surge of heat as his fingers touched mine beneath the water.
I went cold.
We were only a few inches apart. His eyes strayed to my mouth.
Would he?
The tension in the air increased. I was having trouble breathing.
Would he kiss me? Or did he simply play a game like this?
- Writer
