Under the Mistletoe

Unfamiliar

I awoke in an unfamiliar room, the soft light of the morning sun spilling through large windows, illuminating the space in a warm glow. Panic coursed through me as I took in my surroundings, my mind struggling to piece together the fragments of last night. The room was luxurious, filled with rich furnishings and elegant decor, but all I could focus on was the unsettling feeling in my gut.

Glancing down, my breath hitched when I realized I was dressed in a large grey shirt that hung loosely on my frame. I quickly checked to ensure I still had my underwear on, relief flooding me momentarily. But then the dread returned—where was my dress? And what had happened to my bra? Who undressed me?

Memories from the night before flickered through my mind like a faulty film reel—Dan’s grip on my arm, the haze from the spiked drink, the adrenaline of running, and the warm presence of Benjamin? I grumble at my thoughts and the way my heart flips at the thought of him. I had not encountered Ben since the meeting. My thoughts were clouded, a chaotic jumble of fear and confusion. The knowledge that I had been drugged loomed heavy in my mind.

I pushed myself to sit up, but as I did, a massive wave of fatigue crashed over me, pulling me back against the plush bedding. A noticeable headache throbbed at my temples, sharp and blinding. I groaned softly, the realization hitting me like a freight train: I was too weak to escape.

“Where am I?” I whispered to myself, the words echoing in the silence. I needed to get out of here, to understand what had happened, but my body felt leaden, unwilling to cooperate. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself, but the weight of exhaustion pressed down like a heavy blanket.

I must have fallen back asleep after curling into a ball against the pain in my head. When I next aroused, a cold hand rested gently on my forehead.

“She will be fine. She’s just exhausted, the poor thing,” an unusual male voice spoke calmly.

“Thank you for coming,” a familiar voice replied, and my heart lurched at the sound. Benjamin. My mind raced, a whirlwind of emotions crashing over me. Could it really be him? Or was it just a trick of my imagination, conjured from the remnants of my fading consciousness?

I felt a mix of longing and frustration wash over me. Why was I so hung up on him? He was a big-shot CEO, light-years away from my reality, yet here I was, tethered to the memory of his warmth and strength. My heart fluttered at the thought, but I quickly chided myself. I couldn’t afford to get lost in fantasies, especially not now.

As the two men’s footsteps faded away, I was left alone with my swirling thoughts. The room felt suffocating, the sunlight streaming in only amplifying the isolation. I peeked through my lashes, desperate to catch a glimpse of what was happening, but it was empty.

Frustration bubbled within me. I needed to know where I was, what had happened, and whether Benjamin was really here or just a fleeting memory. As I sat up, the world tilted slightly, and I had to steady myself. Just as I was gathering the courage to stand, the door creaked open, and Ben stepped inside, his presence filling the space. He looked effortlessly handsome, tousled hair catching the light, and for a moment, his teasing smirk faltered as he took in the sight of me. My heart raced, and I felt the heat creep up my cheeks.

“Well, look who finally decided to wake up,” he said, his tone light but his distance palpable. “How are you feeling? You gave us quite the scare last night.”

I quickly shake off the remnants of sleep and the pounding in my head. “What happened?” My voice was hoarse, and dread settled in my stomach.

He approached, holding out a glass of water and some pills. “Here. Take this for the headache. You’re lucky I found you when I did.”

I took the medicine, our fingers brushing against each other, sending an unexpected jolt through me. “Thank you for saving me,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper, feeling a mix of gratitude and embarrassment.

He ran a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply. “What happened May? I thought you said you didn't go clubbing? I get you enjoyed yourself when we did it together, but you can't be that naive and go by yourself.”

Heat surged through me, turning my embarrassment into something sharper. “I was with Rachel! What happened really isn't your concern. I was safe. Just some things came up and I can take care of myself, you know.”

His eyes narrowed, frustration flickering across his face. “Rachel a friend I take it? Some friend she is to allow you to get drugged.”

I felt my anger flare, pushing back against the sheets. “You don’t get to lecture me! I didn’t plan for any of this to happen. I’m not some delicate flower that needs saving!”

He stepped closer, the intensity of his gaze locking onto mine. “Clearly you are after last night. You should be thanking your lucky star that you bumped into me and not some other creep.”

My breath caught, the tension thickening the air between us. “I am thankful. Thank you for saving me. But I really don't need this right now.” I rub my head as my headache begins to grow again.

“No you need to hear this. Its not safe for females to go to those tyoe of clubs alone, or with fake friends” he shot back, his voice low and urgent. “You could have been r***d or worse killed. Do you understand that May?"

“I’m not looking for a babysitter!” I snapped, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks.

“Clearly you need one. Next time you want to be reckless, how about calling me and I'll come make sure you are safe" he challenged, pacing closer to the bed. “Understood May?"

My face flushes from a mixture of emotions, embarrassment, desire, anger.

“I dont need a baby sitter” I said, heart racing, “I doubt ill ever set foot in a clhb again. And rachel is a good friend.”

His expression shifted to one of disbelief, and for a moment, the air between us crackled with unspoken words. “You are impossible,” he said, his voice low and intense. “I’m glad you’re feeling better, and I hope you learn something from this.”

I watched him, heart racing, as he stood looming over the bed with his arms crossed. He looked mouthwatering in that casual outfit, the way his shirt hugged his shoulders and the relaxed fit of his jeans emphasizing his lean physique. I felt warmth flood my cheeks and braced myself for my next question. “Where are my clothes, and who, um… undressed me?” I whispered, raising the blanket toward my face, feeling a mix of embarrassment and curiosity.

A small smirk danced across his lips, and a glimmer of mischief sparked in his eyes. My face grew hotter under his gaze, and then he let out a soft, gruff laugh. “My housekeeper, Marie, helped you change into something more comfortable. I also had my doctor check on you.”

I nodded shyly, trying to process his words and the situation. “Oh… okay,” I murmured, suddenly feeling exposed in more ways than one.

"Rest a while longer to get rid of that hangover,” he said, his tone softening slightly. “I’ll have Marie find you some comfortable clothes and get you something to eat.”

As if on cue, my stomach let out a loud rumble, mortifying me even more. I pressed the blanket closer to my face, trying to hide the heat of embarrassment that washed over me. Ben chuckled, the sound warm and genuine, and I couldn’t help but feel a flutter in my chest.

“Hungry?” he said, his expression shifting to a teasing smile. “I'll get Marie to make you something first.”

I gave him a reluctant smile, feeling both flustered and oddly comforted by his presence. “Thank you,” I said quietly, meeting his gaze. For a moment, the tension hung in the air again, something unspoken crackling between us, but he turned to leave, the door clicking softly behind him.