but it went by quicker than I had imagined. The flight attendant was polite and came often to ask if I needed anything. She even condoned my tinkering with the entertainment system and helped

f the limousine. It was already early evening, and I stared at the Quentin scenery as we passed it. I had been to the

was nothing

world in awe. Virgil allowed me to gawk in peace an

headed?" I fin

." He briefly loo

and slowed in front of a row of large and beautiful houses, I took several deep, calming breaths. The car finally stopped and a guy in a suit opened the doo

I was lingering on irrelevant t

ked in my surroundings. Mr. Rowe's house was made from light brick, and the vast

s through my hair nervously. I felt so out of place in midst of such grandeu

to understand this was the local

vous, Miss Taylor. K

hich of his words he wanted me to remember. He had said a lot of cryptic thing

eps to the front door. The door opened and a friendly old

"I hope the flight wasn't too taxing for you. I'm Laura, by the way,

sm. She seemed excited that I was t

to meet yo

fore turning to Virgil.

g. It was the most sincere display of emo

lways. It's great bei

illow's things here? I will have som

't have the energy to ruminate over the exchange about my luggage

Taylor, it is time for me to leave. It has been an absolute pleasure getti

the thought that the only somewhat fam

for me to check in with my team. As yo

ye and thank him for his help, but it seemed inappropriat

eaving out of the front door. In

icholas asked me to arrange dinner on the

Nicholas. I was hungry even though my anxiety was da

. I don't want an

ionately. "Very well, dear girl.

d along the wall. I held back the gasp at the extravagant chandelier hanging from the ceiling as

wall was lined from top to bottom with rows and rows of books. There was an expansive sofa set arranged comfortably for people to sit. I could just imagin

I turned slowly, tak

as no longer with me. I swiveled in the direction we had come through and

d laid my eyes on. His eyes glittered as he watched me, his lips curved up in a s

ttoned and rolled up at the sleeves to reveal his forearms. His arms were c

cial media as a thirst trap. His slacks hung low on his hips, perfectly showcasing his long legs. His stance was casual with one foot crossed in

effect he had on me. I checked myself t

e was staring into my soul. He had promised to take care of me, but he never spe

g as he drew o

nything? Is he waiting

e frame and slowly made his way to me. He was so g

finally meet

Still, I gathered my wits to take the hand he held out in greeting. W

ctricity that made m

yed my lips. I suddenly realized that I was biting my lip and it was bothering him. I released it

yet to s

or meeting m

. My breath hitched when his thumb stroked t

re is all m

s wreaking havoc on my insides. He could start an ASMR cha

e, call me

d bare