"The mansion was named the Raven Hall by a British architect in the seventeenth century. Yes, it is that old. You will hear things here, creaks and shrieks, whispers, but if you brace your heart and not fall for temptations, you will be fine."
Felix speaks in a spooky tone, much like the storytellers in a children's channel. I raise my eyebrow and ask him, "Are you trying to scare me?"
"You should know that you are going to live in the oldest mansion in this town and it is not safe to wander. Especially at night. If you hear something, whatever it is, do not come out of the room to investigate."
Art nods and joins Felix in his lecturing session. "We will keep you safe, but it is wise not to get into some sort of trouble."
We walk down a brightly lit corridor. French windows open the view towards the vast estate outside, quite similar to our family home. The walls are adorned with oil paintings of various men and women, previous owners of the mansion. The decor on this side of the mansion matches the Victorian style, again something very similar to my home. I tear my eyes from the walls and assure them, "I will try my best not to trouble you, or get into a problem that I cannot solve."
The room I have been given is in the east wing. It is spacious, nothing too special, but very open. "We guessed you'd like an airy and open space for yourself."
"Thanks," I say and watch Felix. "Do you want to say something?"
His eyes change from a schoolboy's wonder into a grown man's wisdom. He inches closer to me. "There is something I want to confirm," he says in a low voice.
"Felix," Art interjects in a warning tone.
"Why, aren't you curious?" Felix keeps on moving closer. His eyes find mine. I see danger in those deep blue eyes. Nervously I avert my eyes, but it's a mistake. My eyes fall on his lips. His beautiful, pink lips, and thin yet delectable, inviting lips make me think of acts I have never taken time to imagine before. My cheeks start heating.
"Wh-what is it?" My voice trembles.
"Are you blushing now? I have never seen you blushing before," his words tickle the soft and sensitive skin under my ears. His lips touch my left ear, soft and gentle like a feather, but potent enough to set my body on fire. "I just want to know something."
"What?" I whisper and wish he does not say something I am not ready for. I have never been so close to any man who is not my blood. There was a time when I fantasized about it. I don't remember when I stopped that. It was probably my obsession with Aunt Josette that erased every pleasure or thrill a teenager enjoys.
And now, this sudden proximity with Felix has ignited the feelings that seem alien to me. I don't know what to do with this strange heat in the bottom of my belly. I am scared of it, yet I want more of it.
For the first time, I observe the details in his features. His skin is smooth and blemish-free, so much so that it makes me feel embarrassed of my own dry, patchy skin. There is a twinkle in his deep blue eyes, and the blue of his eyes is not something I have ever seen before. It reminds me of the sky after a rainstorm. In the deep of my mind, every rational thought starts to blur, and unmentionable images materialize.
Can he come a little closer? Close enough, so that I can hear what his heart sings about?
Regardless of my feelings, he asks me the question, and I am thrown into a shock.
"Francesca, have you completed our group project?"
For a single moment, my brain processes the question, and the way the question is asked. The context of it and what should I say. Slowly, my body returns to its normal state and I frame my answer in my head.
"I have, but I have not added any extra name to it, and I will not."
He did not expect this answer. His reaction confirms my doubt. "Huh?"
There is a wave of realization in his eyes, something that leaves me with utter satisfaction. And then I notice, how awkward it becomes when a handsome man strikes a seductive pose and meets sudden confusion. He stands over me, trapping me in his personal space, but his face is that of a child who has been denied candies.
"First hour of my stay here and you're already breaking the most important condition," I say, pushing him back. "Do not invade my personal space without my permission."
"Is it okay if I take permission?"
I ignore him and move towards the doors. My right hand rests on the door and my left hand points an accusatory finger at him. "If you are going to behave like this, then I will leave."
"You know, there are members in this family who wouldn't utter a single word of objection if you leave," says Felix.
I sigh. "Members like Rayo and Orion?"
Felix glances at Art, who is not happy with the new direction our conversation is taking.
"You're safe here, Franny," he says, sending a slight glare at Felix.
"Safe, but unwanted," I mutter and walk towards my bed. Suddenly, I want to lie down. cover my head with the sheets and never see the Sun again.
"You are wanted, but maybe not the way you'd expected." Felix sounds apologetic.
"Relax, it's going to take you some time to settle in your new home." Art chuckles and leaves the room. Felix follows him like a shadow.
What did he mean by my new home? I am going to live here for only a couple of days, right?