After Rose accepted his offer, Arias picked up his phone from the table and led the way to the bathing area where the Jacuzzi was located. The setup was impeccable: various bottles of fine liquor lined the edge, along with a small case of neatly tucked cigars. Rose, who had already begun undressing, looked around and nodded approvingly.
"I see why so many girls love rich playboys," she joked, though she genuinely appreciated the luxurious setting.
Arias gave a faint smile as he began to undress, revealing his finely chiseled body. Rose watched with curious eyes, her grin growing wider.
"Okay, now I believe you used to be a killer," she commented, her gaze trailing up and down his well-defined physique. His body, which had been impressive even before his reconstruction, was now in a league of its own, naturally appealing to anyone who appreciated physical perfection.
Arias wasn't one to put on a show, so as soon as he was undressed, he stepped into the Jacuzzi and placed his phone on the side, still expecting some calls. Rose, who was still in her tight black and orange suit, stood at the edge, half-dressed. "Are you planning to enter with your clothes on?"
Taking the hint, Rose grinned. "Well, you are the boss. Wouldn't want you firing me for not following orders, now would we?"
She unzipped the lone zipper that ran from her neck, down between her breasts, and stopped just above her lower region. Arias poured two glasses of whiskey as he watched her strip.
"Bold of you to work without underwear," he remarked when he noticed that Rose had nothing on beneath her skintight suit.
She giggled and replied mischievously, "Well, there's something exciting about moving around feeling nearly naked. It's liberating in a way."
Rose's hint at a light exhibitionist streak wasn't lost on Arias. He played along with her flirtatious banter, "What a kinky yet dangerous bodyguard I have, always ready for action."
Their exchange was light and teasing, each of them responding in a flirtatious manner. Rose, now fully undressed, revealed a body that bore numerous scars—a testament to her life as a trained killer. Arias observed her scars for a moment, his gaze causing her confident grin to falter. She quickly turned her gaze away, her confidence dwindling as the weight of her scars seemed to settle on her shoulders.
'She's still a woman, after all,' Arias thought. It was clear she was uncomfortable with the scars marring her body, something most women would struggle with. He had two options: show her care and empathy, which she likely lacked from Slade, or make her feel even more self-conscious. However, Arias chose a middle ground.
He extended a glass of whiskey to her and made a comment on her body, "So many scars and such a muscular build—I'm sure most men would be put off or disgusted by it. Good thing, unlike them, I find it compelling."
Rose's confidence wavered at his initial words, but the latter part of his statement made her raise her head again, offering him a forced grin as she accepted the glass. But she couldn't hide the signs of discomfort from Arias. 'Why try to pretend you're unbothered? Deep down, you seek approval, and that's what will draw you closer to me.'
Arias took a sip of his drink, his gaze still lingering on her body. The longer he stared without saying anything, the more uncomfortable Rose became—just as he intended. She tried to play it off by laughing, "Does my 'compelling' body leave you speechless? Well, you wouldn't be the first."
Her pitiful attempt at showing confidence was immediately seen through by Arias. She was desperate for approval, likely haunted by the negative thoughts others had about her body. Girls like her, who desperately sought acceptance, were often easy to manipulate. Even when given the approval they craved, they would doubt its sincerity, thinking it impossible for someone to not find fault with them where others had.
To keep her wrapped around his finger, Arias needed to show that he wasn't put off by her body, nor was he overly appreciative. He needed to acknowledge the clear flaws while still being accepting. This honesty would make her realize that he wasn't like the others, and she would likely draw closer to him.
Instead of offering her compliments or claiming he was speechless, Arias placed his glass down and beckoned her closer. "Maybe. Come beside me; let me see you from a shorter distance."
Rose, though nervous, didn't show overt signs of discomfort. She sat beside him, shoulder to shoulder, her D-cup breasts exposed to his gaze. She awaited praise, but it didn't come. Arias simply took a sip from his glass and said, "Light me a cigar, and help yourself to one."
Her mind whirled with insecurities. Did he find her unattractive up close? The thought caused her to frown, despite her efforts to maintain her composure.
"R-right," she stammered, trying to keep up her act. Cracks began to show as she lit his cigar and then one for herself. The silence that followed only deepened her discomfort, making it clear to Arias that she was ripe for the picking.
After blowing out a puff of smoke, Arias placed the cigar in the ashtray and wrapped his arm around her, pulling her closer. His eyes locked with hers as he tilted his head nearer. "Why did you go silent on me all of a sudden? Don't tell me you're shy?"
Rose, now unsure of what Arias thought of her, quickly denied being shy and tried to regain her footing. "Of course not, I was just thinking about what else the boss would like me to do."
She was practically offering herself to him, trying to please him. It was almost endearing, so Arias decided to reward her. "Good. Then let's play a game."