YIREN
I love bringing dreams to reality, and being forced away from it has me itching for some action. So, when Zian offered me the opportunity to redesign his penthouse, I couldn't say no. The list of his requirements and the short deadline? Bring it on! Challenges are my jam.
As soon as Zian sent his message, he dashed off to the airport, leaving his penthouse up for inspection. Conveniently, it was just across the street from mine, so I found myself at his door, iPad in hand, ready to dive into the task.
A smile blooms on my face as I step inside the condo—what a breathtaking blend of modern and vintage design! I love my job, especially when clients like Zian take my suggestions seriously.
I started taking notes, exploring the five thousand square feet of stunning space when suddenly—
Thud!
The sound jolted me from my thoughts, and I nearly dropped my iPad. My heart raced as I glanced toward the guest bedroom door. I didn't recall Zian mentioning anyone else being here.
Grabbing the first thing I could find—an iron skillet—I tiptoed towards the bedroom, ready for anything. The jangle of the doorknob indicated someone was about to emerge. I hefted the skillet over my shoulder, adrenaline coursing through me.
"What the fk?"
As the door cracked open, I was met with the sight of the most infuriating man on the planet—Jun—wearing nothing but a towel and an annoyed expression. My heart raced for reasons I hadn't anticipated, primarily because he was naked and the towel was hanging dangerously low.
He's clutching my wrist in an iron grip. The adrenaline rush I felt moments ago steadies at the sight of his toned chest—tattoos I'd only glimpsed before now stretch from his corded arms to his shoulders. I can't help but let my gaze wander to the trailing water droplets trickling down between two devil wings tattooed on his pecs, disappearing into the towel.
V-cut abdominal muscles lead my thoughts into dangerous territory. God help me, I can only imagine what's hiding beneath that towel. I can bet my non-existent billion-dollar wealth he is carrying a weapon of destruction.
Heat flushes my cheeks, and my fingers itch to touch just once. Either I'm out of my mind or desperately craving something I shouldn't.
"Should I start charging for the view?" he quipped, a smug grin tugging at his lips. My eyes snap up, praying my body or face isn't showing any signs of my reaction. He shows me one of his annoying grins that always gets on my nerves.
Dammit, he knows I like what I see.
"Let me guess—10 out of 10?"
I forced a laugh, trying to mask my embarrassment. "Average. I'll rate it three."
"Bullshit." His gaze flickered down before snapping back to my face.
What? I followed his gaze and yelped as I realized my traitorous nipples were visibly reacting to the situation. I instinctively covered them, blushing furiously.
"AHHH!" He jumps back, hopping on one foot, clearly hurt by a frying pan I didn't realize I was still holding.
"S-Sorry—" I stammered.
"STAY AWAY." He retreats further.
"I'm sorry—" I step closer, but he jumps back again. I hastily reach for his ankle, trying to see what's broken.
Bad move. His balance gives out, and he falls onto his ass. In an attempt to catch himself, he grabs me—and I fall right on top of him.
"Yiren, what the fk?" he grunts.
"I'm so sorry! I just wanted to help!" With one hand on his chest for balance, I try to regain my composure when suddenly, a furry body jumps on my back, sandwiching me against Jun again.
"Seriously, fuck!" Jun lets out another grunt, flattening against the floor.
"Oh, shut up!" I exclaim, looking over my shoulder. A certain little exuberant bear is excitedly licking my face, tail wagging, trying to find his way between us.
"NO! Bear!" Jun yells, scrambling to keep the towel in place. "Get off! We're not playing!"
Chaos ensues.
What followed was utter pandemonium—us trying to wrangle Bear off while I attempted to untangle myself from Jun. His wet skin and the slippery rug are not helping, and he's desperately trying to keep that damn towel in place. With all the twisting and turning, it felt like a slapstick comedy unfolding in real-time.
The pinnacle of this disaster strikes when Jun shoves us off. I roll aside, landing flat on my back. But Bear takes it personally and barks, darting between Jun's legs, snagging the towel in his mouth, and running out of the room.
The shock!
The pure horror!
Oh god!
"AHHHHH! YOU'RE NAKED!" I scream, scrambling backward, hands instinctively covering my eyes. I crab-crawl my way out of the room, hitting my head against a table, then the bed, then the door. "OW, OW, OW!"
Why do rich people keep so many things in their rooms? Oh right, I designed this place. Crying emoji.
"Jesus fk. Open your eyes and crawl away, you mad woman!" Jun's voice is a mix of embarrassment and irritation.
"Hide it!" I shout, still shielded.
"It's attached to my body, for fuck's sake! I can't just shove it under the rug!"
"JUN!"
"YIREN!"
"Your Dic—"
"Don't say that word!"
"The little wiggly worm—"
"Three steps 3'0 clock, and 2 steps 12'0 clock. Now get the fk out!"
I crawled out like my backside was on fire, my heart racing from embarrassment and laughter. How did I get into this mess?
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