In the morning, I woke up in his bed. I looked around and saw him—he was right next to me. One of his hands rested on my waist, and the other was tucked under my head. He was still asleep. I didn't remember how I had fallen asleep last night, but one thing was clear: he had feelings for me. No man would act like this toward a woman he didn't care about… or at least, like.
I tried to sit up, but his hand stopped me suddenly, and he woke up. He pulled me back gently, his voice deep and sleepy, "A few more minutes… please." It was the first time I'd ever heard him beg for something. I couldn't resist, so I stayed in bed a little longer. I watched his face, reaching out to lightly stroke his cheek. He kept his eyes closed, enjoying the moment. And in that quiet stillness, I realized something…
Is he really the "monster" and "bastard" I thought he was at first? He wasn't some cold-hearted villain—he was just an unloved child… that's all he needed.
I pulled his hand off my waist gently and stood up, heading toward the bathroom. By the time I came back, he was fully awake.
"Why didn't you let me go last night?" I asked, still curious. I wasn't sure if he would tell me the real reason, though.
"Because I wanted you to stay. That's the whole reason." His voice was steady. Then he added, "In fact, that's the first night this month I've slept properly."
He unbuttoned his shirt, and I quickly turned to face the wall, covering my eyes.
"Oh… so, you have trouble falling asleep?" I asked, my voice laced with curiosity.
"Kind of…" he replied. There was something vulnerable in his tone. My gaze softened.
"Oh… I'm sorry," I said quietly.
He smiled, just a little, before starting to get ready for work. I hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Have you ever loved anyone?"
"Why do you ask? Interested in me, darling?" He sounded amused, and I couldn't see his face, but I could tell he was smiling.
"Are you done changing?" I turned around to find him already dressed in his suit.
He raised an eyebrow, considering my question. "What kind of love are you asking about? Family? If that's the case… I don't really know what love is. But if you're asking if I've ever loved a girl…" He looked me directly in the eyes. "Let's just say, yes."
I wanted to ask who it was, but the question felt too personal, so I stayed quiet. "Got it… So, what do you need me to do today? For work, I mean."
I yawned, covering my mouth with my hand and then flopping back down onto the soft bed. I stared at the ceiling, waiting for his response.
"You're going to take a break from work today," he said. My eyes widened, and I quickly shot up from the bed.
"What? But I've barely done anything! Do you want me to die of boredom or something? What do you expect me to do with all this free time?"
I was genuinely disappointed, but before I could say anything else, he stopped me with a calm voice.
"We're going to get you some new clothes and whatever else you need. You've been wearing the same ones for days, and I think you deserve something new. Plus, you did great with the work I gave you earlier. Consider it a reward."
"At least I'm getting something for working and not just being a slave," I said sarcastically. He chuckled slightly.
"Oh, dear… is it really that bad here?" he teased.
I rolled my eyes, exasperated. "WHAT DID YOU JUST SAY?! I could go insane! I've been here for days already with no one to talk to, except you!"
He grinned. "Isn't that great? Just you and me… how romantic, huh?" His smirk returned, and he spoke in that usual deep, calm tone.
I glared at him, my expression deadpan, making it clear I wasn't amused. He raised both hands in mock surrender. "Okay, okay, I get it."
"Anyways," I said, changing the subject, "Do you want to take me out into the world? Aren't you afraid I'll just run away?"
His response was unexpected. I froze, then fell silent.
"I'll put handcuffs on you and attach them to my hand," he said matter-of-factly.
"Romantic, isn't it?" he added, his usual smirk appearing.
I just rolled my eyes, unable to say anything else.