Chapter 115: Soft Whispers of Temptation
"What an infuriating job," Rose muttered slowly.
"This mouth of yours," Rylan said, his voice low and teasing, "could easily get you into trouble."
Before Rose could process his words, he did something unexpected. Leaning closer, he bumped his forehead lightly against hers. His nose brushed against hers, and for a fleeting moment, his lips hovered dangerously close to hers.
Rose’s eyes widened in shock as her breath hitched. She immediately pulled back, her cheeks burning in embarrassment. She had met many men but never this type, especially not one like him—so bold, so confident. A rush of heat surged through her, but she quickly masked it with a scowl.
Rylan smirked, clearly enjoying her reaction. "So, tell me," he said smoothly, "do you accept the job?"
Rose hesitated, her mind racing. She didn’t know why she felt so thrown off. Maybe it was the way he’d been looking at her all along, or perhaps it was how his touch had seemed to linger even after he pulled away. She forced her thoughts to focus, ignoring the fluttering in her chest.
"I’m not... I don’t usually do this kind of work," she said, her voice uncertain, but there was an edge of defensiveness in her tone. "But considering you really need someone—and you’ve given me a place to stay—I couldn’t possibly leave here to work somewhere else. Not when you need help."
Rylan rolled his eyes, smirking at her roundabout way of admitting defeat. He could see right through her stubbornness. She was reluctant, yes, but she was not the type to abandon someone when they were in need, no matter how much she tried to hide it.
"I accept the job," she muttered, folding her arms tightly across her chest, turning her gaze away from him. She didn’t want him to see the vulnerability in her eyes. It was bad enough that she had agreed to work for him, but to admit it so openly? It made her feel weak.
But Rylan wasn’t done. His smirk widened as he leaned back and added, "That’s not all."
Rose blinked, her stomach sinking. "What do you mean?"