Chapter 4

Images of blood and the unfamiliar sensation of lips against my skin plagued my dreams to the point that I shot up from my sleep with a cry, covered in sweat and just as panicked as before.

My hands shakily felt around my neck for any blood and when I didn't feel anything there, I looked around the room, finally noticing that I was back in my own room and all alone. So, was all of that a dream after all? What happened to Sasuke? Is he angry that I got sick in front of him?

My face burnt with humiliation as I remembered the embarrassing event. Of course I'd make an absolute fool of myself in front of a gorgeous guy like him. How will I ever be able to look him in the eye after that?

Not eager to think about it, I forced myself to return to my original issue: was everything real or had I simply dreamt it up? My eyes drooped with exhaustion even though I could tell it was evening time already. I'd slept all day. All of that blood had to have been mine if I was so tired after sleeping that long. My body must be trying to heal itself.

The memory of those swirling red eyes suddenly flashed past my vision and I squeezed my eyes shut, curling into a ball on my bed as I tried not to have another panic attack.

Everyone had been right. They'd all warned me about Itachi and I didn't tell anyone about him approaching me in Sasuke's room and look what happened. He's been back for one day and I've already been attacked. That can't be a coincidence!

After calming myself down, I rolled over and sat up in front of the window, the only place that helped me gather my thoughts in this unfamiliar place. What happened to Madara, though?

I put a cold hand to my forehead and tried to stop thinking about what happened because I didn't think my body could take much more anxiety, but couldn't pull myself from my thoughts. Why didn't Madara protect me from Itachi like he said he would? Could it be that the new arrival had overpowered his uncle that easily?

The lights of the city below looked like twinkling stars or lights, bringing me a small bit of comfort. I started to fall asleep once more whilst sitting up and sluggishly climbed back under the covers, hugging a pillow to my stomach to feel more secure. I'll have to ask Madara about what happened tomorrow.

Hopefully it was just a dream after all. Even as I thought it, I knew that it wasn't true. The pain had been too real.

I slept surprisingly well for the remainder of the evening, most likely still too exhausted from blood loss to dream much. Despite my terror and confusion about what happened, I forced myself to get up and begin my chores as though it were a normal day.

Once I'd freshened up and dressed, I headed downstairs to collect any laundry from the boys that may need cleaned. The winding halls of the castle were cold and silent. I flitted past the door to Itachi's room quickly and felt my heart beating in my ears as I tried to compose myself before facing one of the two princes.

To my horror, the door to Sasuke's room opened before I could even knock. The mysterious young man towered over me with his features back in their usual brooding expression. It comforted me slightly that the hesitant look he'd had before was gone. It didn't suit his handsome face in the slightest.

His dark eyes studied my face and I averted my gaze, trying not to think about the fact that the last time he saw me I was throwing my guts up, "Good morning, Sir. Did you sleep well?"

He didn't respond and I was forced to once again meet his eyes. His gaze danced down my body and back up to my face as though he was just now seeing me for the first time. Before I could speak again, he rumbled out a short, "Yes," before heading back into his room and throwing himself casually onto his bed, leaving the door open so I could let myself in.

After passing the threshold, I frowned with a hot face when I realized his room was nearly spotless.

Sasuke's room is always a mess and suddenly, after yesterday, it's not. The heat in my face left and dread slipped down my limbs. Did he, perhaps, clean up by himself so he wouldn't have to see me as long? I glanced at him and jumped when his eyes locked onto mine. Oh, crap. He's totally pissed, isn't he?

For the sake of my well-being, I tossed my pride aside and awkwardly bowed before beginning my apology, "I'm sorry a-about...before, Sir."

His eyes danced over my appearance once more and I felt super conscious of every flaw I had, "I don't know what you're talking about."

My mouth fell agape and I was tempted to speak further, but he lifted a cover-less book and buried his face in it: effectively ending the conversation. The fact that he directly addressed me when he hadn't before led me to believe that he did, in fact, know what I was referring to and simply didn't want to talk about it. Again, multiple members of his family had warned me that he's short tempered and I don't want to witness that firsthand.

The room tense and quiet, I nodded to myself and steeled my nerves to continue my work. Since he'd cleaned up a bit, I finished in his room much more quickly than usual and was headed toward the door with a few used bath towels in my arms when his deep voice rumbled out from behind me, "Come back to this room after dinner." It wasn't a request, but an order.

My face felt as though it had paled, blushed, and then paled again, but when I turned to look at him he still had his face in the book. Like a robot, I stiffly exited the room without another word, fearful that I wouldn't be able to speak in my state.

Once I shut the door behind me, I jetted down the hall and stairs until I finally reached the laundry room. After closing the lid to the machine and feeling it start up under my hands, I stared at it as I tried to collect my thoughts.

The Uchiha princes are extremely sexual beings. Even if I didn't know that they like to sleep around a bit, I could tell just by looking at them. Sasuke wouldn't expect me to have sex with him, right?

I crouched down and hugged my knees, leaning forward so my forehead was against the machine as I delved deeper and deeper into a panic. Of course I want to have sex at some point in my life, but I've known him for less than a week!

I don't want to do...that, but will there be punishment if I reject him? What if I'm just making myself nervous for no reason and he actually just wants to talk about yesterday?

I took a few deep breaths to calm myself, a habit I was quickly becoming more acquainted with. That's right. When I compared myself to that beautiful redhead that I'd caught leaving his room, I'd say she's a ten and I'm a two. There's absolutely no way he'd have any type of interest in me.

I tried to keep my mind preoccupied for the rest of the day while I worked, but it kept straying back to Sasuke and if he wants to have sex with me. I tried to convince myself earlier that I wasn't attractive enough for him, but then I started thinking about if he would even care about that type of thing. What if he just wants to use me tonight because all his other girls are busy?

I dropped things and tripped over stuff all day as I went back and forth in my mind. Honestly, I was kind of grateful for the distraction because I surely wouldn't be able to function if my thoughts were instead focused on the attack.

It was soon dinnertime and we were all gathered at the table for the meal. Mikoto had finally told me that she and her husband cook most of the meals and quite enjoyed doing so, which is why they rarely have kitchen help. They previously seemed inhuman to me, so realizing that they have normal hobbies helped me not feel so nervous in their presence.

I glanced over at them as I wiped my sweaty palms on my lap. It was obvious to any that saw the pair that they were head over heels in love. Fugaku was a fierce and stern man with a soft spot for his adoring wife. Mikoto obviously knew this and took advantage of the fact to get what she wants, but you could tell she truly appreciated everything he does and Fugaku doesn't seem to mind either way.

Madara complimented their cooking and I forced myself to return my gaze to my plate. I thought I'd be able to confront the older royal about my attack, but now that we're in the same room I was too scared.

"Is there something wrong with your food, Dear?"

I jumped as I felt Mikoto gently brush my hair out of my face, her touch and voice motherly. Almost everyone was staring at me so I quickly shook my head, "No, Ma'am. I suddenly don't feel very well and seem to have lost my appetite. I'm sorry..."

Fugaku glared as Mikoto put a cold hand to my forehead, "You are a little warm. Why don't you head upstairs and I'll wrap your food in case you get hungry later."

I nodded and gave her a small smile of thanks and she patted my head lightly, "I'll have someone check on you later to make sure you're alright."

Nervous because I could feel multiple pairs of eyes on my back, I rose from my seat and went upstairs. One pair in particular burnt hotter than the others and I knew it was Sasuke's...or maybe that was just my imagination.

Instead of climbing into bed like I probably should have, I opted to run a bubble bath so I could try and relax before going to sleep. After stripping my body of every piece of clothing and starting the steaming hot water, I looked at my reflection in the large mirror by the towel cabinet.

The once dark bruises that littered my limbs were now a faint yellow that was on the edge of blending into my tanned skin. It's been less than a week since my arrival at the castle and I could already barely recognize my reflection. My skin, once in a constant state of uncleanliness, was clear and smooth. My once dull green eyes seemed many a shade lighter than I remembered. Perhaps the lighting made them appear different.

Everything else on my body was actually starting to look normal instead of malnourished. Yes, I was still much too skinny but I could tell that my breasts were starting to fill out. Unfortunately, they'll always be small, but they looked much nicer than before.

My gaze drifted down and I teared up when I realized that my legs, arms, and torso were also starting to look healthier. I can't get used to this: the food and clothes. After my sentence is complete, I'll be sent back to my family in the slums and my body will revert to its original form once more.

Wiping at the few stray tears that managed to fall, I brought my eyes up to inspect my neck. Not a single scratch or mark marred the clear skin there. So, had everything really been a dream? The glowing eyes flashed past my vision once more and I cringed, looking away from the mirror in terror. Goosebumps rose on my skin and I shook my head in an attempt to push the traumatic memories away then climbed into the bubble bath.

After washing my body and hair, I relaxed and let the simmering water ease my aching body. Maybe Mikoto was right and I was a bit sick and the whole incident was simply a lucid dream.

I thought about how I could approach the conversation I needed to have with Madara as I admired the bathtub, sinking lower until the water was just under my nose. I don't know if it's right to call the baths in this castle tubs because they're large enough, both in depth and width, to be small swimming pools. Even if I stood straight up, the water would still reach my shoulders at its deepest part.

"I didn't expect you to follow directions this poorly."

My shriek was interrupted by water flowing into my mouth and I soon erupted into a fit of coughs. Through my struggle to breathe, I realized that Sasuke was leaning against the towel closet with his muscular arms crossed and an irritated look on his godly features. How long had he been standing there before he spoke?

He didn't even bother averting his gaze once my airways were clear and I met his eyeline head on, instead he narrowed his eyes. Thankfully, I'd gone a little overboard with the bubble bath solution and it was impossible for him to see any part of my body underwater. That doesn't mean I was comfortable with him being in the room as I bathed though.

I sank as low as I could without going under, trying to keep a hold of my nerves, "S-S-Sasuke! What are you doing in here?" My polite act was swiftly fading as the prince antagonized me.

He didn't respond, instead he watched me try to reach the towel I'd placed on top of the closed toilet seat and fail since I would have to come out of the water to do so. My attitude was slowly rising to the surface and I barked in embarrassment, waving my hand in a shoo-ing manner, "Get out of here! Are you crazy?"

His dark eyes hardened and he uncrossed his arms, a small act that came off as both incredibly terrifying and attractive. I pulled my arm back under water and moved as far away from him as possible while he approached the bath.

There was a biting sarcasm on his lips as he spoke, "Why, Miss Haruno, when did your tongue get so sharp?"

He was mocking me. It was obvious he realized that my manners had been an act when I lost my temper. I mentally slapped myself for letting my temper get the best of me. I tried to swallow the snarky reply that came out, but it was too late to go back, "I wouldn't expect someone like you to understand anything about me." A venom I didn't know I was capable of coated my every word.

Regardless of how beautiful his appearance was, my words rang true. He and his family have been very kind to me considering the reason I was here, but they're also directly responsible for the terrible state of my town and upbringing. They've let a lot of bad things happen to a lot of good people.

He took his time processing my words, black eyes searching mine with a guarded look. I couldn't help but admire the hard planes of his face as it was rare for him to look at me so directly and for such a long period of time.

Before I could realize what was happening, he'd removed his shirt and was unbuckling his belt. A shriek of disbelief came from me and I fumbled to turn away and cover my eyes, "What the hell!?"

Moments later, I felt the water move as he entered the bath and my whole being heated up. Lord God, please tell me he's not naked. All was silent for a moment and I dared a peek through my fingers. Sasuke had his arms resting casually along the edge of the large bath with his eyes focused directly on me.

This was a challenge. He's challenging me. I stubbornly forced myself to appear relaxed and sank back down into the bath with everything but my head under the bubbles.

For what felt like a few minutes, we stared at each other silently. The bath was large enough that both of us could be in it like this and not be touching, but it would take very little effort for him to corner me if he wanted.

My face was burning hotter and hotter with both humiliation and reaction to the steam in the air. Before long, I was becoming light-headed and starting to worry I'd faint. Just as I was about to give in and try my luck reaching for my towel again, he finally broke the silence, "Let's make a deal."

My heartbeat fluttered at the informal tone with which he was speaking to me for the first time, but I quickly masked my shock and waited for him to continue.

"You can drop your formal act around me if you agree to sleep in my room from now on."

The situation became null to me at that moment and I glared at him with disbelief, "Why would I ever agree to that?"

In a blink, he was directly in front of me with an arm on either side of my body, trapping me against the back wall of the tub. The blood drained from my face and the fear I'd felt during my attack was creeping back up my spine.

He wouldn't hurt me, right? Our bodies weren't touching, but if either of us moved an inch they would. His eyes were dark and brooding as he brought his face mere inches from my own.

Gone was his amused smirk and a dangerous scowl accented his inhuman appearance instead, "My bedroom has a lock on the door. Yours doesn't, Sa-ku-ra."

My insides did something weird when he said my name like that and I felt that if I moved a muscle I'd definitely faint. Just moments ago I thought I was going to die of heat-stroke, but my whole being became cold at what his words insinuated. So he was lying earlier when he pretended not to know what I was talking about. The attack really happened.

Tears rose to my eyes and I felt my limbs start to shake nervously. He had to notice how scared I was, but didn't give me any space.

"Well?"

Despite how terrified I was of him at this moment, I thought about why he would offer me something like this. I didn't sense anymore annoyance from him and even if he wasn't giving me space I could tell he didn't have any intent to harm me. Suddenly, everything clicked and my nerves calmed ever so slightly.

I let out a sigh as I realized what was actually going on, thinking back to what Madara had told me. The twins had both been in love with their previous housekeeper, only to lose that love when Itachi raped and murdered her. The guilt of not being able to protect a loved one from such a terrible fate must be eating him alive.

My heart ached for him and I nearly lost my nerve, but then I remembered that the two sleep with different women all the time. They couldn't have been that serious if they moved on so quickly and carelessly.

As I searched his steely gaze for any sign of danger, I reconsidered. He probably thinks that if he's able to protect me, it'll somehow make up for the fact that he couldn't save her.

Against my better judgment, I slowly nodded. His breath was cool on my face despite the heat in the room and there was a long pause. His eyes danced down to my lips and then back up before he steadily moved back to his side of the tub. I let out a sigh of relief. I've yet to even kiss a man, much less be naked in a bath with one.

His eyes didn't leave mine as he spoke, "I'll gather your things while you finish bathing." Without another word, he suddenly stood.

Another squeal of surprise slipped from my lips and I hurried to bury my face in my hands once more, "Christ, Sasuke! Give me a warning!"

Either he let out a small laugh or I imagined it as he dried off, dressed, and eventually left the room. After hearing the door shut behind him, I peeked to check that the coast was clear. When I realized I was alone once more, I sank under the water and let out a frustrated scream that was muffled by the liquid and bubbles.

Not twenty minutes later, I was dressed in a fluffy black bathrobe with my nightgown underneath and pacing anxiously back and forth out in the hall by his room.

Do I just walk in?

Do I knock?

How should I approach this?

Before I could decide, the door opened and his familiar glare landed on my panicked face. "What are you doing?"

He was shirtless and it took everything in my being not to ogle at his body. Sure, I'd seen him like this from a distance, but that doesn't compare to close up at all. My nerves calmed a bit when I realized that he, thankfully, had reverted to his usual quiet self and didn't seem intent on teasing me anymore for the night.

I swiftly averted my eyes and stepped past him when he gestured for me to do so. After shutting the door, he walked around me to return to his usual spot, reclining against his pillows with a book in hand. I stood awkwardly for a moment before realizing there wasn't another mattress in the room, "U-Um...where will I sleep?"

Without moving his gaze from his book, he patted the mattress he was laying on.

An image of him pressing his body against mine in the night had my face burning hot and I shook my head quickly, "I don't think so! I'll...I'll..." I noticed that my belongings were sitting atop the small couch near the bookshelf, "I'll sleep on the couch!"

His eyes danced over to me as I passed his bed, but I did my best to ignore him as I pulled a spare blanket and pillow from the wardrobe. After preparing my makeshift bed, I glanced around the room awkwardly. With a sigh, I noticed he had a window similar to the one that was in my room, but his was blocked by a dresser and covered with a thick black curtain. Disappointment bit at my heart as I realized I wouldn't be able to look outside anymore.

My eyes soon drifted back to the bookshelf, lined to the brim with title after title, but some didn't even have titles. Hope filled my body. I've always loved to read and I haven't had the chance since I'd arrived at the castle since I wasn't able to bring any of my personal belongings with me.

I turned to look at Sasuke, face heating up slightly as I realized he'd been watching me from the bed, "May I?"

He glanced at the shelf in what appeared to be confusion before giving me a curt nod and turning his attention back to his book. I took my time investigating the giant bookcase. He had a little bit of everything and it made it hard to decide.

A tattered, titleless book caught my eyes and I gently pulled it into my arms. It was easily the most worn one in his collection. That means that he's most likely read it more than all the others. Perhaps if I read his favorite book, I'll be able to understand him a bit better. Even if he simultaneously terrified me and annoyed me, I was curious.

After returning to my makeshift bed, I sat cross-legged and opened the large tome to page one. I ignored Sasuke's presence since all I'd do is get anxious if I focused on it. I couldn't even read the first sentence before his deep voice sounded directly in front of me, "I don't understand."

I nearly screamed in surprise.

He was crouched in front of me with a perplexed look on his features, and it was obvious he didn't like feeling that emotion. Despite my discomfort at his proximity, I replied, "What are you talking about?"

He searched my face for a moment before placing a hand on my chin and leaning forward. Panic and heat shot through my body and I pushed him back by putting my palms on his shoulders, "W-What are you doing!?"

He tilted his head at me, the look of confusion deepening as he let himself fall back onto his bottom, releasing his hold on my face. "That. I don't understand that."

It took me a few moments to realize what he meant and I allowed myself to feel sorry for him if only for a second. He's probably never met a woman who didn't immediately try to seduce him. It's unlikely he's ever met a female who'd rather read a book than straddle him.

I took a deep breath to steady my nerves so my voice wouldn't shake and tried to reply without letting my emotions interfere. "You don't understand why I don't want to kiss you?"

His eyes searched my face for a moment before he suddenly turned his gaze to the book in my hands, "You're a virgin."

My face burnt bright red and I wanted to run far away, but had nowhere to go, "W-Why would you say that all of a sudden? It's none of your business."

I wanted to be angry at him, but when I met his gaze once more, I was surprised to see that he hadn't said it to tease me, but because he was curious. He'd really gone out of his way today to speak more and I almost felt flattered at his efforts. I cut him off before he could reply, "Look, I'm sorry...I just...I don't have a lot of experience with, well, everything and I thought you were making fun of me."

He rose back up to a crouch in front of me and seemed to hesitate before speaking once more, "Are all lower class women like you?"

My face warmed as I tried to understand his question. My mouth opened and closed a few times before I sighed in defeat, "I didn't have a lot of friends growing up. I don't know if that answers your question."

He studied my face for a few more moments before wordlessly returning to his bed and turning his back to me so I couldn't see his face. I stared at his broad shoulders in confusion. This was definitely not what I expected to happen tonight, but it could've gone far worse.