CHAPTER 36: LET GO OF ME!

Gloria wasn't sure what was going on in the manor, but she was sure something was off. Master Forneius left at early hours and returned rather late, while Damien no longer entertained mistresses. Even though the latter would sound like good news, she was still worried. As a steward, she learned to mind her business and not poke her nose into the affairs of her masters, but one would only care about their wellbeing.

'Maybe they're busy with trade.' She shrugged the worry away and continued with her work.

'You, dust the curtains.' She ordered a young servant girl.

'Yes Gloria,' the girl took out a yellow towel from her pocket and scampered off.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

The harsh, cold night breeze blew gently on Jeanette's bare skin, causing her to shiver.

'Forgot to close the window.' She muttered rubbing her tired eyes, as she strode to the open window with the blanket hanging loosely on her shoulder. With an effortless push, she shut it and sighed satisfactorily.

Her heart smiled at the sight of the comfort of her bed as she walked back, but something else caught her attention. There was someone in front of the door, A MAN!

All the sleepiness she felt dissipated. Trying not to panic, she looked for the first-aid box in her room. She was going to use the tweezers or scissors; whichever one her hands grabbed first, to hit his temple and make him unconscious. If that didn't work, she would result to using her 'weapons' to give him a deep cut.

Her pupils dilated when she couldn't find her first-aid box in the dark. The lamp was too close to the intruder.

'Who is this man? What does he want? Why is he in my house?' She thought.

'Who are you?' She gathered courage to say as she tried to hide her fear. Her arms were trembling. She hoped he couldn't see them.

Her heart fell into her stomach the second he began to slowly walk towards her.

'Who are you?!!!' She inquired again, anxiously waiting for an answer. How did this man break into her house without any alarm going off? She was scared to her bones. Jeanette felt chills on her spine when he eventually got close. Suddenly, he tried to grab her arms, but she pulled back and bent under his arm, quickly making her way to the door.

Before she could turn the doorknob, she felt him hold her waist tightly. In shock, she turned and tried to hit his temple, but she missed.

'Let go of me!!' She said in discomfort and fright, but he held on even tighter. His unresponsiveness increased the uneasiness she felt. What was he going to do to her?

'I have missed you Jeanette.' The man finally said.

Jeanette released her breath. His voice was both familiar and unacquainted. He didn't sound like he was from around.

'Only one person sounds like that,' she thought, her gut pressing for clarity. She quickly reached for the lamp and turned it on.

It was him. It was truly him!

Damien!

His obsidian eyes gave a sharp reflection of the light, which casted a shadow on the other side of his face.

'Damien?' She asked in surprise and curiosity.

'What are you doing here? You're in my room. You're in my house. How'd you get in?' She tried to snap out of all the scattered emotions she felt and make sense of the situation.

Answering none of her questions, he slowly reached for her hands. He fiercely pinned them to the wall, still holding them tightly, causing her to gasp. She stared at him as he lowered his face to her neck, planting gentle kisses on her bare skin. Cold, his lips were cold, but the sensations they gave were the complete opposite.

'Mmm…' He inhaled a whiff of her scent. Jeanette held her breath unintentionally, while butterflies danced in her stomach.

'I've missed you Jeanette.' He whispered, his hot breath alerting the nerves on her skin.

'I've missed you too,' she blurted in a breath without giving any thought.

She couldn't see Damien's face very clearly, but somehow, she was sure he was smiling. Precipitously, he raised her by the hip, causing Jeanette to gasp in surprise. Walking slowly, he headed to her bed. Jeanette's mind was racing. The lamp fell from her hand, but she didn't pick it up, she didn't even look at it. She wasn't sure what was happening, but she was sure a man she barely knew 'visiting' her bedroom in the middle of the night was definitely not normal. His firm grip on her hip, his eyes peering into hers, she wasn't sure if she wanted to leave or if she wanted the moment to end.

'Put me down, this is crazy.' She said almost inaudibly like she didn't mean a word.