Chapter Thirty

Just like she was for Zayn.

After she went into her room and got dressed in something more comfy, a t-shirt dress.

Her mind went back to Zayn's t shirt and she smiled.

She immediately remembered Ross wet body.

"He'll definitely catch a cold" she whispered.

She immediately went out with cold medicine and clean towels.

She walked towards agent Ross room, the door was opened slightly a d went she went in silently, she saw him undressed, his shirt off but that wasn't the most striking thing.

On his broad back, there was also a three pointed birthmark on his shoulder just like Zayn.

She went closer and raised her hand unconsciously, not believing it, as she touched it, but Ross was unaware and immediately he grabbed that hand thinking it was an intruder and pinned the person to the bed with a gun to the neck, until he saw Moselia and was surprised.

Moselia's eyes widened in shock as Agent Ross's grip on her wrist tightened, his gun pressed against her neck. She tried to speak, but her voice was caught in her throat.

Agent Ross's eyes narrowed, his face inches from hers. "Moselia? What are you doing here?"

Moselia swallowed hard, trying to find her voice. "I...I brought you cold medicine," she stammered.

Agent Ross's expression changed from shock to confusion, and he slowly released his grip on her wrist. "Oh, Moselia, I...I'm sorry. I thought you were an intruder."

Moselia rubbed her wrist, still trying to process what had just happened. "It's okay," she said, her voice shaking slightly.

Agent Ross put down his gun and turned around, revealing his bare back once again. Moselia's eyes widened as she saw the birthmark again, her mind racing with questions.

"Ross, who are you?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Agent Ross turned around, his eyes locking onto hers. "What do you mean?" he asked, his expression guarded.

Moselia took a step closer, her heart pounding in her chest. "The birthmark on your back...it's the same as Zayn's."

"what do you mean?"

She saw he was ignorant and decide it to press further, she shook her head.

"Nothing, just thought it looked familiar" she whispered.

"Here let me dry your hair and body for you"

He chuckled.

"Don't you think this looks kind of awkward?"

She shook her head. "I've see a lot of naked men"

"Oh really?" He raised a brow before she realized what she had said.

"Not like that, Can you just let me do something nice for you, I mean you practically did save my life, before you pointed a gun at me" she whispered that last part.

Agent Ross laughed, a deep, rumbling sound, and Moselia's heart skipped a beat. "Fair enough," he said, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I suppose I did deserve that."

He sat down on the bed, his bare back facing her, and Moselia's hands trembled slightly as she reached for the towel. She tried to focus on drying his hair and back, but her mind kept wandering to the birthmark, to Zayn, and to the strange connection between them.

As she worked, Agent Ross remained silent, his eyes fixed on some point in front of him. Moselia could sense a tension in his body, a coiled energy waiting to be unleashed.

Finally, she finished, and Agent Ross stood up, his eyes locking onto hers. "Thanks, Moselia," he said, his voice low and husky. "I owe you one."

Moselia smiled, feeling a flutter in her chest. "You don't owe me anything," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Agent Ross raised an eyebrow, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Oh, I think I do," he said, his voice dripping with meaning.

Moselia's heart skipped a beat as she realized the double entendre. She felt a blush rise to her cheeks, and Agent Ross chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

"pervert"

She whispered and he laughed.

"I heard that"

"It's true, you flirt"

"Who's the one in my room now" he asked.

"Shit" she walked away.

"I didn't say to go yet" his voice sounded.

Moselia stopped in her tracks, her heart racing with excitement. She didn't know what was happening, but she couldn't deny the chemistry between them.

She turned around, her eyes locking onto Agent Ross's. "What do you want me to do?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Agent Ross smiled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I want you to stay," he said, his voice low and husky. "I want to talk to you."

Moselia hesitated for a moment, then walked back to the bed and sat down beside him. Agent Ross turned to face her, his eyes burning with intensity.

"talk about what?" She asked.

"The daily schedules of this house" he said

Moselia raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "The daily schedules of this house?" she repeated.

Agent Ross nodded, a straight face. "Yes, exactly. I think it's essential we discuss the intricacies of meal times, cleaning rotations, and—"

Moselia burst out laughing. "You're not serious, are you?"

Agent Ross's expression cracked, and he grinned. "Maybe not entirely."

Moselia playfully rolled her eyes. "I knew it. You just wanted an excuse to keep me here."

Agent Ross shrugged, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Maybe a little. But I promise, we will discuss the schedules... eventually."

Moselia smiled, feeling a sense of ease with him. "Okay, deal. But first, tell me more about yourself."

Agent Ross's expression turned serious, and he leaned back against the headboard. "What do you want to know?"

Moselia's curiosity was piqued. "Everything."

"there's nothing to know" he said

Moselia raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Nothing to know? That's not possible," she said, her voice playful. "Everyone has secrets, Agent Ross. Even you."

Agent Ross's expression remained neutral, but Moselia detected a flicker of something in his eyes. "I'm just a simple man doing my job," he said, his voice low.

Moselia leaned in, her voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "I don't believe you. I've seen the way you move, the way you react. You're more than just a bodyguard."

Agent Ross's eyes locked onto hers, his gaze intense. For a moment, Moselia thought she saw a glimmer of something there, something he wasn't revealing. But then, his expression shut down, and he looked away.

"Let's just focus on keeping you safe, okay?" he said, his voice firm.

Moselia nodded, but she knew she wouldn't let it drop.

"teach me how to shoot, and self defense"

She blurted out.

He threw the towel on her face.

"Not now, little girl" he stood up.

"I'm not a little girl" she tried removing it.

"Don't take it off, I'm changing "

She immediately stiffened and he smirked, then changed, into more casual wear.

Then he turned and looked at her, still sitting in that position, swinging her legs like a child.

He stepped closer and closer to her face, inches away from her lip, he wanted to taste her, how those lip felt.

"How much longer Mr agent"

Her voice brought him back and his eyes darkened before he stood erect.

"I'm done" he said.

Hopefully she didn't realize what he was about to do, and from her actions she clearly didn't know he just tried to kiss her.

Moselia's obliviousness to Agent Ross's almost kiss was a blessing in disguise. He couldn't afford to let his feelings get in the way of his mission, no matter how strong the attraction was. He pushed aside his desires and focused on training her in self-defense.

As they sparred, Moselia's determination and quick thinking impressed him. She was a natural, and he found himself enjoying their sessions more than he should.

But despite their growing rapport, Agent Ross knew he had to maintain his professionalism. He couldn't let Moselia get too close, not when his secrets could put her in danger.

As they finished their training, Moselia grinned, exhilarated. "Thanks, Agent Ross! I feel like I can take on anyone now!"

Agent Ross smiled back, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "You're a quick learner, Moselia. But don't get too cocky. There's always room for improvement."

Moselia nodded, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I won't, Agent Ross. But can I ask you something?"

Agent Ross raised an eyebrow, wary. "What is it?"

Moselia's grin turned sly. "Do you have a twin brother?"

"Why do you ask?"

Moselia shrugged. "Just wondering. You seem...familiar somehow."

"I get that a lot.

Moselia chuckled.

"I don't have a twin so to speak, I'm an only child, an orphan"

"sorry for that? I didn't realize "

..she said, she saw he was really genuine, could it be I'm the one mistaken, maybe I am

Agent Ross's expression softened, his eyes warm with understanding. "No need to apologize, Moselia. I know I'm a bit of an enigma. Even to myself sometimes."

Moselia smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. Maybe she was just being paranoid, reading too much into things. Agent Ross seemed genuinely kind and concerned, not at all like the mysterious figure she had imagined.

"I think I'm just a little tired," she said, rubbing her temples. "My mind's playing tricks on me."

Agent Ross nodded sympathetically. "You've been through a lot lately. It's understandable. Why don't you get some rest? I'll be here, keeping an eye on things."

Moselia nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards him. Maybe she had misjudged him. Maybe he was exactly who he said he was – a dedicated agent trying to protect her.

As she stood up to leave, Agent Ross's hand brushed against hers, sending a spark of electricity through her body. She looked up at him, their eyes meeting for a brief moment.

Then, she quickly looked away, her heart racing. What was she thinking? This was Agent Ross, her bodyguard, not some potential love interest.

That night as she was asleep, she was unaware agent Ross had sneaked into her room, watching her sleep soundly, prehaps she was really exhausted she didn't stir.

"I have to protect you Moselia, not letting my feelings get in the way, right now I'm confused, your parents has some plans for you which I'm against. The organization and are ruthless, I don't want you going down that path"

He brushed a lock of her hair and kissed her forehead for the first time

"You sassy confident girl" he smiled. "You can easily break through people's defense, as expected of you"

"I don't know if that's a good thing or not" he whispered.

Carressing her hair, he inhaled it.

"I don't know this feeling of being obsessed with you, for a long time now"

"I'm afraid when your parents return, it's back to the way it's always been".

"As much as I love interacting with you, I'd rather you hate me and have me by your side than the opposite"

"I'll protect you silently Moselia " he whispered like a vow.

As Agent Ross stood there, watching Moselia sleep, his expression was a mix of emotions - concern, protectiveness, and a hint of longing. He gently brushed a lock of her hair behind her ear, his touch tender.

"I have to protect you, Moselia," he whispered, his voice barely audible. "Not just from the organization, but from yourself. You have a power within you, a spark that can ignite a fire. I've seen it, and I know they'll try to exploit it."

He paused, his eyes roaming over her peaceful face.

"I'm torn, Moselia. My duty as your agent, and my feelings...which I shouldn't have. But I do. I want to keep you safe, even if it means keeping you from yourself."

His hand lingered on her hair, his fingers tracing the strands.

"I'll protect you, silently, from the shadows. Even if you hate me for it, I'll be there. Because the thought of losing you...is unbearable."

With one last glance, he turned to leave, disappearing into the night, leaving Moselia to her dreams, unaware of the vow he had just made.

As Agent Ross vanished into the darkness, Moselia stirred, her eyes fluttering open. She sat up, rubbing her temples, trying to shake off the vivid dream she had just had. It felt so real, so intense...like Agent Ross was actually there, watching over her.

She looked around the room, but it was empty. The moon cast an eerie glow through the window, making her feel like she was trapped in a surreal world.

Moselia threw off the covers and got out of bed, her heart still racing from the dream. She tried to tell herself it was just her imagination, but the memory of Agent Ross's whispered vow lingered, haunting her.

As she walked to the window, she noticed a small piece of paper on the sill. It was a note, scribbled in hasty handwriting:

"I'll always be here, watching over you. -AR"

Moselia's heart skipped a beat. Had Agent Ross really been in her room, or was it just her dream? The note seemed to suggest the former, but she couldn't shake off the feeling that something more mysterious was at play.

The next day her parents, Mr and Mrs Thompson returned from their trip, and agent Ross was back to the usual stoic mask he had.

Moselia's eyes narrowed slightly as she watched Agent Ross's transformation. Just yesterday, she could have sworn she saw a glimmer of warmth, of humanity, beneath his stoic exterior. But now, he was once again the impassive, unyielding agent she had grown accustomed to.

Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thompson, bustled into the room, exhausted but cheerful from their trip. They exchanged pleasantries with Agent Ross, who responded with his usual curt nods and brief smiles.

Moselia's mother turned to her, concern etched on her face. "Moselia, dear, we need to talk to you about your future. Your training, your responsibilities..."

Moselia's heart sank, sensing where this was headed. She glanced at Agent Ross, but his expression revealed nothing.

"I'm listening," she said, her voice neutral, as she steeled herself for what was to come.

"there's a party, now that you are coming of age, 20, there's a formal celebration which will be held, there's some people I'd like you to meet"

Agent Ross immediately stiffened for a second but it didn't escaped Moselia's eyes.

Since she had already decided to play along she'll see it to the end.

With her own plans already in motion.

Moselia's eyes locked onto Agent Ross's momentary stiffness, her mind racing with possibilities. What was he hiding? Who were these people her parents wanted her to meet? And why did Agent Ross seem so opposed to the idea?

She turned back to her parents, a bright, fake smile plastered on her face. "A party sounds like fun! I'm excited to meet these people."

Her mother beamed, oblivious to the undercurrents. "Wonderful, dear! It's time you took your place in society. You'll make connections, form alliances...it's all very important for your future."

Moselia nodded, her mind whirling with strategies. She would play along, for now, but she had her own agenda. And Agent Ross's reaction only strengthened her resolve.

As the conversation continued, Moselia couldn't help but steal glances at Agent Ross, who had resumed his stoic mask. But she knew what she saw – a flicker of concern, of warning.

Today was Friday but she didn't feel like going to school so she stayed back.

Agent Ross likewise, her parents had gone to work already, the party was on Saturday night.

She sat in the living room, with a pen and book.

Agent Ross was on the other side too, neither of them saying anything.

He could feel her coldness, and wondered what was wrong, unaware it was because of his behavior today

But Moselia wasn't about to let him off easy.

"What's wrong Moselia, you've been awfully cold this morning"

Moselia's eyes narrowed slightly as she wrote in her book, her pen strokes precise and deliberate. She didn't look up, her voice even and controlled.

"Nothing's wrong, Agent Ross. Just enjoying the quiet morning."

Agent Ross's eyes lingered on her, sensing the tension. He knew she was upset, but couldn't quite put his finger on why.

"Is it something I did?" he asked, his voice low and cautious.

Moselia's pen paused, her gaze still fixed on the page. "Why would it be something you did, Agent Ross?" she replied, her tone sweetly innocent.

Agent Ross shifted uncomfortably, his instincts screaming that he was missing something. He leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving Moselia's face.

"I don't know, Moselia. You just seem...different today."

Moselia's smile was a thin, icy line. "Maybe I'm just growing up, Agent Ross. Maybe I'm realizing that not everything is as it seems."

The air was thick with unspoken words, Agent Ross's eyes locked onto Moselia's, searching for answers. But she just kept writing, her secrets hidden behind a mask of calm.