Chapter Eight-Earth to Rabbit

Reina lay in bed, her mind racing with the events of the previous night. Roshan's unbridled rage, the menacing glint in his eyes, and the unsettling tone of his voice still lingered in her thoughts. The way he vanished into thin air left her with a lingering sense of unease. As the memories sent shivers down her spine, Reina wrapped her arms around herself, seeking comfort.

With the twilight casting a warm orange glow outside, Reina decided to check on Roshan, concerned about his well-being. As she stepped out of her room, she collided with a solid figure. Her gaze drifted upward, and she found herself lost in Roshan's piercing silver eyes fringed with his thick dark lashes .

In the fading light, Reina took in Roshan's ethereal appearance. His dark, wavy hair cascaded down his shoulders, framing his chiseled features. His beauty was almost otherworldly, as if he belonged in a fantasy realm.

"And where are you going little rabbit?". Roshan asked, his deep voice calm and mesmerizing. Reina felt a little dazed, struggling to form a coherent response.

"I-I was..." she stammered, before Roshan finished her sentence with a sly smile.

"You were missing me." His words sent a flutter through Reina's chest, leaving her breathless.

Roshan started taking slow steps towards her with a mischievous grin, his eyes glinting with amusement. Reina, feeling uneasy, began to back away, but her retreat was halted when she stumbled, her foot catching on the rug. Roshan swiftly caught her by the waist, his reflexes lightning-quick.

"Careful, little rabbit…you know, there are no rabbit holes in this mansion for you to hop into."

Reina's face burned with embarrassment as she regained her balance. She muttered a hasty "thank you" without meeting Roshan's gaze.

Roshan settled onto a plush sofa, crossing one leg over the other with an air of casual command. Reina sat stiffly on the edge of the bed, her cheeks burning. She'd never been this close to a man, alone in a room.

"What troubles you, Reina?'' Roshan asked, tilting his head, his eyes intense, as he studied her.

"I … I need to talk about last night.''.The memory was a persistent, unsettling echo in her mind. ''How did you just… vanish? And your eyes… the way you looked at me, your voice… the whole atmosphere just suddenly turned...chaotic". She rose, pacing restlessly, her hands gesturing as she tried to explain the confusion churning within her.

Roshan watched her, a dark fascination in his eyes. He found her bewildered expression strangely… captivating. The way her blue eyes widened with innocent curiosity, the way her hands moved in frantic gestures.

Then, it suddenly hit him. Last night he'd lost control and revealed too much. He felt a wave of guilt wash over him knowing what he has to do next. He can't expose his true nature to her. At least, not yet.

"Reina,''. He said, his voice a low, persuasive drawl. "Come and sit. All this pacing will only make you dizzy.''

She hesitated, then moved towards him. Before she could settle on the sofa, he reached out, his arm wrapping around her waist, and pulled her onto his lap.

Reina froze, her heart pounding against her ribs, her face flushed crimson. She could feel the heat radiating from his body, the rapid thump of his heart against her back, as if it were about to burst from his chest.

They remained in that position for a while. Then, Roshan leaned in, his warm breath brushing against her ear as he pushed aside a strand of her hair and whispered into her ear. "Do I scare you, Reina?". He whispered, the sensation sending a shiver down her neck.

"N-no, you don't". She stammered, her eyes involuntarily closing as his lips grazed her earlobe.

"Look at me, Reina. I want to see the spark in your eyes when I talk to you". He commanded softly, yet with an unmistakable undercurrent of authority.

Reina finally found the courage to look at him. His silver eyes held a sharp, almost piercing glint. Blue and silver met in an intense, unwavering stare.

He gently placed his fingers under her chin, tilting her face up to meet his intense gaze. "Nothing happened last night." He said, his voice smooth and hypnotic. ''We went shopping, returned home, you were hungry, I made you dinner, and tucked you into bed. You don't remember anything else.'' As she listened, her mind seemed to drift, caught in a strange, hypnotic daze.

Reina tried to shake it off, to regain control, but his words held her captive. ''Oh uhm..about last night…''

"What about last night?''.Roshan asked, his gaze unwavering.

"Uhm… nothing. I just wanted to thank you for the shopping trip. I didn't get a chance to earlier, since I couldn't find you.''

A flicker of guilt crossed Roshan's face, but he quickly masked it.

Just then, a loud rumble echoed from Reina's stomach, breaking the tense silence. Embarrassment flooded her cheeks, turning them a deep crimson. Roshan smiled, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

'Someone's hungry,' he murmured and took her hand leading her towards the kitchen.

As they entered the kitchen, Roshan began unbottoning his shirt, his movements casual and confident. "Sit. I'll make you something to eat".

Reina's cheeks flushed as she caught a glimpse of his chiseled torso. She sat down and quickly averted her gaze.

Roshan chuckled, his voice low and husky. "Dont be shy, Reina. My body's been splashed across newspapers and magazines, but you get to see it up close and personal. Consider yourself lucky, little rabbit".

Reina's mortification deepened, her face burning. She wished the floor would swallow her whole.

"So,". Roshan continued, his voice laced with playful mockery. "What do rabbits typically crave for dinner? Carrots? Cabbages?''.

A flicker confusion crossed Reina's face. ''Why do you keep calling me that?". She asked, her gaze still firmly fixed on anything but him. ''Do I resemble a rabbit?''.

"Are you talking to me or the refrigerator?". Roshan asked, his tone playful.

Reina realized she'd been staring at the refrigerator the whole time, trying not to look at Roshan's bare body. How could he expect her to look at him when he was being so...shameless?.

Roshan struggled to contain his amusement as he took in Reina's confused, embarrassed, and annoyed expression. Her cheeks were puffed and flushed, her eyebrows furrowed, and her lips pursed. "C-can you at least...put on an apron?" she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

Roshan's grin faltered, and he decided to not tease her any further. He slipped on an apron, the fabric accentuating his broad shoulders. "Satisfied?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with mirth.

Reina's gaze lingered on the floor before she muttered a barely audible "thank you." Her eyes finally met Roshan's, and he was struck by their sparkling intensity.

As Roshan began preparing dinner, he decided on some steaks and mashed potatoes.

His movements were fluid and confident as he cooked the steaks. He expertly seasoned the steaks, the sizzle and aroma of the meat filling the air as he seared them to perfection. Next, he carefully peeled and chopped the potatoes, his hands moving with a practiced ease.

Reina watched, mesmerized, as Roshan cooked with effortless ease. She had never met a man who could cook, let alone with such finesse. The kitchen was filled with the savory aromas of roasting meat and steaming vegetables, and Reina's stomach growled in anticipation.

As Roshan expertly flipped the steaks, Reina decided to break the silence. "Uh, Roshan?" she ventured, her voice barely above a whisper.

Roshan's response was a low, husky "Mm?" as he continued to cook.

Reina's curiosity got the better of her. "Why are you doing all this? I don't get it." She asked, her eyes narrowing in confusion.

Roshan paused, his hands hovering over the stove. He knew this question was inevitable, and he was ready with an answer. "Because I love you, Reina,". He stated, his voice calm and matter-of-fact. "I love you like no man's business."

Reina's eyes widened in shock, her mind reeling from the blunt declaration. "But you don't know me that well to fall in love with me". She protested, her voice laced with skepticism.

Roshan's response was a nonchalant shrug. "I don't have to."

Reina's cheeks flushed as she struggled to respond. Roshan's confidence was unnerving, and she found herself at a loss for words.

Roshan's smile was reassuring as he began to mash the potatoes. "I'm not rushing you, Reina. Take all the time you need. I'll wait". He said, his eyes glinting with amusement. "But I know it won't be long till I make you fall in love with me."

Reina gulped hard. His words were so sure and bold. This man was really something!

Reina deliberately shifted the conversation to a lighter topic, eager to escape the intense emotions that had preceded it. "So, Camille called this morning". She said, her voice a gentle breeze in the tension-filled room.

Roshan's response was a low, distracted "Mm."

Reina continued, her brow furrowed with concern. "She told me my uncle has been missing for days. They haven't heard from him since he went out drinking with friends. The police are searching for him now."

Roshan's muttered response was barely audible. "They're not gonna find anything."

Her curiosity piqued, she leaned in, asking, "What did you say?".

Roshan's expression transformed into one of feigned concern, his voice dripping with false sincerity. "Oh, I said, I hope they find him soon. Poor Bobby."

Reina's eyes clouded with worry. "Yeah, me too. It's unlike him to just disappear like that. I hope he's okay."

As Reina spoke, Roshan couldn't help but marvel at her angelic nature. Despite everything that son of a bitch did to her, she still cared for him. This realization highlighted the stark contrast between Reina's sweet innocence and his own dark, cold, soul.

Would Reina ever want to be with a monster like him? Would she accept him if she finds out who he really is?

His confidence level began to drop as these thoughts began to trouble him.

Roshan slid a steaming plate of steak and mashed potatoes in front of Reina, his voice firm but gentle. "Eat."

Reina's muttered "thank you" was accompanied by a hesitant glance at the generous portion. "Please join me," she invited, hoping to share the meal.

Roshan declined, his voice firm. "Not hungry." He removed his apron, slipped on his shirt, and leaned against the counter, his eyes never leaving Reina's face.

As Reina began to eat, Roshan slid a glass of wine toward her, his movements fluid and deliberate. "So, tell me more about yourself, Reina," he asked, his voice low and inviting, as he sat opposite her.

Reina's eyes widened, her mouth full of potatoes, as she hesitated. She had always avoided sharing her story, cause she knows nobody will ever believe her so she kept everything to herself.

But something about Roshan's piercing gaze made her wonder if she could trust him with her secrets. Would he believe her if she opened up to him about the death of her parents?.

As she deliberated, Roshan's patience wore thin. He snapped his fingers, his mischievous grin a stark contrast to the intensity of his eyes. "Earth to rabbit". He teased, jolting Reina back to reality.

"What exactly would you like to know?". She asked, her voice laced with a hesitant curiosity.

"Everything." Roshan replied, his gaze unwavering as he poured himself a generous glass of amber liquid.

Reina watched him as he downed the drink, a flicker of surprise crossing her face. So, this is what he likes, she thought. A low chuckle rumbled in Roshan's chest while he was still gulping down his drink. Though she hadn't spoken aloud, he could hear her thoughts loud and clear.

"Why are you laughing?" she asked, a hint of confusion in her voice. She hadn't said anything remotely funny.

"Nothing." Roshan said, pouring another glass. "Tell me everything about yourself, Reina. Leave no stone unturned."

The intensity in his eyes made Reina believe, for a moment, that she could trust him.

"Promise me, if I tell you everything, you won't think I'm crazy". She said, her expression serious.

"You and crazy don't really belong in the same sentence, Reina". Roshan said, a sly smile curving his lips as he brought the glass to his mouth, the potent aroma filling his senses.

"Just promise, Roshan," she insisted, her voice firm.

"I promise, Reina. I won't call you crazy". He said, and a wave of relief washed over her.

She began her story, recounting the horrific night her parents died, her gaze fixed on Roshan, searching for any sign of disbelief or ridicule. But his expression remained impassive, his eyes fixed on hers.

A strange man appeared, out of nowhere, and saved me from the monster," she said, her voice trembling slightly. "He was so fast, so strong… I couldn't even follow his movements. But I can't remember what he looked like. The next thing I knew, I was standing in front of the police station."

oshan nodded solemnly. "And then?".

"My uncle took me in. And… well, here I am". she said, her tone casual. "I wish I could see that stranger again. I never got to thank him."

"Stranger, danger, Reina," Roshan said, a slow, knowing smile spreading across his lips. "Didn't anyone ever teach you that?"

A flicker of irritation crossed Reina's face. "Not this stranger," she said, her voice defensive. "He saved my life. He's a good person."

Roshan, surprised by her vehemence, couldn't suppress a small smile.

Reina, realizing her outburst, apologized. "I'm sorry for raising my voice."

"It's alright. I've heard rabbits can be quite… spirited," he said, a teasing glint in his eyes causing Reina to roll her eyes.

"So, what are your plans now?". Roshan asked, pouring himself another drink.

Reina was startled. He was on his fifth glass! Is he trying to get drunk?

I'm saving for college, but…"

"But what?" Roshan asked, his gaze intense.

"I'm scared," she admitted, her eyes filled with worry.

"What are you scared of?". He asked getting ready to eliminate whatever is causing his mate to feel scared.

"Its just...there are these strange things. They follow me," she said, hugging her arms, a shiver running down her spine. "Ever since that night, I see dark, shadowy creatures. They're always watching me."

Roshan's eyes narrowed, his grip tightening as he clutched the glass controlling himself not to shatter it to pieces. "These creatures...do they harm you?".

"Not really". She admitted. "But it's terrifying. I keep pretending they're not there cause sometimes I don't see them but, I don't know how long I can keep pretending. What if they try to hurt me like that monster".

Roshan's voice was suddenly hard and decisive. "Send your application to any college you want. Leave the rest to me."

"Uh… okay," Reina said, rising to her feet. "I think I'll retire to my room. I need to call Camille and find out if there's any update about my uncle's disappearance."

Roshan nodded. "You should go to sleep right after".

"Okay". Reina replied, feeling a bit sleepy as well. "Good night, Roshan."

"Good night, Reina."

As Reina turned to leave, Roshan called to her. "Reina".

"Yeah?". She replied.

"Put on something nice tomorrow. I want to take you somewhere".

Reina nodded slightly in response and got up the stairs heading to her room.

As soon as she was gone, Roshan strode into his study.

The room was a sanctuary of dark elegance, a reflection of his power and ancient knowledge. Walls lined with towering bookshelves, filled with leather-bound tomes and arcane scrolls.

Two dark, shadowy figures materialized out of thin air, their presence seeming to draw the light out of the room. They stood before Roshan, their forms gradually taking on human features. One was a towering figure with dark, chiseled skin and a sturdy build, while the other was lighter-skinned and more slender.

In perfect synchrony, they bowed their heads, their voices echoing in unison. "You summoned us, Dark Lord."

Roshan's aura darkened, his eyes flashing with a menacing intensity. "Did you two have any idea Reina could see you?". He asked, his voice low and menacing.

The two figures exchanged a confused glance before the darker one spoke up. "Master, we had no idea our Lady could perceive us. She never reacted to our presence, never even acknowledged we were there."

The lighter-skinned figure nodded in agreement, his eyes furrowed in puzzlement. "Yes, Master. She went about her day as if nothing out of the ordinary was occurring, so we couldn't discern her awareness."

Roshan's expression turned thoughtful, a hint of pride creeping onto his face. He hadn't realized Reina was so perceptive, so clever and for her to be able to see them in that form verifies her powers isn't something to play with. Damn, this girl!

"That's enough". He commanded, his voice firm but controlled. "I don't want you following her for now. You're scaring her."

The two figures nodded, their heads still bowed in submission. "Yes, Master."

With a dismissive wave of his hand, Roshan sent them on their way. They took one final bow before disappearing into the shadows, leaving Roshan to his thoughts.