I will come to you soon

Hazel emerged from her room, her eyes scanning the surroundings that now felt eerily vacant. A chill ran down her spine, akin to the stillness of a vampire's mansion.

Despite the bustling activity she had witnessed earlier, she found herself alone in the mansion's corridors.

Tip-toeing cautiously, Hazel ventured forth. The silence hung thick, broken only by the echo of her own footsteps. A sense of foreboding enveloped her, making her hyper-aware of the clandestine nature of the mansion.

As she explored, Hazel's keen observations kicked in, noticing the numerous CCTV cameras strategically placed throughout the mansion. A wave of caution washed over her, compelling her to maintain an air of normalcy, as though oblivious to the surveillance that silently observed her every move.

Descending the staircase, Hazel's bewilderment deepened. The once-bustling mansion had transformed into an empty labyrinth.

Where is everyone?

She wondered, her voice lost in the silence that enveloped the grandeur.

Her wanderings led her to a momentary pause, her gaze fixated on a room visible through the translucent Thai glass.

Intrigued by the mysterious room, Hazel gingerly turned the knob and stepped into what appeared to be a sanctuary of knowledge, lined with towering bookshelves. The air inside was laced with the scent of aged paper.

What is it?

Is he really fond of books?

Her fingers traced the spines of the books.

Unable to resist the allure, Hazel reached for a book titled "Little Women."

Leaning against its edge, she resisted the urge to sit and instead propped herself up, opening the book to its first page.

Though she knew she had other responsibilities, Hazel couldn't resist the allure of the written word. She became engrossed in the tale, her surroundings fading away as she became engrossed. Time slipped through her fingers.

Suddenly, a warm breath grazed her cheek, breaking the spell. Startled, Hazel turned to her left with wide eyes, only to find someone standing there.

The air crackled with tension as Francisco's breath unexpectedly grazed Hazel's lips, causing the book to slip from her hands. Stunned, she took a step back, only to collide with the edge of a nearby table.

"Aw..."

She exclaimed, holding onto the table's edge to steady her.

Francisco placed his hands on her waist.

"Did it hurt?"

Hazel, still processing the sudden proximity, nodded quickly in response, trying to regain her composure.

However, before she could fully gather her thoughts, Francisco surprised her by effortlessly lifting her up and placing her on the table. Hazel was taken aback, her eyes wide with shock.

"Mr. Francisco!"

She protested, her voice betraying a mix of surprise and confusion.

"What are you doing?"

Ignoring her protests, Francisco bent down to pick up the fallen book, placing it beside Hazel. She took a step back, attempting to divert her gaze, but Francisco closed the distance between them. Leaning in, he kept his hands firmly on the table, effectively trapping Hazel between his arms.

The unexpected closeness sent a shiver down Hazel's spine. Her eyes met Francisco's, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still.

Clad only in trousers, his physique seemed like something out of a movie or the pages of a romantic novel. His perfectly sculpted body would have drawn the admiration of any onlooker, yet Hazel maintained a neutral expression.

"You really like reading?"

Francisco inquired, breaking the lingering silence. Hazel, still composed, nodded in response.

"So should I give you something to read?"

He offered, a charming smile playing on his lips. Hazel's own lips curved into a subtle smile.

"Which type of genre do you like?"

Francisco continued, moving back a step and releasing Hazel from the captivating proximity. Hazel gracefully stepped down from the table.

"Actually, I read whatever I like."

"I don't have any particular liking."

Francisco turned his perfect face towards Hazel, his wet hair adding a touch of allure.

"Then do you like whatever I give you to read?" Francisco asked, a teasing glint in his eyes. Hazel tilted her head, responding with a smile that held a touch of mischief.

Francisco couldn't help but take a deep breath, captivated by Hazel's adorable reaction. Inwardly, he found himself in a silent battle with his own thoughts.

"You shouldn't be this cute, Hazel."

He mumbled to himself, jaw tightening as he fought to maintain composure. Nevertheless, he picked up a book and extended it towards her.

"I think you'll like it," he said, his voice steady despite the internal turmoil.

Hazel accepted the book, her curiosity piqued as she examined the cover. Reading the blurb aloud, she deduced, "Is this a romance novel?"

A smirk played on Francisco's lips.

"After reading it, you'll find out," he replied, his eyes holding a mysterious allure.

As Hazel started flipping through the pages, engrossed in the unfolding story, Francisco's gaze wandered down to her feet. He couldn't help but notice that she wore nothing on them.

Silence hung in the air as Francisco, without a word or a moment's hesitation, swept Hazel off her feet, carrying her like a bride. Hazel's eyes widened, and her voice rose in surprise.

"What are you doing? Please put me down, Mr. Francisco."

However, Francisco remained steadfast, giving her a look that quelled her attempts to escape his arms. A mixture of confusion and a growing sense of surrender flickered in Hazel's eyes as she slowly lowered her gaze.

I need to calm down.

She thought her mind racing.

I should not be reactive.

If I need that drive, I need to go close to him at any cost.

Whatever I am doing, it's my job, nothing else.

In an effort to compose herself, Hazel tightened her grip on the book, pressing it against her chest.

Without breaking eye contact, Francisco carried Hazel to the dining room. He gently placed her on a chair.

"Quickly serve her. I need something to do," Francisco commanded before abruptly leaving for his room. Hazel, caught off guard by his sudden behavior, stood there in mild shock. Questions raced through her mind as she observed Francisco's departure.

Was he not going to join her for dinner?

What had prompted this abrupt change in his demeanor?

Her eyes remained fixed on Francisco's retreating figure, and her attention was momentarily drawn to the tattoo that adorned his back.

Before he locked his room, Francisco turned back, catching Hazel off guard. Their eyes briefly met, and she swiftly averted her gaze, her thoughts racing.

The sound of the door locking echoed through the dining room.

I can't be in this way.

I need to change my plan.

If I do it quickly, I will be free from him.

Sorry, whatever I am going to do, it's only because of the mission, love.

I will come to you soon.