CHAPTER 8

I woke up because of the cold air conditioner and the scent of clean linen. The ceiling above me was familiar and something about the room made me remember. My eyes scanned the room. Then it hit me because this is the room I've been here before. Wait. Isn't this the same hotel room Klein used the first time? when everything between us changed? My pulse quickened so I sat up abruptly.

Panic bubbled in my chest when I think about Camille. She must be worried sick because I left unnoticed. I hope she's not mad at me for not telling her and not being able to left a note. I was so excited last night that I forgot to left one. And one thing's for sure....if anyone from the staff in here saw me, God, the rumors would spread like wildfire and I don't want that. Especially if the reason is just a random stranger. I could lose my job. The very job I've been holding onto just to survive. I can't afford that. Not now. Not ever. I didn't let Ms. Fernando took advantage of me just for him to ruin it.

I swung my legs over the bed and stood. I needed to get out now...before anyone see me in here.

But just as I was about to make my way to the door, it opened and Klein stepped in. He was holding a cup. I don't know if it's a coffee, maybe, or tea. I wasn't sure. But what shook me more was the way he looked at me. It's calm and certain as if he already knew what I was about to do.

"Running away from me again?" he asked, then set the cup gently on the bedside table.

"I—I was just going to the bathroom," I stammered, avoiding his gaze.

He tilted his head in amusement. "The bathroom door is on the other side. That," he said, nodding toward the exit, "is the way out. And the bathroom's not broken."

"I mean—" I fumbled, but he cut me off.

"Is it because of what happened last night?" he asked softly, stepping closer. "Is that why you're scared of me now?"

"No," I whispered, shaking my head, though part of me wasn't sure if that was a lie.

"Then tell me the truth," he pressed. "Why are you in such a hurry to leave?"

I sighed, the weight of everything I've been carrying finally forcing its way out. "I work here and I'm not supposed to be in this kind of situation. If anyone finds out, I could lose my job. And Camille? she's probably going crazy looking for me. I can't afford another scandal. Not here. Not now."

"Your job?" he echoed, brows furrowing. "Why are you even worrying about that—"

"Because I don't have anyone else to rely on," I snapped, louder than I intended. My voice cracked with emotion. "I'm the only one providing for myself. I don't have a safety net. And the hotel owner, whoever he is, people say he's heartless, that he doesn't tolerate drama. If he finds out, I'm gone. Fired. Just like that. He'll never understand why I stayed the night in a guest's room. He won't care."

His expression changed. Something softened in his eyes, and he stepped even closer.

"You don't have to worry about the job," he said gently. "And also… I already talked to your friend. Last night."

My breath caught. I blinked. "You what?"

"I told Camille," he said casually, like it was the most normal thing in the world.

"You told Camille??!!!" My voice rose in disbelief.

He nodded, as if he expected the reaction. "Yes."

My heart dropped. Camille knew? What exactly did he tell her? How much did she know? My head started to spin, thoughts racing faster than I could hold onto them. I wasn't sure whether I wanted to scream at him or collapse into his arms. All I knew was that everything was now far more complicated than I ever imagined.

I tried to remember what happened last night but it just gives me headache.

"What happened last night? "

"There's s bunch of men, chasing us. Luckily we escape. But the window glass of my car got shot by their gun and you're shocked that's why you ended up. loosing consciousness."

I sighed in relief. "I thought we're going to die. "

"Of course not. As long as you're with me. "

"Whatever" I rolled my eyes again.

"Now, just prepare yourself because we're going out. " he said like nothing happened last night.

"I don't want to go on another date with you, Mr. Windam!" I yelled in my voice sharp with attitude.

He didn't flinch. "Can you please calm down?" he asked, still speaking in that calm, collected tone.

"No! I'm not going to calm down! Not until you tell me the truth!"

He raised a brow. "So... if I tell you the truth, you'll go on another date with me?"

I scoffed. "No. I don't want to die. I don't even know your full name. I know nothing about you. How am I supposed to trust you?"

"Look, I'll tell you everything. Just… calm down for now, okay?"

"No. No. No. I won't—"

Suddenly, he kissed me. My words died on my lips and my breath hitched while my heart pounded. But when he finally pulled away, something inside me shifted. I didn't expect it.

"Now behave," he said, firm but quiet. Like a command I didn't know I'd follow.

I stared at him, then spoke in a low, clipped voice. "Speak." I cossed my arm do he won't noticed that his kissed caught me off guard.

He looked at me with his serious expression. "I have—"

We're not even done when someone knocked on the door.