Athilda's pov
"But how?" my sister asked. Why does she even want to know? Is she jealous or just too curious?
"Ask her yourself," Enzo said with a smirk that made my blood boil. That smug face of his drives me crazy.
"I need to go. Please tell Dad for me. I'm feeling dizzy," I told Talia, completely ignoring her question. I caught Enzo raising one eyebrow, but I chose not to react. Instead, I hurried away.
Just as I was about to walk off, I heard Enzo's voice behind me.
"I'm an exchange doctor. I work at St. Calisha. And by the way, your sister is a close friend of mine. We go way back, really close."
What?! My heart raced. He must have recognized me from the hospital… He even mentioned St. Calisha. I shook my head and practically ran out of the hotel. Once outside, I headed straight for the parking lot. I was in such a rush that I fumbled through my bag, trying to find my car key. The moment I finally found it, I felt something brush against my foot.
"Aaaaahh!" I screamed, jumping around like crazy. My things flew out of my hands.
A rat! A disgusting rat! Oh no, this cannot be happening.
In my panic, I twisted my ankle and lost my balance. I squeezed my eyes shut, bracing for the fall.. But I never hit the ground.
Someone caught me. I opened my eyes slowly, and that was it. I broke down crying. Yes, it may have seemed dramatic, but between the rat and the pain in my foot, I just could not hold it together.
"Hey, it's okay. Stop crying," the person said softly. Even through my blurry vision, I knew it was Enzo who had caught me.
Suddenly, I felt weightless, he had lifted me, carrying me bridal-style like we were in some kind of movie.
"What happened?" he asked. I stayed quiet until he gently set me down on a nearby bench.
"What happened?" he asked again, this time leaning closer and wiping my tears with a handkerchief from his suit pocket. The moment was too much. Embarrassment hit me hard. Why was he even here?
"T-the rat," I stammered, still shaking from the shock. His breath was warm against my cheek.
"Lean on me."
I had no idea why, but I followed his instructions and leaned back on the bench. He moved his face away slightly and lifted my leg gently, resting it on his lap. Then he carefully removed my heels.
"This might hurt a little at first, but it will feel better after," he said in a deep voice.
"What?" I blinked, unsure what he really meant. That tone… Seriously, did he mean it like that?
He just laughed, shaking his head as he began massaging my foot slowly.
"Ow…ow! That hurts!" I whimpered, my eyes filling again.
"Sorry. I will be gentle," he said, and I nearly choked on my own breath. Why did my mind go straight to the things we had done before? Ugh! What is wrong with me? Between the two of us, who's the real pervert here? I shut my eyes tightly as the pain from his massage shot through my ankle. But slowly, minute by minute, that sharp pain faded… and was replaced with a strange sense of relief.
"Ahh!" I gasped as he pressed a spot a little harder, but this time, the pain was gone. I opened my eyes and gently moved my foot around. It did not hurt anymore. I felt normal again. Just like that. Wow. He is really good at this. Is he secretly a massage therapist? Well, he is a doctor. Situations like this must be nothing new to him. I glanced at Enzo and caught him looking at me… his gaze deep and cold. Embarrassed, I quickly looked down.
"Um… thank you," I said softly. I reached for my heels, but he beat me to it.
"No. Do not wear these. Wait here," he said with a serious look on his face.
"Okay…" I mumbled, and the moment he turned away, I finally let out a deep breath.
I pressed my hand to my chest, why is my heart pounding like this? What is going on with me?
In just a few minutes, Enzo returned. He was holding a pair of men's slippers, big, black, Nike.
"Here. Sorry, they are large. But wear them," he said, placing them down and gently brushing my arm with his hand.
"I.." I was about to protest, but he cut me off.
"Just wear them. It will help prevent the swelling from getting worse."
His tone left no room for argument, and honestly, he was right. He even helped me slide them on. I bit my lower lip to stop myself from reacting. Why is something so simple making my heart race?
"I will take you home," he said.
"What?" I blinked at him. Did I hear that right?
"I will drive you," he repeated plainly, his eyes locking onto mine.
"No need… I am already bothering you too much," I said, feeling a little shy.
"I insist," he replied. "If the pain flares up again, you might not be able to control the brakes while driving. Do you want to risk that?"
His jaw clenched slightly, making his face look even more defined.
"Why do you even care?" I shot back.
Great. Why am I the one with an attitude now, after he literally saved me?
"You are so stubborn," he muttered under his breath, his tone low and intense.
"What did you just say?" I snapped. Did he just curse at me?
"Hmm! Just tell me your address," he said with clear irritation.
I raised an eyebrow at him. "I can handle this, okay? Go back…!" Too late. He had already scooped me up again like I was a bride or something.
Ugh. He ignored my protests and kept walking, carrying me like it was no big deal. I wanted to fight back, but my body felt too weak. I glanced at his face. Damn… he really is attractive. His face is so perfect. But those lips, rosy, perfectly shaped, ugh, they were distracting. I swallowed hard, though there was nothing in my mouth. Why do his lips look like they're asking to be kissed? What is wrong with me?! This is not who I am! Why am I suddenly thirsting over this man?
"Done staring?" he said, raising an eyebrow.
Oh my god. Was I just ogling him without even realizing it? I looked away, flustered. We had somehow reached his car without me noticing.
"Huh?" I said dumbly as he opened the passenger door and helped me inside.
"Now tell me, where do you live so I can take you home?"
His face was cold again, like he was trying not to show any emotion.
"Sigh… Okay fine. Akarion Condominium. Do you know where that is?" I asked, raising my brow at him.
"Yep. My uncle owns that building," he replied with a casual voice.
Wow. Seriously? That place is well-known. His family must be really rich.
"Do I look like I care?" I muttered under my breath. Yeah, self, better to act cold than keep drooling over his lips like a lovesick idiot. So cringe.
"Is it not obvious?" he snapped, clearly annoyed. Well, looks like he has a short temper. The more I see of him, the more his attitude shows.
"Ugh," I rolled my eyes and leaned against the window.
I heard him move, so I turned back toward him, and in an instant, his face was right in front of mine. I could smell his breath. It was warm, like wine mixed with mint, and I could feel the heat radiating from him.
"What are you doing?" I whispered. He just smirked and leaned in closer. My eyes fluttered shut on instinct, but instead of his lips, I felt him adjusting my seatbelt. I quickly opened my eyes and saw that familiar grin on his face. Ugh, Athilda, seriously? Embarrassing!
"Just drive already," I grumbled, trying to cover up my flustered state.
He moved back, like he was about to start the car. But instead, he leaned in again and kissed me.
What?!
His lips pressed against mine, and before I could react, he bit my lower lip, making me gasp. And just like that, he slipped his tongue in Damn it. I lost all control. The heat, the way he kissed me.. I could not stop myself anymore. I kissed him back. I was completely swept away.
Hey, I do not want to kiss him, but my stupid body is not listening to me!
I placed my hand on the back of his neck.
"I missed the taste of your lips," he said, and before I could react, his lips were back on mine. My knees were weakening. My strength was slipping fast, especially when I felt his hand sliding inside my dress. When he finally got through, his hand moved along my thigh.
"Uhmm…" I let out a soft moan.