Since that incident, I hardly encountered Vincent, as he was extremely occupied, according to Adriel.
He also made me stop working at the office and seldom permitted me to go out.
I wasn't really complaining since I genuinely enjoyed being indoors. Plus, I had Lily for company, and we often explored the mansion together.
I must say, it was much larger than it seemed. We ventured into every nook that was accessible to us.
My favorite spots were the library, the lounge, and the garden. I occasionally enjoyed helping Lily with the chores, even though she found it a bit annoying.
She was my only friend in the mansion, and I appreciated her for that.
***
"It's so hot today," I said, tugging at the neckline of my cropped top.
"You know, we could take a swim in the pool to cool off a bit," Lily proposed.
"Hehehe, no thanks. I'd rather just stay here and melt," I replied, turning up the fan.
"Come on, we're going to melt in here! You stay outside and enjoy the fresh air while I take a refreshing dip," she suggested, looking at me for my response.
"Hmmm, alright, but I'm only hanging out here!" I cautioned.
A few moments later, I found myself lounging in a chair, soaking up the sun and feeling the cool breeze, while engrossed in a book I borrowed from the library.
Lily insisted that I switch into shorts but allowed me to keep my cropped top on, as I was adamantly opposed to putting on a swimsuit.
She gleefully splashed around in the water like a fish that had been deprived of its home.
"Oh, what a wonderfully relaxing day! I don't think I've unwound like this in ages," I remarked, gazing up at the sky.
*Splash!*
"Hey, Lily! Watch it! You just soaked me!" I exclaimed, wiping the water off with a towel.
"Hahaha! I said you wouldn't get in the pool, but I never promised you wouldn't get wet!" she replied, gleefully spraying water everywhere as I dodged her playful attacks.
*Buzzzz!*
Her phone quakes against the table.
"Who's calling?" she inquires.
I stroll over and grab the phone, "It's Adriel!" I pass it to her, and she answers.
"Hey, where are you two? Hope you're not playing hide and seek; Vincent's back home," he warns.
We glance at each other, startled.
"When did he get here?" Lily questions.
"He arrived a while ago, and I think he's been searching for Blossom; he's been wandering around," he reveals.
"Okay, thanks!" She promptly hangs up.
"You head back to your room; I'll sneak to the kitchen through the back door," she directs, and we split ways.
I make my way down the narrow hallway to reach my room more quickly, just as Lily suggested.
I pause and glance back, noticing Lily has already vanished—
*Slam!*
*Yep, I've been caught.*
Vincent stands in my way, looking more tense than the last time I faced him. *Honestly, he looks even more appealing now.*
"Who are you trying to escape from, little de?" His voice is icy as stone.
My heart races as he gently tucks a loose strand of hair behind my ear.
"Ughhh, no one. I was just heading back to my room," I stammered.
He pulls me closer, his nose gliding down my neck, sending shivers through me.
*Oh no, the allure strikes again.*
"Do you know what I do to liars, little de?" he inquires.
"N-no," I manage to reply.
"I torture them," he whispers softly in my ear.
His hands, once resting on my waist, now grip my backside, causing my cheeks to flush bright red.
I attempt to push him away, but it feels as pointless as a rabbit trying to harm a lion.
"Don't worry, I won't let you escape so easily this time," he assures me.
His lips connect with my skin, tracing down my neck, and my body tingles in response.
I find myself loosening in his embrace, as if surrendering and yearning for his touch and attention.
"You know you want me," he taunts.
His lips travel upward, and my mouth instinctively parts to welcome him.
At this point, resisting seems futile; it's clear my body craves this connection.
His unexpectedly warm and gentle lips explored every inch of my mouth, igniting a thrilling sensation with every touch.
I had gone without this for far too long.
I craved more, clutching his shirt and drawing him in closer.
But just then, he pulled away, whispering in my ear, "This is merely the beginning of your torment, little de." With that, he walked off.
*What just happened!? I was genuinely ready to surrender to him—where did my self-control go?! And he just strolled away as if it was nothing. I've made a fool of myself! Damn you, foolish body, for giving in! Ugh, I can't stand him!*
****
I settled onto a garden chair, softly humming a tune that played in my mind.
I had come here to gather my thoughts, struggling to focus after the incident that kept replaying over and over in my head.
"How can someone be so cruel!" I shouted.
"Don't worry, you'll get used to him," Adriel said, taking a seat beside me.
I hadn't meant for that to slip out. *Sigh*
"I didn't realize you had a singing talent," he remarked.
"What? I was just humming! How could you tell from that?" I questioned.
"It's part of the deal," he responded with a grin.
"Right, so what brings you here?" I nudged him playfully.
"Well, I wanted to check in on you since you seemed a bit overwhelmed, and I have a favor to ask," he clarified.
"Ugh, just lay it on me. If it's doable, I'll consider it," I joked.
"Okay, so there's this family gathering our dad hosts every year. Vincent stopped going after a fallout five years ago, and nobody's managed to talk to him about returning. I think you might be the one to convince him," he asserted.
"What?! Are you sending me on a wild goose chase? Plus, I'm not exactly on good terms with him, so sweet-talking isn't in my arsenal!" I exclaimed.
"Come on, just consider this as a way to repay me for that favor I did for you back then. I'm almost certain he wouldn't harm you," he said, desperation in his eyes.
"Alright, I'll give it a shot, just because you were there for me! And if it goes south, I'll make sure to drag you down with me," I replied.
"Whoa, that's a bit intense. I really doubt he'll hurt you. Thanks anyway!" he said, scratching the back of his head.
"Don't thank me just yet; let's see if I come out of this unscathed first. Now, tell me, do you have a crush on Lily?" I asked, wiggling my eyebrows playfully.
"W-what?! No way!" he exclaimed, glancing down bashfully.
"Come on! Just admit it; I can see how you look at her. I promise I won't spill the beans." I scooted closer to him teasingly.
"I said I don't like her!" He turned pink in the cheeks.
"You're definitely going to break her heart if she…"