Chapter 6- my room, my rules

Elena POV

Stepping into Alexander Donovan's world was like consciously stepping into a trap. I knew things would never be the same again but I had no choice, did I?

This was my only chance to get back everything that was stolen by Pete and repay him with what he left me.

A spineless nobody.

I had no one, no family to turn to, so when an opportunity like this was brought to me in a platter of gold, of course, I couldn't allow it to slip from my hands.

This was a chance to make things right and if worse comes to worse, I would just face it head-on.

A soft knock on the door brought me back to reality. I tucked back a strand of my hair behind my ear as I shoved the last piece of clothes I had.

Opening the door, I found a man dressed in a black and white suit with dark shades who took my bags without a word and headed downstairs, leaving me to follow behind, mentally preparing myself for what was to come.

We had to live together to make it believable that we were a couple enough. As far as I didn't want to, I had to; I chose this, so I had to endure.

After a heavy sigh, I stepped into the tinted car already stationed in front of my hotel. The car took off immediately, taking me to my new life.

We soon arrived at his mansion which was undeniably beautiful. Even beautiful was a mere word compared to what I was seeing.

It was magnificent and the evening allure added a warm glow. Lights dotted along the driveway as we drove through. It fit the perfectly trimmed garden, where flowers bloomed in neat rows.

The mansion had a dreamy appearance with towering stone pillars and wide, arched windows reflecting the fading sunlight.

As we drew closer, the huge double doors, made of fine dark polished wood with gold accents, opened to reveal the most beautiful and expensive opulent interior.

The inside screamed perfection. Who knew Alexander Donovan, with his cold personality, had exquisite taste like this?

I didn't have time to look around when a maid approached me tapping me out of my wonder.

She also, without a word, motioned me to follow her behind, making me think that everyone who was walking for Alexander was muted, but she soon proved me wrong as we entered my assigned room.

“ Ma’am, Master will be here shortly,” she said, giving me a sharp look before leaving.

I let out a heavy sigh, letting my eyes finally scan the room. The decor of the room was unexpected non-exquisite as the outside, grey and black gave off a dull and almost sober atmosphere.

I made my way towards the bathroom eager to remove the tiredness I felt all over. I stepped in, and the coolness of the marble floor under my feet welcomed me.

The bathroom was so large that my hotel room would fit inside and there would still be space to fit in another.

My eyes spotted the big tub that could fit two people in it and I filled it with warm water. I let myself in after getting rid of my clothes as the steam tickled my skin, easing the tension in my muscles.

I leaned back, closing my eyes to absorb the full relaxing feeling I was getting from the bath.

I was in a stranger's house, in a strange bathtub, feeling relaxed. Wasn't that absurd for a woman like me?

Just a few days ago I could barely figure out where my life headed. I still couldn't shake the fact that maybe I rushed in too much.

Was it right for me to have just accepted like that, or should I have thought it through?

My thoughts were interrupted by a familiar voice that sent chills through me.

“ You seem to be enjoying yourself too much,” his deep voice echoed.

My eyes immediately snapped open to see Alex resting against the door of the bathroom, looking down at me.

Shit, with my heart pounding I quickly searched for the towel and spotted one not too far from me. I quickly grabbed it covering myself.

“ Are you crazy” I shot a glare his way after making sure I was properly covered “Don't you know how to knock”

He looked at me with an annoying smirk on his face, and like that, he kept staring at me, making me uncomfortable.

“ My room, my rules”

My stomach dropped, His room!? Did I get naked in his room? This was more embarrassing for me. His eyes never left me adding to the chill I felt in my body.

“ Get out,” I snapped, trying to keep my composure. “I need to dress, or do you want to watch me do so?” I asked sarcastically.

“ Gladly”

My chest lumped as his deep voice echoed again. He was getting me frustrated but there was no way I was letting him see it.

I straightened my shoulder and kept my eyes steady on his, refusing to let him intimidate me.

“ Are you done?” I asked in a cold voice.

He shrugged enjoying the view and the effect he was having on me, which made me more irritated. “ I just wanted to make sure you were settled…in” his last word dragged a little.

His gaze lingered a little making me grit my teeth slightly “ I'm fine, now, if you don't mind I need some privacy please”

He smirked, that infuriating, smug expression and left me to do what I wanted to do.

As soon as he closed the door behind him, I rushed forward locking it and ensuring no one could get through.

I exhaled sharply, letting out the frustration that had been building up inside me. Living under the same roof as him was going to be harder than I thought especially when he keeps playing these mind games.

I quickly dried myself and dressed up, keeping my mind focused on why I was here in the first place, to get Pete to pay.

I walked into the spacious room to find him seated on a sofa a little bit far from the bed.

“ Aren't you going to your room?” I asked. “ This is my room” he replied, his eyes never leaving his phone.

“ fine, where's my room so-” he didn't let me finish before saying

“ You will stay here, in this room with me, for it to look believable” now raising his eyes to meet mine.

Unbelievable, so unbelievable. First, it was signing the contract, then I had to move in with him, and now he wants us to share a room.

“ Most of the servants here are very faithful to my grandmother so we have no choice”

I swallowed hard, realizing just how committed he was to this illusion we were displaying. This was what I signed up for, so I shouldn't make a big deal of it. After all, it's just sleeping. What's the worst that could happen?

“ Fine” trying to sound unbothered as I walked my way to the bed. I ignored his watchful eyes, which felt like they were burning holes in my back.

He stood up also removing his shirt, wanting to glide under the sheet. I quickly averted my eyes pretending to fuss over the already perfect pillows.

“ What do you think you're doing?” I demanded

“ Going to sleep” he replied

I raised my head to meet his. “ No, you're sleeping over there” I pointed at the couch “ while I sleep here”

He looked at me like I was speaking gibberish and said before slipping in “My room, my rules”

To hell with that “ listen to you better -” realizing I was just talking to myself. I let out a sharp sigh. My frustration building up again.

“ Fine” I stood up grumbling under my breath as I made my way to the couch. It was a little uncomfortable and small but it was better than staying on the same bed with him.

I twisted and turned, feeling so much uncomfortable, but there was nothing I could do. I would be okay, I reassured myself. I wasn't doing this just for fun, I would make Pete pay for all he had done.

As the minute ticked and the night grew deeper, I didn't know when darkness engulfed me, and I drifted off to sleep.