8

Rina Zante

He...

I pinched myself hard on my elbow. A very tight squeeze that'd stifle my irrational fear and timidity. It had to stop! My only job was to clean the toilet. That was all.

I didn't know how it happened, but my gaze flashed at him. It freaking did. And that was how I met his wet body. Yet again, this was my first time seeing his naked body, albeit without him being fully naked and as much as I loathed to admit it, my bully was drop-dead gorgeous. Raven dark hair, spiky due to moisture, flattened against his head, drops of water trailing down his bronze skin. His blue gaze held mine, a piercing intensity to them, as he raked a hand through his hair, the dragon tattoo on his biceps flexing with the movement. He was sexy and he knew it.

I shut my eyes as my airway constricted. I couldn't get that picture off my mind. Especially his rock hard chest that sprouted a few strands of dark hair,, his abs accentuated to a full display.

Still with my eyes shut, I sensed him leave the door and walk past me. When I felt he was far away, I rushed into the toilet, or I tried too because something pulled me back. A portion of my gown had gotten stuck in the door. A cloak of shame wrapped me up because I could swear he was staring at me. Swallowing up pride, I pulled the door slightly open, and freed my dress.

Yet again, by some unknown malevolent power, I caught sight of him. He had taken off his towel, having just a tiny piece of briefs.

I grabbed my bucket and went for the bathroom door as though my whole life depended on making it in. When I got inside, away from his prying eyes, I sighed. That was a huge relief. Dear moon goddess.

I forced spit down my throat, at the same time feeling the beads of sweat around my forehead. Calming myself down, I got to work. Once again, phew. All the while I worked, the images of Piccolo Maestro invaded my thoughts. No matter how I tried to chase them away, I failed.

I couldn't help but feel annoyed at Mia. She probably had done this on purpose. Yes, to spite me. I sighed. I couldn't tell what joy people derived from bullying others. Like why exactly do they do that? It was just awful.

Having made sure I went through all the corners in the toilet bowl, I pressed the button on top to flush it. Next thing was to scrub the floor. As I was about to pick up the broom propped against the wall, a series of footsteps reached my ears. On the edge, I turned around. Instantly, I gasped. He was here. And had brought with him, his menacing gaze.

I looked down at the floor, my heart back to its fast pace.

He stood there for some time. Now, although his presence was haunting enough, I was glad he wasn't advancing. My jaw still ached from his grip last night.

As my eyes began to water from the prolonged staring at the floor, he banged the door. My jerking enabled me to look up and that was when I realized he'd left.

I heaved a silent sigh of relief. To be honest, I could actually die in the hands of Piccolo Maestro. I could actually die before my time. As though my thoughts reached his ears, the door swung open, revealing his intimidating form yet again.

"Seems you've lost your manners." His voice was a deep growl. It belittled me, destroyed any worth I had. "I should rather do you the honors by greeting, right?"

Oh no. I hadn't —

"Buongiorno, signora. Hope you had a pleasant night," he said in a fake sweet tone before reverting to his normal self. "Cervello di pecora. Look at you… How old are you again?"

I didn't want to answer. Of course, snubbing him was justified, but then, where would that land me? More trouble.

"Eighteen."

I couldn't even finish the word before he hooted. The sound rang through the bathroom. The sound made me look like a failed idiot. "Wow. Stupido soffocante. You actually said that with your full chest. Pathetic thing."

I shut my eyes, on the brink of tears. Don't cry. Don't you dare! But it was late. The tears had formed. My lids were trembling from their weight.

"Eighteen and you look like a hag. An old, barren hag." His footsteps drew closer, stoking up my anxiety. Still with my eyes closed, I pulled backwards. "Hold it right there! Don't you move an inch backwards."

He continued with the steps, till he stood about two inches from me. "Open those ugly eyes."

Left with no choice, I did. Tears slipped out and I frantically wiped them off with the hem of my sleeves. Unsurprisingly, he huffed, "Look up here."

All I could see in those blue eyes of his was hate. Hate for no reason.

"You should be happy someone like me is wasting valuable time picking on you. You should be glad that for the first time in your deadbeat life, you are the center of attention." He paused as his devious gaze washed over me. He ripped me off my dignity starting from my hair to my feet. Then as he took his gaze back to my face, something stopped him. My…

I swallowed, eyes several sizes bigger. My chest?

His gaze lingered. I didn't know how to feel, or what he was thinking about. But then, the slight pull of his brows gave me zero idea.

My breasts were one part of my body I was insecure about. It caused me a lot of embarrassment and discomfort. I couldn't wear anything I wanted, like small or medium chested girls. More frustrating, they swayed here and there whenever I walked. It was annoying and was one of the things I wished I could change about myself.

"Your new duty post is to work as my personal maid," he spoke up, cutting short my thoughts. "Henceforth, you work for me. Me and me only."

For the third time today, what?! Ma che cazzo? No, this had to be a dream. Yes, 'cause there was no way—absolutely no way an entire day could be this cursed. I looked on in disbelief as he turned his back on me and headed to the door.

Cosa ci siamo procurati noi stessi, Mammà? I was to be Vincenzo’s personal maid? Kill me now?!