#06 I Should Act Pro

 

Gia checked her outfit once more, making sure everything was perfect. Her dark blue uniform, consisting of her shirt and pants, was immaculate. So were her hair and shoes. 

Her actions felt a bit silly, as it was clear Raven wouldn’t notice any of it. Plus, while on duty at the house, she wasn’t required to wear a uniform. But by wearing it, Gia wanted to emphasize that she was here in a professional capacity.

The elevator in front of her buzzed, indicating that Raven had come down. This lift was specifically built to allow Raven to move easily between floors in this house.

This luxurious house had three floors. Raven’s room was on the top floor. The entire third floor was his. The second floor housed the library, guest rooms, study, and rooms for Sophie, Jasper, and other staff members. Gia also occupied one of the rooms on the second floor. 

The ground floor contained the living room, relaxation room, dining room, and kitchen. Sophie explained all of this during dinner last night. That dinner helped Gia understand the ins and outs of this house better.

Besides Jasper, who worked as Raven’s secretary and driver, there was another male staff member in the house: Marlow. He was Sophie’s husband. Marlow served as Sophie's driver, taking her out whenever she desired to go, and he was also responsible for maintaining the house's grounds, sometimes with assistance from Sophie during her free time.

Sophie was, of course, responsible for cooking and also took care of Raven while he was sick. Raven didn’t allow anyone but Sophie to take care of him, especially after he became paralyzed. It was a reasonable trust, as Sophie was the woman who had cared for Raven since he was a child.

The iron door slowly slid open, revealing Raven sitting in a wheelchair with Sophie behind him.

“Good morning, Beautiful!” Of course, that friendly greeting came from Sophie. There was no reason for Raven to call her beautiful.

“Beautiful?” Raven even questioned the validity of that word with a mocking tone.

“Yes... It’s a pity your eyes are blind, Mr. Lindgren. You would be thrilled to know how beautiful Hazel’s face is,” Sophie said lightly. She meant it not as a taunt but as encouragement to motivate Raven to recover.

“Yes, I can’t wait to see her beautiful face,” Raven said sarcastically.

“I’ll start the training soon. Thank you, Sophie.” Gia took over the control of the wheelchair, stopping the silly debate between the two.

The debate clearly implied how close their relationship was. Gia was sure that if anyone else said something like that to Raven, they would be fired in the next second.

Without speaking, Gia pushed the chair to the side of the house, where the swimming pool was located. They would begin hydrotherapy today.

“Are you using a perfume?” Raven suddenly asked, disrupting the training routine forming in Gia’s head.

“Yes. I won’t use it again if you mind.”

Someone who has lost their sense of sight often experiences an increase in sensitivity in other senses, both hearing and smell. Gia had only applied a few drops of perfume, but perhaps that was enough to disturb Raven.

“No need. You smell like apples. Don’t women usually prefer floral-scented perfumes?” he asked.

“Maybe. But I don’t like it. I find fruity scents more refreshing.” Although there was nothing wrong with that conversation, Gia slowly regretted it. The discussion felt too personal. It would have been better not to discuss what her favorite scents were.

The therapy pool was located on the terrace on the second floor. The pool opened directly to nature, but since autumn weather was quite cold, the large canopy and folding walls had been opened by Marlow.

“Good morning, Mr. Lindgren. Good morning, Hazel.” Marlow greeted them as they arrived at the edge of the pool.

He was there to assist Gia in lifting Raven. Raven’s body weight was twice that of Gia, so it was impossible for her to lower Raven into the pool alone.

“The water temperature isn’t warm enough, but for now, it’s okay.” Gia dipped one of her hands into the pool. The water temperature had to be just right to awaken Raven’s muscles and nerves.

“I’ll prepare a warmer temperature tomorrow,” Marlow said.

Gia smiled in thanks.

“That smile should be saved for Jasper, not flaunted in front of this old man.” Marlow teased her again. Last night during dinner, he had suggested bringing Jasper and Gia closer together since they were the same age and both single. Gia had firmly rejected it, but Jasper only laughed, neither accepting nor refusing.

"You have only been here for one day, and you are already forming a connection with Jasper?" So fast!” Raven said.

“You misunderstand. Marlow is just joking. I am here to work, and that's all I will do." Raven didn’t sound angry, but Gia suddenly felt the need to explain.

“Whatever!” Raven said, no longer caring. He then loosened the tie of the bathrobe he was wearing. With Marlow’s help, Raven removed the bathrobe, leaving only swim trunks.

Gia wanted to slap her own face, as her heart easily forgot her intention to remain professional. That intention turned to dust the moment her eyes caught a glimpse of Raven’s body. Her heart raced wildly, overpowering her rationality.

Gia thought Raven’s body would have changed slightly due to the accident. However, she was wrong. His body was still perfectly toned, with defined abs. Her mind easily conjured up annoying yet thrilling memories of Raven kissing and touching her. Gia also remembered how warmly his body had enveloped her.

“Haze! Is daydreaming going to be your new job?" Raven asked. Raven scolded. Fortunately, he didn't notice Gia's perfectly red face.

Only Marlow saw it and silently laughed at Hazel, not wanting to draw Raven’s curiosity.

“Oh... Sorry, just a moment.”

Gia kneeled beside the wheelchair and started to examine Raven's legs. As much as possible, she kept her eyes focused downwards. 

Even though it had been months since his legs had been used, Raven’s still looked quite fresh. Among the strands of hair, Gia could see traces of well-trained muscles.

“For today, I will start with the lower leg muscles. No need to immerse the whole body. Just sitting at the edge of the pool with your feet in the water is enough.”

Gia signaled Marlow to lower Raven. Marlow was quick to respond, easily lowering Raven and adjusting his position for comfort.

And because Raven’s upper body was still quite healthy, he could still control his movements to some extent.

Gia then took off her uniform, revealing the full-suit swimsuit underneath.

“Aren’t you in the wrong outfit? I thought you were going to dive.” Marlow laughed at Gia’s fully covered body, resembling a diver.

“This is indeed a special suit for water therapy, Marlow.” Gia insisted convincingly. That was a lie, of course.

Gia just didn’t want to be near Raven while some parts of her body were exposed.

“Really?” Marlow looked skeptical, but he had no reason to argue. So he simply shrugged.

“Call me when you’re done, Hazel.” Marlow said his goodbye. His job there was done. Gia waved as a sign of understanding.

“Let’s start the training.” Gia slowly stepped into the warm water of the pool and reached for Raven’s legs.

Gia tried to focus on the lower part of his legs and avoided glancing at the bulge in Raven’s groin.

But she failed, because Gia's eyes couldn't resist looking in that direction. Her gaze seemed intent on examining in detail what lay beneath those tight shorts.

Raven wasn’t helping either, as he began to moan when Gia’s hand brushed against the inside of his thigh.