Chapter five

Nelly

As soon as my heart steadied from the shock of Aiden’s flirty expression—his face far too close for comfort—I shook my head and strode away as fast as my legs could carry me. What the hell was that about?

Aiden was supposed to be the guy who avoided people, not the type to make hearts race against their will. And for heaven's sake, why did he always seem allergic to wearing a shirt in his own house? My cheeks burned just thinking about it. My thoughts churned as I rounded the corner, trying to banish the memory of his piercing gaze.

But then, my heart nearly stopped.

There she was. The blonde woman from last night. Her sharp, blue-eyed glare locked onto mine the instant I noticed her, and I froze like a deer caught in headlights.

She didn’t stop. Instead, she marched toward me, her heels clicking with purpose. I scrambled to the side, pressing myself against the wall as she brushed past me without so much as a glance.

Straight to the kitchen she went.

And then, it began.

“I knew it!” Her voice echoed, sharp and biting. “I knew that witch was coming from where you were!”

I walked closer to the kitchen, Peering around the corner, I spotted her standing in the middle of the kitchen, fuming. Aiden leaned casually against the kitchen island, his expression unreadable as he watched her pace like a predator circling prey.

The tension in the air prickled along my skin.

“Why does it even matter?” His voice was calm, smooth as silk—a clear contrast to her fiery tone.

“Because it matters!” she snapped, her heels punctuating her words as she turned on him. “Did you hire her because of this?”

“No,” Aiden replied, his tone dismissive.

“Rose hired her?” she pressed.

Aiden chuckled low, the sound rich and infuriatingly self-assured. “You’re good, Eva. You’ve known me for, what? A month?”

“That’s because I love you,” Eva shot back, her voice breaking slightly as she tried to keep her composure.

Aiden crossed his arms, tilting his head. “You don’t love someone you see twice a week.”

“That’s why I’m asking you—pleading—to give this relationship a chance!” She stopped pacing and faced him, her desperation laid bare.

“We gave it a chance. That’s why you’re here,” he said flatly.

“Its only been a month, I’m the one who fought for this, Aiden,” she insisted, her voice sharp with conviction. “I’ve put in the effort. I’m still putting in the effort.”

“And how’s that working out for you?” His question was laced with an edge I couldn’t quite understand.

“Fine! It’s going fine,” she replied sharply, nodding as if her insistence could make it true.

I pressed myself harder against the wall, caught in a swirl of curiosity. The scene unfolding between them was impossible to look away from, yet I couldn’t risk being caught eavesdropping—again.

Aiden suddenly moved, his slow, deliberate steps carrying him toward the living room. I bolted. My heart pounded as I slipped off to the other side of the house. , Eva’s heels clicking faster behind me. Whatever this was, I wasn’t about to get tangled up the second time today.

“We have visitors tomorrow. The living room needs a bit more attention, Nelly!” Rose’s voice cut through the quiet, pulling me toward her.

She glanced up from the checklist she always seemed to have. “Could you head to the garden at the far end? Williams will show you the flowers. Bring some back and arrange them for the dining room.”

I nodded, already moving. As I stepped away, I glanced back at Rose. Anyone would think she owned this house. She ran everything with such precision, her diligence bordering on obsession. I wonder if Aiden even noticed our efforts. He never seemed to ask for anything directly; it was always Rose barking orders on his behalf.

How much did she really know about him to take care of his home? I’d assumed Aiden was distant, closed off—a man shrouded in mystery. But now, I wasn’t so sure.

Still, my thoughts wandered to the drama I’d overheard earlier. Not that I was particularly interested in Aiden’s personal affairs, but let’s be honest—there wasn’t much else to entertain myself with around here.

The garden was vibrant, a sea of greens and colors, but I didn’t have time to admire it. I hurried to the far end, where Williams was already waiting, a bundle of flowers in his hands.

“Hi, Miss…?” he began, his tone warm.

“Nelly,” I replied quickly, flashing a wide smile as I reached for the flowers.

“It’s nice to meet you.”

“You too, Williams! I’ve heard so much about you,” I said, already turning back toward the house. “Things are hectic today. I’ll catch up with you some other time!”

Before he could respond, I was heading back inside. The dining room came into view, and with it, Eva—still there, still arguing. Though calling it an argument might’ve been a stretch. She’d been rambling for minutes, her voice rising and falling in desperation, while Aiden stood there like a statue, offering no response.

“We’re done now, Eva,” Aiden finally said, his tone flat as he turned to leave.

“You’re just—you’re someone with serious issues!” Eva’s voice cracked, the edge of her frustration giving way to something raw. “You’re an embodiment of what’s wrong with your entire family!”

I froze, bracing for a reply, a reaction, something.

But Aiden didn’t even flinch. “You’re not far off my mental diagnosis,” he said casually, disappearing from sight.

Eva’s shoulders sagged as a quiet sob escaped her. After a few moments, she stormed out, the sound of her heels fading down the hallway.

I stood there, stunned. That...wasn’t what I’d expected. Not from either of them. Eva, who’d seemed ready to claw her way to victory, had folded like a wounded animal. And Aiden—untouchable, impenetrable—had barely acknowledged her efforts to provoke him.

As I stood in the aftermath of it all, Aiden’s voice drifted back, low and distant.

“That’s because there are rules in the relationship she created.”

****

I tiptoed down the stairs, every creak beneath my feet reminding me of the chaos earlier. After everything that had unfolded today, I couldn’t risk being seen. 

Slipping outside, I headed to where Aiden’s lounge wear hung neatly under the sun—Rose’s orders, of course. The sun is the most effective germ killer, she’d said, her tone leaving no room for argument. She’d been precise about when they needed to be brought in before she left, and I wasn’t about to get on her bad side today.

Grabbing the clothes, I hurried back inside. The laundry room was quiet, warm from the afternoon light filtering in. But as I stepped in, I froze.

Aiden was there.

He stood by the shelves, rifling through the stored clothes, his broad shoulders pulling taut against his shirt. He looked up as I entered, his gaze landing on the bundle of fabric in my arms. For a moment, neither of us spoke. The weight of his stare sent a shiver down my spine, making me acutely aware of every crease in my clothes, every hair out of place.

Then, without warning, he stepped closer and reached into my arms. His fingers brushed mine as he pulled out a T-shirt from the pile, the contact brief but electric.

I opened my mouth to say something—anything—but he moved before I could. His hands gripped the hem of his shirt, lifting it over his head. My breath hitched, and I spun around so fast I nearly dropped the rest of the clothes.

“It’s okay, Nelly,” he said with a hint of amusement in his voice. “I’m not going to flash you.”

His chuckle was soft, deep, and far too casual for how unsteady I suddenly felt. I heard his footsteps retreat, and only then did I exhale. My hands trembled slightly as I set the clothes down, his scent lingering faintly in the air.

Why did my legs feel so light? Why did my stomach twist itself into knots every time I saw him? Avoid him, they’d said. It sounded so simple in theory, but this house suddenly isn’t nearly big enough to keep our paths from crossing. And Aiden... Aiden wasn’t the man I thought he’d be. The reclusive, cold figure I’d been warned about didn’t quite match the one who, for some reason, seemed to be around alot especially today. 

Shaking off the thought, I busied myself sorting the clothes, folding them neatly. Anything to keep my mind from spiraling. When I finished, I headed upstairs to place them in Aiden’s room against Rose’s warning. He’d need them, after all.

I knocked softly. No answer.

Hesitating for a moment, I turned the handle and stepped inside. His room was just as I imagined: clean, minimal, and dark. It was cozy in a way that felt deeply personal, as if it reflected pieces of him he didn’t let the world see.

I moved to the closet, which was enormous—ridiculously so—until I saw how much space his wardrobe took up. Shelves upon shelves of clothes, all meticulously arranged except for a few piles of well-worn items. My fingers brushed over them as I began folding and sorting, aligning with the pattern Rose had started.

It didn’t take long for me to lose myself in the task, so much so that the sound of footsteps startled me. I spun around, my heart leaping into my throat.

Aiden stood in the doorway, completely soaked through. His hair dripped with water, his shirt clinging to every line of muscle as if it were painted on. The sight left me frozen, my thoughts scattering everywhere.

He didn’t speak. His gaze locked with mine, heavy and unreadable, and for a moment, the air felt charged. My breath caught as I tried to find something—anything—to say, but the words lodged in my throat.

“What?” he asked, his tone casual, but his eyes pinned me in place.

“Nothing,” I stammered, “I was just helping Rose with the—”

“Rose just wants someone in here to dial emergency if I drop dead,” he interrupted, his words sharp yet light. “I doubt she actually needs you for anything else.”

Before I could process his comment, he grabbed the hem of his shirt and pulled it over his head. This time, I didn’t turn away. Not because I didn’t want to, but because my mind was still stuck on deciphering his words.

“Are you sick?” The question tumbled out before I could stop it.

A low chuckle escaped him. “Do I look sick, Nelly?”

He tossed his shirt aside, then unbuttoned his wet trousers with unhurried precision. My brain stalled. And this time not because I was concerned about his health, but because it had found a much more pressing reason to examine his body. The sharp lines of his abdomen, the way his skin gleamed slightly from the water… My peripheral vision betrayed me further, zeroing in on the way his briefs hugged his waist and— Stop it.

 As he passed, his voice dropped to a whisper, “I’m just cold right now.”

A wave of goosebumps rippled across my skin, betraying me completely. My eyes darted back to the clothes I’d been arranging, my hands moving automatically. 

My mind scolded me: Aiden is a hot boss, but he’s still your boss. Keep it professional. Don’t embarrass yourself. But my body didn’t care, still reacting to every word, every glance, every fleeting touch.

I swallowed hard and forced my focus back to the clothes. As I worked, Aiden moved closer again. This time, he reached for the pile in my hands. His fingers brushed mine, lingering for a second longer than necessary. The contact sent another shiver down my spine.

He didn’t step back. Instead, he leaned in, his voice low, intimate. “I can’t decide if you’re scared of me… or if it’s the opposite.”

My breath hitched. My eyes shot up to his, and for a moment, I was caught. His gaze was steady, magnetic, holding mine. My thoughts scrambled for something to say, but all that came out was a weak, “I—I—”

His lips curled into a knowing smirk. “Are you anemic?”

“Huh?” I blinked, completely thrown.

“Your hands are freezing.” His voice softened, teasing. “Take tomorrow off and take care of yourself. We can’t have Rose’s replacement too tired to do her job.” He stepped back, his smirk turning playful. 

“Besides, you’ll want to avoid the visitors coming tomorrow. Trust me, you won’t regret it.”

And just like that, he turned and left the room, his broad shoulders and lean frame disappearing through the doorway. My gaze followed him despite myself, lingering on the way his body moved—tight, effortless, and undeniably captivating.

“Nelly, you need to go touch some grass,” I muttered under my breath, striding briskly out of the house. The cool evening air kissed my skin, and I exhaled deeply, letting the tension seep out with my breath. As my eyes swept over the sprawling estate, the endless expanse of land stretched before me, inviting.

I’d seen Williams and some of the other employees heading in this direction a few times, but I’d never ventured far enough to know what lay ahead. Curiosity tugged at me, and I started down the path, aimless but hopeful for some distraction.

The gentle breeze swayed the grass and they blend in together like green ocean,  I let it calm me. 

The slope beneath my feet dipped slightly, and ahead, a long shed came into view. Excitement fluttered in my chest, and Danielle’s voice suddenly echoed in my head: “You’re going to end up hiding bodies for your boss for sure.”

I snorted at the memory, shaking my head. Unhinged thoughts at every situation. Classic Nelly. Slowing my pace, I became more deliberate, savoring the cool air and letting the sound of distant moos and bleats pique my curiosity.

“Wait, do we have a farm here?” I whispered to myself, catching the faint but unmistakable smell of livestock. The scent wasn’t exactly pleasant, but it pulled me forward, feeding my curiosity.

I reached the entrance of the shed and pushed the door gently. It creaked open, revealing a massive, bustling barn. Rows of cattle filled the space, their soft mooing blending into the rhythmic sound of a shovel scraping against the ground. My eyes followed the sound until I spotted him.

Aiden.

He was shoveling hay into large wooden feeding bins, his movements strangely ungraceful as he tried to fend off the curious cows nosing around him. His shirt clung to him, damp from effort, and the evening light caught in his hair, making it appear almost golden.

A calf nudged his arm, then began licking it with unabashed enthusiasm. Aiden jerked away with an exasperated laugh, muttering something I couldn’t quite hear. The sight was so unexpected, so unlike the composed  man I’d come to know, that I couldn’t help it—I laughed.

Loudly.

His head whipped toward me, surprise flashing across his face. with no warning, a sudden gush of water erupted from above, spraying down in a chaotic burst.

“Again? For fuck’s sake!” Aiden shouted, his voice rising above the startled cries of the cattle.

The cows, spooked by the water, began to shift and move—straight toward me.

My breath caught as the massive, panicked animals surged in my direction.

Aiden’s sharp voice cut through the chaos. “Close the door!”

“How?” I panicked, fumbling to grab the door and push it shut. My hands trembled as the sheer force of the cattle pressing closer made the task seem impossible. I shoved harder, but instead of closing, the door swung wider.

I glanced back in alarm as the cattle surged forward, their hooves pounding against the floor.

“Just close it!” Aiden’s voice barked again, firm and commanding.

Summoning all the strength I had, I pushed against the door with every ounce of effort, finally bolting it shut. My back hit the cool metal as I leaned against it, panting and bracing for the inevitable crush that never came.

By the time I dared to look, Aiden was already in front of me, skillfully herding the cattle away from the entrance with calculated movements. My heart thudded violently in my chest, not from fear alone, but from the magnetic pull of watching him work with such ease and strength.

“Good job, Nelly,” he said, his voice smoother now, tinged with amusement as he turned toward a small farmhouse tucked within the barn.

I straightened and followed him hesitantly, still catching my breath. When we met halfway, I managed a shaky laugh. “I think I almost died.”

“The cows would’ve stopped short of running you over,” he said casually, gesturing toward the shed. “But the sprinkler system? That’s another story.”

Only then did I notice the state of myself—completely soaked through, my dress clinging to me uncomfortably.

“I should probably head back,” I murmured, glancing toward the house.

“Use the towel here first,” Aiden said, already leading the way inside.

Stepping in behind him, I was momentarily taken aback by the stark contrast of the small space. Everything about the estate had been vast and grand, yet this room was intimate and surprisingly rustic. Aiden, standing there in his soaked clothes, looked more like a rugged farm owner than the poised, detached boss I’d come to know.

I hesitated, the room suddenly feeling too small for the both of us. Sensing my awkwardness, he handed me a towel, his expression neutral yet unreadable.

“Thanks,” I said softly, starting to pat my hair dry.

Aiden wasted no time peeling off his shirt, the motion so natural it was almost disarming.

“You alright?” he asked, his tone laced with concern but his eyes sharp, studying me.

I nodded quickly, my voice catching in my throat. “Yeah, I—uh, I guess I just can’t help sticking my nose where it doesn’t belong.” I tried to joke, but it came out stilted, my nerves betraying me.

Aiden’s lips curved in the faintest of smirks. “That much is obvious.”

I focused on the towel, avoiding his gaze, but having him this close—damp, shirtless, and entirely unbothered—wasnt helping.

“Nelly, you need to stop backing up against that wall, or you’ll get your hair stuck on it,” Aiden said, his voice teasing yet firm.

My cheeks flushed even deeper as I instinctively pulled away from the wall, stepping closer to him. Too close. Before I could process the proximity, his hands were on me—gentle, but deliberate—guiding me aside.

“Here you go,” he murmured, his voice low as he eased me into a space beside him. “Now, you can back into this one as much as you like.”

I looked up, breath caught in my throat. His eyes locked on mine, intense and unreadable. For a moment, the air between us felt impossibly charged. My heart raced as I stared at him, unable to break the connection.

Aiden’s lips curved into the faintest of smiles, but it wasn’t one of amusement—it was knowing, deliberate. Then, without warning, he leaned down.

“This is the worst that could happen,” he whispered.

Before I could process his words, his lips pressed against mine.

Before I could process his words, his lips pressed against mine.

It was soft, fleeting, and left me stunned. His eyes searched mine as he pulled back, gauging my reaction. I blinked, my mind struggling to catch up with what had just happened.

 But my body acted on instinct. I rose onto my toes, my hands finding their way to the back of his neck as I kissed him back, tugging him toward me with a hunger I hadn’t realized I possessed.

Aiden didn’t hesitate. His arms wrapped around my waist, holding me in place as his lips claimed mine again. This time, the kiss wasn’t soft. It was urgent, consuming, and I couldn’t help but lean further into him.

My legs moved on their own, wrapping around his waist as he lifted me effortlessly. Neither of us pulled away, lips locked in rhythm. When we broke apart for a breath, the heat in his gaze mirrored the fire I felt inside.

I didn’t wait. My hands tangled in his hair, pulling him back to me. His lips found mine again, this time more demanding. He stepped forward, pressing me against the wall as his hips aligned with mine, his body fitting against me perfectly.

A low, involuntary moan escaped my lips, and it seemed to spur him on. His tongue slid into my mouth, exploring with a deliberate intensity that left me breathless. His hands roamed under my clothes, skimming my bare skin before grazing the edge of my bra. And when his hands kneaded my breast, I arched into him, the friction between us sending shivers down my spine.

I wanted more. I wanted the barriers of clothing gone, to feel him completely.

Just as the moment threatened to spiral into something unstoppable, a loud ring shattered the air.

The sound broke through the haze, and we froze. Reality came crashing back.

I untangled myself, my breath ragged, and tried to step away, but Aiden’s hands remained firm on my waist, steadying me. He lowered me gently to the ground, his movements calm despite the tension between us.

I smoothed my clothes, my hands trembling as I avoided his gaze. Aiden turned away, locating his phone.

“Yeah?” he said into the receiver, his voice steady, as if nothing had just happened.

I stood rooted in place, every nerve in my body still tingling. Aiden walked toward the exit as he continued his call, leaving me to gather myself.

I spotted the towel I’d dropped earlier and snatched it up, clutching it like a lifeline. My legs felt unsteady, my heart still racing. I wasn’t sure what to do next, but the idea of staying here with him was unbearable.

Just as I turned toward the door, Aiden reappeared.

“Jack’s here,” he said, his tone neutral. “I’ll close up the shed. You can’t handle it.”

I nodded quickly, eager to escape. Squeezing past him, I rushed toward the exit, my steps hurried as if I could leave behind the heat, the confusion, and the whirlwind of emotions that had overtaken me.