Chapter 4

8:00 a.m.

The sharp, persistent sound of the alarm jolted me awake. I wriggled in bed, clinging to the last remnants of sleep. As my eyes adjusted to the morning light streaming through the window, I realized I’d overslept.

“Oh no,” I groaned, panic setting in. “I’m really dead. What excuse am I even going to give?” I scrambled out of bed and hurried downstairs.

The aroma of bacon filled the air, mingling with an unfamiliar, exotic scent. My heart sank when I saw Ian in the kitchen. “Oh no,” I whispered under my breath. “He’s already made breakfast.”

“Uh…sir,” I stammered. “I’m really sorry I overslept. I was so exhausted from yesterday.”

“Quiet!” His voice thundered through the room, freezing me in place. “I gave you simple rules, and you couldn’t even follow those. And now you’re standing here feeding me excuses?”

I shrank back, my heart pounding. “I’m sorry,” I whispered, tears welling up in my eyes. “It won’t happen again.”

His gaze bore into me, cold and unyielding. “From now on, you address me formally. And enough with the tears,” he muttered, exasperation evident in his tone.

“Yes, sir,” I replied, trying to steady my voice.

“I’m leaving for work,” he announced curtly. “I won’t be back tonight.”

I nodded, unable to muster another word as he stormed out, the door slamming shut behind him. My legs gave way beneath me, and I sank to the floor, tears streaming down my face. The image of his cold expression replayed in my mind. For a moment, I’d thought he wasn’t as bad as he seemed. Clearly, I was wrong.

Grasping for comfort, I dialed my mom’s number.

“Hello, Bebe,” her warm voice greeted me. “How was the journey? I’m guessing you fell asleep; that’s why you didn’t call.”

I forced a smile through the tears. “Hey, Mom. Yeah, I did. I miss you so much. I hate it here.” My voice cracked. “I want to come home. I can’t stand it.”

“It’s okay, Bebe,” she soothed. “Be strong. You’re doing this for your family. Remember what to say when you’re feeling low.”

“The Lord is with me. Nothing is permanent,” I recited, the words offering a sliver of solace.

“That’s right,” she encouraged. “God is always with you, watching over you. Be brave, my little angel. We love you so much, Bebe.”

“I love you too, Mom.”

We talked a while longer, her voice calming my nerves. After hanging up, I decided to call Briar.

“Hey, girl!” she answered with a playful tone. “What’s up? How’s our man?”

I couldn’t help but laugh despite myself. “Briar! First of all, he’s not my man. Second…I’m not okay.”

Her tone shifted immediately. “What’s wrong?”

I told her everything about my morning with Ian.

“Well,” she said after a pause, “you were kind of at fault this time.”

“I knew you’d take his side,” I muttered. “It was just one mistake.”

“I’m not taking sides, Reina,” she said gently. “I’m just saying—try to stick to the rules. Wake up earlier next time, okay?”

“You’d make a great judge,” I teased, trying to lighten the mood.

“Of course I would!” she replied, her playful tone returning. “But seriously, you’ll be fine. I have to go now, though. Talk later?”

“Okay. Take care,” I said softly, feeling a little better after our conversation.

The growling of my stomach snapped me out of my thoughts. Starving, I headed to the kitchen and whipped up some bacon.

After eating and tidying up, I decided to relax for a while. Knowing Ian wasn’t coming home, I opted for my most comfortable—and admittedly, sexiest—nightgown and curled up on the couch. I scrolled aimlessly on my phone until sleep claimed me.

⸻

8:00 p.m.

I woke up thirsty and headed to the kitchen for a glass of water. As I reached for the light switch, a loud noise startled me. My heart raced. “He said he wouldn’t be back tonight. Could it be a thief?”

Grabbing a stick for protection, I crept downstairs, every creak of the floorboards making me jump. My hands shook as I braced myself. The door creaked open slowly, sending shivers down my spine.

Without thinking, I swung the stick with all my might.

“Hey!”

The deep voice made me freeze. Blinking in the dim light, I realized it wasn’t a thief. It was Ian.

“Oh my God,” I stammered. “I’m so sorry! You said you weren’t coming back, and I thought—”

He burst into laughter, the sound echoing in the quiet house. “You thought a stick was going to fend off a thief?” he teased. “Relax, Reina. I finished early and decided to come home.”

Embarrassed, I lowered my head. His laughter trailed off as his gaze settled on my nightgown.

“You look nice,” he said, his voice softer now.

Heat rose to my cheeks under his intense gaze. “Thank you,” I murmured shyly.

Before I knew it, he was standing closer. His eyes flicked to my lips, and I found myself leaning in, drawn to him. The kiss came naturally, his lips warm and firm against mine.

His hands slid to my waist, pulling me closer. My heart raced as our lips moved in sync, the world fading away. But then he abruptly pulled back.

“I’m sorry,” he said, his voice heavy with regret. “I crossed a line. It won’t happen again.”

I bit my lip, unsure how to respond. “I’m sorry I kissed you, sir,” I managed to say, though in truth, I wasn’t sorry at all.

He nodded, his expression unreadable. “Goodnight, Reina.”

“Goodnight,” I whispered, retreating to my room.

As I lay in bed, I couldn’t stop thinking about the kiss. My heart still raced at the memory of it. Despite everything, I found myself smiling. And just like that, I drifted off to sleep.

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