Chapter 3 Another Man

Calista

I zoned out while staring at the man. My mind wandered, yet my eyes couldn't tear away from his flawless face, those perfect eyes, and his long, broad shoulders. His abs glistened slightly, as if kissed by the rain, each muscle defined and inviting. This had to be the most incredible body I'd ever seen.

"How long do you plan to keep staring?" His deep, attractive voice shattered my trance, jolting me back to reality. The sound of it only intensified my distraction.

I shook my head, not understanding how I could be immediately attracted to another strange man right after being deceived by one!

I heaved a sigh, struggling to find words as a lump formed in my throat. The cold rain seeped into my bones, making me shiver. I stuttered, "I- I... You're Lysandra's brother, right?" My cheeks burned with a blush I hoped he wouldn't notice.

"Zane Kingsley?" I asked, already knowing the answer but not wanting to seem too forward.

"Yes," he replied curtly. "Calista?" His voice caressed my name in a way no one ever had, making it sound like music.

I smiled awkwardly. "Yes."

"Lysandra said this is the address where I could temporarily stay. I'm in a tough spot right now, and she mentioned she had already arranged it with you-" His words pulled me in, making it hard to focus. "I hope it's settled, though," I said, chuckling nervously to break the ice. His expression remained stoic, but his good looks were undeniable.

"Are you done pondering?" His soft voice made me flinch. "Come in," he said in a low, cold tone, yet I sensed his genuine willingness to welcome me.

I nodded with a smile and awkwardly stepped inside as he held the door for me. He waited until I was in before closing it behind him. Wrapping my arms around my chest, I took in the sight of his impressive apartment.

Does he live here alone?

I glanced at Zane, feeling awkward as I stood in the foyer. He gestured towards the sofa and then quickly left the room. I gulped, feeling uncomfortable in my damp clothes.

I didn't want to keep standing, and I certainly didn't want to refuse him. Slowly, I sat on the edge of the sofa, conscious of my wet clothes and worried about making a mess.

I looked around the apartment, taking in the details. This place wasn't cheap, and there were subtle masculine touches everywhere.

Suddenly, Zane strides back in, a towel draped over his arm. "Here, dry off," he says, thrusting the towel into my hands. "You look like a drowned rat." Despite feeling stunned, I accepted the towel with a weak smile and stood up.

"Thanks…" I mumble, setting my luggage down. I start to gently pat my dripping hair with the towel he handed me.

"You can sit down," he says confidently, settling himself at a considerable distance on the couch.

"I might wet the sofa-"

"It doesn't matter, you already did anyway," he replies, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes. Though his lips don't curve, his eyes convey a soft, almost hidden smile.

I gave him a small smile. "Thanks," I said quietly while drying myself with the towel.

"Now, I know you're my sister's best friend, and I understand your situation, so I let you in. But there will be rules…" he spoke, his deep blue eyes locking onto mine, making it hard to focus on his words.

"You heard me, right?" he asked, snapping me back to reality. I found it difficult to concentrate with him standing there, shirtless, so my gaze remained fixed on his eyes.

"Yes," I whispered.

"Good. Now, since your arrival was unexpected, I didn't have time to prepare everything you might need in this apartment," he informed me, running his fingers through his hair. "You'll have to manage with what's here, and you mustn't wander into places where you're not invited. We're strict about that... and don't touch anything you don't own. We hate loud music, especially if it's not to our taste," he added with a serious tone. I wasn't entirely sure who he meant by "we," but I assumed it included the other residents of the whole apartment.

I kept nodding my head.

"Second, you'll have to stay in the study since there are no available rooms, but don't worry- there's a single bed that should fit you just fine," he said, his voice tinged with concern. "Are you okay with that, Calista?" His question seemed to spark a bit of life in me, despite everything.

I quickly nodded, eager for him to leave so I wouldn't feel uncomfortable looking around. I was terrified my eyes would accidentally land on his perfect body.

"That's fine," I finally managed to say.

"Good," he whispered, his eyes briefly scanning me in a way that made me feel shy all over again.

"Why don't you take a shower? You'll feel better," he suggested. He had no idea that was exactly what I needed to hear from him today.

"I would love to," I exclaimed with a wide smile. "I feel so disgusting," I added, chuckling softly, trying to keep it from sounding awkward.

He nodded slightly, gesturing towards a hallway. "The bathroom is the first door on the right. I'll go check the study to make sure it's all set up for you to put your clothes there," he said. I nodded gratefully, returning his smile.

"Sure, thanks!" I agreed, clutching the towel to my chest as I made my way down the hallway.

As I entered the bathroom, I couldn't help but notice the opulence of everything. Even the bathroom was adorned with marble counters and a spacious shower.

Does he need such a luxurious shower room? I wondered. But I couldn't deny that I was grateful for the chance to relax in such luxury, if only for a little while.

I quickly pulled my clothes down and began to take them off. But just as I was getting comfortable, my world came crashing down as the door suddenly swung open.

I let out a yelp and when I looked up, I was met with the sight of a handsome man standing in the doorway.

It wasn't Zane.

He was a different kind of handsome, almost godlike in his appearance. And there I was, standing completely naked, staring back at him in shock.