Chapter 7

Chapter 7

I find it difficult to maintain eye contact with Troy while we sit in silence during lunch. Even now, I can't forget what happened earlier. It confuses me why every time our eyes meet, he smirks at me as if teasing.

“Please bring me the bowl of rice," I almost jumped when he spoke. As I looked at him, he continued to smirk, seemingly enjoying the awkwardness of the situation. I quickly handed him the rice and averted my gaze. His behavior puzzles me. Earlier he was very angry because of what happened and now he seems to be happy with my reaction! Is he so proud that someone saw his naked glory? But well… I admit that he was big and that is something he should be proud of—wait a minute! Damn it Elisaria stop thinking about it!

He finished eating before me, and instead of leaving, he stayed in his seat and watched me eat. Feeling pressured, I had no choice but to finish my meal. "So... I want to tell you my rules while you're living in my house," he said. I nodded, trying to set aside the earlier annoyances. He's right; setting boundaries is necessary to prevent similar situations from happening again.

"That's fine with me," I agreed. He leaned back in his chair and continued to gaze at me as if I were some amusing statues, he enjoyed teasing. "First, if you want to see me, just knock on my door. If I don't respond, assume I'm still in the bathroom taking a bath," he instructed. I nodded in response to his words.

"I understand. I didn't realize you were taking a bath earlier, so I opened your room because it wasn't locked," I explained, defending myself from the incident earlier. He responded with a teasing tone, "Oh, really? Or were you just hoping to catch a glimpse of my magnificent body? You can be honest with me, Eli, no need to feel shy about it." His words made my cheeks flush with heat.

This man! I glared at him and retorted, "I didn't! Why would I want to see your body?! Just so you know, I've seen plenty of men with more impressive abs than yours!" He raised an eyebrow with what I said, and I noticed a hint of darkness in his green eyes. Something churned uneasily in my stomach as he leaned forward, closing the distance between us.

"But you've only seen it; you haven't touched it yet. Don't worry, Eli, if you truly want to, you can touch me…" he huskily suggested, as though seducing me into something sweet and enticing. An electric sensation ran through me, from my ears to the tips of my feet. I wasn't sure what this feeling was, but it certainly wasn't good for me.

"Just state your damn rules and let's get it over with, Troy!" I exclaimed, my voice rising in frustration. Irritated by the situation, I stood up. However, he maintained his wicked smirk, sitting up straight and crossing his arms.

"Second rule: obey all my orders, and if you plan on going out, inform me beforehand," he declared as I went back to my seat. I furrowed my brows at his statement. What? Does he really need to know about my every departure?

"What if I don't want to tell you? What if it's a personal matter and I can't share it with you?" I would question. He responded firmly, "You're under my responsibility, and if anything happens to you, it's my accountability. So, whether it's personal or not, you have to inform me." He stated.

"Yes, I may be living under your roof, but I am responsible for myself. You don't need to worry about it anymore." I reasoned.

"Have you forgotten what happened yesterday?" his tone grew serious. I remained silent, instantly recollecting the frightening incident from the day before. If he hadn't been there, I don't know what would have become of me. However, now I am wiser. I understand what needs to be done. From this point forward, I won't act impulsively because I'm aware it's the only way for me to stay safe.

"If something were to happen to you, what would you do without me?" he spoke as if I were a child in need of constant assistance as if I were a helpless creature incapable of standing on my own. I bit my lower lip and glanced downward, fiddling with my fingers. "I'm confident that I can handle myself better now. And if something were to happen to me resulting in my death, so be it. If that's my fate, then I won't complain. So, let me make my own choices," I asserted firmly.

I looked back at him, feeling an inexplicable drowning sensation in his intense gaze. I swallowed hard and was the first to divert my eyes. "If you refuse to comply with my rules, you are free to leave, Eli," he responded, matching my stubbornness. I gritted my teeth; he was using this situation to his advantage. He knew I had nowhere else to go but to him. Damn him! "Fine! Do whatever you want!" I spat irritably.

"One final rule: if you ever decide to live independently and believe that you can manage on your own, don't come asking me for anything anymore. Just leave," he declared firmly. I nodded in response. I couldn't fully comprehend him. He didn't even want me to bid farewell if I chose to leave and live on my own. It meant he didn't desire any connection from me if I ever decided to leave. How cold.

"I'll be on my way now. I have an afternoon job. Just heat up the food in the fridge for dinner," he stated, rising from his seat. I also stood up to observe him as he departed from work.

As he was about to exit through the door, he halted and cast a glance back in my direction. I swiftly adjusted my posture, aware that his attention had turned towards me. His emerald eyes bore into mine with such intensity that I struggled to discern the meaning behind his gaze.

"I forgot something. I want to include an additional rule," he stated. I furrowed my brow, curiosity piqued. "What is it?" I inquired eagerly.

He stepped closer, slipping in front of me. Even in his simple v-neck shirt and pants, he exuded an irresistible attractiveness and masculinity.

"During every full moon of the month, you must never venture out of the house... or else... you will encounter a perilous monster roaming the forest," he warned before finally departing from the premises. My brows furrowed at his statement. Monster? What kind of monster? I don’t know what he’s talking about. I didn’t know that there were such monsters roaming around here in Tyreese.

I sighed heavily and went back to sitting. I stared at the table thinking how would I start cleaning the dishes! Damn it!! I reached for the plates and put them in the sink. I’ve never done this before but I think I can manage to do it. I feel like it’s easy whenever I watch my servants do it. I know I can do it as well!

But after a while, I shrieked when the plate fell out of my hands and broke into pieces on the floor. I panicked. “Shit! Shit!” I cursed as I searched for the broomstick. Damn! Troy might scold me for this!