Beauty stood there, frozen in the hallway, feeling a mix of nerves and frustration as she watched Jessi—her supposed "best friend"—smirk, wink, and slip into her room, leaving her stranded in front of the door to the room she'd be sharing with Bruno.
Jessie is going to pay for this!
Beauty yelled inside.
Then she glanced nervously at the door, taking a deep breath to prepare herself for the unknown.
"Okay, Beauty. You got this. Just... pretend he's not there. Self-respect, dignity. No stupid decisions; remember, show him you are not that Beauty anymore... it won't be easy, but good luck," she whispered to herself.
After one more deep breath, she opened the door and walked in.
The room was much bigger than she feared it would be, with two king-sized beds and wardrobes on each side.
Thankfully, it was a relief for her.
Maybe this would be easier than she thought.
"Please, please let there be separate bathrooms," she muttered, her eyes scanning the room.
Only one bathroom in sight.
Does this mean I will have to use the same bathroom as him?
This is wrong! I have to complain about this! Hold on, where is Bruno?
Just then, the bathroom door creaked open behind her.
Beauty froze and slowly turned, only for her breath to hitch as she saw Bruno, dripping wet.
She could hear a cinematic orchestra playing in the background... maybe in her head. This wickedly good-looking man was even more tempting than she'd remembered. His hair clung to his forehead, and his muscles glistened, steam curling around him like he'd just stepped out of a movie.
Her mouth opened slightly as her eyes drifted down. A small towel was tied low on his hips, threatening to slip, reminding her of what was behind that towel, down there.
Bruno grinned, secretly enjoying her stunned reaction.
"Hey, roomie," he said with a wink.
Beauty blinked, getting herself and immediately turned her back, her face heating up as she stammered,
"You-you can't just... come out looking like that! Why didn't you say something?! Ugh!"
Bruno stared at her back; then his eyes went down to her curves. He shook his head at his own dirty thoughts.
"Why should I say something? I'm technically covered."
Beauty huffed, keeping her back to him and pretending to focus on unpacking her stuff, though her hands shook slightly.
"Technically covered with a towel that barely covers anything."
She murmured.
Bruno laughed softly, a low, warm sound that made her cheeks flame even more. She missed him laughing that way.
He hardly acted like that, only when comfortable.
"You were staring long enough to notice?" he asked, moving a step closer.
He heard her!
She cursed inwardly; she wanted to avoid getting into a conversation with him, but it wasn't working.
"I've seen plenty of guys in towels. You're not special if you think I was staring because you are... special. I am not a virgin."
"Right."
He rolled his tongue, clearly triggered by that statement, but he was ready for it.
"Then why are you blushing?"
"I'm not blushing," Beauty defended, struggling to keep her voice steady.
Why the hell is he teasing me? What is wrong with introverted Bruno? Is it because we are alone indoors? He is comfortable enough to tease me? Don't blush! Don't blush!
"Still blushing!" Bruno cut into her thoughts.
"It's just... warm in here."
"Oh, is it?" he asked, amusement in his voice. "I could help you... cool down."
She heard his footsteps approaching from behind.
Her heart raced, and she shot a quick glance over her shoulder, immediately regretting it as she caught him behind her with a dirty smirk!
He was ready for this trip! Ready for her!
She slowly turned to him and swallowed.
"Thirsty?" he smiled, his head tilted to the side.
She just noticed he was holding a water bottle.
Before she could say anything, he twisted off the cap with those strong hands and offered it to her.
Beauty snatched it, barely meeting his gaze, and took a long sip, trying to calm her nerves.
But when she glanced up, he was in front of her, staring—close... too close!
"Beauty," he murmured, his voice softening in a way that sent a shiver down her spine.