~Avery's POV~
Yesterday was lovely. We walked around the estate and James showed me everything there was to see. It was huge. It had its own medical facility as well as a few smaller stores for groceries and such. No more than twenty minutes north of the estate there was a small village that James apparently managed.
Another twenty minutes away from there was a shopping mall, cafes, a library and a school where all of the village kids go.
The mansion itself was gigantic as well, 38 bedrooms and each of them with their own adjoint bathroom. There was a movie theater and a huge kitchen. Either everyone helped cook or they cooked their own meals. Breakfast is always made by a woman. That's all I heard because no one would give me details about the woman.
James informed me that tonight there was a gathering, a ball of sorts. I would meet everyone that lived here because they were all invited. Excitement wouldn't be my first word to describe how I felt about it. Anxiety would be more appropriate.
They were all gathered in the dining hall for breakfast. James wasn't down yet. I moved out of his room yesterday and into my own for my stay here. I didn't feel comfortable sharing a bed with a man I didn't really know. Plus whenever I saw him I wanted to jump his bones so I'm pretty sure seeing him without a shirt would do no good to my cravings.
There were two tables downstairs where everyone in the mansion was eating breakfast. I asked who they all were and all I got as an answer was that they were all like a big family. Vague answer, yet again.
After showering and getting dressed, I took a few deep breaths before walking downstairs to join the others. Amber was up here earlier telling me to get ready and not be nervous. Easier said than done.
I walked out of my room and towards the staircase. There was a long hall leading to two staircases that spiralled in a circular way. In the middle downstairs was a table with a beautiful flower arrangement on it. I made my way downstairs and took a left, through the kitchen and into the dining hall. As I entered, all eyes fell on me and I felt like I was about to throw up, ruining the meal for everyone.
Two guys started tumbling towards me, dragging each other back so that the other wouldn't reach me.
"Hi, I'm Michael!"
"Hi I'm Adam!" They both screamed as they reached out their hands for me to grab.
I giggled as they started patting each other's hands away.
" Hello boys. I'm Avery. It's nice to meet you," I responded, not shaking either of their hands as I was scared they'd accidentally rip it off. They were both incredibly eager.
Eventualy they just stood there staring, and I looked around the room trying to connect my eyes to anyone that could help me.
"So do you have a boyfriend? How old are you? Where are you from? Are you coming to the ball tonight? Would you like a date?" The questions poured out of them as we stood in our places. My mind was feeling a bit unsteady and I would've loved to sit down right now.
"ENOUGH!" I heard a roar coming from behind me and jumped. I froze as all eyes fell behind me and the two guys in front of me slowly stepped back.
A strong arm wrapped around my waist and pulled me closer to his tall, broad, warm body and when I looked to my side to see who it was, it was none other than James himself. His eyes pierced those of Adams and Michaels.
"She is going with me. Enough questions. Go sit." Those were the only words he uttered that made the guys scatter and take their seats. Everyone then continued eating and talking as normal.
James took his other hand and pushed my hair behind my ears and leaned down. He whispered softly, suductivley.
"I see you have admirers. Let's not hope they become a problem. I will need to take care of them if they do-" He looked around the room before his eyes fell on mine again, locking them down with a smirk.
"-There are many eyes on you, baby. Perhaps tonight is going to be more challenging than I thought," his hand tightened around my waist with each word he spoke. My panties were destroyed, soaking wet at his words and the touch of this man was turning me into a blob. I closed my eyes as I felt his hand caress my cheek.
Wait a minute, he called me baby? Holly crap, I let him call me baby.
I pushed away as I fought to catch my breath. All I really wanted was to rip off his clothes but I needed to think straight and to do that, he couldn't touch me.
" Listen here, Mr. I am not your baby. You got that? I will accompany you tonight but do not under any circumstances think that you own me or that I belong to you! Because I don't. Please do not call me baby... What are you doing?" I whisper screamed at him as he stepped towards me. I refused to move and instead stood my ground. At least I tried to stand my ground. Having James walk over to me was like seeing a mountain wall slowly falling over you. He came so close that our bodies were rubbing against each other and he leaned down, grabbed my chin, and forced me to look at him.
"You're cute when you're serious, you know that?" Was all he said with a grin on his face before he let me go and made his way to the table, grabbing some food while pulling out the chair next to him, motioning for me to come and sit. I rolled my eyes and went sit beside him.
I was in my room sitting on the bed and reading on my phone when a wave of frustration washed over me and I tossed the phone to the side of the bed.
Something was off. I could feel it in my gut. I was not supposed to be here. The feeling continued to intensify and the frustration grew as well. Tonight was the ball... I didn't know how to feel about it. Why did I have to meet everybody when I was only staying for a few days? Everything was circling my mind and I felt like I was about to pass out.
I decided to get my shit together and go take a hot bath. Perhaps after that I'll feel better.