Chapter 103

A Month Later



\*\*HELENA'S POV\*\*



I walked through the lavish halls of Axel's mansion, my footsteps echoing off the marble floors. 



I've lost count of how many days I've been here.



After Vlad forcefully took me from my apartment and brought me here, I did not go back.



I mean I can't even bring myself to return to my apartment when my big brother was right before my eyes.



Although he's been denying even knowing me, not to talk about being my brother, but does it matter?



I was so lost in thoughts, that I bumped into a body. The familiar voice called my name, snapping me back to consciousness.



"I'm sorry." I whispered. "I wasn't looking."



"Or you're just clumsy."



"Vlad," I glared. 



This past month has been fun? 



Well... I've grown fond of Vlad, who wouldn't stop teasing me at the slightest opportunity, and Axel...



Aside from the fact that he doesn't recognize me, there's something else about him, I can't understand.



My movements in the mansion are rather restricted... There are certain places I can't even go to.



They're all hiding something, and I'm sure of that.



"Down to earth…young lady" Vlad snapped his fingers at my face. "What are you thinking? And where are you even headed?"



Really?



"Are you seriously asking me that? Like where am I going clad in a bikini and scarf over my waist?" I scoffed, earning an eye roll.



"I didn't think you swam" he replied.



I shot him a dry look. "Obviously I do. But that's not the point...the point is, you're always teasing me, and I'm starting to think you enjoy it."



"Nice sight" Vlad chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement.



I traced his eyes and found them on my slightly exposed breasts.



My face flushed, as I quickly adjusted my bikini top to try to cover myself up, but no matter how I tried, it wouldn't work out.



"Vlad" I hissed, trying to sound stern, but feeling a little embarrassed. 



"Sorry, sorry. I couldn't help myself, not when a goddess is standing before me." He chuckled again, his eyes trailing my exposed tummy and legs. "But you do know you're a little temptress, right?"



I glared at him, trying to maintain the little dignity left in me. "You're impossible."



"Hey, someone's got to still keep things interesting around here." He shrugged.



How did we even get here? His eyes were still roaming my body, with a sly smirk. 



"I'm going for a swim, bye" I mumbled and, without waiting for his response, I turned around and ran from his sight.



"Easy there" he teased. "You wouldn't want your butt falling off."



Wtf!!



I ran as fast as I could, not caring to look back, I couldn't even dare.



I can't believe Vlad's audacity. Who did he think he was, anyway? 



As I reached the pool, I thought of diving in, but the beauty of the scenery wouldn't let me.



I loosened the scarf from around my waist and sat by the edge of the pool, dipping my legs in the water.



I used to feel so uncomfortable about my body...being referred to as well-endowed was an understatement.



My body type always drew attention to me wherever I went to. I got bullied at some point in high school.



Imagine being slim but fat in the right places, causing different eyes to gawk at you.



In the end, I'd learned to accept and even love my curves.



As I gazed out at the pool, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. I was grateful to be in this beautiful and tranquil place.



Just as I was starting to get quite comfortable, I felt movements in the water.



I freaked out, and fell in the pool. 



As I struggled for air, I felt strong arms wrapped around me.



A sudden feeling of security enveloped me. I wasn't sure whose arms I was in, but I wanted to remain there forever.



As I clung tightly to the strong arms, I slowly opened my eyes to find Axel staring back at me. His eyes were intense, piercing, and for a moment, I felt like he could see right through me.



His arms tightened around me, as he swam with me, to the edge of the pool, before letting me go.



"Thank you," I muttered, trying to sound casual despite the turmoil brewing inside me.



As I got out of the pool, Axel's gaze lingered, roaming my body with a difficult-to-decipher expression. I felt a shiver run down my spine as his eyes met mine, and for a moment, we just stared at each other.



The air was thick with tension, and I could feel the weight of his gaze on my skin. I tried to look away, but my eyes seemed to be drawn back to his, like a magnet.



Axel's chest was bare, his muscles rippling beneath his skin as he moved. I felt a sudden jolt of attraction towards him, and my mind began to wander into forbidden territory.



No, no, no, I told myself firmly. He's your brother, Helena. You can't think of him like that.



But the thoughts wouldn't leave, and as I stood there, frozen in Axel's gaze, I felt like I was drowning in my own desires.



"I...I need to go," I stuttered, trying to break the spell that had been cast over me.



But Axel didn't move, didn't respond. He just kept staring at me, his eyes burning with an intensity that made my skin prickle.



And then, without warning, he took a step closer to me, his eyes never leaving mine. I felt my heart skip a beat as he reached out a hand, his fingers brushing against my skin.



"Helena," he said, his voice low and husky. 



My mind drifted back to the sinful space once again, this time naughtier than you could imagine...trapping me between himself and the wall, tracing hickeys from my neck downwards, me screaming beneath him...



The thoughts kept lingering, causing my knee to grow weaker. At that moment, I knew I just had to get out of there, before things got any more complicated.



Without waiting or uttering any more words, I grabbed the scarf from the edge of the pool and ran off.



I couldn't stand staring at him and drowning in his eyes. I can finally understand why the girls were always flocking around him.



I know staying there would have meant playing with fire. Do I really want to get burnt?



...



I planted a knock on the door of Axel's study. 



My plan was to remain indoors, and not set eyes on Axel again. Hopefully the sinful thoughts will leave my head, but that wasn't working out, so maybe a walk will do. 



But I can't even leave without telling him.



I took a deep breath and pushed open the door. Axel looked up from the book he was reading, his eyes narrowing.



"Can I help you?" He asked, his voice neutral.



"I was thinking of stepping out." I said, trying to sound casual. "I need some fresh air."



His eyes gleamed with amusement, and I could swear I saw a mischievous smirk on his lips. He got off his chair, and took a step closer to me. "You really want to step out, huh?" He asked, his voice low and teasing.



I felt a shiver run down my spine as he took another step closer, his eyes locked in mine. "Yes..."



His smirk grew wider as he took another step closer, his face inches away from mine. 



I could feel heat emanating from his body, and my heart racing with anticipation, my body slightly reacting.



His lips traced my exposed neck, downwards, before returning to my collarbone.



His warm breath tickled my skin, and I couldn't help but lean into his touch, shutting my eyes in pleasure.



His hands came up to my waist, pulling me closer to him, as his lips continued exploring my skin.



Just when I thought he'd go further, he smirked, letting me go.



Wait, is that it?



He reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair behind my ear. "You're really something else, Helena… You can go."



I felt a surge of frustration at his teasing, but before I could react, my body seemed to move on its own accord. I leaned in, and pressed my lips to his.



For a moment, Axel seemed taken aback by my sudden movement, but then his lips began to move, kissing me back with an intensity that left me breathless.



This is so wrong, but why does it feel so right?...