by Shay Violet
Nadia tugs on my hand with her tiny fingers. “I want to go shopping with Aurora, Daddy, please, will you let me?” She stares at me expectantly.
I chuckle and glance up at Aurora, who is still smiling warmly. She too, looks fantastic in a pair of skinny black jeans and a red tank top that compliments her cherry red curls.
“Well, I…”
“Aurora got invited to a fancy ball,” Nadia explains, trying to sell her request. “She wants to look pretty.”
I bite my tongue so I won’t mention that she’s already pretty. I do my best not to be inappropriate.
Aurora saves me the awkward silence by cutting in. “It’s okay.” She tries to brush it off with a sporty inflection. “I have plenty of pretty dresses, expensive ones. I worked for a rich lady who practically gave her dresses away after only wearing each once.”
I stand up straight and give her a studious glance. “No, it’s okay. I will take you shopping. We will all go, the three of us.”
Nadia and Aurora exchange a glance, then look back at me with stunned eyes.
“You don’t have to go through that trouble, I know you are busy—”
“It’s the least I can do,” I say with an insisting smile, secretly hoping for cooperation from the duo. I lift my gaze to Aurora and hold it. She doesn’t break the eye contact either. “You helped my daughter brush her hair, and now it looks and feels wonderful.”
I fan my fingers through the sleek locks one more time. It feels like I’m gliding my hand through a wispy cloud.
I think of something else to negate any debate for ball gowns. “If you don’t need a ballgown, at least let me get you some dresses to wear while Nadia’s grandparents come to visit. They are my late wife’s parents. They are coming for the charity ball too, and they are looking forward to spending some time with Nadia.”
“I want to go shopping.” Nadia shoots Aurora a pleading glance too charming to ignore.
“Okay.” Aurora grins, finally caving. “I’ll agree to go.”
Nadia squeals with delight. It’s the best of both worlds for my sweet daughter who deserves a little slice of happiness whenever there’s an opportunity.
“I’ll call the car, and we can set off for the finest shops,” I say.
As I steal a glance at Aurora, I capture a blissful expression on her face. Even the ones who feel the lowliest deserve to have a fairy tale moment now and then.
An hour later, we are waltzing around a dress shop. The street is lined with boutique stores promising a unique shopping experience.
“The sky is the limit,” I tell Aurora with a smile, relishing in the way her eyes sparkle. “Anything you see is ripe for the taking. Don’t hold back.”
“Well, at least I brought my little shopping coach with me,” Aurora jokes, nudging her chin in Nadia’s direction.
Nadia is floating through the clothes lined up on racks. Her eyes are full of wonderment like any little girl’s would be.
“I can’t wait to grow up so I can fit into these beautiful dresses,” she says, peering up at me and Aurora.
“Don’t wish away your life, darling,” I say and gently stroke her cheek.
“My friend Cindy invited me to this ball,” Aurora mentions casually, plucking a red dress from the rack and inspecting it, holding it up in the light.
“That would make a bold statement,” I say. “It’s a beautiful dress.”
I imagine it on her, molding perfectly to her curves and fitting to her body like a sexy glove.
“Do you think so?” She gives me a sideways glance as if she’s debating whether it’s too luxurious.
“You can have anything you want,” I remind her, using a friendly voice that will sound platonic from her perspective.
I’m trying to lay on the charm. I want to do anything I can to please her, but more important, I’m looking for any excuse at my disposal to spend as much time with her as I can. I still need to make myself sound casual so I don’t freak her out.
She seems a little embarrassed, and she looks away, fawning over Nadia holding up oversized dresses and dancing around in front of the floor to ceiling mirrors by the dressing rooms.
While Nadia is busy, doting on the dresses and pretending to be an elegant princess, I smile warmly at Aurora.
“I think it’s great, what you did for Nadia today. I can already tell her confidence has skyrocketed. She’s coming out of her shell. She’s happier than she’s been in months. Her hair looks beautiful too.”
Aurora’s eyes glimmer with pride. “That means a lot. I want to bond with her and do a great job as her nanny. It reassures me to know that you think I’m succeeding.”
“Are you kidding? You exceed expectations,” I say, trying not to fawn all over her. I wonder if she can visibly see how much I’m swooning for her.
Aurora’s smile is a mile wide. “You know how to make a girl feel wanted.”
There is a moment between us where we lock eyes and the burning desire shining in her features is reflected by my own desires.
I want so badly to kiss her, but I know it’s beyond over the line, a boundary I can’t yet cross, if ever.
“So, you are friends with Cindy then?” I ask and clear my throat, aiming to steer the conversation somewhere reasonable and to distract her from the intensity of the gaze we just shared.
Aurora nods. “I am.”
“I am friends with her husband, Amir.”
Aurora’s face brightens in recognition. “That’s really cool. They are both great people.”
“They are.” I smile and try to behave casually for the next part of my offer I want to unload on her. “So, since you are already going to the ball, maybe we should go together.”
I hold my breath in suspense and patiently await her answer. Her expression is difficult to read. She flickers her gaze away contemplating my offer. Like I said, I did my best to make it sound casual and platonic, just to make her feel more comfortable.
She’s quiet for only a moment, but in my mind, it feels like an eternity.
The first thing I notice is a hint of a smile cracking at her lips, then the sincerity of her chocolate brown eyes exhibits a gorgeous twinkle. “Sure.” She shrugs. “I… guess we can do that.”
“Really?” My heart does a flip.
“I mean, if we are both going to be there already…” she trails off apprehensively as if she doesn’t know what she should say to appease me, but she has brightened my day immensely.
“Thank you. I can’t wait now. I didn’t want to go before, but now, I think I might enjoy myself.”
Her eyes twinkle. “Thanks. I hope I do too.” She nibbles on her bottom lip. The gesture isn’t meant to be seductive which somehow makes it even more arousing.
There’s a moment where I capture her smile and place it in the reserves of my mind. I return her smile, words unspoken, and then look at Nadia still twirling through the aisles of clothes lined up on racks. She is blissfully unaware, dancing through the store.
“We can’t stay here forever, Nadia,” I tell her.
Nadia stops dancing and frowns, exaggerating a pout by extending her bottom lip.
“We might get some lunch?” Aurora suggests in compromise for Nadia.
Nadia claps her hands. “Can we get ice cream after?”
I chuckle. “Sure, why not?”
Aurora beams.
“Thanks for saving the day, yet again,” I whisper to her as we exit the shop, so Nadia can’t overhear.
“I swear it’s not that hard,” Aurora says. I’m just trying to make a little girl’s life happier and give her some joy.”
“It’s profound how you have the magical ability to do that,” I say.
Aurora smiles humbly. “I appreciate you noticing, but I’m not sure I would call it magic, per-say.”
“Call it whatever you want.” I cast her an enormous grin. “It’s working.”
We go for lunch and the promised ice cream, and after a while, I realize that I ha
ven’t even checked my phone since our outing began.
I had been so enthralled by the captivating company of Aurora I hadn’t even thought about my worries. I suddenly remember that I had set the phone on silent before we left the house so there would be no disturbance.
I look at the screen and notice I have a missed call. My heart instantly drops. I had been having such a good time I hadn’t even noticed it buzzing in my pants pocket.
I don’t recognize the number of the caller. I make sure Aurora and Nadia are busy entertaining each other. Aurora is pretending to take enormous bites of Nadia’s ice cream, while Nadia erupts into ferocious fits of giggles.
I take advantage of the moment and glance down at a text message I received from the same number.
When I open the text, I instantly regret it. The typed words read You won’t get away with it.
Won’t get away with what? The text is ominous and vague. An unsettled feeling festers in the pit of my stomach.
I look up and Nadia and Aurora are both studying me.
“Is everything all right?” Aurora asks.
I instantly shove my phone back into my pocket. “Yes. Everything is just fine.” I plant on the most believable smile I offer. “We should return to the house soon. I have some business to attend to.”
Much to my surprise, Nadia doesn’t throw a fit. She licks her chocolate ice cream cone contentedly. There is a rim of brown melted chocolate around her adorable lips.
“As long as Aurora goes home with me, I am just fine, Daddy.”
I exchange a relieved glance with Aurora. “Wonderful. I’ll call for the car now.”
As long as I can keep my fraying emotions from cracking through the surface, everything will work out. At least, that’s the lie I am going to try and convince myself.
15
Aurora
I’m lying in Nadia’s bed with her. She’s tucked up like a little sack of flour. Her entire body is submerged under the sheets except for her head, and her dainty little chin protrudes over the covers.
She looks adorable as she blinks at me with the wonder only a child can illuminate. “Tell me another fairy tale.”
“You like them, huh?” I cast her a warm smile.
“Yes.” She fervently nods. Her cheeks are rosy. Her eyes are full of excitement.
“Do you know the Emperor’s New Clothes story?” I ask.
Nadia frowns, contemplating. “I don’t think that one sounds familiar.
I chuckle. “Well, it’s a good one.”
Nadia wiggles to position herself cozier under the covers and exhales a contented sigh as she settles in to listen to the tale.
I animatedly belt into the plot, telling her about the two tailors who try to trick the conceited emperor into thinking his brand new outfits are invisible to anyone who is beneath him in status. He marches through the streets naked, assuming that his clothes are visible.
Nadia erupts into giggles throughout most of the story, so much so, that I have to stroke her hair and rub her cheek to get her to calm down.
“It’s getting late young lady,” I banter with her. “You really should get some sleep.”
“Just one more, please?” She begs.
“You love a good story, and you are adorable to boot.” I bop her nose and she grins. “However, even princesses need a good night’s sleep.”
She nuzzles herself further into the sheets and buries her head into her pillow, but not before belting out an enormous stretch of a yawn.
“Good night Aurora. I’m so glad I found you.”
Her sweet voice melts my heart. I kiss the top of her forehead, genuinely feeling elated to have found her too. She was my saving grace, the fine line between poverty and a fresh start.
After carefully departing from her bedroom, I nearly bump into Jai again. He stumbles backward.
“Sorry.” He looks a little sheepish. “I was actually listening in on your conversation with Nadia. I know that probably sounds creepy. I’m just trying to learn how to be closer to her, and knowing her interests is a good place to start—”
“You don’t have to explain yourself,” I tell him with a smile. “It’s your house. You have the freedom to go wherever you please.”
His eyes sparkle with relief as he nods. “Thanks. I would just mention to you that the fairy tales do harbor power.”
“How do you mean?” I ask.
“Rapunzel, for instance?” He begins with a handsome expression. “After you told Nadia the story, she finally had her hair brushed.”
“What are you saying, exactly?” I ask him.
“You should trust yourself more,” he says.
I laugh lightheartedly because there is a sincere gleam in his eyes. “Maybe you’re right. I’ll promise to work on it.”
“What story did you tell her tonight?” He asks.
“The Emperor’s New Clothes.”
“That’s a good one,” he nods approvingly.
“It seemed only fitting since we went shopping today,” I say. “Nadia appeared to love the story. She kept giggling while I told it.”
He gives me another sultry smile. “That’s excellent.” He chuckles. “You are a miracle worker.”
“To be honest, I came up here because I’m having trouble sleeping again. I just know it’s going to be another rough night for me…” he trails off, his amber eyes downcast.
“Oh no.” I frowned and touched his arm, but quickly reel it back, thinking better of it at the last second.
Jai notices immediately. He casts me a warm smile. It feels like my insides are aglow as a furnace of desire heats up inside of me.
“You know you don’t have to tell her stories. She can go to bed without them,” he says.
“I know, but it makes her feel good. Even if the stories are silly. None could be true in real life.” I chuckle.
“That’s what makes it fun,” he jokes, “I guess, especially for Nadia.”
“You’re right.” I stare at him expectantly.
I feel the intoxicating arousal sizzling between us. He feels it too, judging by the intensity of his gaze.
“Has anyone ever told you that you have gorgeous eyes?” He asks, spring boarding our conversation off into new, uncharted territory. It’s so abrupt it leaves my head spinning.
My heart gallops. “Is that a pickup line you use with many girls?” I bat my eyes and give him a playful smirk so he knows I’m only fondly teasing him.
He doesn’t seem offended and smiles. There’s compassion swimming in the depths of his dark eyes. He reaches out a tanned arm and cups his hand with mine.
Much to my own surprise and his, I don’t pull away. The charisma of his touch penetrates my soul, and I don’t think I can ever look back. The passion driven hunger inside of me.
“It is whatever you want it to be,” he says flirtatiously, with a devilishly handsome curl to his lips.
His confidence is mind blowing, but I feel like we are crossing a bridge in our employer to employee relationship and things will never be the same. I know I should walk away and go to bed, but something compelling and lust driven keeps me rooted right here on the cool Brazilian wood floors beneath my feet.
The way he looks at me is so intoxicating. I feel like molten lava is running through my veins. My clitoris throbs, pulsing in my panties and making them puddle with dampness stemmed from arousal.
“I don’t know…what I want…” I trail off reluctantly, even though I’m feeding off his sexual energy. His eyes are so distracting, and they are wandering up and down my body. I pretend not to notice, but his gaze is locked intently on me.
“Let me help you decide,” he whispers in a sultry voice.
“Are you sure this is a good idea?” I ask, trying not to sound nervous as I exhale with a tiny laugh.
My heart is pounding now, and a tingle of arousal surges inside of my vagina, sending a pulsing throb between my legs. I’m torn. I nearly lose my composure with him. Jai knows he has an arous
ing effect on me. I can see it in the handsomeness flickering in his eyes. He has me right where he wants me, and the fascinating part is, I don’t even want to resist his temptation anymore.
“You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met,” Jai admits. “I just have to tell you that. I’m sorry if it’s weird for you to hear. I don’t want to make you uncomfortable. That’s never going to be my intention. I want you here, as my daughter’s nanny, but I also want you, on a deeper level than just the nanny.”
“I—”
“Let me ask you something.” He licks his lips and shifts his weight, purposefully interjecting before I can finish my sentence. “Do you feel the same chemistry as I do? Please, tell me I’m not the only one.” He chuckles anxiously and I see his vulnerable side revealing itself. “If I’m wrong, I’ll leave you alone.” He pauses. “However, I don’t think I’m wrong.”
I groan and clutch the sides of my head briefly. “You’re not wrong. You’re right,” I confess. “I have intimate feelings for you too. I am attracted to you.”
As the words escape my lips, I feel a tremendous weight lift off my shoulders for finally admitting the truth. Jai’s features flood with relief. The air is finally clear, yet somehow still dense with sexual longing.
“You are insanely hot,” he confesses. I can tell he wants to run his hands all over my body, but for now, he keeps his hands to himself.
It’s a new situation for both of us. We don’t know how to begin the exploration. We just know we want each other and don’t want to keep our hands off each other once the moment finally clicks.
“May I kiss you?” He asks.
He has now prosed the golden question. There’s no turning back now. We are officially locked in a tangled web of desires.
I can’t speak. I’m so absorbed in the erotica of the moment I simply nod, gazing into his eyes with desperation filling me to the brim. At long last, I’m finally able to sigh out a yes.
Jai leans in, taking full advantage of the moment before either of us changes our minds.