FLAWLESS

CHAPTER 14

Shanelle POV

As I slowly blinked my eyes open, the morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a soft glow on the room. The warmth of the sun embraced us, enveloping Vincent and me in its gentle caress. Vincent lay beside me, still sound asleep, his features relaxed and tranquil. His dark hair was tousled, his chiseled jawline softened by the innocence of slumber. I couldn't help but marvel at the sight before me. He was simply breathtaking, and at that moment, my heart swelled with an overwhelming affection for him.

Memories of last night flooded my mind, the intoxicating magic we shared. The passion and tenderness that flowed between us were beyond words. Each movement, every touch, etched in my memory like an intimate dance that only we knew. I replayed every detail, savoring the sensation that still lingered on my skin, sending delightful shivers down my spine.

Gently extricating myself from the comfort of his embrace, I rose from the bed, my bare feet padding silently on the cool floor. I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror, a contented smile tugging at the corners of my lips. The sight of my disheveled hair and the sparkle in my eyes reflected the happiness I felt within.

Searching for something to wear, I wandered into the small closet tucked away in the corner of the room. My eyes fell upon one of Vincent's plain white shirts, and a surge of affection coursed through me. With delicate fingers, I slipped it on, the fabric enveloping me in his scent. It was a comforting embrace, as if he was still present, even though he remained peacefully asleep.

Leaving the room, I made my way through the yacht's interior, the soft hum of the engines resonating in the background. As I stepped onto the deck, the salty sea air embraced me, filling my lungs with its invigorating freshness. The yacht glided effortlessly through the gentle waves, a testament to the vastness of the ocean surrounding us.

Yet, as my eyes scanned the deck, a sudden gasp escaped my lips. Seated on the couch, a woman with straight, dark brunette hair commanded my attention. Dressed entirely in black, she possessed an air of enigma and a presence that sent a chill down my spine. Her eyes, penetrating and mysterious, bore into mine as if she had been expecting me.

A flicker of confusion and apprehension passed through me, but I steadied myself, trying to gather my wits. I couldn't deny the unease that settled deep within my core. Gripping a dagger in her hand, she nonchalantly sliced an apple, her movements precise yet unnerving. Her very presence disrupted the tranquility I had found on the deck.

I had never seen her before, and yet there was an air of familiarity about her that sent shivers down my spine. I mustered up the courage to speak, my voice wavering slightly.

"Who are you?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. But the woman paid me no heed. With a dagger in hand, she continued to slice her apple, a smirk playing on her lips. The metallic sound of the blade against the fruit seemed louder than ever in the tense silence that enveloped us.

"How was your sleep, Princess?" she taunted, her words dripping with an unsettling mixture of amusement and menace. The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end as I took a cautious step back. But before I could react further, the cold touch of steel pressed against my head, and my heart skipped a beat.

I turned my head ever so slightly, and my worst fears were confirmed. The woman had not come alone. A wave of dread washed over me as the realization sunk in.

"Take one step back, and you're dead," she warned, her voice laced with a chilling finality. 

Frozen in place, I dared not make a single move. Thoughts raced through my mind, trying to grasp the reason behind this sudden intrusion.