YOUR DEMEANOUR

Chapter 40: Awkwkardness

As the day progressed, Calliax was engrossed in his work, his fingers flying across the keyboard as he meticulously crafted plans on his computer. The small earpiece nestled in his ear was evidence of his ongoing communication with someone, though Averyn couldn't discern who. She observed him from a distance, noting the intensity with which he tackled each task. "He's serious when he's working," she mused silently.

Averyn was seated not too far from Calliax in the living room, quietly observing his focused demeanour as he worked. His unwavering concentration was palpable, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for his dedication. It was moments like these that made her realise she had underestimated him as a soldier. Silently, she praised his commitment and determination to his work.

"Wow, he's really into it," Averyn thought to herself, watching Calliax work diligently. "I never realized how focused he could be. Maybe I've misjudged him."

"Good, stick with the plan and stay low. Don't let them notice," Calliax's voice broke the silence, his eyes fixed intently on the screen of his computer, scanning data and information.

Averyn's eyebrows furrowed slightly as she observed Calliax's focused demeanour. She couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for his dedication to the task at hand. She quietly nodded to herself, acknowledging his expertise and determination.

"Seems like he's engrossed in his work," Averyn mused to herself, her gaze lingering on Calliax's concentrated expression. "But it looks like I won't be heading home anytime soon." She sighed softly, resigning herself to the fact that she might be staying longer than anticipated.

In the early hours of the morning, Calliax, after his teasing banter with Averyn, retreated to his bedroom. With a soft sigh, he reached for a shirt and slipped it on, covering his torso. Turning back to face Averyn, he offered her some clothes to change into – a plain T-shirt and shorts that might fit her. "Go and shower," he urged gently, his voice carrying a hint of concern. "You've been in that dress since last night."

Averyn felt touched by his gesture, grateful for his kindness despite their earlier playful exchange. She nodded in acknowledgement, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips as she accepted the clothes. "Thank you," she murmured, a warmth spreading through her at his thoughtfulness.

As Averyn entered the bathroom, she couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over her. The events of the night before had left her feeling a little disoriented, and the warm water cascading down from the showerhead offered a soothing respite.

As she undressed and stepped into the shower, the steam enveloped her, creating a cocoon of tranquility. Closing her eyes, she let the water wash away the remnants of the night, both physically and emotionally. The gentle pressure of the water against her skin seemed to ease the tension that had built up within her.

With each passing minute, Averyn felt herself becoming more grounded, more present in the moment. She allowed herself to linger under the spray, savoring the sensation of the warm water against her skin. It was a simple pleasure, but one that she cherished in that moment of solitude.

As she finished her shower and stepped out of the bathroom, she felt refreshed and renewed. The events of the morning had left her feeling grateful for the kindness shown to her by Calliax, despite their earlier banter. She couldn't help but wonder what the day would bring, but for now, she was content to bask in the simple pleasure of a warm shower.

As Averyn reached for the towel, she heard the door creak open, and her heart skipped a beat. Before she could react, Calliax walked in, his eyes meeting hers in a moment of startled surprise. Averyn's cheeks flushed crimson, and she instinctively moved to cover herself, feeling exposed and vulnerable under his gaze.

Calliax, however, remained composed, his expression unreadable as he held out the towel towards her. His calm demeanor only served to deepen Averyn's embarrassment, and she quickly took the towel from him, wrapping it around herself tightly.

"Thank you," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper as she avoided his gaze. Calliax simply nodded in response, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer before he turned and left the bathroom, leaving Averyn alone with her thoughts and her burning cheeks.

As Calliax stepped into the bathroom, he was greeted by the sight of Averyn, her delicate form draped in nothing but a thin film of steam. For a moment, his breath caught in his throat, his eyes drawn to her flushed cheeks and downcast gaze.

In that moment of vulnerability, Calliax felt a pang of guilt for intruding on her privacy. However, he quickly composed himself, reminding himself that his intention was merely to offer her the towel she needed.

Suppressing any hint of emotion, he extended the towel towards her, his movements calculated and deliberate. He couldn't help but notice the slight tremor in her hands as she reached out to accept it, her blush deepening under his scrutiny.

"Here," he said quietly, his voice steady despite the flutter of unease in his chest. As she took the towel from him, he turned to leave, allowing her the space she needed to regain her composure.

Walking away, Calliax couldn't shake the image of Averyn from his mind, her beauty and vulnerability etched into his memory. But he pushed aside any stray thoughts, focusing instead on the task at hand, determined to maintain his professionalism in the face of temptation.

Stepping out onto the balcony, Calliax hoped the cool evening air would soothe his racing thoughts. Yet, as he leaned against the railing and closed his eyes, all he could see was Averyn's image, imprinted vividly in his mind.

The memory of her delicate form, bathed in steam, lingered like a tantalizing whisper, stirring something primal within him. He felt a flush of heat spread across his skin, his heart pounding in his chest with an intensity that surprised him.

Calliax cursed inwardly, frustrated by his body's response to her mere presence. He had always prided himself on his self-control, but now, in the quiet solitude of the balcony, he found himself unraveling in ways he couldn't explain.

Running a hand through his hair, Calliax took a deep breath, trying to regain his composure. Yet, with each exhale, he found himself drawn back to thoughts of Averyn, her scent lingering in the air like an intoxicating perfume.

In that moment, he realized the truth he had been trying to deny: Averyn had shaken him to his core, awakening desires he had long buried beneath layers of duty and responsibility.

Closing his eyes, Calliax surrendered to the turmoil within him, knowing that the path ahead would be fraught with uncertainty. But as the evening breeze brushed against his skin, he couldn't help but feel a flicker of excitement, knowing that Averyn had ignited a fire within him that refused to be extinguished.

"Damn it," Calliax muttered under his breath, his voice tinged with frustration as he paced back and forth on the balcony. "What in the world is happening to me?"

Averyn, still flushed from the unexpected encounter, wrapped herself in the towel, her heart racing with embarrassment and confusion. She couldn't shake off the feeling of Calliax's eyes on her, even though she knew it was just a fleeting moment. As she dried herself off, she couldn't help but replay the scene in her mind, feeling a mix of emotions swirling within her.

After hastily dressing in Calliax's clothes, Averyn stepped out of the bathroom, feeling a bit flustered from the recent encounter. As she entered the living room, she observed Calliax engrossed in his work, his attention completely consumed by the task at hand. She couldn't help but admire his dedication and focus, even in the midst of what seemed like a tense situation.

Her mind raced with questions about his work, but she hesitated to interrupt him, not wanting to distract him from whatever important task he was undertaking. Instead, she quietly observed him from a distance, taking in the sight of him fully immersed in his work. Despite the lingering embarrassment from their earlier encounter, she couldn't deny the sense of respect and admiration she felt for him in that moment.

"I can't believe he walked in on me like that," Averyn thought to herself, her cheeks still tinged with embarrassment. "But he seemed so composed about it. Maybe I'm just overreacting. He was just being kind, giving me the towel. But still, it's so embarrassing..."