The Babysitter

19

𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘

My eyes flew open slowly when I realized I wasn't in bed. I was on Royce's lap. I didn't move. I stayed on his lap, watching his face silently.

Royce was handsome. In a way, all women were drowning over him, no doubt. But everything about Royce was perfect. A thought crossed my mind; I hadn't even considered his age until now. How old is Royce? I'm nineteen; I'll turn twenty in three months. But what about Royce?

His eyes opened slowly, meeting mine. I gave him a small smile. I was still wearing his jacket. It smelled perfect. It was a mix of bold, spicy aroma that was incredibly attractive, with hints of warmth and excitement lingering in the air. I could smell it all day without getting fatigued.

"Morning, ma'am." Oh my - okay, calm down, Tate. Is it hot in here? Yes, I think it is. I'm melting right now. I didn't think a morning voice was attractive until now. It was deep, so deep it had a slight hint of hoarseness.

"Morning," I managed to say the word.

"Meet me in my office after thirty minutes." He says out of nowhere. I give him a curt nod, getting up from his lap. I was about to take his jacket off before he spoke. "No, keep it." He simply says, walking away.

I take my time to go to my room, shower, brush my teeth, and put on an outfit. The weather isn't really good this week. I went down and greeted Valerie; Angela was not here. Her parents took her. They go out too much. I'm not complaining, but why do they need a babysitter if I really don't do my job that much. I mean, I'm thankful; I'm starting to save money, and by next year, I should start going to university. But I'm just saying.

I took a deep breath and went to Royce's office. I knock before entering, but there is no answer 𝐺𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡. I knocked again, and this time, there was an answer. But a rude one. "Come in, Tate," oh.

"Uh, hi again," I walk inside awkwardly. Do I sit? Or should I just keep standing? Maybe I should wait for him to speak.

"Sit," his voice was so authoritative. It sends goosebumps every time he speaks.

"Listen, I'll be quick with this. The guy your best friend is dating is a drug dealer. So, I'm telling you nicely. Do not go out with her every time he is around. And yes, that's an order." Okay, what in the world!?

How is Marie dating a drug dealer!? She didn't even mention that to me. She said he was nice and a good person. I knew something was off about him the moment I saw him. The tattoos, his friends. His face, the scars. How did even Marie fall for him? Meh, look who's talking, I fell for a mafia boss. Wait, Royce also does bad things, but why did I find it normal when it comes to Royce? If anyone else is not?

"... Tate? Are you with me?" I snap out of my thoughts, coming back to reality.

"Sorry, yeah, I was thinking about something." I was thinking about you, maybe.

𝐷𝑖𝑟𝑡𝑦 𝑇𝑎𝑡𝑒.

"Uhh, do you need anything else before I go?" He looks at me suspiciously. He shook his head, and I quickly left.

I should go tell Marie this as fast as possible. Pacing my speed, I was about to enter the kitchen before I heard Valerie talk with a maid. I didn't catch all of their names, but I guessed this one was Bonnie. She was the closest to Valerie, and I think they're related by blood. I should not be eavesdropping, I'm not that person, but they said something that caught my attention.

"It was her birthday today. She would turn twenty-two." Valerie's voice was a bit different. It contained sadness. Wait, but whose birthday?

"Shh Val, anyone will hear you. And you know that they don't like anyone speaking about this topic." Bonnie said, holding her hand. I'm not even understanding any word.