Trapped Destinies

Warmth: A Sweet Bicker

As the sun began its descent, casting long shadows across the bustling city streets, Atlas and I embarked on our mission to find a suitable nanny for Apollo. Armed with a list of potential candidates and a determination to find the perfect fit, we set out on our quest as per our agreed plan.

Our first stop was a local childcare agency that had graciously opened its doors early for us, thanks to a recommendation from one of Atlas's friends. Stepping into the office, we were greeted by a cheerful receptionist who ushered us into a cozy waiting area adorned with colourful posters and toys.

As we waited for our appointments with the candidates, Atlas and I exchanged nervous glances, silently acknowledging the weight of the decision before us. Finding someone trustworthy and capable of caring for Apollo was no small task, and we both felt the weight of responsibility pressing down on us. We had meticulously crafted a set of criteria after a lengthy back-and-forth yesterday at the office.

When our first candidate arrived, we were introduced to her, and then the next followed. Each candidate seemed eager to impress us with their qualifications and experience. We listened intently as they outlined their previous roles and shared anecdotes about their interactions with children.

As the interviews progressed, one candidate in particular, a young woman named Emily, seemed to divert her attention away from discussing her qualifications. Instead, she fixated on Atlas, her demeanour shifting subtly to emphasise her attempts at charm. With a smile a touch too bright and a posture leaning in a little too close, she regaled us with stories of her past experiences, all the while making subtle adjustments to her attire in an effort to capture Atlas's attention. She was constantly changing how she was sitting to hike up her skirt to display her long, smooth legs or leaning forward to reveal her cleavage. Her behaviour left me feeling uneasy. I must admit, if I were Atlas, I would have been swayed by her beauty by now. However, it was undeniably evident that she was more interested in impressing Atlas than showcasing her suitability for the role.

Despite my discomfort, Atlas remained polite and professional, his demeanour unwavering in the face of Emily's flirtatious advances. Unable to ignore the undercurrent of jealousy that pulsed through me, I shot Atlas a subtly warning glance, hoping to convey my unease. However, he merely smirked in response, his amusement evident as he observed my reaction.

Thankfully, our next candidate, a middle-aged man named James, proved to be much more focused on the task at hand. He listened attentively as we discussed Apollo's needs and preferences, offering thoughtful insights and practical solutions.

But as the interview drew to a close, James turned his attention to me, his gaze lingering a moment longer than necessary. He flashed me a charming smile, his voice taking on a slightly flirtatious tone as he thanked us for considering him for the position. "I hope I will be able to see such a beautiful lady more often from now on." James was smooth and obviously good at lying. I wasn't ugly but honestly not a beauty to look forward to.

I felt a flush of heat rise to my cheeks, caught off guard by his sudden attention. Glancing at Atlas, I found him watching James with a narrowed gaze, his jaw clenched in barely concealed jealousy.

Before I could respond, Atlas cleared his throat, his tone slightly tense as he thanked James for his time and ushered him out of the room. As the door closed behind him, Atlas turned to me, a hint of possessiveness in his gaze.

"Looks like we'll have to keep looking," he said, his voice tinged with a mix of amusement and irritation.

"Actually, I think he could be fit for the position," I retorted, now with the upper hand.

Atlas's eyes narrowed at my retort, a flicker of irritation crossing his face. He took a step closer, his presence suddenly more intense in the small room. "You're joking, right?" he asked, his voice low but sharp, slicing through the tension like a knife.

I held my ground, meeting his gaze steadily. "James had good qualifications and the experience to back it up," I replied evenly, striving for a tone of measured calm that reminded me of Mr. Smith. "And he seemed genuinely interested in Apollo's needs."

Atlas's jaw tightened, his eyes darkening as he took another step forward, closing the distance between us. "Genuinely interested in Apollo or genuinely interested in you?" he countered, his voice barely above a whisper, shivering with frustration.

I stood my ground, refusing to be intimidated. "He was listening and answering all questions attentively, and if he paid attention to me, that would be none of your concern." My words were intended to irritate him because, yes, I can be petty when provoked.

His expression hardened, and he continued to advance until I was backed against the wall, his body mere inches from mine. The intensity of his presence was overwhelming, a force of nature I could scarcely withstand. He lowered his face to mine, and for a moment, I thought he was going to kiss me. My heart pounded in my chest as I closed my eyes, bracing for the unexpected.

Instead, he brought his lips near my ear and whispered, "You are mine." His breath was warm against my skin, sending shivers down my spine. Straightening up, he kept his gaze locked on mine, then opened the door beside me. "Should we consider Emily as well while we're at it?" he added, his tone dripping with sarcasm. He was a self-aware master at provoking me.

Frustration bubbled up inside me, and I ran after him. "Do you have to be so annoying? I promised Apollo I would drop him off at school. Hurry up!" I said, making sure to run ahead. 

"I'll be telling Apollo all about James and how easily his mum is swayed," he said, laughing uproariously as if he had made the funniest joke in the world...