MY MOON

CHAPTER 5:ALEX

We reached the palace after a four-hour drive. Alya had fallen asleep halfway, and at some point, she had shifted in her sleep, resting her head on my shoulder. She slept comfortably, like a baby. I didn't know why, but I didn't feel the need to move her. In fact, I liked it.

As the car moved steadily towards our destination, I found myself watching her closely. Her face, so serene in sleep, captivated me. There was a slight curl to her lips, hinting at a dream. The soft fragrance of her perfume that clung to her was intoxicating. Her hands, wrapped around my arm, made my heart stir in a way I wasn't prepared for. Everything about this moment was beautiful.

I wished this journey would never end. As long as the car kept moving, I could indulge in these feelings without consequence. I could allow myself to admire her, to feel this strange warmth spreading through my chest. But I knew that once we reached the palace, I would have to push these feelings aside, to put up the walls that kept my emotions in check.

The reality, however, was that the journey did end. The car slowed as we approached the grand entrance of the palace, its towering gates and ornate architecture coming into view. I sighed inwardly, feeling the weight of the moment settle back onto my shoulders.

Reluctantly, I reached out and gently shook her shoulder. "Alya, wake up. We're here."

She stirred slowly, her eyes fluttering open. For a brief moment, she looked up at me with a sleepy smile, and my heart skipped a beat. Then, realizing where she was, she quickly sat up, blushing slightly.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to fall asleep on you," she said, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face.

"It's okay," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. "You looked comfortable."

She gave me a grateful smile, and for a moment, the tension between us seemed to dissolve. We were just two people, sharing a quiet, intimate moment. But as the driver opened the door and the bustle of the palace staff greeted us, the reality of our situation came crashing back.

"Hello, sir. Please come in. I will assist you with your room bookings," said the hotel staff, welcoming us.

We both walked inside, collected our keys, and headed to our floor in silence. The air between us was thick with lingering tension from the drive. As we reached our respective rooms, we exchanged a brief, awkward glance before retreating behind closed doors.

Once inside my room, I couldn't help but blame myself for how much I had enjoyed watching her sleep. I mean, I shouldn't feel this way. She's just 21. She is going to my step niece. Dammit, what's wrong with me? I needed to clear my head. I grabbed my pack of cigarettes and headed to the balcony, the familiar burn in my throat offered a temporary reprieve from my chaotic thoughts. I stood there for fifteen minutes.

But the memory of Alya, peacefully asleep on my shoulder, refused to leave my mind. Her soft scent, the gentle rise and fall of her chest, the way her lips curled slightly in her sleep—it all haunted me. I knew I shouldn't feel this way, but there was something about her that I couldn't ignore.

I decided a hot bath might help. I went into the bathroom and started the jacuzzi. Stripping down, I sank into the warm water, letting it envelop me.

"What the hell!" A shout broke through my thoughts, jolting me from my relaxed state. I opened my eyes and turned around to see Alya standing there in a bathrobe, her expression a mix of shock and indignation.

"What are you doing in my bathroom, Alya?" I asked, bewildered. "This is my bathroom!" she retorted, her voice rising.

Then she seemed to realize I was naked. She quickly turned her back, her cheeks flushing a deep red. "Are you serious? You took off your clothes?"

"Would you wear clothes while taking a shower, seriously?" I replied, trying to keep my voice calm despite the absurdity of the situation.

She was flustered, her hands nervously fidgeting with the belt of her robe. Despite the chaos, I couldn't help but find her adorable. Her innocence and the way she blushed were endearing, even in such an awkward moment.

"Can you pass my robe, Alya?" I asked, feeling a mix of amusement and a strange tenderness.

She reached for my robe without turning around, extending it to me over her shoulder. I couldn't help but smile at her actions. She was trying so hard to maintain her composure, and it was both amusing and touching.

"Now wait outside. I'll come out," I said, and she quickly left, closing the door behind her.

As I slipped into the robe, There was the obvious embarrassment of the situation, but there is Alya. She was spirited, innocent, and completely unguarded. The way she had blushed and stammered was incredibly cute, and I found myself smiling despite everything.