MY MOON

CHAPTER 6:ALYA

I couldn't believe I had walked in on Alex like that. My heart was still racing from the shock of seeing him in the jacuzzi, completely naked. My cheeks are burning with embarrassment. I had never felt this flustered in my life. His casual attitude about the whole situation only made it worse, but there was something about his nonchalance that was... intriguing.

As I stood outside the bathroom, waiting for him to get dressed, my mind was a whirlwind of thoughts. I couldn't shake the image of him from my mind—his strong, muscular body relaxed in the water, his eyes closed in a moment of peace. I had always known Alex was handsome, but seeing him like that, so vulnerable and natural, made me realise just how incredibly sexy he was.

I felt a mix of emotions—embarrassment, curiosity, and a fluttering sensation in my stomach that I couldn't quite place. Why did I feel this way? He was grumpy, often infuriating, and much older than me. But there was something about the way he looked at me, the way he carried himself, that drew me in despite myself.

When he finally emerged from the bathroom, now dressed in a robe, I tried to compose myself. He looked at me with a mixture of amusement and something else I couldn't quite identify.

He talked for a minute on the phone and then put it down, turning towards me.

"Talked with the staff. They said there was some error in the bookings. You booked a room within a room. We have separate bedrooms but share the common space. I did try asking for another room, but they said it's booked by other guests at the wedding, so we have no option," he said.

"What?" I was surprised by the situation.

"It's okay, chill. We can just use the room together. Then there won't be a problem," he said, his tone practical waking towards his bed.

I frowned, feeling a knot of anxiety tightening in my stomach. "No, we can't do that. Sharing a room and all? It's just... too uncomfortable," I said, my voice tinged with concern.

Alex stopped walking and turned to face me, his expression softening. "Alya, there really isn't an option right now, is there? The palace is packed, and this is the only space available."

I crossed my arms, still uneasy. "But it's not proper. And to be honest, it's just... weird."

He took a step closer, his eyes sincere. "Look, Alya, I understand your concern. But you can trust me. I have a sister too. I know how to respect boundaries."

I looked up at him, searching his face for any sign of insincerity. "It's not just about trust, Alex. It's about feeling comfortable in my own space."

He nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I get that. How about this? We'll set some ground rules. We'll inform each other when we need to use common areas like the balcony or bathroom. 

However we have separate rooms right? I'll respect your privacy, and you respect mine. Then it would be fine."

I bit my lip, feeling a wave of uncertainty wash over me. I felt like I could trust him, but a part of me was still unsure. "But what if something happens? What if... I don't know, it just feels so awkward," I said, my voice wavering. Deep down, it wasn't just about sharing a space; it was about the intense attraction I felt towards him. More than him, I was unsure of myself.

Alex looked at me, his expression calm. He smiled gently, trying to ease my worries. He took a step closer, his voice steady. "Alya, I understand where you're coming from. It's a strange situation, but I promise you, Nothing's going to happen, Alya. We're both adults. We can handle this responsibly. And if at any point you feel uncomfortable, we can figure something else out. But for now, this is the best solution we have"

I glanced away, trying to gather my thoughts. I sighed, realizing he was right. The palace was indeed packed, and there weren't any other viable options "Are you sure, this would work?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

He gently placed a hand on my shoulder, his touch warm and steady. "Alya, listen to me. I know this is unusual arrangement, but you can trust me. I'll be respectful, and You are going to have your space," he said.

His sincerity was disarming, and I felt my resolve weakening. "But it's just... confusing."

He nodded, a look of understanding in his eyes. "I get that. But we're both mature. We can handle this responsibly."

I was silent, grappling with my thoughts. Sensing my hesitation, Alex gently guided me to sit on the bed and then took a seat beside me. He looked directly into my eyes, his expression serious yet reassuring.

"I know this is super weird," he began, his voice soft but firm. "If you're really uncomfortable, I'll find a hotel nearby. You don't have to force yourself into this situation, if you not comfortable. But Alya, I respect you, I really do and I want you to respect me too, always. I would never do anything to make you think any less of me."

I gazed at him, absorbing his words. "Trust me, Alya," he said with a quiet determination.

As I looked into his eyes, I saw the genuineness in them. His calm demeanour and the resolve in his voice made me feel more secure. "Okay, fine," I said, feeling a strange sense of relief. Somehow, I knew I could trust Alex. I couldn't explain it, but in that moment, I felt I could trust this man, Alex hall, in any situation. In this moment, the trust I felt for him, wasn't a trust I would feel for someone who will be family soon or wasn't trust I kept on responsible older man, It was a trust I placed in Alex Hall, the person standing in front of me.

"Deal, You can use the bathroom. I'm heading to bed. Tomorrow is the cocktail party, so I'll sleep early " he said with a reassuring smile.

He turned to start unpacking his things. Despite the strange situation, there was a part of me that felt comforted by his presence. He had this unspoken strength, a steadiness that reassured me. He was calm and composed, and his eyes held a sincerity that was impossible to ignore. It was as if he had this quiet confidence that made me feel like everything would be alright.

As he moved about the room, I found myself watching him, noticing the way he carried himself. There was a warmth to his presence, something that pulled me towards him.

I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but something inside me was shifting. It wasn't just about the physical attraction to a handsome man anymore, It was something deeper, something that made me feel connected to him, trust him in a way I hadn't expected.

Maybe it was the genuine care he showed in his words and actions or the way he eased me. Whatever it was, it stirred something within me, a feeling that was both unsettling and comforting at the same time.

As I watched him, I couldn't help but feel a flicker of something I hadn't felt in a long time. It was a small spark. I took a deep breath, trying to steady the emotions swirling inside me.

He looked at me, noticing I was still standing there, lost in my thoughts.

"I'm going for a shower," I said abruptly, needing an escape from this awkward moment. Without waiting for a response, I hurried into the washroom, closing the door behind me with a sense of urgency.

As the warm water cascaded over me, I tried to sort through the tangled web of thoughts and emotions inside me. When I met him, I had expected him to be difficult, maybe even dismissive, but instead, he had been understanding and considerate. It is hard to ignore the growing admiration I felt for him.

But along with admiration came fear. Fear of the intensity of my growing feelings, fear of the complications that could arise from them. He was going to be my step-uncle soon, and the rational part of my mind kept reminding me of that.

I closed my eyes, letting the water wash away the uncertainty, if only temporarily. I needed to find a balance, to navigate these new emotions without losing myself in them.