Twisted Fate || Loki Odinson

7.

After turning off my alarm, I drag myself out of bed and stride down the hallway to the bathroom. The early morning light filters through the narrow window, casting a soft glow on the worn tiles. Closing the door behind me, I shed my clothes, the clatter of fabric hitting the laundry basket breaking the morning silence. I step into the warm embrace of the shower and let the hot water cascade over me, washing away the remnants of stiffness from sleep.

Post-shower, I grab the towel and toss it over the shower door before stepping out onto the mat. The chill of the tiles beneath my feet makes me shiver slightly. As I reach for the door handle to leave, a sinking realization washes over me-- 

I forgot to bring fresh clothes.

I groan softly, eyeing my reflection in the misted mirror. My hair clings damply to my shoulders, and droplets of water trace lazy paths down my skin. Spotting the damp towel hanging over the shower, I secure it tightly around my waist and cross my arms for extra measure. "Well, here goes nothing," I murmur. With a deep breath, I crack open the bathroom door, peering cautiously into the hallway. Seeing it empty, I tiptoe toward my room, casting glances over my shoulder.

Suddenly, I collide with something solid and warm. My heart leaps as the towel threatens to slip, my hand instinctively clutching it closer.

"Well, well, well..." a familiar voice purrs from above, sending a shiver down my spine. Slowly, I raise my head and find myself staring into Loki's smirking face, his bare chest mere inches from mine. His emerald eyes sparkle with mischief, and his lips curl into that trademark smirk that both infuriates and intrigues me.

"Don't flatter yourself," I quip, heat flooding my cheeks as my eyes involuntarily trace his chiseled form.

He chuckles softly, his gaze warm with amusement. "Touché, Cassie."

I take a step back, holding his gaze steadily. "If you're quite done admiring the view, I need to get dressed."

"Ah, but I was enjoying our little chat," he teases, taking a casual step to the side to let me pass. The proximity of his body, the heat radiating from him, makes my pulse quicken.

I sidestep him and hurry toward my room. Swallowing hard, I steal a quick glance at his broad and exposed back, feeling a smile tug at my lips despite myself. The encounter leaves me flustered, an unusual feeling for someone who prides herself on being composed.

I retreat into my room, closing the door with a soft click. Leaning against it, I steady my racing heart. My grip tightens on the towel wrapped around me, grounding myself from the unsettling warmth of his lingering presence. 

Focus, Cassie. 

With a determined huff, I discard the towel into the laundry basket and quickly change into a black work shirt and a pair of jeans. Glancing briefly at my reflection in the vanity mirror, I narrow my eyes slightly, then apply mascara to my already long lashes. Satisfied, I add a touch of shimmering pink eyeshadow and lip gloss. The familiar ritual helps center me, pushing aside the unsettling encounter with Loki.

Better. 

Pulling my hair into a ponytail, I gather my things and head out of my room. My heart skips a beat when I see Loki casually leaning against the dining table. Thankfully, he's wearing a shirt now. He looks up from the book he's leafing through, his eyes scanning me with curiosity.

"I'll be back around eight," I state, grabbing my coat from the hook by the door. "Feel free to explore the town a bit more."

He raises an eyebrow. "You're allowing me to venture into town?"

"Well, I don't want you feeling cooped up here. As long as you don't cause too much trouble, it might be good for you to get out."

He nods slowly, his expression thoughtful. "I'll consider it."