CHAPTER 9: Haircut with Steak or Chicken

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~ Ranzar Craestok ~

I was woken up by a continuous knocking and banging at my door. And as I opened my eyes I realized that instead of my bed, I slept in the living room on the sofa. I stood up and went to the door because I knew it was Laurent. She's the only one I have to meet today anyway.

The moment I opened the door I saw her hazel eyes stare at me full of rage.

If looks could kill me right now, I would've been slaughtered and stabbed multiple times.

"Seems you finally woke up Mr. Craestok", she sarcastically commented.

"Yes, as you can see I just woke up", I said and made way for her to get inside.

She went inside and I saw her tug along a small luggage with her.

"Do you plan to move here as well, Laurent? I didn't even know that moving here is something necessary to do for the make-over", I said and she turned to me and it was clear that she was very irritated.

"I do not plan to move here Mr. Craestok, and I will never voluntarily move here. But what I got here is indeed included for your make-over", she dryly replied.

I let her do her thing and set up her 'things', while I picked up my phone and saw multiple missed calls from my mother and some angry texts from her as well. Then I looked at the time and it's already 10 in the morning— and our scheduled time is 9 in the morning.

Now I understand the glares she threw at me and why she's mad. But rather than thinking or saying about apologizing, I decided to maintain my cool. There's no need to have a casual or friendly relationship with her since she's gonna go anyway after she finishes what she needs to do.

"How long were you waiting outside for my mother to send me angry texts and threats?" I asked as she continued to set up.

"An hour and 45 minutes Mr. Craestok. Just an hour and 45 minutes", she said, obviously refraining herself from bursting into a rage on my face. I was about to open my mouth and speak when she continued speaking

"Let's start now, so we can finish early for today Mr. Craestok", she said, and then I realized what she meant by the things inside her luggage being necessary. She brought out several bottles of hairspray and a pair of scissors.

"We'll need to cut your hair first or trim it at least to prevent it from blocking your eyes too much. So first, let's wash your hair. Please lead me to your shower", she instructed and waited for me to take her to the bathroom.

Maybe it's due to the guilt I feel that it left me no choice but to follow through with what she asked. Since she had to stand and wait outside for over an hour. I took her to the nearest shower on the first floor. And after that, she began to do what she needed to do.

After washing my hair, she went ahead and made me sit in the living room.

"Is it alright for you if I cut your hair short? If not I can just clean up the edges and trim the ends", she asked and she circled around me.

"Do what you think suits me, you're in charge", I said and she proceeded to pick up the pair of scissors.

I just let her do her thing while I sat down here. She started layering my hair and then proceeded to trim my back. There are some instances that the blades of the scissors would softly brush into my nape bringing chills in my system— or it is also the feeling of Laurent's breath at the back of my neck. 

After continuously combing and trimming my hair for a few minutes, she proceeded to move on to the next layer. It somehow brought relief to my body when she moved up, but there was a troubling feeling building inside me that I could no longer feel Laurent's soft and small breaths at my back.

"Are you alright Mr. Craestok?" she suddenly asked and I turned to her.

"What do you mean?"

"You looked sick", she commented and looked closely at me.

"I'm fine Laurent. Just continue so we can get over this", I said and turned away from her gaze.

"Are you sure?" She paused and continued examining me. "Wait, what time is it?" she said and looked at the time on her wristwatch.

"Mon Dieu! Did you even eat Mr. Craestok?" she asked, slightly panicked, and now that I remember it, I didn't eat anything after waking up. I shook my head at her then she stopped for a moment and put down the scissors and comb.

"If that's the case then, let's take a break and eat. Do you want to order food or do you have anything in your fridge?" she said while fixing some strands of her hair.

"I don't like to order food unless it's delivered here by my assistant, and unfortunately he's outside of the city for a business I sent him to. But there are supplies in the fridge... you're free to look", I replied.

Vincent has been my assistant for years and at times he deals with my schedule and interviews so that I don't have to be bothered by it. He is one of at least four people who are allowed here in my house other than my mother and Vanderson— and now, Laurent.

"Are you allergic to anything?" she asked as she proceeded to look into the fridge.

"No", I replied and followed her every movement as she searched inside.

"Do you prefer pork or chicken?", she asked as she continued searching.

"You'll cook?" I asked and snapped away from my thoughts.

"Yes, why?".

"I can't let you cook Laurent. I'll do it", I said and rose from my seat. I walked in her direction and stopped in front of her.

"One thing I make sure of Laurent", I leaned slightly forward. "I never let my guests serve themselves— only with the exception of someone named Vanderson", I continued. I saw her looking at me in my eyes.

"And as I remember, your name's Julliane Laurent", I said and she was somewhat frozen on the spot. Without words to say, I turned to look at the fridge.

After a few seconds of searching, I felt Laurent finally moved from her spot.

"No", she said and I looked at her.

"This is not an argument you would like to argue with me Laurent", I said firmly. But rather than backing out or retreating, she moved forward and challenged me.

"At least let me help", she said.

I let out a sigh. I don't think this woman would listen anyway if I tell her another 'no'. So instead, I nodded and let her help look.

"Which do you prefer, Steak or Chicken?" she asked and looked at me again.

"Chicken", I answered.

I let her continue whatever she was doing. It seemed so relaxing watching her to the point that I slowly checked every movement she made in my kitchen. The way her hands smoothly touch the kitchen top and her body grooves around it. I was so engrossed in that thought that I forgot that Laurent's helping me.

She then turned to me and stared and gave me the knife.

"Let's start", she announced and I grabbed the knife from her hands.

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