A rose to grind

-4-

"Then I'll make you comply."

I saw red fill my vision. At once, my hand shot out, holding onto clueless Jacklin's shoulder with a vice-like grip, slamming him onto the bed. I was on top of him, and could practically see everything from up here. Beneath me, laid Jacklin with his pure white hair spread out everywhere like an endless water. I was gasping for air hard, and I knew I wasn't in my right mind. Oh, but how could I control myself when I couldn't control this body? It was as if I was pushed back, unable to take charge of my mind and that scared me. Fear gripped at my heart for the second time.

Jacklin stared at me, bewildered. "What are you doing? Can't you see—"

"Shut up!" I growled. My own voice sounded wobbly to my ears. Leaning down, I trace my fingers along the pale skin, almost as if worshipping it. 'Stop! Seanel, stop. Have you lost your mind?' My internal self roared. Unfortunately, it was like I was conscious but...I wasn't my right self. No. Seanel wouldn't do anything as rational as this.

"You've never really touched a woman before, have you? That's why you're so riled up, huh?" Jacklin's voice echoed throughout the room. I glowered at him weakly. Jacklin peered over at me with a hint of amusement evident in his eyes. My body wavered and without any warning, my legs gave out, and I collapsed onto the other side of the bed, just beside Jacklin. As my head hit the hard bed, a pained groan escaped past my lips. Jacklin sat upright and poked at my motionless body, much to my embarrassment.

"You're...not a woman," I croaked out in a muffled voice, burying my head into the bed sheets to hide my heavily flushed face. Hey, even self-proclaimed emotionless men could sometimes be embarrassed. Especially in front of someone so...well, let's say good-looking.

"Hm. Perhaps not. But I do look like one, right? It doesn't make a difference. Everyone only judges on what is outside," I heard him shift and felt a pat on my bottom. I lifted my face and glared with ferocity. God, why did Yugo really like such a meddlesome, lying, heart-broken, empathic person? There were so many fishes out there in the sea, that he could have always easily caught, but no, he wanted this special octopus, this...eight-legged, long-tongued octopus.

"Do you know whose ass you're touching at this very moment?" I spat, and hurriedly scrambled into the corner, wrapping the coat tighter around my shoulders. "If you're going to treat me, then do it right! I can't—I can't stand your teasing. You're trying to aggravate me!"

"Oh?" Jacklin's eyebrows shot to his hairline. He scooted closer, with a huge grin displayed on his hateful yet beautiful small face. If he wasn't so frail and weak, I would have socked him until he could no longer mess around like this. This disrespect. Something I had never encountered. I had every reason to break his fingers. "Everyone knows you here, Yugo. Every single worker here. They know how you're treated. They know how you don't even have the power around here. They know how your step-brother, Etienne, has planned to make you his personal servant. News fly fast in this mansion, Yugo and if you want my help...you'll have to stay by my side."

"Are you threatening me?" I narrowed my eyes into slits, balling my hands into fists, itching to beat the living hell out of Jacklin.

"Perhaps," Jacklin gave me a sly smile. "Now, will you turn around so that I can treat the wounds on your back? At this point, they're festering, and that's not at all close to good."

"Why should I listen to a kitchen maid such as you?" I asked. I knew I was starting to get on Jacklin's nerves but that was the whole point. If he were to get annoyed because of me, he would leave me alone and I wouldn't get these mushy feelings ever again. My future would be much safer without him in the picture...or anyone else here at all.