I faced him slowly with a bended head, my hands clasped together as I waited for him to speak first. I could not look at him, my cheeks burned with embarrassment.

"What the hell are you doing here!" I jolted at his sudden outburst.

"I... I returned the book that I borrowed, sir," I glanced at him and answered politely.

He was wearing a white bathrobe, his hair was wet from the shower, and it glistened. He was standing so tall in front of me, making me feel so small in my 5'4" feet tall.

"I don't remember you borrowing a book from me, Miss Rosi," his eyes blazed like fire at me, "what you did is stealing! I can fire you now, for what you did."

"No, sir. I did not steal the book. I borrowed it from Calliope."

"Who the hell is Calliope!"

My eyebrows furrowed. He's impossible. He could not remember the name of his most trusted maid.

"Calliope is Miss Chloros," I answered, keeping a mild tone, "but please don't blame her. It's all my fault for insisting to borrow the book."

"I trust Miss Chloros, she won't betray me," his eyes were stony with anger, directed at me, then bursted, "but you, Miss Rosi, you're behaving strangely, since I met you."

"I'm very sorry, sir. I was trying too hard to create a good impression, instead it all went wrong. But I assure you, I'm a good person."

"Really?" his lips twisted, "you give me every reason to doubt your employment here in the mansion."

"I don't have any other intention, but to help my sister. She needs this job so badly," I almost begged, "I swear, I don't work in any gang or organization to spy on you. I'm not a media reporter either... and absolutely, I'm not here to seduce you."

His dark eyebrows arched, looking angrier than ever. His eyes were cold and hard, aiming at me like bullets.

"I don't give a damn if you're doing this in a good deed. I don't tolerate bad behavior from my staff."

"I understand sir, you have every reason to be upset," I stood still, not moving an inch, "I should have returned the book to you, instead of sneaking inside your bedroom. I take responsibility for my actions," I tilted my chin a little, "so if you're going to fire me now... it's okay, I'll take it."

His hands went inside his robe's pockets, a muscle quivered at his jaw.

"Don't use reverse psychology on me, it won't work," his burning eyes held mine, "but I'll let this incident pass for now. Next time, I won't be very forgiving, Miss Rosi, remember that."

I heaved a sigh of relief. I'm glad the beast in him is hidden in his closet.

"Thank you, sir. I promise, I won't touch any of your books again, without your permission."

"Stick to housekeeping, Miss Rosi. It suits you better."

I was wrong. It's the angel in him who is hidden in the closet.

I really hate this bastard now. He is cold, ruthless, with no spark of compassion. I wish there's a time machine that can forward immediately in two months.

"Is there anything more you want to ask, sir?"

"No, you can leave now."

I gave him a curt nod of farewell, then turned to the door.

I pressed the passcode in the digital lock panel. I was glad that I already remembered it. I could not wait to get out of this room.

7, 9, 1, 3.

DENIED.

What? I tried again, but still, it was denied.

I exhaled heavily, feeling frustrated. I turned to the man who was watching me.

"FREDA, open the door," he instructed.

"System detected suspicious activity due to multiple passcode attempts. For security reasons, try again after three hours," FREDA answered.

Mr. Stavrakos' expression immediately clouded with anger.

"Dammit!" he cursed, "I can't be late for the board meeting."

He instructed FREDA again but failed, "I need to get out of here."

I? He's only concerned about himself only. What about me? This jerk acted like I didn't exist.

He tried to manipulate the system using a computer, but still failed.

I felt it was my fault again. Why did so much bad luck happen in a day? I should have worn my lucky red underwear.

"I'm really sorry, sir. I didn't mean for this to happen," I said to him, and when he did not answer, I kept on repeating saying sorry.

"Stop apologizing, for heaven's sake. Sit down, Miss Rosi," his lips thinned with irritation.

I settled on a couch while he talked on the phone. He left me alone, and later on, I heard him in the bathroom, as he continued his shower.

Nothing to do, I just studied his bedroom.

A king-size bed, covered with white linen. The gray curtains were pulled at the sides, revealing the floor to ceiling glass windows. Two large bookshelves at the corner, where I could not keep my eyes off. Beside them was a large desk with a computer, laptop and an iPad.

"Should I wait here?" I shifted my position on the couch. In front of me was a glass center table, and across were two padded armchairs. I looked up and saw a modern style chandelier. I wonder, how many crystals are there?

At the end of the room were two glass sliding doors that lead to the balcony. I was debating myself whether to go there or not. I was curious to see the view. The scenery of the estate was very stunning, certainly, Mr. Stavrakos got the best view.

Before I could stand and check the balcony, Mr. Stavrakos appeared. He already had a shower and change. He wore an expensive looking gray suit, white undershirt and black leather shoes. His hands were busy tying his dark blue necktie around his neck.

"Aren't you bored, Miss Rosi?" he said in a blunt style that grated my nerves.

"No. I was busy."

"Busy doing what?" his dark brows snapped together.

I looked up briefly, then said, "counting the crystals."

He chuckled, then shook his head. He might think I'm weird, but who cares about his opinion.

I admit he was really a gorgeous devil, women would easily fall for him. Anyone who doesn't know him, would think that he is a celebrity or a model. His face and body are made to walk on the runway, or appear in billboards.

Dark brown hair, with devastatingly handsome face, compelling gray eyes, the firm features and the confident set of his shoulders. His profile spoke of power and ageless strength.

Am I attracted to him? Absolutely not!

Before I could feel any attraction for him, I put a shield in front of my eyes and heart, as thick as Captain America's shield.

Kristov Stavrakos is not my type. He is not the kind of man that I wanted to date or marry. He is very complicated, worldly and exposed. Too many women in different continents are dying to date him.

I prefer a simple man, just like my father, a family oriented guy, whose aim is to live a simple and happy life.

"Have you taken a bath this morning, Miss Rosi?" I was taken aback by his question.

"Of course, sir. I do it after I wake up in the morning."

"Fancy another one?"

I frowned in thought, confused by his question.

I smelled myself, especially my armpit. Do I smell bad?

"What do you mean, sir?"

"Come here," he opened the sliding doors of the balcony, and I followed him. Before I knew what was happening, he yanked me off my feet and carried me.

My voice rose in a shrill of surprise, "what are you doing? Put me down, sir."

"In a while, Miss Rosi. Don't worry."

I felt a hot blush settle over my cheeks. I suddenly became very conscious of his nearness. The sweet sensual scent of his cologne lingered in my nostrils. The heat of his body electrified me, sending delicious currents all throughout my nerves. He made me feel so soft and soggy like cooked spaghetti noodles.

"Sir?" my eyes bulged in fright when he carried me to the ledge of the balcony, "what do you think you're doing!"

"Relax, you'll be fine. Trust me."

"Are you going to... oh my God!" I clung to him, my arms were around his neck. The devil was going to drop me off from the balcony, "This is not funny at all, put me down!"

"As you wish. Goodbye, Miss Rosi," he said and released his hold of me.

"Nooooo!!!"

It was more than fear, it was a freezing of the soul. I fell down from the balcony, while staring at his smiling face. The ruthless devil even waved at me!

I gasped as cold water hit my back, and instantly I was submerged under the deep pool.

"I hate you!!" I shouted under the pool that I drank some water. I emerged and swam to the edge of the pool, nursing my hatred like a wound.

Hector and Calliope were there, waiting for me with a towel. They obviously knew his plan.

I looked up at the deafening roaring sound above. It was a helicopter, fetching the devil from the balcony.

______

Hey Dreamers!

Hope all is well with you all. 

Did you enjoy the chapter? I really hope so. Because it's my happiness to make you all happy. 

I have great news to my Polish readers. As some of you already know, that you can grab a copy of The Girl He Never Noticed in Polish Edition, in Empik Website and most online stores and bookstores in Poland.

Another good news, for my readers in India. Now available in Audible - Hindi, the audiobook of The Girl He Never Noticed Book 1 and 2. Listen now and enjoy!

So, I have to say goodnight now, I'm sleepy already. 

Please help me make this story grow, by sharing this to your friends. Don't forget to vote and comment also. It would mean a lot to me.

Here's my playlist for tonight, hope you'll like it :)

I'll Be Missing You covered by BTS

Breathe by Taylor Swift

Winter Bear by V of BTS

Someone Like You by Adele

Goodnight everyone. Sweet dreams! Mwah!

Lovelots,

Neilani