REIGN’S POV

I mumbled incoherent words as I snuggled more into the soft pillow I was clutching in my arms. It was the softest I had ever had, a huge contrast to the hard lump of complexity that my life had become. The realization had me pushing the pillow away and sitting up, looking around the beige themed room. I felt the same awe I had felt when I had stepped into it for the first time, when someone, a maid, I presume kindly helped me to my room. Something Ivan was not gentlemanly enough to do.

I pushed the duvet away from my laps and stood up before stretching, humming in satisfaction that ‘pop’ sound I received. I resisted the urge to grimace at the sight of my bed nest hair and the obvious drool on my cheek as I passed the mirror on my way to the bathroom. I did my business in a hurry, eager to get a headstart on the day. I had a job that determines my life or death. Twenty minutes later, I was out of my bedroom, dressed in jeans and a simple T-shirt, and jogged down the stairs, ignoring the claps of my cheeks, well the other cheeks.

I wondered where the maid that helped me yesterday was. The house was silent, perhaps empty and it freaked me out. Imagine staying alone in such a big house, my mental health would go down another notch. My stomach grumbled, reminding me that I had not paid any attention to it yet. I could never go on a diet, I swear.

The kitchen, which I found easily thank God, was just as exquisite as the rest of the house. White themed, modern appliances, stocked to the brim, which I found out when I checked the refrigerator and the cabinets, and clean, it was every chef's dream kitchen.

I settled on making pancakes, eggs and some sausages. Easy to make without breaking a sweat. I had no idea whether I sucked at measurement or in my subconscious mind, there was someone else other than me that needed food as well, I ended up making enough for two people.

I glanced at the stairs wondering if Ivan would appear magically. I was not even sure he was home. Deciding to just go with the flow, I plated for two and sat at the counter. However, before I could indulge myself, the man responsible for my predicament, showed up in the kitchen. He looked shocked to see me, as I was.

My eyes raked greedily over his body as I took it in the sweaty mass of muscle in front of me. He obviously just finished working out. But that was not what grabbed my attention.

Ivan had tattoos.

I had only ever seen him in suits but now he was dressed in a grey tank top and shorts revealing the array of dark ink that was always covered. He had a full sleeve on one hand and I was sure his back was not spared from the work of art.

I wanted to get closer to him so I could make out the words and images on his skin. I wanted to lick him—

Now, Reign, hold your horses. I mentally berated myself.

“Fat women are not my type.” Ivan's smooth as silk voice reaches me, dousing cold water on the warmth that was starting to envelop me.

“What?” I stupidly asked.

“You were looking at me like a fat kid looks at cake so I felt the need to clarify. You are not my type and I am not the least bit attracted to you so you can get rid of whatever fantasy that is in your head.” He said casually, like he was not embarrassing the hell out of me.

“I wasn't….” I started to deny.

“I am not a fool.” He said, moved to the refrigerator and grabbed a bottle of water.

I clenched my fists and resisted the urge to bang his head against the wall or better still, my head because I put myself in this situation.

“What's that?” He asked, interrupting my self loathing. I followed the trail of his eyes and gulped when I saw the uneaten plate beside mine. I had already embarrassed myself enough today.

“Food.” I said, cringing after it escaped my lips.

“I am sure anyone can make out that it is, but why are there two plates? Are you planning to eat them both? Or…it's not for me, is it?” He asked, his eyebrows curving in amusement or disdain, I was not sure.

My silence was enough response.

So he laughed. Not the kind that made you develop butterflies or wonder how someone's smile could be so beautiful. It was the kind that makes you regret your actions, the kind that makes you want to dig a hole in the ground, enter it and never show your face to humanity again.

“You must have so much time on your hands.” He remarked, after he was done with his laughing fit. “I think you are forgetting why you are here. Stop wasting your time on useless things such as this and invest in getting Mel back. You know there are consequences if you don't.”

He walked out after that, taking with him my dignity and respect.

Then his head popped back in. “You can eat both of them by the way. I am sure you have enough space to fit all that in.”

His smirk was the last thing I saw before he finally left.

I grabbed my hair and screamed, not caring if anyone heard. I have never hated anyone as much as I hated him. I have never had any good feelings while in his presence. How could someone be so cruel and mean? And I thought he was attractive? I guess I was as blind as a bat.

I glared at the plates of food that was now cold and wondered what to do with them. I eventually sat down to eat my portion. I was not going to let a jerk that needed to touch grass have me starving for the rest of the day, especially when I still had no idea what the day had in store for me.

I was meeting Melanie after my breakfast. I still had no plan at all. The only thing I could come up with from my tossing and turning last night was following the woman to at least know something about her.

After I was done eating, I glanced at the plate I made for Ivan and wondered what to do with it. My head came up blank so I just covered and left it there. Deciding my outfit for the day was good enough to be out, I just grabbed my bag and stepped out of the house.

I squealed in joy when I noticed my car in the driveway, a stark contrast to the exuberance of the surroundings. I ran to it and placed my cheek on the hood. I got into my baby and sped, or at least tried to, out of the intimidating gates.

According to the schedule that Ivan had kindly sent to email, Melanie should be at Platinum Palace at the moment. I had bad memories about the place so I parked a bit away from the entrance.

I did not have to wait too long.

The tall and curvy figure of Melanie Anderson was one I would recognize anywhere. She had on sunglasses and a scarf, perhaps to hide herself from the attack of the paparazzi who wanted to know how she felt about the news of her fiancée cheating, which he did not. I grimaced once again at my mistake.

She entered a car that was already waiting at the exit and I gripped my steering wheel in anticipation.

This was it. My mission starts now.

So I did not hesitate to follow the car as it sped down the busy streets of New York.