Chapter 39 Chapter 39 -HUNTER'S POV- Dinner was quiet , just the way I preferred it . No chatter , no distractions . The roast was cooked perfectly - tender , rich , seasoned just right . I barely looked up from my plate as I muttered , " This is good . " The head maid , standing off to the side , offered a small smile . " Celine prepared the meal tonight , sir . " My hand froze mid - cut . Knife and fork clinked softly against the porcelain as I set them down . My eyes shifted to my right . Celine . She was already beside me , delicate hands steadying a silver jug as she poured water into my empty glass . Her scent hit me first- subtle , sweet , and warm like honey and jasmine . Too close . I leaned back slightly , needing space , needing to breathe . Then - fuck She slipped . Just a little , barely a tremor , but enough that cold water spilled onto my hand . Her gasp was soft but sharp , and she scrambled to fix it . " I'm so sorry , I didn't mean to - she fumbled for a napkin , panic in her voice . The head maid stepped in immediately . " Celine , don't touch- " But it was too late . Her hand was already on mine . Small , warm , trembling as she dabbed at the water like her life depended on it . The spot was dry . Bone dry . But she kept touching , brushing her fingers over my skin , and I couldn't think . My heart thudded loudly in my chest . And my dick . Hard . Stiff beneath the table like it had a mind of its own . I watched her side profile - lips slightly parted , brows furrowed in worry , lashes fluttering as she focused on wiping a non - existent spill. Every detail burned into me . I snapped . I yanked my hand away , more forceful than I meant to . " Leave it . Go ." She flinched , stunned , eyes lifting to mine , lips parting like she wanted to say something " Now , Celine , " I growled . She turned to the head maid , who nodded once . Celine bit her lip - a nervous habit - and whispered , " Sorry , before hurrying away 1/4 1201 Chapter 39 like a kicked puppy . The head maid apologized . " She's been under pressure lately talk to her . " I didn't respond . My eyes were still fixed on the hand she'd touched . I could still smell her . Still feel her . And I was still hard . " Fuck , " I muttered under my breath , running a hand down my face . I needed a cold shower . Or a drink . Or both . The hallway was dim , shadows stretching across the walls as I walked toward my office . The day should've been over by now . My mind should've moved on . But it hadn't . Then I saw her . Celine . Carrying a stack of folded linens , head down like she didn't want to be seen . She didn't expect me to stop . She didn't expect what came out of my mouth . " Good work today ." She paused . Started . And I kept walking , fast , before I could say anything else . Behind me , I could feel her eyes burning into my back - confused , searching for meaning in a moment I couldn't explain myself . -CELINE'S POV- Today was tense - tense enough that for a second , I truly thought I was going to get fired . The head maid had pulled me aside , her voice sharp with disappointment as she scolded me . But after the reprimand , she'd softened just enough to assure me that Mr. Reid wouldn't take it any further . That was a relict Still , something felt off . He'd been acting strange lately . Not just the usual cold glances and clipped responses . There was something different in the way he looked at me ... like he was holding back something he didn't want me to see . Or maybe I was overthinking . Again . The wind screamed like something wild , hurling sheets of rain against the windows in waves that sounded almost angry . I had tucked Caesar in earlier than usual , lighting the small candle by his bedside table , whispering a soft lullaby until his little fingers relaxed in mine . He never liked storms . Neither did L But this house . it felt more alive when it stormed . Like the walls had secrets they only shared with the wind . I stood by the window in my room , watching the trees twist outside . The sky split open with another flash of lightning , and something in me twitched . 2/4 3 Chapter 39 The main building I still had to check the far west window . It hadn't locked properly earlier , and I knew if I waited , water would seep through the wooden frame and stain the paneling . Sol pulled on my slippers , threw a thin shawl around my shoulders , and stepped into the night . Rain soaked me instantly . It was colder than I expected - sharp , biting , and relentless . My shawl clung to my skin uselessly , and by the time I pushed open the side door to the main house , my teeth were already chattering , I hurried down the corridor , barefoot and dripping . I could hear the creak of the loose window before I saw it . It banged open , wind clawing through the crack like fingers desperate to get in . I reached for it . The wind pushed back . I used both hands , straining against it , but my palms slipped and the window banged shut just as I lost my grip " Move , " a voice said behind me . Deep , Gruff . I gasped and turned . Hunter . His shirt sleeves were rolled up , rain misting his dark hair . I hadn't even heard him come in . He stepped beside me , his hand brushing mine as he reached for the window . Together , silently , we forced it shut. His palm pressed over mine for a second too long . The latch clicked into place . And still , neither of us moved . " You should come inside ," he said , voice quieter now . Less sharp . " Before you catch a cold . " I swallowed , backing up a step , though my heart hadn't quite caught up with me . " I'm fine . " Another shiver betrayed me . Violent . Unavoidable . He noticed . Of course , he did . With a sigh that sounded like it came from somewhere deep , he picks up his jacket , which he had tossed earlier . Without asking , he draped it over my shoulders . Warmth . Hunter's warmth . The scent of him hit me instantly - woodsy , clean , and something else . Something expensive . I blinked up at him , stunned . The rain still thrashed the windows behind us . He looked down at me like he didn't know why he was doing it either . " Why are you being nice ? " I whispered . 3/4 Chapter 39 My voice cracked on the last word . He didn't answer . Not with words . Instead , his hand came up slowly . Hesitant . Fingers brushing against the edge of my jaw . He tilted my face toward him , my thumb resting just beneath my chin . His eyes searched mine - like he was looking for something . Like he already knew he wouldn't find it . And then - just as suddenly as he touched me he stepped back . The warmth vanished . His expression shuttered . Like a door slamming closed . " Get some sleep , " he muttered , turning before I could say anything else . I stood there , his jacket heavy on my shoulders , rain still dripping from the ends of my hair , my heart pounding in a rhythm I didn't understand . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!