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The sound of my name on her tongue sets me on fire. Oh, I’ll regret it—but for entirely different reasons than she thinks.
CHAPTER 3
Celeste
Our conversation is suddenly interrupted by chair legs scraping against a wood floor above. A subtle thud accompanies the scrape as the chair settles into its new position.
A click and bang of a door closing causes a shiver to run down my spine because, strange as it seems, I could swear the sound echoes down the phone line. Did Atlas lie to me? Is he upstairs?
“Wait a moment. I hear something. It sounds like someone's outside. Let me go and check,” I announce with urgency.
Although Atlas made it clear that he wasn't training me to be an investigator, I can't help tapping into my inner girl scout instincts and embracing my role as a diligent employee. I'm determined to investigate.
I swiftly rise from my seat, a rush of energy pulsing through me as I race to the door.
“Hello?” My voice projects into the empty hallway and staircase leading to the upper level. It's dark in the lobby, and my voice sounds small and insignificant. Although I don't see anything, I can’t shake the feeling that someone's watching me.
Just as I turn to go back inside, the entire floor vibrates with slow, deliberate footsteps which seem to be coming closer. The skin on the back of my neck prickles. I spin, and my gaze falls on a towering giant. He must be seven feet tall and looks like he’s carved of stone.
I sweep his tall, suited form from top to bottom, squinting as I try to get a better view. My eyes linger on his bulging muscles, which threaten to burst the seams of his impeccably tailored suit. The man's all-black attire makes him blend in with the dark surroundings, and his broad shoulders seem to take up more room than they should.
“Atlas?” My voice trembles over his name. His dark-eyed stare, chiseled jaw, and olive skin make my heart beat faster. A strange tightness grips my lower belly.
His anxiety is palpable as he hesitates. “You're not scared of me? Of how I look?”
I beckon him closer. The brim of his hat casts a shadow over his eyes and adds an air of mystery to his appearance.“No. Why would I be scared? Because you’re bigger than most people?”
His appearance doesn't intimidate or repulse me because I see beyond societal expectations and norms. To me, he is simply unique. Extraordinary. His skin catches the light and glimmers.
“Yes. I wasn’t expecting us to meet, and I didn’t want to shock you.”
Are the rumors true? “Your skin... glows. What are you?”
“Human and something else,” he replies, his lips curling into a secretive smile.
His deep, resonant voice twists my insides, and when he comes closer, my breath hitches. He’s so close that my eyes line up with his broad chest. I lift my chin higher until his wide neck comes into view. I don't want to pry, but I’m curious.Finally, my gaze meets his. “So the rumors about Screaming Woods are true?”
He nods.
“But how?” I whisper, looking for answers in his eyes.
“It happened a long time ago,” he says, his expression pensive. “But that’s a story for another time.”
I nod, satisfied and disappointed. My eyes widen. His glowing skin tempts me. “You're beautiful,” I whisper, reaching out before I can stop myself.
“Thank you,” he replies, his voice like a caress.
A shiver runs down my spine as his hand wraps around mine, holding it gently. His skin is as smooth as silk and warm to the touch. He’s not a monster at all.
“I won’t hurt you, Celeste.”
His sharp, dark eyes pin me where I stand. I believe Atlas is telling the truth.
#######
The office door swings open, and Atlas makes a grand entrance. He’s wearing a sharp, tailored suit topped off with what I now know is his signature look—a stylish fedora hat perched on his head.
As he makes his way to his desk, he asks, “How are you enjoying your job so far?”
