"The time is a critical one, for it marks the beginning of the second half of life, when a metanoia, a mental transformation, not infrequently occurs."

― Carl Gustav Jung, Symbols of Transformation

Metanoia (n.): change in one's way of life resulting from penitence or spiritual conversion.

Adrianna's POV:

The palpitation of my heart increased as time flew by in a blur, my thoughts becoming more of a jumbled mess than it already was.

Who was watching me? Were they a person who lived in this house? Or was it a stalker?

Even though I knew there was hardly any possibility of a person entering a foreign property and prying on someone's private moment, I could not shake off the small voice that resonated within.

The afternoon had gone by a blur, the solemnity of the night approached as pink and purple shadows of dusk began twirling in the evening sky.

I was to meet Mr. Estevan, from mere hours from now, yet, I was unable to get myself together.

What a dwindling mess!

My mind coiled up a bit more, my nerves tightening in anticipation as the thoughts of the sinfully gorgeous man flashed within my mind. My pulse rang in my ears, thudding dully.

How was I supposed to work for him if I lusted after him?

It was as if, his body was beckoning mine like a silent siren. I was in his presence for mere moments, yet, everything of that bare minutes seemed to have occupied my mind, manacling my heart in a tight grip.

His smell was of pepper, bergamot. A mixture, a heady mixture combined with the warmth radiating of his body. It left my head spinning and a permanent imprint in my mind.

The sudden chime of the striking clock made me snap out of my thoughts.

Realizing that I was still thinking about my patient made me roll my eyes.

Now, this was a mistake I shouldn't make.

Sleeping with patients meant the confestication of medical license for doctors. Even though I didn't have any yet, I was pretty sure me going after my patient, was not going to be taken lightly by anyone.

I sighed, feeling the cool wind hitting my warm flesh. It had been a while since I had been sitting on my bed- procrastinating, thinking, questioning and then, thinking some more.

Letting out a heavy sigh in a desperate attempt to let out the heaviness of my heart, I dragged myself up; running my hands through the hem of my white shirt in an attempt to fix the crumps.

I had chosen a formal dress for my designated meeting, although the ambiance was pretty casual. I prayed that even if my mind let itself slip and gave into it's lusty haze, my clothes would be enough to remind me that this was a meeting with a patient and someone who paid for my services.

Grabbing the black file that Archer had given me earlier in the car, I let myself out of the door; hoping that there would be anyone that could escort me to my designated destination.

And much to my disappointment yet not so surprisingly, the living area was as deserted as the arctic.

My eyes drifted to the wrist watch, it was 7. I was punctual most of the time, so I had no choice but to show myself to his room.

Nerves clotted inside me as I slowly let myself ascend the stairs that led to the second floor, my fingers quivering slightly as I trailed them through the wooden rim of the staircase. Fleeting moments sparked fire in me, the jitters in my stomach worsening.

A ginormous door came into my view.

Judging by the sheer size of it, it was the master bedroom, meant for the master.

Sucking in a deep breath, I led myself to the door. I cleared my throat, before knocking twice and turning the knob.

An eerie chill ran down my spine as I shivered, letting out a warm breath. I let myself be greeted by the adequately lit room- the colors of it taking me aback.

From our brief proximity, I deduced Mr. Estevan to be a black and grey kind of person, considering that he was dressed in black from head to toe like some spy movie agent.

I definitely didn't imagine his room to be decorated in beige, green and wooden brown, a drastic contrast to him. The room radiated a welcoming warmth, a homely ambience was displayed throughout.

This was a perfect place to wake up lazily, wrapped up in a heavy blanket to a melancholic rainy day.

My admiring session was interrupted as the familiar sound of shoe clicking resonated through the room. I stood at attention, his mere presence making my skin prickle.

I saw Mr. Estevan letting himself out of the door I assumed led to the balcony I saw earlier.

My breath hitched as I took him in. Unlike the morning, he was dressed in a simple loose white shirt.

He was wet, from head to toe.

The curls of his hair stuck to his face as droplets of water disappeared under his shirt which had three prior buttons unbuttoned. The shirt was doing little to cover his olive flesh, allowing me the full view of the ropes of muscles he possessed.

My mouth watered as I took him in, the butterflies in my stomach going into a frenzy.

The sinfully delightful view was enough to bring my rational thought process to a halt. I could make out the swell of his biceps, the veins of his arms. I could make out his abs and the prominent bulge of his pants.

Oh my god.

My eyes travelled to his face to see the mask clasped on his face. His emotionless gaze was already fixated upon where I was standing.

He couldn't look me into the eyes, but he knew exactly where I was and for some reason that thought made me shiver in fear and delight at the same time.

The black whirlpool of his left eye intrigued me, whereas the grey chaos of his right eye beckoned me. His presence was unnerving, intimidating, challenging, yet he seemed like a challenge I would love to take.

A shuddered breath escaped me. I was getting turned on, my nipples puckered in attention as sweat started to form in my forehead.

And suddenly, he halted.

His brows furrowed ever so slightly as he tipped his chin, his jaw clenched as his fingers tightened around the head of his stick.

A staccato of coldness ran down me as I stood still, alert, like a prey aware of it's predator's presence. The sound of my breathing was too loud in my ears. The back of my neck prickled as I didn't dare moving a finger.

"Ms. Campbell," He acknowledged simply, breaking the tension of the room, of which he was probably unaware of.

"Yes..." I breathed, my voice sounding foreign, even to my ears. I should take some painkillers, otherwise I would faint from the pain.

He simply took a seat on the leather sofa that neighboured the huge glass window, draped with beige and green curtains. I stared at him, my mind still a brume of thoughts.

Ares Estevan was definitely the sexy kind of beautiful. Even with half of his face covered, I could still make out the handsomeness he was. He had this aura around him, that was enigmatic and mysterious. He was a walking 'Do not disturb' sign, but I happened to be a rule breaker.

Rules are made to be broken, aren't they?

"Well?" His unbothered voice came as he lightly tapped the ground twice with his stick, before pointing it to the sofa across him, "Do you need an invitation?"

I strode to the sofa and took a seat, playing with my fingers.

From this position, I had a clearer view of him, his rippled muscles that peeked from under his shirt and his different colored eyes that looked into a void.

He sat tall, proud; an aura of arrogance in him, yet it suited him. His face was cold, unbothered- bored even; as if he would do anything rather than being here.

I wanted to lick his lips that seemed so plumpy and kissable-

"I don't want a nurse," Ares rasped, his voice sending shivers down my carapace. It was like molten dark chocolate; smooth delectable, savoring with a hint of bitterness.

I wanted to hear him talk, which unfortunately he didn't seem to do much. It was as if it was a forbidden verse, yet I enjoyed the sin it brought with it.

Crossing my arms, I shot him a sharp look- comprehending whether I should be annoyed by his racy attitude or drool over his godlike features.

"However," His eyes narrowed ever so briefly, "I have decided to give you a chance as Archer had pleaded with me for taking you into consideration. I respect him."

"So you are taking me as a nurse not because you need it, but you don't want to break Archer's heart?" I raised an eyebrow.

An icy look took over his features, he was clearly annoyed by my statement.

"It isn't your concern, Ms. Campbell. All you need to know is that you are going to take care if me, that entitles you to cater to my whims and needs. Do not question me," He deadpanned.

A threat, laced with vehemence and a promise to destroy. Uttered in a manner that made my knees buckle. A voice that was as addictive as the finest of the wine.

"You might not like the consequences."

I released a breath I didn't realize I was holding.

The ice of his features thawed as the unbothered look took over again, "As I was saying, I don't want a nurse, but Archer asked me to take one and I respect him. However, that doesn't change the fact that I dislike the idea of it."

"Mr. Estevan," I took a deep breath, "I was assigned to help you, if you do not cooperate, how can I?" I mumbled.

"I am blind, Ms. Campbell. Not comatose."

"I don't like my privacy being invaded," He rasped cooly, icily, cutting me off, "I hope you get the memo."

"Mr. Estevan? If you would just let me explain the situation-"

"So, there are some rules we must go over," He rasped, completely ignoring my question and increasing my wrath by tenfold.

"You didn-"

Suddenly, he leaned closer to me, over the small round table, making my mouth fall open in shock.

My heart skipped a beat as I took him in with widened eyes, his pepper cologne leaving a delicious trail in my mind, engraving the very existence of him in my mind.

His hair was still wet, a droplet of water running down his temple. His eyes emotionless but up this close, I could make out the life beating beneath them.

The warmth of his body and the coldness of his aura was contrasting. It messed with my thoughts, left a knot in my throat and made my toes curl with anticipation of what this man could do to me, with me. A thought I shouldn't be having, a thought so forbidden.

But I was a penchant for all that was sinful and forbidden.

I closed my eyes, letting myself bask in the small yet an eternity long moment, my breath escaping harshly. My thoughts drifted back to when I pleasured myself earlier this noon.

The cologne mixed with his masculine smell was a pure torture, a heady and lustful combination I would drown myself into gladly.

"So you don't smoke or drink. That's a good sign."

And the spell was broken, just like that.

It took me a moment to organize my thoughts, the slow realization dawned upon me, making my cheeks heat up in embarrassment.

I stared at him, baffled and flabbergasted.

"Let's go through the rules, Ms. Campbell." He uttered.

"But I thought Archer had presented them already?" I frowned in confusion.

Something akin to a smirk traced his lips.

--------

Thoughts on Adrianna?

Ares?

Feel free to point out anything you didn't like or any criticisms you want to give :)

Are you liking the story so far?

Leave comments! They're hilarious 😂

____☾︎____

leave a message: Ssybahz.carrd.co/