The Princess and the Pauper

Chapter 93

The sound of the shower echoed from the bathroom, a tall figure reflected on the glass door.

Arabella was none the wiser, engrossed in her phone dealing with private matters. Only when she

heard the bathroom door open did she look up. Romeo, all wet–haired and clad in a white robe, gave

off a strong masculine vibe.

Just then, her phone rang. It was an unusually long number, not like the typical mobile number. She

shifted her attention back to her phone, answering it calmly, “Spill it.”

** S O S = =

Whatever the person on the other end said, Arabella moved to the balcony, responding with a

nonchalant “So?”

Before long, she felt arms wrap around her from behind. Romeo’s breath lightly caressed her ear, making her a bit jittery.

He nuzzled her ear affectionately, like a clingy cat. Arabella could feel his body heat. She told the

person on the phone, “Gotcha, I’m hanging up now.” “Was that a dude?” Romeo caught a hint of a

male voice on the other end, which ruffled his feathers.

She’d just been checking him out when he came out of the shower. But as soon as the phone rang,

she didn’t even give him a second glance, just went straight to the balcony.

“Just a friend.” Arabella didn’t know why she felt the need to explain. Her voice hinted at resignation,

“Let go.”

“What kind of friend?” Romeo dipped his head, inhaling the scent on her neck, which was seductive to

him.

“Just a regular friend or a special friend?” His voice was soft and tender, his actions unchanging.

“Not just a regular friend.” Arabella said.

After all, they had been through life and death together, their bond was pretty deep.

“So, he’s pretty important?” His dissatisfaction was evident as he gazed at her pretty profile, “More

important than me?”

“Romeo.” Arabella tried to wriggle out of his grip, but he held her tight. She sounded helpless, “We’ve

only known each other for a few days, haven’t we?” “To me, it feels like we’ve known each other for

years.” Romeo said.

His masculine aura combined with his tender voice towards her made him all the more charming,

almost overwhelming her.

“I’m thirsty.” Arabella pushed him away, went inside to pour a glass of water, her face inexplicably

flushed.

“Where am I sleeping tonight?” Romeo followed her in, his lust not yet extinguished, but rather more

fired up.

“Bed or floor, take your pick.” Arabella said.

“Bed.” Romeo looked at her, proposing, “So, we sleep together?”

“In your dreams!” Arabella put down her glass. Noticing there was only one pillow and a small blanket

on the bed, and no couch in the spacious room, she finally caught on.

“Then I’ll take the floor.” Romeo plopped down, leaving the only blanket and pillow to her, “I’m not

sleepy, you go ahead.”

The antique lantern casting a Zen–like glow went out, plunging the bedroom into darkness.

Arabella lay down under the blanket, his soft breaths still audible to her.

Romeo sat by the bed, gently stroking her hair, “Goodnight.”

He held her hand as she drifted off to sleep.

Next morning, the sound of someone in the bathroom woke Arabella up. Daylight was streaming in

through the curtains, creating a slightly dreamy ambiance. Soon, the sounds in the bathroom ceased,

and a figure emerged, “You awake?”

She was sitting on the bed, her silky hair cascading down her shoulders, looking dazed and adorable.

This scene had him smile affectionately.

“Why didn’t you sleep in?” He was still in his white robe from the night before, looking so gentle. The

merging of his inherent elegance and aloofness made him even more enchanting.

Seeing him approach, Arabella hopped off the bed, casually saying, “I’ve got work in a bit.”

She had barely taken a step when her foot hit something. It was the men’s sleepwear from last night,

rolled up by Romeo as a makeshift pillow. Did he really spend the night on the hard floor? ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Arabella felt a cocktail of emotions, not sure if it was guilt or unease.

At the breakfast table.

Phillip watched the two early birds, thinking they were perfect for each other. He cheerfully asked, “Why

didn’t you sleep in?”

“The floor’s too hard, couldn’t sleep.” Romeo replied.

Phillip and the butler were taken aback. They thought last night was a great opportunity to bring the

two closer. But Romeo chose to sleep on the floor.

“Why didn’t you sleep in the bed?” Phillip asked, puzzled.

“He let me have the bed.” Arabella answered. Then she asked, “Was the door fixed this morning?”

Phillip felt a bit guilty as he replied, “Yes.” In fact, he had someone unlock it with a key at dawn, and

he didn’t know if Arabella had figured it out.

“Oh, I didn’t hear anything.” She said, settling down to a casual breakfast, not asking further.

Phillip asked with concern, “Bella, did the blackout scare you last night? I have no idea why the

power supply malfunctioned. I can guarantee this won’t happen again the next time you come.”

“It’s okay.” She replied. She’d figured out his plan long ago but didn’t expose him.

Phillip looked at the understanding girl, then at Romeo, feeling a bit annoyed.

After breakfast, Romeo escorted Arabella to work.

The butler watched them leave, then quietly took out a lady’s backpack, “Mr. Phillip, the young lady

forgot her bag.”

He could’ve reminded them, but he chose to keep quiet so Romeo would have an excuse to see

Arabella again. He only mentioned it after they left. “Excellent!” Phillip was pleased that the butler was

so astute, “Have Romeo deliver it to her, another chance to meet.”

The butler chuckled, “You’ve really gone all out for the his marriage.”

“You too, huh.” Phillip watched them leave, “After last night, I’m not sure if Bella even wants to see me.

Do you think she’ll figure out I’m up to something?” “Last night was probably just a coincidence. The

girl’s innocent, and she probably won’t suspect a thing.” Brodie said.

“I sure hope so!” Phillip thought to himself. If his beloved Arabella stopped visiting, he’d have to play

sick. Man, the things he’d do to set his grandson up with her!

In the car.

Romeo glanced at the girl next to him, recalling how she looked last night in his oversized shirt. That

beautiful face, sexy collarbone, and those slender, gorgeous legs.