~CIANNA~
My body lost its ability to breathe.
Chase Torres was standing but a few feet away from me, his deep honey colored eyes holding me in an intense stare.
I didn't think it was possible but somehow he was even more handsome in person.
I saw the way his facial expression changed the second his father announced that I was to be his step-sister however.
He wasn't pleased.
I could understand why however. Living with someone you had no clue about must be a frustrating thought. But it wasn't like I had asked for this either, I was just going along with it because I had absolutely no other choice.
He slowly stepped forward and approached me. I felt my body stiffen in nervousness and anticipation. He didn't stop until he was just a feet away from me. I swallowed, I never once thought that I would be this close to someone as famous as him. His eyes searched mine as though he was looking for something, he even seemed a little confused.
"Hey," he murmured. "I'm Chase." He introduced himself as he stretched his hand forward for a shake hand.
Even his voice was beautiful.
I hesitantly placed my hand in his and immediately felt something like a jolt of energy where our skin touched. I couldn't explain the feelings that overtook my body by just a simple touch. It was one of those feelings that hurt but in a good way, the kind that made you beg for more despite you knowing that it was bad for you.
Our gazes locked and I could have sworn his eyes turned an intense gold. I gasped and he quickly let go of me and drew back as though I'd shocked him. To my surprise, he was no longer looking at me. It made me feel like he was hiding something, did I really see his eyes change color?
Well not exactly change, it just darkened a bit.
God, I must be imagining things now.
It was only my first time around him and already my body was betraying me.
His father cleared his throat and gently guided me a little to the right. "And this is Haisley, Chase's girlfriend."
I gazed up at the gorgeous woman, I hadn't recognized her before but now that she was in front of me it was hard not to miss her. She had the kind of beauty that lit up a room and made everyone around her stop and stare.
I'd often seen pictures of Chase and her together, she was also even more beautiful in person.
I was so caught up in her beauty that I hadn't realized the woman was practically glaring at me. I knew when someone didn't like me and this one definitely didn't. In fact, she may even hate me.
It didn't make any sense to me however, I mean I'd never met her before. What reason would she have to hate me?
"Hi," I greeted her.
To my surprise, she rolled her eyes and flipped her hair as though I hadn't just spoken to her. I watched as she marched to Chase's side and linked her arm with his. "Can we go inside and get something to drink, I'm beyond thirsty."
Chase still wouldn't look at me, instead he just followed her orders and walked inside with her.
John cleared his throat, catching my attention. "Uh," he started. "I'm very sorry about Haisley. She isn't exactly the friendly type, sometimes I feel like Chase is the only one she's kind to."
I offered him a warm smile. "It's okay, I've dealt with people like her all my life."
He quirked a brow at me. "How often?"
I sighed. "Mom couldn't really afford to send me to school. So I've spent a lot of years as a waitress. I eventually worked my way up to one of those expensive restaurants. There were a lot of girls like Haisley there who looked down on me and gave me attitude. So I've honestly gotten used to it."
His eyes softened. "I'm sorry to hear that."
I shook my head at him. "Don't be, I know one day I'll be able to make my mom proud and finally give her everything she deserves. This is all just a small step in that direction."
He chuckled. "I must admit, I like your positivity. Your mother did tell me that you were a very positive person." He informed me. "But you should know that now that I'm here, you don't have to worry much about those things. Especially taking care of your mother, leave that to me now. Focus on taking care of yourself and working on your dreams."
My dreams?
I hadn't focused on my dreams in a while, I'd actually given up on them a while back.
I'd often dreamt of being a famous actress. But after three auditions and being completely embarrassed each time, I'd convinced myself that it wasn't for me. I stuck to my books but even that was difficult when I had to worry about working in order to support myself.
Besides that fact, I always hated school.
"Cianna?" John called, catching my attention once more. It was then that I realized I had spaced out on him. "Why don't we go inside and see what your mother is up to?"
I nodded and followed him into the house, well if I was being one hundred percent correct. . . The mansion. This place was unlike anything I'd ever seen before, not even mansions in the movies could compare. The structure was everything anyone could hope and dream for. The height alone was a cause to stop and stare, I loved spacious homes and this one was definitely not lacking in that aspect. The interior was mostly black inside, with some white here and there.
We found my mother inside the kitchen, Haisley and Chase were also present. I didn't miss the way Chase's face hardened the moment I stepped inside. Something seemed to have him on edge.
"I almost forgot to ask you dear," my mother said, her eyes on John. "Will you be able to take Cianna to her boyfriend's place? She left her phone at his apartment earlier today and we need to get it back."
I saw the way Chase's body tensed at my mother's words. His reaction surprised me. He had no reason to have any sort of reaction however.
Which brought me to one question. Was I seeing things again?
"Actually I think it's a good idea if Chase can take her." John responded, his eyes on his son. "They can get some time to know each other a little better and it would also give us some alone time." He teased.
My mother's face was red but everyone else in the room felt uncomfortable. Though, it was nice seeing my mom smile like that again. I couldn't remember the last time I'd seen her look this happy and it was enough to make me happy as well.
"Why must Chase do it?" Haisley cut in. "Can't a driver do that?"
"Haisley," John said. "I actually have something important to discuss with you. It's concerning your modeling career, so how about we go do that now?"
Right, Haisley was a famous model here in Beverly Hills.
As they spoke, I felt Chase place his hand on my back. "Are you ready to leave now?" he asked, his touch burning my skin. I hadn't even realized he'd moved from his original spot. My body was pleasantly surprised at his nearness.
"Am," I whispered, trying to collect my thoughts. "Is it okay if I change first?"
I'd spilled juice all over my shirt earlier and desperately wanted to take it off. I was also afraid Chase would be able to smell it on me.
He nodded. "Sure, I'll show you to the bathroom."
We were both quiet as we walked up the stairs after I'd picked out the clothes I'd chosen to wear to visit Brad.
God. . . Brad. I'd totally forgotten him the moment Chase had pulled up in his expensive vehicle.
I felt guilt enter my body at that thought. Brad was my boyfriend of two years and he would no doubt flip if he found out I was moving in with Chase Torres.
"It's the door on your right," he informed me. "I'll wait out here for you, just in case you get lost or need anything."
I thanked him and quickly shut the door behind me. I knew he would be waiting on me so I had to hurry. I quickly shoved my oversized t-shirt off my body and pulled down the trousers. I stared at my figure in the giant sized mirror, all I had on now was my bra and underwear, a matching satin white.
I felt something lick my foot and an involuntary cry escaped my mouth. Within seconds the door flew open and there stood Chase, his eyes wide as he took in my half naked attire. A rush of heat travelled throughout my body from the way he was looking at me.
The tension in the air was high, my skin burnt as though he'd touched me when all he'd done was scan my body with his eyes.
His breathing was hard from the way his chest moved and God. . . His eyes. . . I couldn't bring myself to breathe.
His eyes. . . They were gold again.