Her Substitute Groom

Claire POV

Being here felt even more comfortable than in my house, and I couldn’t deny the fact that I love it here. Khan has been nothing but nice to me, and he is not a jerk after all.

‘I don’t trust Khan enough to let you stay with him’ I scoffed when Connor’s words replayed in my head. Now that I thought of it, why do guys never allow their friends to get close to their sisters? I’ve seen how protective guys are of their sisters toward their friends.

“That’s his problem to deal with. He is not my style,” I shrugged. It was a beautiful evening, and I was getting ready to go downstairs for dinner since his house help came to call me a moment ago. I thought he lived here alone, it was this morning I realized that he actually has a maid. Someone the same age as me.

After I changed into my robe since I would be sleeping soon, I left my room and headed downstairs.

The aroma coming from the kitchen welcomed me as I descended the staircase minutes later, and just the scent was making my stomach make an annoying noise and my mouth salivated. I spotted him eating in the dining room. He was wearing a white singlet, but I had no idea the kind of trousers he was wearing since he was seated.

“You’re here?” He asked when I pulled out the chair and sat on it.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

“Good evening,” I said to him, and he slowly nodded. I was just seeing him for the second time since morning since he went to the office earlier.

“Hmm. Evening,” he replied to me.

I began eating.

I kept peeking glances at him as many thoughts ran through my mind. I know the kind of person my brother is. I know how popular he is with women, but the question is why would he ask me to stay away from his friend? Not that he’s my style, anyway, but I was still curious.

“Stop staring at me like that and spill the beans if you have anything to say. You are going to make me choke with your gaze,” He said to me coldly, and I scoffed.

“Are you always this rude?” I huffed, and he raised his gaze to look at me.

“Hey! You can’t speak to me like that. We are not age mates, and aside from that, you are in my house, so I deserve some respect from you. If you are not going to give me that, then get ready to be thrown out of my house,” He snapped at me, and I flinched fearfully.

“Hu… huh?” I felt a sting in my heart. I always hate it when someone scolds me, that’s why Connor nor any of my brothers ever does it, so how dare he?

“If you want to throw me out, just do it. You don’t have to yell at me like that, do you?” I stood up and slammed my hands on the desk angrily, and he scoffed.

“Claire…”

“I’m going to leave your house first thing tomorrow morning. Thank you for your help,” A drop of tears slid down my cheek as I said to him.

“Enjoy your meal,” I glared hard at him and left the dining room.

“Hey! Claire! What is wrong with you?” He started to follow me, but I didn’t stop to look at him until I got to the front of my supposed room and he finally caught up with me. He held my hand, bringing me to a halt.

“Let go of me,” I turned to face him. By now, I could no longer control my tears as they came streaming down my cheeks freely.

“Hey! Are you for real? I was just joking with you. Why take it to heart?” He scoffed unbelievably, but I threw my gaze away and wiped my tears with the back of my palm.

“Ugh! Do I have to keep up with this? Until when, please? Somebody help me!” Although he mumbled those words, I heard him clearly, so I scoffed.

“Come on, ok?” He held my hand and hushed, and I could swear that I felt my heart flutter.

“Let go of me. Wh… what are you doing?” I yanked his hand off and took a step away from him.

“I’m sorry, ok? I didn’t mean to hurt you. Of course, I’m not going to throw you out. You can stay here for as long as you want, ok?” His eyes pierced into mine, his lips moving slowly as he spoke, and his Adam’s apple moving slightly up and down. Forgive me, but why do I find everything so sexy? It was the first time I saw him so closely, and I couldn’t deny the fact that he was one hella cute dude. With his pair of brown eyes piercing into mine, his sexy lips moving, thick eyebrows that he raised as he spoke, his messy brown hair yet looked cute on him, and the strong aura surrounding him, for a moment, I wanted to admit that this man was cuter than Connor, but that was the last thing I would ever admit. I didn’t fail to notice the way my heart was thumping heavily against my chest, so I asked myself, ‘What is this feeling?’.

“Claire… Claire…” I was so lost staring at him that I didn’t know when I spaced out until I felt his hand on my cheek, his deep baritone voice whispering my name and bringing me back to reality. His charming eyes welcomed me back.

“Are you ok? I said I’m sorry,” His voice was seductive. Maybe he intentionally sounded seductive, or maybe I was the one who came up with that conclusion. He was standing so close to me. So close that our faces were just inches apart, I could literally feel his breath on my face. My body felt so hot, and my imagination ran wild when my eyes darted to his lips. I mean, it would feel great to have a taste of his lips, yeah? With that thought, I slowly leaned forward without thinking straight or about what my brother said earlier, ready to steal a kiss from him, but he quickly pulled away from me and raised his eyebrows.

“What are you trying to do?” He asked, his voice was void of emotions as he stared at me, and my soul left my body for a while, not because I was scared of him, but because of embarrassment. What the fuck was I even thinking?

“No… nothing. Good night,” I stuttered, and with my hand trembling, I quickly opened my door and dashed into my room, slamming the door hard behind me and crashing against it. I released the breath I’d been holding unknowingly.

“Shit! Why would you do something like that?” I whined as I threw myself on the bed. I must’ve lost my mind for a moment, because what the fuck was that?

“Wh… what is this? Wh… why are you beating this fast?” I sat up and held my chest, trying to stop my heart that won’t stop beating fast like it was running a marathon.

“What is wrong with me?” I mumbled…