Chapter 223 Chaste Beauty
"Do your parents know that you're here, Imari? We don't want them to be worried about you," Althea asked, her calm voice cutting through the comfortable hum of conversation about thirty minutes into the meal.
Imari paused, setting down her fork with a thoughtful smile.
"Yes, they know. In fact, I'm considering transferring to the college here."
Her words hung in the air for a moment, drawing curious glances from the others.
It was clear her parents trusted her completely—a rare freedom for someone raised in wealth.
They had always believed that mistakes were a part of life, an essential path to learning and growth.
Imari cherished them for that. She understood how fortunate she was to have parents who trusted her judgment, even if it led her down unexpected roads.
"That's a bold move," Althea replied, her lips quirking into an approving smile. "Not everyone has that kind of independence."
Imari's eyes brightened at the subtle praise. "I've been wanting to make my own choices for a while now," she admitted. "Coming here feels… right."
The rest of the night passed in pleasant conversation, filled with warmth and laughter.
By the time they finished eating, the table was nearly cleared of food. The girls showered Ross with compliments, their bellies full and their moods light.
"You're amazing, Ross! You've set the bar too high for anyone else to cook for us again," Ren teased, leaning back in her chair.
"I'll expect seconds tomorrow," Imari added with a grin.
Ross chuckled, clearly pleased with the praise. "Anytime, ladies. Just say the word."
With that, they retired for the night, heading upstairs to their respective rooms.
***
The house fell silent under the weight of midnight.
Moonlight streamed faintly through the curtains as Ren and Imari lay side by side in their shared room.
Neither of them was asleep; their hearts still raced from the thrill of their unexpected adventure and the promise of more to come.
Then, a soft knock broke the stillness.
Knock. Knock.
Ren froze, her breath catching in her throat. Beside her, Imari stiffened. The sound was gentle but unmistakable.
They turned their heads toward the door almost in unison.
"…," Imari and Ren exchanged a glance, the unspoken words hanging between them.
They didn't need to ask who it was. They already knew.
And they knew what he wanted.
The quiet stretched, heavy with anticipation, as the soft knocks came again.
Knock. Knock.
This time, Ren reached for Imari's hand, squeezing it lightly.
"What should we do?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Imari swallowed hard, her cheeks tinged pink even in the dim light.
"I… I don't know," she replied, her voice equally uncertain.
Outside the door, the hallway remained silent, save for the faint rustle of someone shifting their weight.
Whoever stood there wasn't leaving anytime soon.
The two girls stared at each other, their hearts pounding in unison.
A minute passed in tense silence, the weight of the situation pressing down on the two girls.
Finally, Ren broke.
"Is that you, Ross?" she called softly, though she already knew the answer. Her voice was steady, but her words carried an excuse.
"We can't… I have my period."
The pause on the other side of the door was brief, and when Ross spoke, his voice was calm, unyielding.
"I checked the plane's garbage and this house too, Ren. I know you don't have any monthly visitors yet." His tone grew sharper, edged with authority.
"I brought you here easily, and I can send you back to your parents just as easily. You have thirty seconds to decide."
The ultimatum hung heavy in the air, each second ticking by as Ren and Imari exchanged anxious glances.
Two dozen breaths later, the quiet click of the door unlocking broke the stillness.
The door creaked open, and Ross stepped inside. His sharp gaze scanned the room.
Ren stood near the bed, her delicate figure wrapped in a pair of modest white pajamas, the soft fabric emphasizing her chaste beauty.
Beside her, Imari lay partially hidden beneath the thick blanket, her dark eyes peering out, tense yet defiant.
Both girls, who were at the same height—5'3"—were strikingly beautiful in their own right.
Ross's gaze lingered on Ren, the faint scent of her skin reaching him even from across the room.
Desire flickered in his chest, rising with every heartbeat. He had waited long enough to claim his prize, and tonight, he would have her.
"Imari," Ross said, his voice cool and commanding, "you can go to the room next door. It's empty. Ren and I have a business deal to finish."
Imari didn't move. She tightened her grip on the blanket and lifted her chin stubbornly.
"Nope. I'm staying," she said firmly, her voice steady despite the pounding of her heart.
"I know what you want from Ren, and I'll be here to make sure you don't bully her too much. You need to be gentle—it's her first time."
Ross arched an eyebrow, surprised by her boldness. He had anticipated hesitation, maybe even useless begging, but Imari's resolve amused him.
It also told him she understood the reality of the situation.
Ross was strong—Imari had seen that back on the plane.
He could carry two women at once as if they weighed nothing, completely in control even when making love without pause.
The memory had clearly stayed with her.
For a brief moment, Ross studied Imari. Though he wanted them both, he had no intention of taking Imari tonight.
She was a challenge for another time—one he would savor when the moment was right.
"Suit yourself," he said with a shrug, his tone laced with indifference. Then, without another glance at Imari, he turned his full attention to Ren.
The room seemed to shrink as Ross closed the distance between them.
Ren stood frozen, her chest rising and falling with quick, shallow breaths.
Up close, the faint blush on her cheeks and the nervous flicker in her eyes were all the more evident.
She looked delicate, almost fragile—yet irresistibly tempting.
Ross reached out, his fingers brushing her chin gently, tilting her face up to meet his gaze.
"It's time to fulfill our deal," he murmured, his voice low and firm.
Ren swallowed hard, her eyes darting toward Imari for a fleeting moment.
Imari didn't speak but held her ground, watching intently as if silently reminding Ross of her presence.
Ross's lips curled into a faint smile. Let her watch. It wouldn't change the outcome.
He leaned closer, his warm breath fanning against Ren's skin as his fingers trailed down her arm, igniting a shiver in their wake.
This was his prize, and tonight, he would finally claim what was his.