The Mistress Is Reborn As The Fiancée

Noelle, confidently navigated the familiar streets towards the apartment she had rented, a temporary haven for Flynn.

When she reached the apartment building, a nondescript but nice structure tucked away in a quiet neighborhood lined with trees and little children on their bicycles. She ascended the stairs, her footsteps echoing softly in the empty hallway.

She stopped at the door, her hand hovering over the doorknob. She was not sure what she would find inside, what kind of reception she would receive. For the umpteenth time, she questioned the wisdom of marrying a stranger. Who knew what things he got up to, he might be a drug dealer or a lunatic, and with a face like that he was probably a cheat and there could be a room full of women partying inside there.

She knocked, her knuckles rapping lightly against the wooden surface. Silence. She knocked again, a little louder this time. Still no answer.

A flicker of impatience and annoyance crossed her face. She reached into her purse and pulled out her own set of keys, the metallic jingle echoing in the quiet hallway. She inserted the key into the lock and turned it, the door swinging open with a soft click.

She stepped inside, her eyes scanning the dimly lit apartment. "Flynn?" she called out, her voice echoing through the empty space.

Silence.

She moved further into the apartment, her footsteps muffled by the plush carpet. She passed the living room, the kitchen, the dining area – all empty. She reached the bedroom door, her hand hovering over the handle.

She hesitated, a strange sense of unease creeping over her. She was not sure what she would find behind the closed door. She took a deep breath and pushed the door open.

Her eyes widened in surprise. Flynn stood in the center of the room, his back to her, a towel hanging precariously low on his hips, his hair dripping wet. He had clearly just stepped out of the shower.

Noelle's breath hitched. She had never seen him like this, so exposed, so vulnerable. His muscles rippled in the soft light, his skin glistening with moisture. For a fleeting moment, she was mesmerized, captivated by his raw physicality.

Flynn turned around, his eyes widening slightly as he saw Noelle standing in the doorway. A mischievous grin spread across his face.

"Noelle?" he asked, his voice laced with amusement. "To what do I owe this unexpected pleasure?"

Noelle, startled by his sudden movement, stumbled slightly, her foot catching on the edge of the rug. Flynn reacted instantly, his hand reaching out to steady her. He pulled her towards him, his grip firm and reassuring.

For a moment, they stood close, their bodies touching just slightly. Noelle's gaze was drawn to his bare chest, the droplets of water clinging to his skin. Her mouth went dry, her heart pounding in her chest.

Flynn's amused voice snapped her out of her dazed expression. "Are you alright?" he asked, his eyes twinkling. "You look like you just saw a ghost."

Noelle jerked away from him, her cheeks flushed crimson. "I'm fine," she stammered, her voice barely audible. "Just… surprised."

Flynn chuckled, his eyes filled with amusement. "Surprised to see me in a towel?" he teased. "I thought you would expect that since I am your husband… you should get used to the idea by now."

Noelle glared at him, her embarrassment turning to annoyance. "Don't flatter yourself," she snapped. "I am not interested in your… exhibition."

"Oh, come on," Flynn said, his grin widening. "I saw you drooling."

Noelle's eyes flashed with anger. "I was not drooling," she retorted, her voice sharp. "That is just all the water on your body."

"Whatever you say," Flynn said, his voice laced with amusement. "But you have to admit, I look good."

Noelle rolled her eyes. "You look like you are about to audition for a strip club," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Flynn's grin widened. "You know," he said, his voice thoughtful, "I have never considered that as a career option. I wonder if I'd be any good."

For a moment, Noelle considered how it and thought about women tucking notes into the band of his pants, their hands tracing over the sculpted flats below his waist then she shook the thoughts off in disgust.

Her patience snapped. "Flynn!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with exasperation. "Stop being ridiculous. You are my husband."

Flynn's grin softened, replaced by a look of smug satisfaction. "Ah," he said, his voice laced with amusement. "Jealous?"

Noelle's face flushed crimson. "Don't be absurd," she retorted, her voice sharp. "I am not jealous."

"Sure you're not," Flynn said, his voice laced with playful disbelief. "So, what brings you here? Just wanted to ogle me in my towel?"

"I came to talk about your visit to my grandmother," Noelle said, her voice firm. "I thought we should discuss gifts."

Flynn's expression turned thoughtful. "Gifts?" he echoed. "I already have a gift for your grandmother."

"You do? How could you afford it?" Noelle asked, her curiosity piqued. "What is it?"

"It is a surprise," Flynn said, his eyes twinkling. "It's a humble gift, but I think she will like it."

Noelle's eyebrows furrowed. She wasn't sure what to make of Flynn's mysterious gift. She hoped it was something appropriate, something that would impress her grandmother.

"Well," she said, her voice laced with a hint of skepticism, "I hope it's better than you walking around half naked."

Flynn chuckled. "Don't worry," he said, his eyes filled with amusement. "I will be on my best behavior, wife."