“We’ve brought in many experts before,” she’d sighed, “but he’s so resistant, he’s driven them all away within days.”
“Don’t worry, Mrs. Miller,” I’d replied, a professional calm in my voice. “I can certainly try.”
“We’ll be traveling soon,” she’d said. “Our son will let you in. We appreciate your discretion during this time, Ms. Hayes.”
I arrived at the exclusive gated community as arranged, and knocked
The moment the door creaked open, I was speechless. What kind of “kid” was six–foot–three and chiseled with a full eight–pack?
the grand oak door for a full half–hour before anyone responded.
Before I could even process it, the strange, glowing text boxes popped up again: [This nanny is seriously unlucky. She’s probably gonna be offed by the male lead in like, two days.] [How else can the heroine’s Little Ray of Sunshine‘ healing power even register if the male lead doesn’t go full
dark mode first?]
Nanny? Were they talking about me? Was I stuck in some twisted novel, doomed to be murdered by Cole Miller in a couple of days? I bristled. Like hell I was! Was this some kind of dare? And run? Not a chance. I’d trained dogs with more bite than most people, enough to fill a parade from here
gamble I was willing to take. to France. Besides, Mrs. Miller’s fee was too tempting to walk away from. This
was
a
2
[Five bucks says she doesn’t make it to morning.] [I bet she’s getting written out! Bring on the ‘Little Ray of Sunshine‘ already!]
Ignoring the flickering comments, I settled onto the armchair opposite Cole. He was slumped deep into the sofa, engrossed in a video game, dark circles stark beneath his eyes, as if he hadn’t slept in days, maybe weeks.
“Hi there,” I began, my voice calm and even. “Your mother hired me to help with your daily routine. Is there anything you particularly like to eat?”
He didn’t even look up. “Get lost. Don’t bother me. Now that you’re here, I actually have to put on clothes.”
Well, that was… challenging.
“No problem,” I said, maintaining my professional smile. “Honestly, you don’t have to wear anything if
Cole’s hand twitched, and his game character promptly “died” onscreen.
You don’t want to…”
“What kind of nanny are you?!” he spluttered, finally looking up, a flicker of exasperation in his eyes. “My mom hired someone so unprofessional?”
S
“I’m not a nanny,”
“Then what exactly do you do, ma’am?”
“I train dogs.”
The air froze for a full three seconds.
“What the-!” He shot to his feet, face flushing crimson. “Are you messing with me? You think I’m some kind of dog?”
didn’t use
Chapter 1
14:52
“No,” I said, studying him critically. “You’re not as well–behaved as a dog. At least my dogs didn’t cuss.”
He stormed into his room, slamming the door shut, and skipped dinner entirely.
The comments exploded: [OMG, his ears are bright red! This woman’s got some nerve.] [Don’t make this a romance, weirdos! This woman is so
annoying, male lead needs to kick her out already!]
I watched the comments squabble for a moment, then went to reheat his dinner. This mansion was too vast, too silent. Even the sound of a dog
barking would be a welcome change.
I carried the tray upstairs, heading straight for his room. The doorknob had been removed long ago, leaving a gaping hole, and the door itself swu-
ng open with the gentlest push.
Cole was inside, practicing boxing. His bare knuckles were raw and bleeding, scraped against the nylon punching bag.
He glared at me, annoyance etched on his face. “Get out.”
I ignored him, placing the tray directly on his desk. “Maybe refuel first? Don’t want you getting knocked out by thin air.”
He finally stopped, a smirk playing on his lips. “Just barge right in, huh? Not worried I might be doing something… private?”
“Your door’s broken,” I retorted, coolly. “What difference would knocking make?” It was a game of chicken, and whoever cracked first would be the one looking foolish.
That seemed to hit a nerve. He froze, then slammed himself into the bathroom, the lock clicking loudly. “Get out! And take your food with you!”
