Page 145 of Barbi and the Villain

“Do you think…” I clear my voice, fighting the blush creeping in on my cheeks. “Would you like to sleep on the bed with me at night from now on? You’ve been sleeping on that hard floor for months now and I worry about your back. Even though you can heal, I’m sure it can’t be that comfortable.”

“Are you sure you’re just worried about my back?” he asks with a knowing smile.

My eyes widen and I avert my gaze.

“Just sleeping. Don’t go thinking about other stuff. But it’s fine if you don’t want to. More space for me anyway.”

“All right,” he answers in a soft voice. “I will join you on the bed from now on.”

I slowly glance up at him and our eyes meet. My cheeks are flaming hot. Just picturing him in the same bed with me makes my insides melt—and sends my imagination into overdrive.

His eyes crinkle around the corners, his gaze gentle and affectionate.

My mark heats up across my heart.

“That’s it. I’m going to sleep,” I suddenly declare, pulling the blanket over my face.

His chuckle echoes in the cabin long before he closes the door after him, and I can’t help the giddy squeak that escapes me.

Finally, we will be in close confines. And maybe that proximity might lead to something else. Something of a steamier nature…

I flail my legs under the blanket in excitement. I need to make sure I’m clean-shaven and showered and smelling nice for him before I get into bed. With a smile on my face, I drift off to sleep.

Coldness seeps in my bones. Opening my eyes, I realize I am in a dark forest, the wet grass my only cushion.

I’m on my back, staring at the gathering of trees that obstruct the view of the sky.

I jump up, fear creeping down my spine.

Where am I? Just a moment ago, I was in my bed, sleeping.

I look right and left, wondering how the hell I will get back, when I see the semblance of a light in the distance. It must be the village!

I dash toward it, only to find myself at the entrance to a cave. Light streams from inside, together with an echo of voices.

Frowning, I slow my pace as I go inside. Hopefully, I can ask for some guidance.

“Hello? I am no danger. I am lost and in need of help,” I declare so that they know I am not an enemy.

No one answers me, and the deeper I go inside the cave, the light shines brighter.

I shield my eyes, blinking to get accustomed to the difference between the darkness outside and the light inside.

“My lady, she has come after the babe,” a woman dressed in red mentions.

In the middle of the cave, the room is fully decorated as if it belonged in a palace. There is a king-sized bed, a vanity, and even a luxurious jacuzzi a few steps over.

On the bed, a woman dressed in a white nightdress is lying down, glancing at two newborn babies. Her blond locks obstruct her features, but she’s caressing each of their faces with gentleness and love, her hands lingering on their little cheeks.

“Excuse me?” I call out when I’m in the middle of the room. Yet no one turns. It’s as if I don’t exist.

I go to the lady in red and wave in front of her.

“Can you please help?”

Nothing.

Her attention is focused on the lady in white.

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