Chapter 9 Locked In

When Roseline was done, she stood up without a word and quietly brought her plate to the sink. She washed it carefully-along with the dishes Maverick had used earlier. It was her small way of saying thank you, even if he hadn't noticed her effort.

Then, drying her hands with a towel, she turned to him.

"Um, Mavy? Do you have any extra toothbrushes?" she asked softly.

"Yeah. Check the cabinet to the left of the medicine kit," he said, eyes still fixed on the movie playing on the screen.

Roseline nodded and made her way to the bathroom. She looked around for the cabinet he mentioned, but it was placed a bit too high. Even when she stood on her toes and stretched her arm, her fingers barely brushed the handle.

She frowned a little and tried again, but no luck. Her body wobbled slightly as she reached up with both hands.

Then she felt it-someone standing directly behind her.

"M-Mavy... I-I can't reach it..." Roseline said softly, still stretching her arm toward the high cabinet. Her voice was barely above a whisper. "Can you please get one for me?"

Her eyes stayed lowered, too shy to look directly at him.

Maverick stood up from the couch without saying a word. He walked over to the cabinet, reached up with ease, and took out a toothbrush. Then he handed it to her calmly.

"Here," he said. "Go to the bathroom in my room and brush your teeth. While you're at it, freshen up a bit. You can wear something comfortable-grab one of my T-shirts from the cabinet."

His voice was firm, straightforward, not warm but not cold either.

Roseline blinked up at him, a little surprised. This side of Maverick felt so different. Back at the mansion, he often acted cold or dismissive, but now... he was caring, in his own quiet way. Not gentle-but not pushing her away either.

She nodded and walked to his bedroom's bathroom. Inside, she didn't just brush her teeth-she decided to take a full shower. She had been sweating all day from cleaning, and the warm water felt like a reward. It relaxed her muscles and cleared her thoughts.

After she finished, she wrapped herself in a large towel, covering her body, and used a smaller towel to wrap around her damp hair. Steam still filled the bathroom as she stepped out into the cool bedroom air.

She walked quietly to Maverick's closet and opened the cabinet. Most of the clothes inside were dark-colored, but she found a plain white T-shirt that looked soft and loose. It was long-probably would cover most of her legs. She smiled to herself and slipped it on over her body.

The shirt fell halfway down her thighs, like a nightdress. She found her boxer shorts from earlier and wore them underneath, just in case.

As she was drying her hair with the towel, there was a soft knock at the door.

Before she could say anything, Maverick opened it and stepped in.

"Are you done?" he asked, glancing at her.

Roseline looked up and gave him a small smile. "Yes, Mavy..."

Maverick's eyes briefly scanned her appearance. His white shirt looked big on her, but somehow it suited her-simple, clean, and a little bit innocent. He paused for a second.

"My shirt looks good on you," he said, his voice low but casual.

Roseline smiled shyly and tugged the hem down a little more. "Thanks, Mavy," she answered, continuing to rub the towel through her hair.

There was a short silence between them.

Then, out of nowhere, Maverick asked, "Aren't you afraid of me, Roseline?"

Roseline's hands froze mid-motion. She slowly looked at him, her expression unsure.

"A little..." she admitted honestly.

Maverick raised an eyebrow. "Really? Then why do you keep trying to get close to me if you're scared?"

He began to walk slowly toward her. His steps were steady and quiet. Roseline didn't move away. She stayed where she was, near the closet, holding the towel in one hand.

"Because..." she said softly, "I just want to be close to you, Mavy. I want to know what it feels like to have a big brother... someone who protects me... someone who cares."

Her voice shook slightly near the end, but she didn't look away.

Maverick stopped just a step away from her. She was now backed up against the closet door, which had a mirror on it. The glass reflected the two of them-him standing tall, and her looking up with soft, honest eyes.

"If all you want is protection, I can hire a bodyguard," Maverick said, a teasing grin tugging at his lips.

Roseline smiled lightly. "No need, Mavy. I can take care of myself."

Maverick's expression changed-his grin deepened, a spark of challenge in his eyes.

"Is that so? You can handle yourself?" he said, taking one more step forward.

Roseline's back gently touched the mirror now. She pressed herself closer to it as Maverick leaned in. His hand rose and rested against the wall above her head, boxing her in.

"Yes, Mavy," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady.

She had to tilt her head up just to meet his eyes. Maverick was tall, and he was so close now. She could see every line on his face-his strong jaw, his thick eyebrows, even the small scar near his temple.

She saw his Adam's apple move as he swallowed. His jaw clenched.

He was staring at her, eyes filled with something intense. But she didn't look away.

For a moment, it felt like time stood still. Neither of them moved. Neither of them blinked.

But then Maverick broke the moment.

With a sharp breath, he turned his face away and stepped back.

He lowered his arm, turned his back to her, and walked toward the bedroom door without another word.

"Let's go. I'll take you home," Maverick said all of a sudden, his voice short and firm.

Roseline blinked, clearly caught off guard. She clutched the towel in her hands and tilted her head slightly in confusion.

"But... I thought I was staying until morning?" she asked gently, her voice filled with surprise and a little disappointment.

Maverick didn't meet her eyes. He seemed restless now, shifting his weight from one foot to the other.

"I-I can't let you stay here the whole night," he said quickly, his words rushed, as if he were forcing them out. "So I'll take you home now."

Without giving her a chance to respond, he turned and stepped out of the room.

The door closed behind him with a soft thud.

Roseline stood still for a moment, the room suddenly feeling colder and quieter without him in it. She stared at the closed door, her eyebrows drawn together in confusion. Her eyes dropped to the floor, then slowly rose again to where Maverick had been standing just a few seconds ago.

She didn't understand. He had just told her to stay. He even let her wear his clothes and use his room. And now, just like that, he changed his mind?

Her heart felt heavy, unsure if she had done something wrong.

Silently, she moved to pick up her bag and followed after him.