Crossing The Space Between Us

"Get out of my sight, you slut, and never show your face in front of me or my husband; do you understand?" her boss, or ex-boss now, it seems, shouted at her for the whole building to hear.

You see, she was just doing her job quietly as usual when her boss's wife, Teresa, suddenly snatched her hair and slapped her. She humiliated her in front of her peers, spoke harsh words, and called her names.

Who would've thought that she'd be mistaken for a mistress? To a family man who's twice her age at that?

Yes, she needed the money to treat her only sister, Rica, but she wouldn't go so low as to break a family.

"I never did what you're blaming me for. God knows that." She stood up from the ground and started picking up the things she had thrown away.

"'Do not even mention God, you filthy slut!" By now, passersby were staring at them, but Coreen didn't care at the moment.

When she's done, she faces the wife who overused Botox, and even Barbie will be ashamed of how much plastic she probably has in her body. No matter how desperate she is over her job, she will not go down her knees and beg someone who blames her while her cowardly excuse of a boss is just standing and watching like he's watching a movie.

She stood in her face with her head held high. "If you don't believe me, then I can't do anything about it. Let me just advise a fellow woman. You got the wrong person, and the person you're looking for, which is, by the way, who likes a fat man with little hair and stinky breath, is just around the corner." She motioned at the building and made an action of pointing at someone, which is Brenda, the real mistress of her ex-boyfriend.

"But you know what? I can't blame him. Your mouth can replace a shotgun. If I were you, I would fix a marriage that's already on the verge of collapsing." Coreen shrugged her shoulders and left the wife with her mouth agape.

Coreen smirked at Richard and waved her middle finger at him before walking away with her box. When she's far enough, though, her shoulders slump in defeat. She has no job now. And as if it's that easy to look for a job that quick. How is she going to pay for Rica's medical expenses?

Coreen's sister was only eight years old when she was diagnosed with leukemia. Her parents were killed in a fire inside their home while they were at the playground. She was the only one her sister had now. She swore to her parents' grave that she would never leave her sister until she died.

She remembers how her world collapsed when she learned of her sister's illness. She then spoke to God and asked him why she had not been given the disease instead. Her sister was too young to go through that kind of pain.

She sighed and stared at nothing in particular. She needs to find a job with the same salary or higher, hopefully. Her attention was aroused by the two women talking from where she was sitting. She turned to them before looking back at the road and staring at the passing cars.

"Maybe we can talk about it, Myla."

"I don't like it, ma'am. I can't even work for Sir anymore. I feel like I'm going to die of anger," she heard a woman say aloud while crying.

"I'll raise your pay, Myla. Three hundred dollars a day, is that okay? Please, don't quit."

She softly gasped at the amount she heard. Three hundred dollars a day? What kind of job is that? An artist? A model?

"I'm sorry, ma'am. I've made my decision. It's been two weeks of hell. Thank you for everything."

She saw the woman walk past her and stared at her retreating back before looking back at the older woman with her head hung low. The woman looks so stressed.

"She was the one who lasted the most. I don't know where else to look," she says mostly to herself, but Coreen heard it anyway.

Coreen bit her lips as she wondered if she would approach the woman. But she needed a job, and based on what she heard, she was willing to pay a lot! But what if it's illegal?

Ah, Whatever! She shouted to herself before standing up and approaching the defeated woman. She cannot cure her sister with cowardice.

"Uhm, excuse me?" she said, grabbing the lady's attention.

She raised her head, and Coreen saw a tired look on her face. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to overhear your conversation earlier. Are you perhaps looking for a replacement for her?" she asked straightforwardly.

The lady's face brightened, and she suddenly held her hands, surprising her.

"Yes, that's right! Are you interested, Miss?" she asked eagerly.

"Uhm, what's the job?"

"Housekeeper! A helper for my nephew. He's a little bit of a headache that no one stays longer than a month," she said in defeat.

From being a secretary, she would be a maid? But what about it? Her conscience answered. She's well-paid, and Coreen is confident that she can do it. Surely there is no one worse than her uncle and his family?

"Yes, I'm willing," she answered with little hesitation.

Being a maid isn't illegal anyway, Coreen convinced herself. Hopefully, the boss is not a murderer or anything of that sort. No matter how much the salary is, she'll not do those things.

The lady hugged her and patted her back enthusiastically.

"Thank you! You're an angel, Miss..."

"Coreen Moretz."

"Coreen! I'm Liza. Can you start immediately, like tomorrow?" Liza asked rather eagerly.

Wow, that's fast. But well, the faster she has a job, the better. "Yes."

"Okay. Glad to hear that. Glad I always carry around a contract just in case, you know. Come on, Coreen, let's go inside." Liza held her hand and pulled her inside the coffee shop. She wasn't uncomfortable with it because she found the lady bubbly and kind. Just like her auntie.

They sat at a nearby table, and Liza did not waste any time and placed a contract in front of her with a pen.

"You don't know how many contracts I have printed. Myla? The lady earlier lasted the longest, almost a month. She's the tenth housekeeper this year," Liza informed her with a shake of her head.

Her eyes immediately looked for the expiration and were glad when she found none. Coreen is confident that she can put up with Liza's nephew, so the longer she can work, she will. Her job is to clean, cook, and extend her patience in all caps. She almost laughed at that. Just how bad is her nephew? Is he a kid still? Her salary without tax is changed to three hundred dollars a day, as Liza mentioned earlier. She could buy her sister's medicine and still save a large sum for her surgery. With her former salary of one hundred and thirty-six per day, she could barely afford all her expenses, including her sister's medicines, so she could only save so little. Close to nothing.

"I'm not going to blame you for giving up right away, but please, oh, please extend your patience, Coreen. My nephew was nice when he was a kid, but when his mom died because his dad left them, he changed drastically. That child only needs care and love, and hopefully, you will stay longer."

She replied with a smile because she didn't want to be confident and said she would last. What if his nephew is a monster?

She returned her attention to the contract and frowned slightly while reading the rules. NEVER GET TOO CLOSE TO HIM. NEVER TOUCH HIM. It's all caps. Angry letters. Emphasized.

"What does this mean?" she asked, referring to the said rules.

Liza smiled sadly at her. "Royce hates human contact."

Later that night, she put everything she'd need good for a week as per Liza's instructions. Their housekeeper has to stay inside the mansion for a week, and her day off is on the weekend, which is perfect for her. Wednesday morning, Liza picked her up from their house, and her jaw almost dropped when she saw the mansion. It was literally a mansion, with big fences and all. The only thing she can see is the roof.

This made Coreen gulp; surely they were not hiding anything, right? The wall's purpose is to keep outsiders and thieves out, right? I... will make it out alive... right? Am I overthinking this?

Coreen also noticed the way the other houses had a huge gap from this one. She felt the urge to run away, but she restrained herself and just tightened her hold on the bag.

"Good luck, Coreen! If you have a problem or if you need something, just call me at my contact number, okay?"

"Yes." She smiled at Liza, and somehow, her hesitations lessened. Liza reminds her so much of her good aunt. She doesn't look like a bad person at all.

Coreen has always been someone who's good at judging anyone by their looks.

"All right, I'll go ahead." Liza waved one last time and drove away.

She waved at the car before opening the gate, and she was greeted by the beautiful sight of the elegant mansion.

"Wow," she said in amazement while closing the automatic gate behind her. It has a passcode that Liza had memorized earlier.

The mansion is painted all white, making it look majestic and clean. In the middle is a two-way staircase like what you see in movies. But how come she felt like prey thrown into a lion's den? To be eaten, played with, or devoured?

She admired the well-cared-for garden, trees, and lawn. They must have an on-call gardener. The large, rectangular, clean pool was in the middle, and her eyes stared at the mansion again, wondering how one person could stay in a lonely mansion with so many rooms. Aren't they lonely?

Because if it's her, she'd rather stay in a small house with her loved ones.

Royce Sullivan, twenty-six years old, hates human contact. Everything she has to know about the man, including his favorite foods, hates, hobbies, blah blah, is listed on the file Liza gave her.

She took a deep breath before exhaling and entering the left door indicated for housekeepers to use. The right door is where Royce is located and where he stays the most.

She was impressed by the design of the mansion. If it looks good on the outside, it is better on the inside. It was very clean, and there was no visible dust. The figurines all look good and modern. The floor is marbled gray and looks really expensive. She glanced around with her eyes, and as she came to the right side of the mansion, she gasped in surprise, and her eyes widened. In the middle of the massive living room is a glass wall, separating her place from what she thought was Royce's space.

Isn't this a little overreacting? It's not as if someone will actually touch him intentionally, right? Or someone already did?

Her eyes searched for his boss, whom she hadn't seen face-to-face yet because Liza had failed to give her a photo of him. Coreen just shrugged and stepped into the room she was staying in while she was there. The room is located on the second floor, and the first room is on the right, as per the instructions. She immediately found it and breathed a sigh of relief that the wall was not glass, but frowned when she saw an iron wall instead. She glanced around the room, and she was satisfied by its simplicity. It's not small, but it's not that big either. There is a queen-sized bed in the middle, a side table and chairs, and a large cabinet where she can put her things. She also noticed a door that was probably in the bathroom.

She put her bag on top of the bed and started to organize it in the cabinet. Then she took a picture of her family, put it on the table, and smiled sadly. One can't really tell what will happen tomorrow. She was a secretary at a law firm, and now she's a maid.

Mom, Dad, I can handle life, no matter how difficult it is. I will fight for Rica. Just look after us, okay? I can do it because I know you're out there.

She kissed the picture frame before searching the bag again and piling up the papers. She grabbed the important ones and taped them to the dresser so she wouldn't forget them.

She looked up at the clock and saw that lunchtime was approaching, so she went out of the room. She immediately glanced at the other side of the mansion to search for any soul in sight but froze when her eyes connected to a man now standing tall in the middle, looking at her intently. Her body reacted differently to the way he was staring at her, and she couldn't help but swallow her saliva.

He looks like a model that came out of a magazine. Literally. He's only wearing a long black robe, and her throat suddenly felt dry when she came down on his beautiful body, as he was not wearing a top. His muscles were defined and in the right places, and his abs seemed hard to touch. He's also wearing tight black leather pants, shaping his thighs and legs perfectly. What caught her attention was his wearing leather gloves; why would he have to wear them when she couldn't even approach him?

And inside the house too, really? Why does he look like he has a photoshoot, or is it just her?

But despite what she heard about this man, Royce Sullivan is a sight to behold.

When she regained her senses, she scolded herself mentally. Was it obvious that she checked him out? To her defense, though, she was just studying him. She avoided his gaze and searched for the kitchen. Seeing it, she immediately looked inside the fridge. She grabbed a chicken and put it on top of the sink, then she got some potatoes and carrots. She has mastered the dislikes and likes of his food, and she will cook his favorite meal for his lunch today. She wanted to impress him with her skills. She may be a secretary, but she's also a good cook. Her mother taught her all she knew.

She started to chop the vegetables, and though she could feel his gaze on her, she ignored it for fear that it would upset him. He may just be hungry and in need of food. Maybe the past maids are that good at cooking; that's why he's upset. Coreen tried to convince herself.

"Who the fuck are you?"

Or not.

Coreen flinched a little at his tone and raised her eyes to see him leaning his forehead against the wall as he studied her. Isn't that creepy? Why can't she just cook in peace? Why does the wall have to be glass?

"C-Coreen Moretz, sir," she stuttered in answer. "Your new maid. I was hired by your Aunt Liza."

Coreen forced herself to look into his eyes and not his distracting body. Is he seducing someone or what?

"And what makes you different from them?" he snorted. "Aunt doesn't care anymore. How many times have I told her to stop sending women? You women are whiny, crybaby, and just plain stupid, honestly," he taunted with a mocking laugh, tickling her.

Coreen dropped the knife and raised her eyebrow.

"And what makes you better than me?" she taunted back. "When you can't even touch me."

She didn't want to answer it, but before she knew it, he insulted her right away. Her femininity, her personality She will not just shrug off any sexist comments about her.

To her surprise, Royce only nodded. "True. True."

"Think you're going to last?" he added, challenging her gaze, which she did not cower away from.

"Try me," she answered confidently.

And she will not back down.

Coreen moaned as she felt a gloved hand trace her bare skin, caressing her body as if she were a rare porcelain. Each finger of his hand left a unique warmth on every part of her body. Heating her up, leaving her wanting more.

The hand trailed from her feet, legs, and thighs, stopping ever so slightly to trace a small circle on her skin, teasing her and making her pant in pleasure and anticipation. It did not stop until it reached her body. As the hand reached for her chest, she arched her back and bent her knee in surprise.

Warm breath is suddenly blowing in her ear. "Coreen, your body is a sin," he whispered seductively, making her whimper with need. "I love the way you react to my touch. So damn responsive," he said huskily, and she gasped loudly when he gripped her down there.

"N-no," she found herself saying. "S-stop."

"Why? Don't you like it?"

She whimpered and shook her head. Her body screams yes, but her mind strongly votes no.

"Then, why are you dreaming about it?"

Coreen awoke with a gasp and started panting. She clutched her chest because her heart was beating so fast for her own good. Her forehead was sweating, even when it was cold. But what she noticed and was really ashamed of was what she felt down there.

She glanced at the iron wall in front of her and thanked God above again that it was not as glassy as the whole mansion because she might have died in disgrace. She acted like a damn cat in heat! And what's worse is that she only knew the man for a day, and she already dreamed about him like that!

The sight of his sinful body popped inside her head again, and Coreen shook her to forget it. Coreen is not innocent of such things, sure. She had a boyfriend before, and although she didn't give up her virginity, she had experiences in that world. She knows that what she feels is lust. She wanted to blame Royce, but it wasn't his fault that she dreamed of him that way. And dang, if the arrogant man knows about it! He'll have a field day!

Her alarm clock started ringing, so she turned it off and went to the bathroom. She took a quick shower and did her morning routine. Then she went down to cook for Royce before he went to work. And that was one of the things Liza forgot to mention. She had no idea what his work was. Maybe he's a model; that's why he has an ego the size of his house.

Coreen just shrugged and breathed a sigh of relief when she didn't see Royce coming down from his room. She was sure her cheeks would turn red when she saw him, and the devil would smell something. When she's in the kitchen, she prepares spicy bacon, ham, and eggs. She also prepared a glass of orange juice she saw in the cupboard. According to the note, Royce isn't a fan of drinking coffee or anything hot.

"Had a good night's sleep?"

She was in the middle of washing the pan she used when he talked, and that's why it made her jump a little. "Mother of Mary!" she exclaimed in surprise.

Coreen looked back at Royce, who was now wearing a suit with two buttons open so she could see his sinful chest. And of course, the man is wearing leather gloves. Wow, Liza is not kidding. He seems to hate skin contact, for he has to wear gloves every time.

"Good morning, sir," she greeted him and answered his question. "Oh yes, I've slept well."

She felt her cheeks heating in remembrance of the dream, but she immediately wiped it off.

"Good. 'Cause it might be your last."

And forget what she did; it was replaced by annoyance as quick as lightning. She did not answer and placed his breakfast through the small hole in the wall, which was enough for her to place his food. What would she pay to smash the plate in his face to wipe off that smug look he has?

"What? Have you run out of courage right away?" he scoffed in answer as he sat across from the table and began to eat. "What a shame. Hm, at least you know how to cook."

She smiled sweetly. "Don't worry, they are still here." She rolled her eyes when she turned her back on him and returned to washing the dishes.

She heard him snort before he continued eating. While cleaning the counter, she simply observes Royce and studies his every move discreetly. How he handles his spoon and fork, how he slices the bacon before mixing it in the rice, and how he opens his mouth Even the way he chews and swallows is sexy. Coreen found herself saying.

When he's about to lift his head, she immediately looks away and focuses her attention on cleaning the area.

"You literally know things about me, but all I know is your name. Why don't you introduce yourself?" she heard Royce say, which made her stop in mild surprise.

He taunted and insulted her yesterday, and now he wants to know her. Is he perhaps bipolar? Or he's simply collecting more information to insult her some more?

"There's nothing interesting to know about me. I'm twenty-five, I have a younger sister, and I have no parents. I was a secretary before I came here," she answered honestly.

"Hm, how did you get fired?"

She could only remember the reason for her unfair removal, and that made her blood boil. "I was accused of being a mistress."

She heard him laugh out loud, which irked her so much.

"With that sultry look, I am not surprised."

She couldn't believe what she heard from and whipped to face him. "Excuse me?"

He wiped his mouth with a napkin and stood up. "What? I was just being honest." He said and just shrugged as if he didn't insult her.

"You really are an asshole," she said in pure disbelief.

"That is my middle name, baby," he said while smirking before laughing and climbing the stairs.

The desire to strangle the man is overwhelming, Coreen. So that's why none of his maids last? Because Royce Sullivan is an asshole, jerk, insensitive, and sexist. God, she could go on forever, and she only met him! She can't believe that man! Is this his way to be alone? Or is he just terrible? Coreen was stunned at the thought. Or maybe he's gay, and that is why he's driving women away?

Coreen felt disappointed with her ideas. Despite his ugly personality, the man is still very handsome. It actually makes sense now. She snorted at the thought. Royce can't fire her anyway because his aunt hired him, so why not fight back?

"Something funny?"

At that moment, she was no longer surprised by his appearance. She just smiled at him, surprising him. Maybe he thought she was going to pack. Then he's wrong. Oh, so wrong.

"Something just came to mind," she answered as she wiped her hands with a clean rug.

She noticed that he was carrying a jacket hanging over his shoulder, making him look like a bad boy.

Royce just hummed in disinterest. "Care to share?"

"I just thought you disliked us because..." she trailed off and stared directly at his piercing gaze. "It is men that you want."

She expected him to laugh and deny her accusations, but his next move surprised her. The man stayed silent and left without a word, but not before looking at her with an unidentified look in his eyes. What was that?

Coreen kept staring at the closed door even after he left. Why did she suddenly feel nervous? She felt all her hair stand the way he looked at her before he left. His eyes held a promise of something. But what? Did she overdo it?

Who cares? He asked for it. Coreen said to herself, and she just finished her chores.

"Hello, Aunt Isabel? How's Rica?" Coreen asked her aunt as she finished all her work and thought about calling to make sure her sister was okay.

"She is fine. She draws most of the time and sleeps after eating," Aunt Isabel replied softly.

She was grateful that her aunt was kind, even though her husband is a scum. How did she even love that horrible man? A drunkard, asshole, and war freak Just like his eldest daughter too. They do not deserve her Aunt Isabel.

"Is she awake? Please let me speak to her."

"All right. Just a moment." She heard her calling her sister until she heard the younger sister's cheery voice.

"Hello, Sister?" Coreen smiled.

"Hi, little sister, I heard you were drawing and coloring, huh? When I come home, show them to me, okay?"

Coreen closed her eyes several times as she felt her eyes tear. She felt so sorry for her sister because, at the age of ten, she had stopped schooling. She often saw sadness in her sister's eyes whenever she saw other children attending school.

"Yes, sister."

"I'm sorry, huh? I'm sorry if I don't come home every night. Promise when I get home I'll buy you some toys or food. What do you want?" she insisted on acting happy even if she felt sadder than ever.

"Really, big sis?" she said, hearing the delight in her voice. "I would like a donut, Sis."

"Psh! Is that all? If you want, I can even buy you two boxes!" she said happily to her sister.

She heard her laugh and smiled again.

"Well, when can I go back to school?"

At her sister's question, she was stunned and could not hold back her tears. She covered her mouth and tried to stop the tears, but it just wouldn't listen. She pretended to cough and cleared her throat.

"You can't go to school right now, Rica. It will tire you out, sweetie. But I promise you that I will make a way for you to come back, okay?" she said, wiping her eyes.

"It's okay, big sis. Just be careful over there, huh? Don't just worry about me."

"Of course, sweetie. Always be careful, alright? Don't tire yourself out, and always follow Aunt Isabel, okay?"

"Yes, yes. All right, big sis."

"Bye, lil sis. Love you."

"I love you too."

When the line was cut off, she let the tears in her eyes fall freely. She has to save up for her sister to get surgery soon.

Coreen fell asleep in tears.

Coral slowly woke up to the feeling of something warm trailing up her body. Is this another dream? Why does it seem so familiar?

She slowly opened her eyes, and they grew larger when she saw a hand with gloves that was tracing her leg without actually touching her. Is that even possible? Her eyes trailed up the hand to find Royce with no emotion on his face. Coreen swallowed and tried to stand up to stop it, but was shocked when she couldn't. She looked up to see her hands tied to the headboard of the bed.

"What is this? Release me! This is not a good joke!" she demanded in annoyance and fear, but she forced herself to stay calm.

The man only gave her a pointed look. "Yeah? Now we're talking about jokes."

"That's a joke, a joke!" she emphasized.

"It doesn't sound like one to me," he said coldly, sending shivers down her spine.

She bit her lips as she felt his fingers slowly coming closer to her most protective part.

"N-no! I'm sorry!" she choked back a sob.

His face hovered above her own, and she could smell his breath as he got closer and closer to her face. Her heart pounded faster, harder, and erratically. But to her relief and dismay, his lips and nose remained a few inches away from hers. She could almost stare into his eyes, and only a small push could connect their lips. This was the first time she had seen his face up close. So close.

His eyes are dark, almost black, with how intense his stare is. Her eyes traveled down his pointed nose down to his red lips-those sinfully sexy lips that had the right curve. He also has a small beard that adds to his manliness. She could not spot a pimple on his face. It was smooth and reddish, making her wonder if her own face was just as smooth.

He continued to tease her and act like he was going to kiss her, but he never did, and it made her frustrated.

"Still think I'm gay, precious?" he breathed on her face.

She couldn't help but whimper when he pulled away to whisper something in her ear. "Was this better than your dream?"

She gasped in disbelief and stared wide-eyed at his blank face. H-how? How did he know about her dream, and how did he know he was in her dream?

Royce smirked at her and stood straight. "I hate human contact. I'm not allergic to it," he said, tossing a pair of scissors on her bed before walking away. Leaving her in question. Leaving her confused. Leaving her.... disgustingly wanting more.