BAD INFLUENCE

THE BROWN'S RESIDENCE*

Hailey wiped the sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand, her arms aching as she stirred the pot on fire. The rich aroma of stew filled the small kitchen, but she barely had time to breathe it in.

The washing machine rumbled in the corner, the sound mixing with the sizzle of frying plantains.

At the same time, she was scrubbing a plate with one hand, trying to keep up with the never-ending chores.

Her blouse clung to her damp skin, and her legs felt like they could give out at any moment.

She was tired, she has been working since she came back.

"Hailey!"

That was definitely Cecilia calling.

Hailey sighed, quickly rinsing her hands before stepping away from the sink. She didn't even get to rest before she was being summoned again.

"Yes, ma'am?" she called.

Cecilia appeared in the doorway, her arms crossed, eyes scanning Hailey from head to toe. A look of mild disgust crossed her face.

"Go to the store and get me some eggs and milk" Cecilia ordered, tossing a few crumpled bills onto the counter.

"And be quick about it. Dinner better not be ruined by the time you're back"

Hailey swallowed down her frustration, nodding.

"Yes, ma'am"

Without another word, Cecilia turned and walked off,

Hailey took a deep breath, pushing down the exhaustion weighing on her chest. She grabbed the money, wiped her hands on a rag, and headed for the door.

The night air was cool against her skin as she stepped outside, but it did little to ease the tightness in her chest.

She walked into the small convenience store and she quickly grabbed the eggs and a carton of milk, then she paid.

"That's all?" the cashier asked, barely looking up.

"Yes" Hailey murmured.

"Have a good night" they said flatly.

Hailey nodded, murmuring a quiet "thanks" before stepping out into the night.

She tightened her grip on the plastic bag, quickening her steps. Cecilia won't like it if she comes back late and again, she placed something on fire.

She was halfway down the sidewalk when she felt something.

Like someone was watching her.

Or worse...following her.

Her heart skipped a beat, and she glanced over her shoulder, but the street behind her was empty. The only sound was the distant hum of traffic from the main road..

She swallowed hard and picked up her pace, her fingers gripping the bag tighter.

Maybe she was imagining it.

Maybe it was just her nerves.

But the faster she walked, the heavier the feeling became.

Hailey barely made it a few more steps before a strong hand suddenly grabbed her arm, yanking her into a dark corner between two buildings.

Her breath hitched and she tried to scream but rough palm clamped over her mouth, muffling the sound.

Her wide eyes darted upward, heart pounding so loudly she could hear it in her ears.

And then...a low, familiar voice sent a chill down her spine.

"Hello, princess?"

Her stomach dropped.

Xavier.

His grip was firm but not painful, his scent was a mix of smoke and something darkly intoxicating.

She struggled, her hands pushing at his chest, but he didn't budge.

Instead, his lips curled into a slow, lazy smirk as he leaned in just enough for her to feel his breath against her cheek.

"Scared?" he murmured, teasing.

She shook her head, though she wasn't sure if it was a denial or just a desperate attempt to make herself believe it.

Xavier chuckled, his thumb brushing against her jaw before he finally pulled his hand away from her mouth.

She gasped for air, her chest rising and falling rapidly.

"What is wrong with you?" she snapped.

Xavier tilted his head, studying her.

"Many things, princess, but that's not why we're here, is it?"

Hailey took a step back, pressing herself against the cold brick wall.

"We're not here for anything. You just grabbed me like a psycho!"

His smirk widened. "Psycho? Cute. But I think we both know you're more curious than scared"

"You don't know anything about me"

Xavier took a step closer, effectively caging her in.

"Don't I? You're trembling, but you're not telling me to stop"

Hailey whimpered as Xavier's grip remained firm, his fingers pressing lightly against her waist. He didn't let her go.

"You know, princess, you shouldn't walk around this late... especially looking like this"

Hailey frowned, her brows knitting together. "Like what?"

Xavier chuckled, the sound low and almost sinful.

"Like something waiting to be devoured"

"W-What?"

His grip on her waist tightened for a brief second before he leaned in, his lips just inches from hers.

"You have no idea what you do to me, do you?"

Hailey's eyes widened, her lips parting slightly.

"I...I don't-"

"Those innocent looks again" he muttered almost to himself.

For a second, Hailey thought he might actually kiss her like she'd seen in movies, considering their proximity and position.

But instead, he exhaled slowly, his eyes on her.

Xavier's hand slid down, gripping her waist before trailing lower.

And then...a firm squeeze.

A shocked gasp left her lips, her body jerking instinctively.

Xavier's smirk only deepened as he watched her reaction, his fingers lingering, pressing.

"So damn soft" he muttered under his breath, almost like he was talking to himself.

"X...Xavier-"

He leaned in, his breath fanning over her ear.

"Better get used to my hands on you, princess"

Her heart pounded. She couldn't move, couldn't even think.

Just as quickly as he had grabbed her, Xavier pulled back, his smirk never fading.

"Innocent little thing. Wonder how much sweeter you'd sound moaning my name, makes me want to ruin you even more"

And with that, he turned and walked away, leaving her breathless, confused... and completely rattled.