Chapter 60: Snuck In
Mysa’s pulse quickened, her body tensing as she struggled to breathe against the hand covering her mouth.
Panic surged through her, but she forced herself to stay still, trying to assess the situation. She glanced at the mirror in front of her and froze when she saw a familiar face.
It was Draven.
Her tense muscles relaxed slightly as relief washed over her. Draven, realizing her initial shock, slowly released his hand and chuckled softly.
"Draven… what the hell?" Mysa whispered. "What are you doing here?"
Draven shrugged, a mischievous smile playing on his lips. "Just thought of surprising you."
Mysa placed a hand on her chest, trying to steady her racing heart. "You scared the fuck outta me."
Draven's grin widened. "Well, who else will have the audacity to barge in here?"
Mysa forced a smile, but her mind was still reeling from the earlier threat. She had genuinely thought the people threatening her had found her again.
Draven's expression softened as he noticed her distracted look. "Hey, where are you lost?" he asked gently.
Mysa shook her head, trying to dismiss her fears. "Nothing…"
Draven frowned, his eyes filled with concern. He stepped closer, gently cupping her face in his hands. "Is something bothering you, Mysa?" he asked, his voice low and worried.
Mysa hesitated, not wanting to burden him with her fears. But the intensity in Draven's eyes made it clear he wouldn't be easily deterred.
She wished to tell him everything, but she remembered that this was dangerous. She didn’t want Draven to be put in danger at any cost. She remembered her conversation with Clave.
–Flashback–
"Mysa, this plan is dangerous," Clave said, his tone grave, eyes locking onto hers with an intensity that made her heart pound. "But it is the only way out."
Mysa's brow furrowed deeply, her mind racing with the implications of his words.
"Can I share this with Draven?" she asked, her voice tinged with both hesitation and urgency.
Clave paused, his lips twitching in thought, a shadow of doubt flickering across his usually stoic face. "It's entirely up to you," he replied, though the weight of the decision was clear.
"But will it put him in danger as well?" she pressed, her voice breaking slightly with the swell of concern she felt for Draven.
Her hands clenched into fists at her sides, nails digging into her palms as anxiety churned within her.
Clave sighed, a heavy, reluctant sound that filled the space between them. "It might if they are keeping an eye on you," he admitted, his voice laced with a mix of regret and determination. "But don’t worry, I will try to sort it out as soon as possible." He reached out, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder, the touch both comforting and grounding. "We won’t have to use that plan, I hope."
Mysa nodded, though her mind was far from at ease.
–End Flashback –
"Mysa?" Draven's voice snapped her out of the flashback, pulling her back to the present. “You know, Mysa, you can share anything with me, right?”
She looked up to find him watching her with worry etched into his handsome features. She couldn’t tell him anything. Besides, Clave said he would handle everything.
So she mustered a smile, though it felt fragile on her lips. "Everything is great," she said, trying to inject some brightness into her voice.
But Draven knew her too well. His brow furrowed as he studied her face, his eyes searching for the truth. "Mysa, you—"
"How do I look in this dress, Draven?" she interrupted, her voice a little too cheerful. She twirled around, the fabric of the gown flowing around her in a cascade of white silk.
Draven's eyes roamed over her from head to toe.
The dress hugged her curves perfectly, the deep blue fabric shimmering under the soft lighting. The neckline plunged just enough to be enticing, and the skirt flared out gently, giving her an ethereal, almost regal appearance.
He stepped closer, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. "You look stunning, Mysa," he said, his voice low and warm. "Like a queen."
Mysa felt a blush creep up her cheeks. "Do you really think so?" she asked, the earlier tension easing slightly.
"Absolutely," Draven replied, closing the distance between them.
He reached out, his fingers brushing against her bare shoulder, sending a shiver down her spine. "But you know, this dress has some serious competition," he added, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
She raised an eyebrow, a smile playing on her lips. "Oh? And what's that?"
"Your smile," he said, leaning in closer. "It's the most beautiful thing about you."
Mysa's heart fluttered at his words, the sincerity in his gaze making her feel like the only person in the world. She reached up, resting her hand against his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart. "You are too sweet, Draven."
He chuckled, his breath warm against her skin. "Just speaking the truth." His hand slid around her waist, pulling her closer. "But if you want my honest opinion, I think this dress is perfect for you."
Mysa arched an eyebrow, a playful challenge in her eyes. "Oh, really? But you haven’t seen the other wedding dresses I brought here to try on."
Draven glanced over to the corner of the room, where three more dresses hung in a neat row, each one promising its own kind of magic. His eyes sparkled with interest and amusement.
Mysa moved a bit away from his grip, giving him a teasing smile. "So you, mister, get out because I have to try these three as well."
Draven stepped back, raising his hands in mock surrender, a grin spreading across his face. "Oh, no, I am not going anywhere. I have to see this."
She rolled her eyes but couldn't help smiling at his playful persistence. "Fine, but you have to behave," she said, picking up the first dress.
As she slipped into the second gown, a delicate lace creation with intricate beadwork, Draven stepped closer.
His hands moved to help her with the zipper, but instead of stepping back, he stayed close, his lips grazing the nape of her neck.
Mysa shivered, her breath catching in her throat.
"Draven, you are not making this easy," she murmured.
"I never promised I would," he replied. He kissed her neck softly, making her heart race.
They moved to the third dress, a vintage-inspired gown with a flowing skirt and lace sleeves. Draven’s hands lingered on her waist as he helped adjust the fit.
"This one is beautiful too," he whispered, his lips brushing against her ear.
Mysa turned to face him, their eyes locking. "You are incorrigible," she said, though her tone was affectionate.
He smirked, his hands tracing gentle patterns on her back. "You love it."
Finally, she tried on the last dress, a sleek, modern design that hugged her curves perfectly.
As she stood in front of the mirror, Draven’s arms wrapped around her from behind, his chin resting on her shoulder.
"You look breathtaking in all of them," he said softly, pressing a kiss to her temple.
Their intimate moment was abruptly interrupted by a loud voice from outside the room.
"Mysa, come out! We are waiting to see you. Did you end up falling asleep?"
The color drained from Mysa’s face as she heard Diva’s impatient voice from outside.
She glanced at Draven, who had slipped into the dressing room only to surprise her. But now, they had to come out together.
How would they face Zinnia and Diva?