19
In the aftermath of the shower, the steam lingering in the air, Liam's head feels lighter. He surveys the soaked clothes he ruined for Maya and decides to offer her his pyjamas for the night. With a teasing smile, he gestures towards his walk-in closet.
"Help yourself, Maya. Pick your best fit," he suggests, his eyes filled with a playful glint.
Maya, still grappling with the surreal moment that transpired between them, hesitates before entering the closet. As she chooses the best-fitting pyjamas, Liam discreetly watches from his bedside, his gaze lingering as the towel around her body drops and she dresses in his clothing.
Once dressed, she approaches his bedside, offering sleeping pills. Liam, adopting a slightly mischievous tone, rejects the offer, acting somewhat babyish. "No need for pills, Maya. Your voice can make me fall asleep," he declares with a cheeky grin.
Maya slams her head in her palm, muttering, "Oh, Liam. I blame the alcohol."
His gaze softens as he holds her palm to his chest, a moment of unexpected tenderness. "Come on, Maya. Sing me a lullaby, like you would do for Ryan. It always works, right?" he requests, his eyes reflecting a mix of playfulness and vulnerability.
Feeling that he's too cute to turn down, and considering his current state under the influence, Maya hesitates but ultimately acquiesces. She sits at his bedside, placing her hand across his forehead. As she begins to sing, her voice takes on a soothing melody, resonating with the lullaby she sings to Ryan before bedtime.
🎶 *"Hush, my darling, close your eyes,*
*In the softness of the night,*
*Dreams will dance in starry skies,*
*Till the morning's gentle light."* 🎶
Liam's lashes flutter dizzily, and Maya continues her tender serenade. She plays with his damp curls, watching as the lines of tension in his face gradually melt away. His eyes close, succumbing to the peaceful lullaby.
As he drifts into sleep, the room transforms into a haven of calmness. The soft glow from the bedside lamp casts a warm ambience, casting shadows that dance on the walls. Liam's face reflects the serenity of slumber, a stark contrast to the complexities of his waking life.
Maya lays her head on his bare chest, listening to the sound of his peaceful heartbeat and the soft snores that escape him. In this vulnerable state, he appears more human than ever, shedding the layers of the tough exterior he portrays in reality.
She wonders about the intricacies of a man who can exude such charm yet remains unable to conquer his inner demons. The room, once filled with the intensity of the shower and the unspoken tension between them, now resonates with a quiet peace.
After ensuring Liam is comfortably asleep, she turns off the lights, mutters a soft goodnight, and closes the door quietly. The latch clicks softly, sealing off the intimate moments shared between employer and employee, yet leaving a lingering sense of connection.
Maya tiptoes back to her room, hoping no one sees her in the quiet corridor. Climbing into her bed next to the peacefully sleeping Ryan, she contemplates the events of the night. The collision of their worlds, both virtual and real, leaves her grappling with newfound emotions and a deeper understanding of the man she thought she knew.
As the room settles into silence, the only sound is the rhythmic breathing of a sleeping child and the distant hum of the night. Maya closes her eyes, wondering what tomorrow holds and whether the echoes of this intimate night will resonate in the days to come.