waking

Chapter 25 

After Naomi said what she had to say, she didn’t give Cheryl a second look. She didn’t get the whole backstory between Shawn and Cheryl or what they’d been to each other. But one thing was crystal clear: Shawn wasn’s really into Cheryl. 

The reasons for keeping Cheryl around might have been the same as why he kept Naomi close–they probably had something he needed. Naomi was left wondering if Shawn had ever done for Cheryl what he was doing for her now. 

Naomi’s stomach knotted up. She felt uneasy, not happy at all 

Back at home, Shawn made his way back to his study, while Naomi hraded to the woods behind the mansion after a quick check–in with Carla. Toting a basket, Naomi hunted for herbs just like Wilson taught her. 

Shawn’s place. Spring Villa, was hidden in the hills and one could only get to it by a single blacktop road. It was ringed with thick woods. The air was crisp, the whole spot was peaceful–miles away from the racket of the city. 

Being alone was Naomi’s comfort zone, she’d never been one for the spotlight, partly by choice, partly because Freddy and Rosalind used to pull the strings in her life 

As she walked into the woods, Naomi’s mind was on picking herbs, Cheryl had straight–up mocked Shawn’s messed–up face. Even if Shawn kept a poker face, Naomi was sure it got to him. A guy who had it all, now dealing with scars, stuck in a wheelchair, and Cheryl’s cold shoulder. Was it possible he didn’t care at all Naomi figured she’d be wrecked if it were her. 

She moved deeper into the trees, spotting and gathering various herbs Wilson had shown her, teaching her their shapes, uses, and how to make creams and cintments. Wilson was a piece of work, moody as all pet–out, mostly keeping the good stuff for himself, not selling to anyone unless they piqued his interest. 

Back then, Naomi had felt lucky whenever she got a nod from the old man. She wished she hadn’t been so defenseless, even after all she’d learned from him. Gathering herbs, she thought about going back to the place where she first crossed paths with him after the jewelry competition, hoping maybe luck would strike twice. 

Her basket got full quickly–roots, leaves, flowers, and fruits, 

After laying them out to dry on a rock, Naomi took a breather before heading back to Spring Villa. 

The villa was like a castle with everything–there was a gym, movie theater, outdoor and indoor pools, music rooms, dance studios, a spot for antiques, a wine cellar, a whiskey vault, and even a medical room with its own lab. 

Shawn let Naomi do her thing. She had the run of the place and no one dared say boo. She took advantage of all the villa’s perks, enjoying them however she wanted. 

Naomi made a beeline for the lab, spending her whole day there. 

Meanwhile, Carla kept Shawn posted on Naomi’s goings–on, but Shawn just waved it off. “Let her do her thing. As long as she doesn’t wreck Spring Villa, she can do whatever. So Carla lef Naomi to it and went on with her own tasks 

Up in his third–floor study, Shawn was behind his desk, keeping an eye on the lab’s security feed. There was Naomi, really into her herb work. mixing and matching. She was all suited up in a clean lab coal, her face full of focus, and those big eyes zeroed in on what she was doing. Shawn was actually taken aback by how serious she looked. He let out a small smile, he’d thought she was kidding about fixing his scars. But here she was, actually going for it. 

e should 

All those herbs–whether healing, harmful, or just plain plants–Naomi believed they’d fix Shawn’s battered face. Shawn wasn’t sure if he chuckle at her simplicity or be impressed by her guts. 

He ran his fingers along the line of a scar on his face, and then he peeled away the edges with a deft motion, revealing the mask it really was. Hi true face beneath was like something out of Hollywood–with a chiseled Jawline, sharp cheekbones, and not a single bad angle to be found. 

Chucking the mask into a drawer, Shawn headed off for a shower. Meanwhile, the computer monitor showed Naomi still hustling, not taking a breather 

She didn’t stop ‘til the clock struck twelve. Shawn was parked at the dinner table, his fingers blitzing across his laptop’s keyboard, while his nukri dinner circled the microwave a few times 

Finally, Naomi stepped our of the lab, a linde tin of cream in her grip. Carla guided her over to the table and said, “Mr. Fischer, Ms. Edwards is done” 

“Got it Shawn replied, without much heat. “Naomi, let’s eat” 

“Thanks, Mr. Fischer, Naomi said, her heart kind of fluttering. Not a soul had waited up to share a meal with her in her past life or the present one. Wiping away the beginnings of tears, she took up the serving utensils and dished up Shawn’s plate with care. 

BEND GIFT 

Finishing his message, Shawn clapped his laptop shut and handed it off to Carla, who then vanished from the dining scene. 

“Mr. Fischer, this is for you.” Naomi held out the little box “Scar–fading cream.” 

Shawn’s lips ticked up, playful–like. “You’re saying I’m not a looker?” 

“No way.” Naomi backpedaled, fast. “Mr. Fischer, you’ve been my knight in shining armor. Hooked me up with killer cats, a pad, wheels, plus a fat paycheck. I just wanna pay it back.” 

Shawn’s look snagged her solid. He had caught every word she spilled to Cheryl back at the Fischer residence. 

His radar for reading people was usually dead–on, but Naomi? She was interesting. He got that she was itching to shake off the Edwards family’s shackles. Being in his world was her best play–no way could the Edwards family or the Sanders family touch her, and they wouldn’t dare try messing with him. Shawn’s crew way his, end of story. 

But Naomi’s vibe was what really got him thinking. She was sweet but not overdoing it, soft–spoken with a mind of her own, courteous with a slice of boldness. She got red–checked and shy under his kisses but always kept her head clear. 

Naomi held his drill sergeant stare, her nerves on the high wire–bring near Shown was like facing down a force of nature. Just sitting across from him, she felt all laid bare Lucky for her, she was all about keeping it real with him from the jump. 

“Mr. Fischer. I’m straight up with you, no games, Naomi declared again, all respect and caution. This cream is legit safe, I promise. If you don’t believe me, I’ll show you how it works right here, right now.” 

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