Chapter 206

Skylar and Joe had made a deal: she would give him head massages to relieve his headaches in exchange for his help with the Williams family. Because of Joe's business trip and her busy schedule, she'd forgotten her promise.

Feeling guilty, she immediately put down her phone, got out of bed, and knocked on Joe's door. The door opened as soon as her knuckles touched the wood.

Joe, nearly a head taller than Skylar, looked down at her. This was the first time Skylar had knocked on his door. Even though they lived together, they had separate rooms and rarely intruded on each other's space.

Joe's room, reflecting his minimalist personality, blended seamlessly with the overall style of Galaxy Villa.

"Sorry, I got busy and forgot," she said. "Is now a good time?"

Joe's gaze was unreadable as he nodded and stepped aside, letting her in. He then went to the bed.

Skylar hesitated, wondering if she should give him the massage in his room. However, she quickly reassured herself that Joe wasn't romantically interested in her. This eased her fears, and she followed him.

"You tend to fall asleep during massages," she said. "So you can lie in bed while I sit beside you. I'll turn off the lights when I'm done."

Skylar saw a nearby chair she could position near the bed. She was about to move it, but Joe took it from her.

"I got it," he said.

"Thanks," she replied.

As Joe positioned the chair, a question bothered him: Did Skylar feel so safe around him that she had no qualms about being alone in his room? Did she trust him that much? Or did she simply not see him that way? Joe's eyes darkened at the thought.

Skylar was oblivious to this shift in his mood. Only when she settled into the chair did she realize Joe hadn't joined her. She turned to look at him.

Joe was staring at her intensely, causing her to pause.

"Is something wrong?" Skylar asked, confused. Why did Joe seem different since his trip? He seemed more enigmatic.

Joe gazed at Skylar and shook his head slightly. "Nothing."

Half an hour later, Joe was sound asleep, breathing calmly and steadily. Unable to resist, Skylar admired his chiseled features for a moment. Even as a woman, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy. Asleep, he lost his intimidating demeanor, appearing more like a friendly, approachable neighbor.

Skylar smiled. She might have fallen for Joe if she hadn't been so deeply hurt by Christopher. Realizing her wandering thoughts, she quickly rose from the chair. After stretching, she quietly turned off the lights and left the room.

The door clicked shut behind Skylar. Joe's eyes snapped open. His gaze, as intense as the darkness outside, lingered for a moment before he let out a chilling chuckle.