(Jenna's POV)

Last night was terrifying...to say the very least.

The bed was extremely comfortable, and I was so tired that I could've slept like a log...had some unknown creature not tried to have a sleepover with me.

Well...I said unknown creature, but as I stare once again at the long, thick, eerie looking web that is hanging right above where my head was as I slept...I'm pretty sure I know who my visitor was – a spider.

I shudder in revulsion at the thought, for what seems like the millionth time since I was torn from my sleep, just knowing that that thing was probably touching me.

Gah...ska...fa!!! I hiss incoherently as I shiver and shake while erratically running my hands over my body, face, and through my hair once more, feeling as if I'll never be clean again. 

Not only that, but it felt like the damn thing kissed me...

God...I'll vomit, if I keep thinking about it.

What's worse is that my lips are tingling, for some strange reason. With my luck, it was probably some kind of poisonous Moldavian spider.

I rub the back of my hand across my lips vigorously, trying to wipe away the utter horror of it...

Knowing that I won't be able to go back to sleep, I drag my tired ass down to the kitchen and start a kettle of water to boil on the stove...once I figure out how to turn the damn thing on.

With words on the strange, old knobs like, De Gaze, Față, Spate, Cuptor, Scăzut, Mediu, Ridicat, Se Fierbe, Coace (Gas On, Front, Rear, Oven, Low, Medium, High, Simmer, Bake)...can you blame me?!

And God help me, if I ever try to bake something because the temperatures, on what I assume is the dial for the oven, are all in Celsius.

While the water's finally heating up, I grab a broom from the laundry room and head back upstairs, using it to take down that nasty web above my bed. 

As I walk around to the other side of the bed, I notice a bit of what looks like webs strewn across the floor as well.

I slowly crouch down, holding the broom like a weapon, ready to strike, before using it to hesitantly poke around under the bed skirt.

"Are you under there, you little menace?!" I ask loudly.

A familiar smell seems to waft out...a very masculine scent, causing my brow to furrow in confusion.

Where have I smelled that scent before?

I shake my head and then pull the broom back. As the skirt lifts, I notice, to my utter shock and horror, a ton of webs underneath the bed, covering my new suitcase...

What the fuck...

I use the broom to push it out the opposite side and then walk around.

I slowly approach my suitcase and nervously swallow, terrified at what might have taken up residence inside of it.

I take a few deep breaths before using the broom to lift it open and then jump back, ready to either strike or run.

But to my surprise, it's completely empty...except for a thick coating of webs.

It looks like Peter Parker had a party in there, which causes me to shudder.

God...if I wasn't so broke, I'd throw it in the trash. 

Since I can't, I use the broom to remove as much of the webs as possible before sliding it back underneath the bed. There's no way I'm touching that thing right now!

I'll clean it better when I have more time and energy...and am not so squicked out.

I check around the rest of the room, making sure there aren't any creepy-crawlies hiding anywhere, until the kettle downstairs begins to whistle loudly.

I head downstairs and turn the stove off before carrying the broom outside in order to shake the wad of webs off the end of it.

However, since some are being stubborn, I have to beat the bristles against the stone façade of the house several times.

The sun is just beginning to rise as I turn to walk back inside, but something stops me...the front door...or the window in the door, anyway.

It's old stained-glass that looks like a spider's web with a small jeweled spider in the middle. I must've been so distracted and overwhelmed yesterday that I didn't notice it. 

What the hell is it with this place and spiders and webs?!

Maybe it's an omen...

I shiver a bit at both the unease that settles over me as well as the chill of the morning air before going back inside.

I put the broom up and then make myself a strong cup of coffee.

I'm normally not a fan of the morning staple, but the way I'm feeling, I need all the help I can get as my internal clock just feels off.

I sit at the small table as my body seems to sag with exhaustion.

This must be what they refer to as jet lag, which is Hell on earth...on top of not sleeping well last night. 

I sip the bitter coffee with a grimace, hoping it will perk me up.

It takes me until almost 7 am to choke it all down, but at least I feel somewhat alive now.

I wash my cup and then head upstairs to get ready.

I have no idea what Mr. Rykov will have me doing today, so I don't want to be too dressy and take the risk of ruining what few nice clothes I have, yet I want to look as nice as I can, which is why I chose a white pair of skinny jeans coupled with a gray shirt that I knitted a white lacy collar for and then sewed it on.

I think it looks nice, yet casual...and it was easy on my meager budget. Plus, it shows him a bit of my expertise as a seamstress.

Not to mention that it looks nice with the gray castoff purse and shoes that Aimee had given me last year.

She always gives me her old purses, shoes, and accessories when she's done with them or no longer has room which is a win for me because it's allowed me to create cute, stylish outfits that I would've never had the money for otherwise.

After my morning routine is done, I decide not to wear much make-up – just a bit of smoky gray eye shadow, some mascara, a bit of natural blush, and pink lip gloss.

I gather my hair up into a messy bun, spray a bit of hairspray, followed by my perfume, and I'm ready with 10 minutes to spare.

I go downstairs and nervously pace, waiting for the mysterious Mr. Rykov to arrive.

I wonder what he'll be like...

When Anton first pointed out the castle to me yesterday, I was even more certain that Mr. Rykov had to be an older man...much older.

I just hope that he's nice and isn't a pervert.

I hear the rumble of a car pulling up. He's here...

He knocks on the door and I wait a moment...I don't want to seem too eager.

I take a deep breath before opening the door and am blown away by the man standing before me...more like towering over me as I look up.

I gasp and then bring my hand up to my mouth in embarrassment, feeling my face heat up. What a great start, I sarcastically think as he just stands there, looking at me intensely with his black eyes that are framed by long, dark lashes, making it appear as if he's wearing eyeliner.

Wait...black eyes...?

I shake my head a bit and try to look away, but can't. He's so stunning, but in a very peculiar way.

He's older, probably early to mid-thirties and very pale, skinny, and tall – well over six and a half feet.

His facial features are striking and sharp, and his hair is long – shoulder length, dark, and styled perfectly. His eyebrows are dark and thick, and he has a well groomed goatee.

His fingers are abnormally long and skinny though, like the rest of his body, while his fingernails are as black as his eyes...which is beyond bizarre, and he's wearing what looks like a very old signet ring on his pinky.

Is he Goth or gay?

He's impeccably dressed, wearing a black suit, but it looks very old-fashioned, like how distinguished gentlemen or nobility used to dress in the 18 or early 1900's, with a ruffled ascot, vest, and a pocket watch with a chain draped across...carrying a fancy, old walking cane. 

He looks very dapper, as they used to say back then, and I certainly can't criticize him because I too love vintage clothing and have even made myself some 30's and 40's style dresses.

I cross my arms tightly over my chest, feeling insecure about how I've dressed now, looking like a cheap slob next to him.

As I look back upon his face, his eyes are still focused intently upon me, sending a shiver down my spine.

I've never seen eyes like his before, so it's a bit unnerving.

He finally smiles, which makes his oddly handsome face come to life. "Forgive me for my rudeness, madam," he says with a slight bow. "I am Nikolai Rykov, and I have come to take you to breakfast," he finishes with his hand on his chest.

His voice is somewhat deep and beautiful with a bit of a lilt, and his accent, which sounds like a cross between Russian and Romanian, is lovely and eloquent.  

His teeth are a bit odd though. Don't get me wrong...they are pearly white and straight, but they look slightly pointed and sharp on the ends, making the hairs on my arms stand up.

"Oh! Yes...uh...I'm Jenna – sorry," I fumble like an inarticulate idiot as he smirks. 

"It is so nice to finally meet you, Jenna," he replies and then holds his long, pale hand out.

The way he says my name sends shivers throughout my body.

I slowly raise my right hand, thinking he wants to shake hands, but no...he stoops down and gently kisses my hand, causing me once again to gasp.

It feels like there is an immense magnetic charge between us...

He rises up halfway to look me in the eyes and then says, "Enchanted," before rising back to his full height. 

And there it is...that wonderful, heady, masculine smell...only far more intense. Certainly not sauerkraut...

He looks down at our hands that are still joined and gently runs his long thumb over my bruise.

"You've been injured...might I inquire how?" he asks pensively before looking back up at me with those black, soul-piercing eyes of his.

"Oh, it's nothing, really. I'm just a klutz," I giggle nervously, wanting to pull my hand from his, but at the same time, never wanting to let go...

"Did you fall?" he asks skeptically.

"No, I...hit my hand into the wood trim around my old bedroom door," I explain without telling him that it happened while I was stealing a doorknob.

"Ah...I see," he grins with a look of relief. "Do try to be more careful. I wouldn't want you hurt in any way."

Again, the way he looks at me makes me feel funny. I can't explain it.

"I-I will," I stutter my promise.

"Good," he smiles. "Shall we?" he asks with an elegant flourish of his arm.

I nod as he releases my hand and offers me his arm, so prim and proper.

I link my arm with his as I pull my door shut before we walk over to the most beautiful, old car that I've ever seen.

Whoa...

It's a black, convertible roadster with whitewall tires that looks as old as his clothes. As we get closer, I see the large Mercedes-Benz emblem on the hood.

He opens my door and helps me in, even though it's unnecessary. He then tucks his cane into the backseat before walking around to the driver's side and getting in.

"I hope you don't mind, but it's about three miles to the castle," he explains before starting the car.

"No...this is fine," I smile. Who wouldn't want to ride in something so cool? And who the hell has a three mile long driveway?!

Apparently, he does...

He turns the car around in the pristine yard before we head towards his home...castle.

I watch him peripherally as he shifts the gears with ease as the wind blows through his luscious locks while the sun seems to almost illuminate his paleness...giving him an otherworldly, ethereal glow.

Luscious locks...ethereal glow? What the hell is wrong with me?!

Everything about him seems wrong somehow, but oh so right...

No! I must not think like that! He's my boss, and he's older, and a bit weird...

Besides, I'm not even sure if he's single or what his sexual orientation may be. He does paint his fingernails after all...

All I know is that there's NO way that a guy like this is single, unless there is something majorly wrong with him.

Well...all I can say is that whoever she or he is, they are one lucky mofo!

I sigh, hoping that I can eventually meet someone...someone who will save me from scary spiders at night...

"If it is alright with you, I would like to show you around the castle and grounds later," he says, breaking the silence.

"I'd love that," I smile before looking back to the gorgeous scenery, trying not to focus on him.

No matter how perfect he may seem, I'm not a home wrecker, so I have to stick to my guns and keep things strictly professional.

We approach the long, stone, fairy tale looking bridge and drive onto it as the tires hum along the cobblestones. 

The bridge spans over a ravine and winding river below, and the closer we get to the castle, the more overwhelming it becomes.

I've never seen anything like this before...we certainly don't have anything like this back in the states.

There's no way that one guy lives in this humongous place all by himself.

Again, he has to be taken, and will probably be filling this place up with adorable, abnormally long-fingered little Nikolai's and Nicola's soon, if he hasn't already...

He certainly looks virile, I think while side eyeing him, feeling my cheeks blush.

Jesus...I need to quit reading those stupid romance novels and finally find myself a real boyfriend...

Anyway, that's what he probably needs me for...to be their nanny, I think gloomily.

I don't know why, but an intense feeling of jealousy instantly fills me at the thought.

I don't know if I could handle that...working here while having to watch him be with someone else...

Maybe this job isn't such a good idea.

I shake my head at my ridiculous thoughts, asking myself once again, what the hell is wrong with me.

He's not mine and will never be mine.

A guy like him would never want an American peasant like me...

We drive through an arched opening and come to a stop in a large, cobblestone courtyard, right in front of a massive set of doors.

Wow...

I look up and notice a coat of arms carved into the stone above the doors.

It has a web with a spider in the middle of a shield that says "Weave Well" on flowing ribbons.

Oh my God...more spider décor...

It's as if the universe is trying to tell me something...but what???

A/N : Here you go, folks – another chapter! What did you think? How do you think their breakfast will go, or the rest of their day? Let me hear from you!!!

I hope that everyone has a safe and very Happy New Year!!! 🎆🎊🎈🎉 May 2019 be blessed, for you all! ❤️

🕷PLEASE BE SURE TO VOTE & COMMENT!!!🕷

FYI : For those who don't know, Peter Parker is Spiderman. Lol