housekeeper to replac

as cold, sharp - a voice that could crack glass if pushed hard enough. On the other end of the

," she said, her voice fragile. "You requested someone obed

rously low. "You should've waited for my final approval. I did

han, she's

aid

of his finger, and silence took

r, hidden behind the shadows of a

-

ng to memorize the unfamiliar layout of the mansion. But the moment she heard his v

vesdropping

than guilt... was

d in a

ask f

d've

e not

hat service was its own reward. But no amount of whispered prayers prepared her for the

reat quietly - bu

owed immediate

fr

doorway like a child about to be punished. Her

apology," he said. "I

of his study now, feeling the heavy gaze on her body like heat. The tray

the whole ca

hesi

o, Br

enough to know I wasn't p

.Ye

circling prey. When he stopped in front of her, he didn't touch her. He didn't need t

t to leave?

ked up.

mansion melted away. There were no ru

he said

flickered

hy

truth. Because I want to prove I'm worthy wasn't, either. Somewhere between the heat o

stay," sh

eached for the tea on the tray - his fingers

"Then don't ever list

-

ned to her room to find the first of

eatly on her bed.

one she wo

s new. Dark

her every curve and made her legs look longer than she'd ever allowed herself to imagine. The stock

a note tuc

rvice. I want to see how

eeks b

ening s

mean

ething

-

the dining room, arms folded tightly in front o

of dark wine in his hand. His eyes lifted as she entered

the note

, Br

pi

th caugh

ssion did

ant to see

her stomach. But she obeyed. S

anged - but the way his fingers curled around the

ointing to the ch

oss the

ide

-

. At least, it wa

long when he reached for the bread. Her breath hitched. She sipped water t

er di

d and sticky - he dipped his spoon in it a

Then, I le

old dessert touched he

e st

ble smile crept

do just fine h