Chapter 4

Jace walked into the Silver Crest Hotel and headed straight for the reception. The lady behind the counter smiled when she saw him approach.

“Good evening, sir.”

“I’m here to see Miss Sky Landon,” Jace replied curtly, brushing off the suggestive stares of the receptionist and several other women in the lobby.

“You must be Jace Bellamy, right?” she asked, and he gave a small nod.

“She’s in Suite 508,” the receptionist said, leaning forward with a smile that carried more intent than professionalism.

Jace crooked a finger for her to lean closer. Thinking he had gotten her message and probably wanted something intimate, she leaned in with a sheepish grin.

“The next time you see me and attempt this foolery, I’ll make sure you’re packing your desk by morning. For your sake, I hope you do not forget.” He said with a smirk, his voice low and dangerous.

Jace watched as the confident gleam in her eyes slowly dissolved into fear. He liked it when he made women cower like that, especially cheap women like Eden and this receptionist lady.

“Idiotic women always trying their tricks on me,” he thought as he walked to the elevator, pressing the button for the fifth floor, where he knew Sky and Suite 508 would be.

***

Sky had become restless as she waited for Jace to appear. They had agreed to meet today at Silver Crest, one of her father’s chain of luxury hotels. She had been so eager she arrived early and was unable to keep still. She missed him desperately—his lips, his touch, the way his hands slid over her body, and his whisper that she was irresistible. As she waited, all of her moments with Jace flashed in her mind, making her crave him all the more.

She glanced at her reflection in the wide vanity mirror and smiled. She looked perfect. Sultry, polished, elegant—basically everything that Jace deserved. She was perfect. Her hair was tied up in a sleek twist that emphasized her heart-shaped face. She wore a sapphire-blue strapless dress that ended a few inches above her knees, paired with soft gold sandals. Her makeup was light with just a hint of gloss and blush because she knew Jace despised heavy makeup, and she wanted to make him happy at all costs. Nothing would spoil their moment together, especially not something as inconsequential as makeup.

A knock came at the door, and she rushed to open it, her breath catching at the sight of him. He looked devastatingly handsome, his eyes traveling over her body with hunger. For a moment, she wondered if it was possible for anyone to get more handsome than they already were.

“You look stunning, my love,” he murmured as he gave her a big grin.

“And you’re as perfectly handsome as always, just the way I remembered,” she replied, stepping aside to let him in.

The moment the door shut, Jace pushed her gently against it, his breath hot against her ear.

“I’ve missed you; you have no idea how much,” he whispered, trailing kisses down her neck.

She moaned softly, trembling with anticipation. He claimed her lips softly at first and then hungrily, and she returned his kiss with as much passion and fervor. She clung to him like her life depended on it, her breasts pressed to his chest.

He groaned in delight, his hands sliding over her curves before he pulled her to the bed, kissing her feverishly, demanding so much more.

Only moments later, their clothes were strewn across the floor as passion took over.

Jace quickly reached for the pack of condoms he brought with him before returning to her. Without hesitation, he slid into her, moving with urgent need, each thrust earning him a cry of pleasure from Sky. This was what he deserved and not the repulsive presence of Eden in his home.

She didn’t care if he was married or not; he would always belong to her, and she silently vowed never to let him go as he led her into waves and waves of bliss.

***

Eden forced her aching body into the kitchen to prepare Jace’s dinner. She was extremely careful not to make mistakes as she did, for even the smallest slip could set him off. Her head throbbed and her body still ached, but she pushed through, setting a plate of grilled chicken with mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables, moderately seasoned, neatly on the dining table. just the way he said he liked it. She served herself a small portion of the food, eating and washing her used dishes quickly before retreating upstairs. She wanted to be done with all she had to do before Jace walked into the house.

Once in her room, she stood under the shower, letting the warm water cascade over her, momentarily easing her pain. If only it could be so easy to get rid of pain of all kinds. Afterward, she put on an oversized white shirt with only panties and lay down, staring at the ceiling. She wasn’t in the mood for many clothes, as she was feeling a little irritable.

As she enjoyed the peace of Jace’s absence, her mind drifted to the past when things were still normal and she hadn’t fallen into the hands of Jace.

***

“Eden, dear?” Mrs. Bellamy called, her voice warm but firm. Eden had hurried from the kitchen to answer.

“Good morning, ma’am.” She greeted respectfully.

“Good morning, Eden. Please, sit.” Gretchen said with a warm smile.

She perched nervously on one of the large cream sofas, waiting for what Mrs. Taylor had to say.

“You’ve worked for me for nearly three years now; is that correct?” Mrs. Bellamy asked kindly.

“Yes, ma’am.” Eden replied that she had started to become uncomfortable. Had she done something wrong?

But Mrs. Bellamy’s reassuring smile dismissed every negative thought she had been harboring.

“I admire your hard work, kindness, and loyalty. You’re perfect for something I have in mind.” She rose, sat beside Eden, and took her hands. “I need a favor, child. A big favor.”

Eden’s thoughts immediately turned into a haze of confusion. What could this wealthy woman possibly ask of her? She had nothing to offer, nothing but her services.

“What kind of favor could this be, ma’am?” she stammered.

“I’ll tell you, but only if you promise not to refuse.” Mrs. Bellamy said softly.

Eden was reluctant, especially after Gretchen asked her to make such a promise, but when she recalled all this woman had done for her, she nodded.

“I promise, I’ll not refuse you.”

Immediately, the words were out of Eden’s mouth, and relief spread across Mrs. Bellamy’s face.

“This has to do with my son; I need you to take a position in my son’s household.”

Eden let out a breath. That wasn’t as frightening as she expected; maybe it was an even better job.

“Yes, ma’am,” she replied with a smile; there was no need to be afraid after all. Mrs. Bellamy would never put her in harm’s way.

Mrs. Bellamy’s eyes gleamed with hope.

“There’s a reason for my request, but that will come later.”

***

Eden didn’t know how long she had dozed when a rough nudge to her legs jolted her awake. Blinking, she found Jace looming above her, his expression sharp.

“Get up and make me breakfast,” he barked.

Despite her pain, she scrambled out of bed. He lingered, eyes raking her figure. Only then did she realize she was in nothing but her oversized shirt and panties. Embarrassment flushed her cheeks, but she kept her gaze low.

“Put on something proper, you cheap slut,” he snapped before striding out.

She sighed, wondering if he could ever address her without insult. Quickly, she swapped the shirt for joggers and a plain tee, pulling her hair into a ponytail before hurrying downstairs. In the kitchen, she found Tessa already tidying up.

“Good morning, ma’am,” Tessa greeted warmly.

“Morning, Tessa,” Eden said with a tired smile.

“Are you feeling any better?”

“A little, thank you for asking, Tessa.” Eden replied.

They made breakfast together in silence, but with Tessa, it was the comforting kind of silence. In a way, Tessa was her friend.

***

Upstairs in his study, Jace slammed his hand against the desk, furious with himself. Why couldn’t he stop thinking about her?

That shirt. The outline beneath it. The glimpse of her soft curves.

“Damn it!” He growled. He wasn’t supposed to think of her at all. He belonged with Sky, not this servant.

He raked his hands through his hair in frustration. He should be remembering the night before with Sky, how she’d begged for his touch and how she’d made him feel whole after. Instead, the image of Eden’s body lingered.

A soft knock broke his thoughts, and he knew who it was before she walked into the room.

“Come in,” he said sharply.

The door opened, and as he predicted, Eden came into view in the doorway.

“What is it?” he snapped.

“I just wanted to let you know your breakfast is ready.” she said softly, her voice trembling.

“Bring it here,” he ordered, eyes dark as they swept over her again. Though she had covered herself in joggers and a loose shirt, she wasn’t wearing a bra.