CHAPTER FIVE

Elodie hummed softly to herself as she wiped down the kitchen counter, her rag swishing back and forth over the gleaming marble surface.

The early morning sun streamed through the large picture window, casting a warm glow over the modern appliances and polished hardwood floors.

She was finishing the last cabinet when she heard the soft padding of bare feet behind her. She straightened and turned to see her employer, Antoine, walking into the kitchen in a silk robe, his hair tousled from sleep.

“Ah, Elodie, there you are,” he said with a warm smile, his eyes roaming appreciatively over her figure. “I’m so glad you’re here with us. Who would’ve thought this place would ever be this sparkly?”

Elodie felt a blush rise to her cheeks at his compliment. “Thank you,” she said, ducking her head shyly. “I do my best.”

Antoine cleared his throat, tearing his gaze away as he poured himself a glass of water from the pitcher on the counter. “I trust you’ve prepared breakfast?” he asked, taking a long sip.

Elodie nodded. “Yes.” She glanced nervously at the trays of food waiting on the counter. “I can bring it up to your room if you’d like…”

“That would be lovely,” he said, his eyes glinting. “My room it is. I’ll be expecting you.”

With that, he turned and strode out of the kitchen, leaving Elodie to gather the breakfast trays. She took a deep breath to steady her nerves and walked slowly toward the grand staircase.

She paused outside the bedroom door, her heart pounding hard in her chest.

She raised her hand to knock when the door suddenly swung open. She gasped, the tray nearly slipping from her hands.

She stared up at Antoine’s son, Luke, who lounged against the doorframe with a grin. She hadn’t formally met him yet, but she recognized him from the family photo on the wall.

“Well, well. Look what the cat dragged in,” he drawled, his eyes roaming over Elodie’s body. “Looking for Papa?”

Elodie flushed, suddenly very aware of how close they were in the narrow hallway. “I—I’m just bringing breakfast for your father,” she stammered, trying to step past him.

She tried to move, but he reached out and grabbed her wrist, pulling her flush against him. She could feel the heat of his body through her uniform, his chest pressing into her.

“Mmm, aren’t you a pretty little thing,” he murmured, his hand drifting down to squeeze her through her skirt. “I think I’d like a taste of you myself…”

Elodie squeaked in shock, all the blood draining from her face as she realized the danger she was in. She was alone with him, and his intentions were unmistakable.

Her mind raced as she searched desperately for a way out. Was this how she would lose her innocence? she wondered in panic.

Suddenly, an idea struck her. Her free hand shot out, grabbing the silver tray from the cart and smashing it down onto Luke’s head with all the strength she could muster.

He yelped, releasing her immediately and staggering backward into the room. Elodie didn’t hesitate. She turned and ran down the hall as fast as her legs would carry her.

She could hear Luke cursing after her, no doubt clutching a swelling lump on his head, but she didn’t look back. All she cared about was getting away.

Her heart pounding, she ran down the stairs and ducked into the first door she saw, gasping for breath as she tried to calm herself.

She collapsed against the door, shaking violently. Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as the reality of what had just happened crashed over her.

Elodie covered her mouth with a trembling hand as a sob escaped. She wanted to be strong, wanted to believe she could handle anything but this was too much.

The tears came freely as she sank to the cold tile floor, hugging her knees to her chest and rocking back and forth.

A sudden pounding on the door made her freeze.

“Elodie? Elodie, open this door at once!”

Her breath caught. It was Antoine and he sounded angry.

Elodie forced herself to stand, her legs unsteady. Slowly, she opened the door just a crack, peering up at him with tear-filled eyes.

“M-Master?” she whispered, her lips trembling.

Antoine’s stern expression softened at the sight of her tear-streaked face. “What on earth happened?”

Elodie collapsed against his chest, sobbing. “It—it was your son,” she cried. “He… he grabbed me…”

“Shhh,” Antoine murmured, stroking her hair as he held her. “It’s alright now. You’re safe.”

She looked up at him, shaking. “I—I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I shouldn’t have—”

Antoine pressed a finger gently to her lips. “You have nothing to be sorry for,” he said firmly. “My son crossed a line, and I will make sure he never lays a hand on you again.”

Elodie looked up at him through tear-soaked lashes, biting her lip. “Master,” she said softly, her voice still trembling, “I… I don’t know what to do…”

Antoine’s eyes softened further as he cupped her cheek.

“Oh, Elodie,” he said gently, his thumb brushing her skin. “I’m so sorry you had to go through that. I want you to know I’m here for you and I will handle this.”