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 in through the large picture window, casting a warm glow over the modern appliances and polished hardwood floors.

She was finishing up the last cabinet when she heard the soft padding of bare feet walking behind her. She straightened up and turned to see her employer, Antoine walking into the kitchen in his 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 sparkly"

Elodie felt a blush rising 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 from her to pour 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," 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 calm her nerves and walked slowly toward the grand staircase, walking towards the bedroom. She paused outside, her heart pounding hard in her chest.

She tried to knock before the door suddenly swung open and she gasped, tge tray almost slipping from her hands.

She stared up at Antoine's son, Luke, who lounged against the doorframe with a grin. She was yet to meet him but she had seen their family’s photo on the wall.

"Well, well, look what the cat dragged in?" he purred, his eyes roaming greedily over Elodie's body. "Looking for Papa?"

Elodie flushed hotly, suddenly very aware of how close they were in the narrow hallway. "I…I'm just bringing breakfast for your father and his guest," she stammered, trying to move past him into the room.

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 breasts.

"Mmmm, aren't you a pretty little thing," he murmured, his hand drifting down to squeeze her ass 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 suddenly realized the situation she was in. She was alone with this boy who was clearly more interested in what was between her thighs than the conversation.

Her mind reeled as she tried to think of a way out of the situation? Was this how she would loose her innocent? She wuestihersekf.

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

He let out a yelp, releasing her immediately and staggering back into the room. Elodie took advantage and fled down the hall as fast as her legs would carry her.

She could hear Luke cursing after her, no doubt with a big lump on his head and egg dripping down his face but she didn't care. All she could think about was getting away from him, escaping this nightmare of a morning before it got even worse.

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

She collapsed against the door with a deep breath, realizing how hard she was shaking. Tears prickled at the corners of her eyes as the reality of what had just happened washed over her.

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

The tears came fast, pouring down Elodie's face as she crumpled to the cold tile floor in misery. Elodie hugged her knees to her chest as she rocked back and forth, letting the tears fall freely now.

As if summoned, there was a sudden pounding on the bathroom door, followed by a familiar voice calling out. "Elodie? Elodie, open this door at once!"

She froze, every muscle in her body going rigid with fear. It was Antoine. He was here and he sounded angry.

Elodie scrabbled to her feet, all thoughts of running away abandoned for the moment. Slowly, she opened the door just a crack, peeking out at Antoine through bleary eyes.

"Master?" she quavered, her eyes teary and her lios shaky.

Antoine's stern expression softened at the sight of her tear stained face. " What on earth happened?"

Elodie collapsed against his chest as she began to sob again. "It…it was your son," she hiccuped out between tears. "He..he grabbed me...and he...he..."

"Shhhh," Antoine soothed, stroking her hair back from her face as he held her close. "It's alright now, you’re afe."

Elodie looked up at him through watery eyes. "I-I'm sorry," she whispered. "I should never have..."

Antoine pressed a finger to her lips, silencing her apology. "You have nothing to be sorry for," he said firmly. "My son overstepped his bounds and I will make sure he knows that he is never to touch you again."

Elodie looked up at Antoine through tear drenched lashes, biting her lip as a sudden idea came to her. "Master," she said softly, her voice still trembling slightly with emotion. "I...I don't know what to do..."

Antoine's eyes softened at her words, his hand coming up to cup her cheek in an intimate way .

"Oh Elodie," he murmured, his thumb tracing gentle circles on her skin. "I'm so sorry you had to go through that, i want you to know that I am here for you and I would fix this"