Five

The silence between me and Desmond stretched awkwardly. I couldn't think of anything to say, not when my mind was still very much in shock and in disbelief over what happened earlier.

He cleared his throat, and I was suddenly more aware of his presence. 

“I’d like to apologize for dragging you away, I should have…”

I shook my head and cut in. “It's fine.” I hate to admit it but he saved my life. “I should be thanking you instead.”

Surprise flickered through his gaze and he raised his brows. I could understand why, but a huge part of me was grateful I was out of there even though it hurts.

“I needed to get out of there at the end of the day. I could only lie to myself for so long.”

The secret we both shared laid heavy and untouched between us. But there was an understanding in the silence.

“Thank you for all you've done. I'll be out of your hair by…”

“You should stay.”

“What? No,you've already done enough. I'm going to…”

“Just stay, Isabel. For as long as you need to get yourself together. There are more than enough rooms here.”

I wanted to fight back and refuse the offer. So much was already going on between him and I, so many owed favours and it was annoying because they were all one-sided.

But the truth was I had nowhere to go and not a dime to my name. I was an unpaid slave for 3 years and now that it's all over, I have nothing to start over with.

The thought of being homeless and starving subdued my ego.

“Thank you, but I promise to be out of here as soon as I can.”

He just smiled and stood up. “My home is open to you for as long as you need it. The maids will show you to your room.” 

With a quick nod, he walked away and my eyes remained fixed on his back, his very muscular back and I could only think of how the media has been wrong about all they've said about him. All, except one

He was very sexy.

Both my hands immediately clamped down on my cheeks and I shook my head as embarrassment flooded my system.

What the hell was I thinking?

Not being touched properly despite being married tends to do a lot to your brain. The last time Scott was in my bed was 3 months ago, and he was out before I could even understand what was going on.

Shaking my head yet again, I stood up and went in search of the maids. I need to take a cold shower and a very long rest.

****

Panic filled my system when I opened my eyes and it was already very bright out. I didn't even bother changing out of my pajamas before I ran downstairs. 

“Why didn't Scott wake me up?!”

I was already thinking and practicing on how I would apologize when I realized how different everywhere was.

The events of yesterday came pouring into my head and I felt a mixture of both relief and an ache.

Waking up to serve the family for years gave me a purpose and a routine, now I had none. 

My legs trudged towards the kitchen and the maids were already running around doing things and setting everything in order.

It didn't feel like I was needed for anything .

“Good morning, ma’am? Do you need anything? Next time please ring the bell when you do.”

I swallowed and forced myself to smile. This treatment was new and very awkward.

“That's fine. I don't need anything, I just came to see if you all needed help.”

Regret was bitter on my tongue once I said that and they all exchanged a look like I hit my head somewhere.

“The dishes,” I continued even though I should have turned on my feet and just gone back to my room, “I can help out with that. You all seem so busy with everything else.”

“No, ma’am. We will handle that much later.”

“Allow me”

I brushed past her, raised the sleeves of my shirt and got started with the dishes.

The awkwardness of my actions were heavy in the air but I pretended like that wasn't the case and just continued with the dishes, hoping they would all come around soon.

I had nothing to do and lounging around all day was not an option.

“What the hell is going on here?”

All the hairs on my body stood and my heartbeat seemed to accelerate.

I slowly turned around with my practiced smile on my face, but that immediately vanished when I saw Desmond and he looked really really pissed.

His jaw was tightly clenched and once we made eye contact, I saw it twitch.

“What are you doing, Isabel?”

My mouth ran dry, “I… umm, I was helping them out with the dishes. I just thought I'd be useful.”

Closing the gap between us in three quick strides, he grabbed my hand and led me away. 

I had to run to meet up with his strides and he only stopped when we were at the door to my room, and I was already panting.

“Why are you so angry? I just wanted to help.”

“Your help is not needed there, Isabel. I have staff, staff that I pay adequately for their jobs. This is not the Blackwell house.”

My mouth opened and closed so many times but I couldn't say anything reasonable at all.

“I just wanted to help and stay busy.”

He sighed and punched the bridge of his nose. “If you want to stay busy, you can come with me.”

“To work?” He nodded and I blanched. “I know nothing about your business and what am I going to be doing there?”

“I'm heading to the farm to oversee some produce, you can learn a thing or two.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

I felt excitement rise in the pit of my stomach but that was immediately quenched.  

“I have nothing to wear.”

The corner of his lips tugged up in a smirk. “That's not a problem, you can pick something from my wardrobe.”

He held open the door next to mine and gestured inside.

My heart immediately skipped a beat, and I couldn't tell if it was the thought of wearing his clothes or the proximity of our rooms that sent a warning bell ringing in my head.