A SHAMELESS HOST

(SERENE'S POV)

The room was ice cold and the walls seemed to press in, suffocating me. A violent chill spread through my body, I felt like I was being pierced by cold needles.

"Wake her up!" an angry voice barked from above me.

"She fainted," a second voice replied softly. "Maybe she is just weak. She couldn't handle the bullying."

"Are you insinuating I bullied a human, Gina?" The first voice snapped back, defensive. "Why would I ever do that?"

Gina went silent.

"Eveline, bring it here."

I felt it before it touched me, a basin of ice cold water was poured on my body. Surprisingly instead of the cold, I felt a fire rise deep within my chest, it was warm and protective. It caressed me rather than burned me.

Then, a voice echoed from my lips. It sounded like mine, but carried a dark, commanding power that was definitely not mine. “I dare you to touch her again.”

They went silent.

"I thought you said she was human!" someone whispered with panic in her voice.

"She is human, you dummy," the leader answered, though her voice was shaking. "This room is just creepy, like everyone says. Let's go. You can tell Raymond she is unpacking and resting. She will start work tomorrow."

"Do we just leave her like this?" Gina hesitated.

"Of course! What Gina, do you want to defy me for her?"

"No, Your Highness," Gina murmured and the  door was slammed shut.

I struggled to stand up, my body aching, my hands shaking, but I still managed to peel off the soaked clothes, remove the wet sheets from the mattress and put on the fresh ones I found in the cabinet and finally collapsed on the bed. Let tomorrow worry about tomorrow.

When my eyes opened the next morning, the room was actually nice. There was sunlight despite it being underground, I guess I was at the end of the tunnel. 

I pulled up a playlist on my phone, turned it on, and got to work. The bathroom was surprisingly big and the closet too, even though they were covered in dust. I wiped down every surface, scrubbed the tiles and once I was satisfied with my work I gathered my dirty laundry and matched out in search of a washing machine. Hopefully this old fashioned estate actually had a modern washing machine, I didn't fancy the idea of actually handwashing our clothes.

I found the shy girl from the kitchen in the hallway, she jumped when she noticed me. "Ohhhhh goddess! You scared me! Why are you up so early? Where are you going?"

I checked my watch, it was 5:30 AM. "It's not that early," I smiled, gesturing to the heavy pile of clothes in my arms. "And am hopefully looking for a laundry room."

Her shoulders relaxed, and she smiled shyly. "I will take you."

I followed behind her as we climbed the stone hallway. "This place is weird. Was it a dungeon?" I asked.

She laughed. "I thought the exact same thing when I first got here. You get used to it. How is your room? People say it's haunted."

"I am actually glad they say that," I laughed softly. "It’s so beautiful down there. I love having the whole space to myself, do you know it has a kitchen area?"

"And another tip, those stone walls are completely soundproof," she added mysteriously. "They say it was built as a hidden bridal chamber for a queen. The king adored her, but her heart belonged to a commoner."

I laughed. "Don't go believing every story you hear," I teased.

My phone buzzed in my pocket and I picked it up, it was a call from Athena.

"Hey, Cub!" Athena’s voice rang through the speaker, filled with relief and worry. "I have been trying to reach you in forever. Where have you been? What happened?”

"I just overslept," I admitted.

"Oh, thank goodness. Just don't sleep in so much that you get fired, we can't afford that contract penalty." She teased.

"I know,” I answered with a laugh. "How is everyone back home?"

Athena paused, her voice her whisper. "Guess what? I got proof of those two cheating. I had someone follow them right into the hotel. You can finally cut him loose for good." She said excitedly.

I sighed in relief. "Send it over right now. You are a lifesaver." I answered, equally excited.

Later that morning, I stood in the kitchen slicing a fresh kiwi. A list of guests and their preferences, allergies and turn offs in front of me. It was my duty to create a meal plan that favored all and yet harmed none for the banquet tonight. 

"Who was that on the phone?" a deep voice asked from right behind me.

"My useless ex boyfriend," I replied casually, keeping my eyes on the cutting board. "I have just got proof of his cheating."

"Good. Leave him. He was never good enough for you anyway."

I paused, that voice didn't sound like Jazmine. Before I could react, a large warm hand slid around my waist, pulling me back against a broad, strong chest. I froze immediately, because somehow I could recognize that intoxicating scent anywhere.

"Raymond," I whispered.

"Where were you yesterday, doll face?" he murmured, his breath brushing against my neck. "I couldn't eat a single thing without you there." He complained.

"I fell asleep," I answered, trying to ignore his fingers that were now slowly tracing patterns on my waist.

A sudden fire built in my stomach, causing me to moan softly. Raymond leaned down, his lips brushing against my ear, then he gently nipped the lobe. "You affect me way more than I would admit," he admitted.

Another treacherous moan slipped past my lips as his fingers slid over mine, gently taking control of the knife and guiding me on how to cut the fruit.

“Ahem…...”

Someone coughed and we both turned instantly.

Standing in the doorway was an elderly couple with a young woman I knew from the first time I met Raymond. The girl’s eyes were filled with tears. She took one more look at Raymond's hands around me and ran out of the room in tears.

"Daisy!" the older woman called out anxiously, following her.

The older gentleman stepped forward. "Nice to meet you. I am Yolen Lakewood. You were hired to be my personal nutritionist and chef..." He paused, winking at Raymond. "But it looks like I might be getting myself a granddaughter in law."

He didn't let us answer and walked away.

I sighed heavily, turning in Raymond's arms to scold. But me against his body, lifted my chin up, and kissed me deeply.