I blinked at him, surprised by his sudden intimacy. But before I could protest, he was leaning down, his warm breath fanning across my face as he kissed me. His lips were soft, his kiss tender, and it was nothing like the violent, possessive kisses Miss Adrianne had forced on me. This was a kiss filled with care and concern, and it sent a warmth spreading through my chest that I hadn't felt in a very long time.For a moment, I just lay there, letting him kiss me, letting him hold me. It was like a balm to my bruised soul, and I found myself responding, my arms wrapping around his neck, pulling him closer. His hands began to roam, exploring my body with a gentle touch that had me gasping for breath. He kissed me deeper, his tongue sliding into my mouth, and I could taste the hint of mint from the tea he'd been drinking.But then, reality crashed back down around me like a ton of bricks. I remembered his fiancée, the beautiful Miss Adrianne, and the games they played in this mansion. I
I woke up the next day feeling tired and exhausted, the memories of the night before clinging to me like a damp fog that wouldn't lift. Rachel was already up, bustling around the room, her movements efficient and silent. She glanced at me when she heard me stir, a soft smile on her lips. "How are you?" she asked, her voice a balm to my frazzled nerves."I'm okay," I lied, sitting up slowly and swinging my legs over the side of the bed. My body felt bruised and sore, a constant reminder of the violation I'd barely escaped. Rachel handed me a cup of tea, the steam curling up like a gentle embrace. "Thank you," I murmured, taking a tentative sip. It was sweet and soothing, just what I needed."Well, I have good news, Emma," Rachel said, her eyes bright with something that looked like hope. "Mr. Harrison told me to tell you that you don't have to work today. He said you should rest."I stared at her, my heart skipping a beat. "What?" I croaked. "But why?"Rachel's smile grew a little wide
"I-it was just a bit of fun," Mr. Luca stuttered, his eyes flickering towards Miss Adrianne for support. She scurried off the bed, straightening her dress and smoothing her hair, trying to regain some semblance of dignity.Miss Adrianne giggled, a high-pitched sound that grated on my nerves. "Oh, come on, Harrison," she cooed, her voice sticky with fake innocence. "You know how these girls can be. They just get so lonely down here, and who can blame them for seeking a little...companionship?"Mr. Harrison's gaze flicked to me, his eyes filled with a storm of emotions I couldn't quite decipher. "Is this true, Emma?" he asked, his voice tight with tension.I didn't ask for a companionship,it's not true, I screamed inside my head. But the words wouldn't come out. All I could do was shake my head, my throat closing up with fear. "No," I managed to whisper, the sound barely audible. "It's not true."Mr. Harrison's eyes narrowed, and he turned back to Mr. Luca. "Get the fuck out of my house
Miss Adrianne's smile grew more predatory, and she gestured to the bed. "Take off your clothes," she said, her voice a silky command. "And let's see what kind of entertainment you can provide."I froze, my mind racing. I couldn't do this. I couldn't let her do this to me. Rachel stepped forward, her eyes flashing with anger. "Ma'am," she began, "I don't think that's appropriate. She's just a maid."Miss Adrianne's smile grew colder. "Rachel," she said, her voice a warning, "you're dismissed. Leave us."Rachel's eyes met mine, full of anger and fear, but she didn't argue. With a curt nod, she turned and marched out of the room, the door slamming shut behind her. The finality of it echoed through the small space, leaving me alone with the woman who had just ordered me to undress.Miss Adrianne's smile grew more predatory as Rachel left, her eyes raking over my body with a hunger that made me want to shrink away. But Rachel's words echoed in my head, a reminder that I wasn't just a victi
I turned on my heel and practically ran to the kitchen, my heart pounding in my chest. Rachel met me with a knowing look. "You okay?" she asked, her voice low.I nodded, trying to compose myself. "I can't do this," I whispered, my eyes darting to the door. Rachel grabbed my arm, her grip firm. "You can, and you will," she said, her voice filled with a fiery determination. "We all have our stories here. You're not the only one with secrets."Her words were a balm to my soul, and I felt a newfound strength in her touch. Rachel had been through hell and back, and she was still standing. If she could do it, so could I. I took a deep breath and nodded, squaring my shoulders. "Okay," I said, my voice stronger now. "Let's do this."The rest of the night was a blur of serving, smiling, and biting my tongue. I ignored Mr. Harrison's furtive glances and Miss Adrianne's thinly veiled disdain. I focused on the task at hand, serving drinks and clearing plates, all while keeping my eyes firmly on R
Without thinking, I pulled her into a tight embrace. "I'm so sorry," I murmured into her hair, my heart breaking for her. "I had no idea." Rachel leaned into me, her body trembling slightly as she clung to me. The warmth of her body against mine was a stark contrast to the cold fear that had gripped my heart."You can't tell anyone," she whispered, her voice muffled against my shoulder. "Please, Emma. If he finds out, he'll hurt me, or worse."I nodded, stroking her hair gently. "I promise, Rachel," I murmured, my voice filled with determination. "I won't say a word."With a deep breath, Rachel pulled away, wiping at her eyes. "Thank you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Now, we should get back to work before someone notices we're gone."I nodded, a lump forming in my throat as I took in the gravity of Rachel's confession. The mansion's glamorous facade was beginning to crumble, revealing the dark underbelly of manipulation and control that had been hidden beneath the sur