Total pages in book: 140
Estimated words: 127933 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 640(@200wpm)___ 512(@250wpm)___ 426(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 127933 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 640(@200wpm)___ 512(@250wpm)___ 426(@300wpm)
"Over there is Horticulturist Caius," Alexander pointed to a man whose hands bore the telltale signs of a life spent tending the earth. "He knows every inch of our gardens and grounds.” He then introduced the guards who patrolled the perimeter during the day. "Guardian Lucius and Guardian Drusilla.” He indicated a tall, imposing man and a quieter, observant woman with long blonde hair.
"They will ensure your safety with unwavering dedication. And there, our servitors, Tasia, Verity, and Henrietta," he continued, nodding towards three women who varied in demeanor from quiet efficiency to ghost-like, one of whom was wearing a black partial veil. "And lastly, Steward Ambrose," Alexander concluded, gesturing towards an older gentleman with graying hair, his presence exuding a calming wisdom. "He's been with me for years. Occasionally he also serves as my driver, but I’ve substituted him with Isaac so he can assist in you getting settled in here at home."
There was that word again.
Home.
The realization that these people were now part of my daily life was both overwhelming and strangely grounding. Alexander's hand found mine again, giving it a reassuring squeeze as if to silently remind me of my place beside him. Each introduction had been met with a brief lifting of bowed heads, their eyes meeting mine with a mix of curiosity and something akin to awe.
As I tried to avoid fixating on the servitor with the black veil covering her face, Alexander called for Ambrose and the man stepped out of the line-up. He was dressed in a tailored uniform, exuding an air of dignified grace.
It was dark, midnight blue. Crisp and well-fitted, enhancing his tall, lean figure. The silver hair at his temples added a distinguished touch to his appearance. His eyes, a warm brown, crinkled at the corners as he offered me a smile that felt genuine and kind.
From his pocket, he produced a burgundy box, its velvet surface hinting at its contents. It was the sort of box one might expect to hold a fine piece of jewelry, delicate and luxurious.
Judging by the look on his and the rest of the staff’s faces, it was far more precious than that. He opened it to reveal a black skeleton key on a thin, matching elegant chain. Alexander took the key and turned to me, placing it into my palm, his fingers warm against mine. I looked up at him, our eyes meeting as he curled my fingers to hold it tight.
I instinctively knew the key was more than just a tool for unlocking doors. This was a tether, another tangible link to this new life that was still so alien to me. This gesture, although simple, carried a weight of significance.
"This is your home now. Embrace who you were always meant to be," he said softly, a hint of something indefinable in his voice.
I nodded, albeit uncertainly. I couldn’t very well tell him no. I wasn’t that foolish.
“Walk me out, deliciae.” He slipped an arm around my middle and led me towards the door, picking up a sleek briefcase that matched his impeccably designed suit along the way.
The morning air was cool and refreshing as we stepped outside onto the walkway. Waiting at the end was a silver SUV with Isaac, the attentive driver, ready and waiting for him. Turning to face me, Alexander's gaze softened. "If you need anything at all, go to Ambrose or use the intercoms. The staff is at your complete disposal."
He pulled me closer to him, his arm tightening around my waist possessively. "If anyone dares to disrespect you, looks at you wrong, or even breathes too hard in your direction tell me immediately. I'll handle them just as I did Kennedy - with no mercy."
I nodded, but deep down I knew I could never put another human being through the same pain and suffering that she had endured.
As his lips met mine in a kiss filled with both tenderness and desire, his tongue danced along the seam of my lips, beckoning them to part and let him in. Clinging onto the key in my hand like a lifeline, I fought against the urge to sink deeper into his embrace.
He finally pulled away, his gaze lingering on my face as if committing every detail to memory. "I'll see you soon.”
The air crackled with tension, thick and palpable as he reluctantly released me from his hold.
He stepped back and slid into the waiting vehicle, his eyes never leaving mine until the door closed and the tinted windows obscured him. The lingering sensation of his kiss sparked a confusing mix of shame and yearning. It was as if fire and ice were warring within me, leaving me disoriented and breathless.
What was happening to me? How was this man managing to weave himself so intricately into the fabric of my thoughts and emotions, like a skilled puppet expert pulling at invisible strings? I grappled with the unsettling realization that, despite everything, my feelings were shifting in a direction I couldn't quite comprehend or control. As the SUV disappeared around the bend, leaving behind nothing but the fading sound of its engine, Ambrose's gentle voice pulled me back to reality.