Allison
After the bath, I crawl into my purple bed and fall asleep. If he gets in with me, I don’t notice, and in the morning his side is already cold and empty, though his pillow’s been used.
I pull on some new sweats and head downstairs.
“Good morning.” I jump, yelping again. Orin’s standing in the kitchen at the island cutting fruit. “I wasn’t sure what you like for breakfast so I went all out.” He gestures at some eggs, a little yogurt, the fruit, a bagel, and toast.
“You have to stop doing that.” I clutch my chest. “Your boss is going to be pissed if you give me a heart attack.”
“Doing what?” He looks genuinely confused. “Gregory told me to get you something to eat. He said you’d be hungry.”
If there’s an implication in that statement, it doesn’t reach his tone. I refuse to let myself blush. “I’m fine with coffee and fruit, thanks.”
Orin nods and brings me over something to eat as I sit at the table. He lingers for a moment but says nothing. I sip my coffee, trying to act like he’s not there, unsure of how to process this strange turn of events.
I’m not used to having an assistant around the house, and I’m sure as hell not used to getting spanked until climax by my bossy new husband.
“I’m sorry,” Orin says, breaking the silence. “There’s one more thing.”
“Can it wait? I’m guessing Gregory instructed you to make my morning uncomfortable, but I’d like to enjoy myself for a few minutes first.”
Orin shifts from side to side. “Uh, well, uh-”
“Okay, fine, go ahead. What did the lord and master tell you to say?”
He looks relieved. “Just that he’ll be home in a little while, and he requests that you abstain from more decorating in the meantime. Also that he went easy on you last night, and he won’t be so accommodating next time.”
I stare, trying not to let myself bush, but my cheeks turn bright red. “Anything else?”
“That’s it.” Orin sounds chipper. “Can I get you something else? Freshly squeezed orange juice maybe?”
“Just a coffin. Because I might die of embarrassment.”
He laughs, waving me off. “Don’t worry, Gregory’s just like this. You’ll get used to it.”
“I doubt that.” I give him a look before deciding that if he can pretend like this is normal then I can too. “How long have you worked for him?”
“A few years.” He remains standing passively. “We’ve been traveling around that whole time.”
“Where are you from?”
“Boston,” he says, shrugging. “Of course.”
“Is everyone in the Callahan family from Boston?”
“Not at all, but the inner circle is almost entirely made up of locals.” He clears his throat. “Are you sure I can’t get you anything? Gregory told me to be at your beck and call.”
“No, that’s fine, thank you.” I turn back to my breakfast, feeling miserable. Do I have this to look forward to? My husband is going to torture me with sexual favors and his strange assistant is going to know all about it. That’s just my life now apparently.
“Well, if you need anything, don’t hesitate.”
“Honestly, I’m not super comfortable with this whole thing.” I gesture at him vaguely. “I’ve never had an assistant before.”
He laughs, rubbing the back of his head. “If it helps, Gregory’s probably asked me to do things you’d never even dream of requesting. And he pays me really well.”
“That… actually kind of does help.” I pause, frowning. “What has he asked you to do, Orin? Do you need help?”
“Nothing worth calling the authorities over, don’t worry.” He laughs again, looking delighted by my reaction. “Anyway, enjoy your breakfast. I’ll be in the other room. Shout if you need me.”
He walks off at a brisk pace, and I picture him standing alone in one of the dark, empty corners of the house and powering down like a robot until needed. Except that’s not fair-Orin’s a person, with thoughts and feelings and all that stuff. I decide to make getting to know him better a priority, especially if we’ll be working together for the foreseeable future.
After a nice, leisurely breakfast and some light reading on my phone, I decide it’s time to get some exercise. I can’t stay cooped up indoors all afternoon, and besides, it’s nice out. I head into my room, change into running clothes, slip on jogging sneakers, then make my way to the door whistling to myself.
Except Orin’s already standing in my way. “Hey there,” he says, sounding way too cheerful.
“Hey there yourself.” I pause, taking out an earbud. “I’m just going out for a run. Do, uh, you need anything?”
“I’m supposed to ask you that question. But hey, listen, this is super awkward and I’m so sorry to have to do this, but orders are orders.”
“You have to do… what?” I ask, looking around. The place is empty except for the two of us. “I’m just headed out for a run around the block.”
“Right. About that. Gregory made it very explicitly clear that you are not to leave the house.” He has the good sense to look sheepish. “I’m sorry. I really am.”