He got closer, and I felt him against me as he whispered, “Is this really what you want, or are you just caught up in the moment?” His question made me think clearly. Was this just a passing feeling because of what was happening, or was it something more lasting?
I looked deep into my thoughts, the passion fading for a moment. Even with my fear and confusion, I realized the truth. “It’s what I want,” I said quietly, looking into his eyes. “I want you, Mr. Harrison.”
He chuckled softly and leaned back, pulling away from me. “But patience is important, isn’t it, sweet Emma?” He stepped away, leaving me feeling shaky and bare, my chemise forgotten at my feet. “I think you need to learn that lesson better.”
His words made me shiver, mixing anger and excitement inside me. Was he just teasing me? The power struggle in the mansion was complicated, and I felt caught in it.
As Mr. Harrison got dressed, I felt disappointed. The tension between us was strong, and I knew he felt it too. But he walked away, leaving me wanting more.
His smile was sharp, cutting through the air. He knew how much he affected me, and he wasn’t shy about it. The smug look on his face as he left was frustrating, and I couldn’t find the words to stop him. Instead, I lay there, my mind racing, trying to understand what had just happened.
Just as the door closed, a soft knock came from the hallway. Rachel, another maid, peeked in, taking in the scene. She had a pile of clothes in her arms-a new maid’s uniform. “For you, Ms. Emma,” she said quietly, placing the clothes on the bed.
Her look was kind, but there was also a knowing glimmer in her eyes that suggested she had seen similar situations before. She didn’t mention my state of undress or the chemise on the floor. Instead, she gave me a gentle smile and left the room, closing the door softly.
I looked at the uniform she left. It was nothing like Rachel’s-much more revealing and enticing than the plain outfit I had received before. The fabric was silky and see-through, with a low neckline and a short skirt. It was meant to attract attention, the kind I was trying to avoid.
With shaky hands, I took the clothes into the bathroom and shut the door. Mr. Harrison’s cologne still lingered in the air, reminding me of his presence. I placed the clothes on the counter and turned on the faucet, the sound of water calming my nerves.
The tub began to fill with warm, scented water. I took off the chemise, feeling it cling to my skin before letting it fall. I stepped into the tub, the heat soothing my tired body.
As I relaxed in the water, my mind went back to Mr. Harrison and how easily he had claimed me. I felt both excited and worried about what might happen next. The water stung the marks on my body, reminding me of my new reality.
When I turned off the water, the silence was loud. The room still smelled like his cologne, a reminder of his control. I stepped out of the tub, the cool air making me shiver. I took a deep breath and reached for the towel.
As I dried off, I felt the weight of my choice. I was no longer just a maid in a strange house; I was something more. I didn’t know what that meant, but I understood I couldn’t return to how things were before. The chemise symbolized my lost innocence, but it also opened the door to a world I hadn’t known.
As I put on the dress, I saw my reflection in the mirror. My eyes were wide with the thrill of the unknown, and my cheeks were flushed. I felt a strange sense of power, knowing I could provoke a man like him. But that power was risky, and it could hurt me as much as it could protect me.
A knock on the door startled me. I quickly tied the dress and went to open the door, my heart racing. Who could it be? The mansion was big, full of secrets, and I wasn’t sure if I was ready to see anyone.
When I opened the door, I saw the same middle-aged woman from the night before. She stood there with a knowing smile, as if she could sense the mixed emotions I was feeling. Mrs. Luisana, the head maid, looked different from what I expected.