My stomach knotted at the thought of Miss Adrianne’s wrath. Rachel noticed my distress and took my hand. “Don’t worry, I’ve got your back,” she assured me. “But you need to be smart. Don’t let him control you completely. Keep your wits about you.”
I nodded, swallowing the lump in my throat. Rachel’s teasing smile returned. “Now, get dressed. You don’t want to keep the man waiting,” she said, her voice a mix of amusement and concern. She handed me a fresh uniform, the fabric feeling cool against my flushed skin. “You’re going to need all the confidence you can get.”
I slipped into the crisp white shirt and black skirt, feeling the fabric hug my curves in a way that was both empowering and slightly terrifying. Rachel watched me with a knowing smile, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “Look at you,” she said, her voice a playful purr. “You’re going to be the best damn secretary this mansion has ever seen.”
Her teasing words echoed in my ears as I straightened my skirt and took a deep breath. “Thanks,” I murmured, trying to ignore the butterflies dancing in my stomach. Rachel’s envy was a strange comfort, a reminder that amidst the chaos, there were moments of normalcy to be found.
“You’re going to be fine,” she said, patting my shoulder reassuringly. “Just remember, you’re not just a pretty face in that uniform. You’re his ally now.”
With Rachel’s words ringing in my ears, I made my way to the mansion’s grand entrance, my heart racing with every step. The sound of my heels echoed through the hallways, each clack a reminder of the weight of my new position. When I reached the door, Rachel’s smile grew wider. “Remember, Emma,” she whispered, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “You’re the one in control now.”
Before I could respond, a sleek black car pulled up to the curb, the engine purring like a contented cat. A uniformed driver stepped out, opening the door with a flourish. Rachel took my hand, her grip firm and reassuring. “You’ve got this,” she murmured.
Her eyes searched mine, looking for any sign of doubt. But all I felt was a strange mix of excitement and determination. This was my chance to escape the endless cycle of fear and servitude that had been my life in this mansion.
The driver’s words echoed through the grand foyer as I nodded in understanding. “Thank you, Rachel,” I murmured, giving her hand a gentle squeeze before letting go. She stepped aside, and I approached the car, feeling the heat of her gaze on my back. The driver’s eyes remained neutral as I climbed into the luxurious backseat, the leather cool against my thighs.
The door shut with a soft click, and the car began to glide down the driveway. The mansion grew smaller in the distance, its grandeur overshadowed by the gravity of what had transpired the night before. I couldn’t shake the feeling that Rachel’s warning was more than just friendly advice-it was a warning of the storm to come. But I had made my choice, and now I had to face the consequences.
When the car pulled up to the office building, my heart was racing like a caged bird desperate for freedom. The driver, a stoic man named Charles, opened the door for me with a nod. “Good luck,” he murmured, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his lips. I stepped out, feeling the warm embrace of the afternoon sun on my skin. The office was a stark contrast to the cold, gothic grandeur of the mansion, all gleaming glass and chrome, a bastion of modernity amidst the ancient games of power and desire.
I took a deep breath and walked through the doors, the cool air-conditioning a welcome relief from the heat outside. The receptionist, a sleek brunette named Ms. Castellanos, looked up from her desk and gave me a knowing smile. “Mr. Harrison is expecting you,” she purred, her voice a velvet caress that sent a shiver down my spine. I nodded, my legs shaking slightly as I made my way to the elevator.
When I stepped into the plush office, the scent of leather and expensive cologne filled my nostrils. The room was dimly lit, the blinds drawn against the glare of the sun. Harrison looked up from his desk, his eyes dark and intense as they met mine. “Emma,” he said, his voice a low rumble that made my heart stutter. He stood, his tall frame towering over me, and walked around the desk, his movements fluid and predatory.
I felt the warmth of his hand at the small of my back as he guided me to a chair in front of the desk. He remained standing, his posture relaxed yet commanding. “How was your rest?” he inquired, his gaze lingering on my face. I nodded, unable to find my voice. The memory of his hands on my body, his mouth on my skin, was still fresh in my mind, and I felt a blush creep up my neck.
“Good,” I managed to murmur, my eyes darting around the room. The office was a stark contrast to the chaos of the mansion, a place of order and control. The walls were lined with bookshelves, filled with leather-bound tomes and framed diplomas, a silent testament to his power.
He leaned against the desk, his arms folded across his chest. “I trust you enjoyed your… promotion,” he said, his voice filled with a hint of amusement. I nodded, my cheeks burning. It was strange how a few simple words could make me feel both desired and exposed.
He crossed the space between us and crouched in front of me, his eyes searching my face. “Are you okay?” he asked, his tone softening. His hand reached out to brush a strand of hair from my cheek, the gesture so tender it took my breath away.
I nodded, my voice a mere whisper. “I’m fine.”
Harrison studied me for a moment before he leaned in closer, his breath warm against my skin. “Good,” he murmured, his eyes dropping to my lips. “Because we have a lot of work to do.” His hand slid around my neck, his thumb tracing the line of my jaw as his mouth closed over mine.
The kiss was unlike anything I had ever experienced. It was possessive, demanding, and filled with a passion that set my blood on fire. His tongue delved into my mouth, and I moaned, my hands coming up to grip his shoulders for balance. He tasted like mint and power, a heady combination that made my head spin.
As we broke apart, Harrison’s gaze held mine, the hunger in his eyes leaving no room for doubt. “You’re mine now, Emma,” he murmured, his thumb tracing my bottom lip. “Mine to protect, mine to punish, mine to fuck.” His words sent a thrill through me, a mix of fear and excitement that made me wet