.
CHAPTER 2.
I got to my shop and saw the car parked directly in front of my shop. I was a little bit scared
because the car looked too expensive and the people that walked out didn't look like they even
belonged in this part of town.
"I hope I'm not getting kidnapped, dear Lord." I mumbled silently.
I opened the shop, and the woman Cassie, my neighbour, was talking about walked in with her
body guards.
"Hello, how may I be of help?" I said to the lady.
"Hi," Her smile was polite. "I'm just going to get straight to the point. Due to unforseen
circumstances with our ex employee, we are currently recruiting a new chef.My heart thumped hard.
"I happened to come across your page online, and your work looks promising. I was hoping to
see if you would be available to work with us."
I didn't even let her finish her sentence before blurting, "Yes! Yes, absolutely! I.....I can start
whenever you need me!"
I couldn't believe it. Me?! Little old me?! A job offer?! Fina-fucking-lly!
She chuckled lightly, like she expected my enthusiasm. "Okay. I'll email you the job information
and the contract. There will be a driver here at 9:00 a.m. to pick you up and take you to your
workplace. You would still be on probation for a month, so make sure to get those good hands
of yours ready."
"Okay, ma'am," I said, trying to keep my voice steady while my insides were bouncing around
like fireworks.
As soon as she stepped outside with her bodyguards, I threw myself into the air higher than
normal, spinning around like a complete lunatic.
I had never been happier in my entire life.
My first proper job?
Oh my fucking days!
I couldn't stop grinning. I was shaking with excitement, my hands flying to my cheeks, my mind
racing a thousand miles a minuteI got home and flopped onto my couch, letting Katie crawl onto my lap. I kissed her hair,
hugged her tight, and whispered, "Mommy's going to take care of us from now on, baby girl."
Then my phone buzzed.
An email. From Aurora.
"PRIVATE CHEF POSITION — SALARY & TERMS"
I clicked it.
$10,000 per month.
I screamed. Full on, high pitched, can-hear-me-across-the-street scream. Katie jumped off my
lap, eyes wide, and I didn't even care.
I was shaking so badly I could barely breathe. Ten thousand dollars. A month. My life could
finally turn around.
I barely slept that night, tossing and turning with thoughts racing through my head: ingredients,
menus, uniforms, schedules, recipes, and how the hell I was going to make sure I didn't screw
this up.
Morning came quickly. I dressed Katie, packed her little bag, and dropped her off with Jasmine.
"You better not blow this, Sierra," Jasmine said, pointing at me like I was about to explode.
"I won't," I promised, though even I wasn't convinced I could calm my trembling excitement.
I walked to the bakery to wait for the driver. My stomach was doing somersaultsAnd there it was.
A sleek, black SUV parked in front of my shop. My chest tightened.
I stepped closer, heart hammering. The driver opened the door politely. "Miss Savanli?"
I nodded.
The ride was silent, smooth, and luxurious. My mind diverted from the road and started
picturing what my boss might be like and where exactly I would be working.
The car finally slowed down when we got to an estate.
Then the gates opened.
I swear my jaw almost hit the floor. A mansion sprawled in front of me, glass walls, fountains,
manicured lawns, and every bit of extravagance I'd ever only dreamed of.
The car pulled into the driveway. I swallowed hard, clutching my bag tighter than normal.
The doors opened, and I stepped out. My heels clicked on the polished stone pathway as I
walked toward the main entrance, my heart pounding in my ears.
And then I saw him.
My heart skipped a beat.
I froze.
I knew that faceAnd I knew… I was utterly unprepared for this.
CHAPTER 3.
I couldn't speak. My mouth felt as if it had turned to stone, my tongue glued to the roof of my
mouth. My heart was hammering like a drum in my chest, and every instinct in me was
screaming to run, hide, do anything but stand there.
And yet, I was frozen.
He was there. Right in front of me. The man I had slept with five years ago. The man who had
unknowingly changed my life forever. Same as I remember, extremely attractive, tall, and
impossibly poised.
Standing before him brings back memories I had tried to bury, even though it was impossible.
The night five years ago.
The red hotel room. The way he had looked at me, as if he had a lethal appetite, and wanted
to devour my soul. The feel of his hands, his lips, the heat, the way my pulse had thrummed
against his own. The intimacy we had shared, fleeting yet unforgettable.
I blinked, trying to steady myself. My knees wobbled beneath me. My hands tightened around
my bag like it was a lifeline, even though my arms were trembling.
"Miss Savanli?His voice cut through, sending me back into reality. My heart jumped. He was still there, in front
of me.
I tried to pull myself together.
"Uh… h..hi, g…good day " I finally managed, my voice barely a whisper. My cheeks burned.
My brain felt like it had short-circuited.
He gave a small, polite smile. Not the smouldering intensity I remembered, but still… there was
something familiar, almost magnetic. "I'm Mr. Trevane. Your boss, but you can just call me
Louis."
I nodded, forcing myself to look at him, forcing my mind to focus on the professional side of
this, the salary, the opportunity, the chance to finally take care of Katie. But inside, my body was
betraying me. My chest felt tight. My stomach twisted into knots. And my heart… my heart
refused to stop leaping at the sight of him.
He gestured toward the house. "Come on. I'll show you around. Let's start with the kitchen,
your 'office'."
I followed, each step heavy with anticipation and fear. My mind was a storm. What if he
recognizes me? What if he remembers? What if he hates me? What if he doesn't even like me?
The foyer of the house swallowed me whole. High ceilings, marble floors, sunlight spilling in
through floor-to-ceiling windows. Everything screamed wealth"This will be your space," he said as he pushed open a door. "You'll have everything you need.
I live alone, so you'll be the only staff in the main house."
I stopped dead in my tracks.
The only staff… in the main house… with him?
I felt my chest tighten, my knees threatening to buckle, and my mind spin out of control. A
thousand thoughts collided at once. Living with him? The man who had fathered my child? Even
if he didn't know it yet?
I forced a nod, trying to act professional, trying not to show the whirlwind inside me. My hands
were clammy, my heart racing, my pulse hammering in my ears.
We continued walking through the house. He showed me the living room, the dining space,
and the guest rooms. Every step I took felt surreal. I could barely comprehend that I was about
to enter this life, a life so far removed from my tiny apartment, my struggling bakery, and the
quiet, ordinary existence I'd carved out for Katie and me.
And then it hit me fully.
I would be living with him.
Every morning, I would wake up knowing he was upstairs. Every night, I would cook for him,
clean for him, and exist in the same space as the man that was supposed to be nothing but a
memory. The man who had changed everything without ever knowingMy hands shook slightly as I adjusted my bag again. I forced myself to breathe.
But a small, terrified part of me couldn't deny it. A part of me was excited. Curious. Maybe
even a little….hopeful.
I swallowed hard and nodded again, trying to steady my thoughts.
I was about to start the most unexpected chapter of my life.
And I would be living with him.
HIM.
CHAPTER 4.
I spent the afternoon in the kitchen, moving on from cabinet to cabinet. Chopping, stirring,
tasting, and plating, but my mind wasn't on the food. It was on him.
Finally, the meal was ready. I carried the plates into the dining room, my heart hammering so
loud I was sure he could hear it. His sharp green eyes lifted as I approached, and I almost froze
on the spot.
"Dinner's ready," I said softlyHe looked at me and nodded, a polite, small smile tugging at his lips. "Join me," he said
casually.
I hesitated, my throat dry, but nodded and carefully pulled out a chair across from him. Sitting
here, in his presence, was more nerve-wracking than I expected. My hands were clammy as I
picked up my fork, trying not to look like a complete fool.
We began to eat. My gaze kept drifting to him, tracing the lines of his face, the calm confidence
he radiated, and every movement made my pulse skip.
Then, he reached for the napkin. I reached for it too at the same time, our hands brushing
lightly. Just for a few seconds, enough to make my breath catch, enough to send a memory
screaming back.
I couldn't stop it that night, the feel of his hands on me, warm and insistent, the way he had
touched me with a kind of reckless passion I'd never forgotten. Just a moment, five seconds, but
it made my knees weak. My heart hammered. My fingers tingled where his hands had brushed
mine.
I pulled my hand back subtly, hoping he hadn't noticed. But when I glanced at him, he seemed
completely calm, unfazed, almost casual, and my stomach twisted at the contrast.
He cleared his throat, and I snapped back to reality. "Tell me about yourself," he said.
I froze. Tell you about myself? Where do I even start? My throat felt tight, my mind blank.
Fucking hell!
Finally, I swallowed and forced the words out. "I'm… twenty-two. I dropped out of college a few
years back, and… I own a bakery."
He looked at me, thoughtful. "Why did you drop out?I hesitated.
BECAUSE YOU PUT A BABY IN ME!
But I couldn't say that to him, so instead I told him, "My parents… were going through a bit of a
financial hurdle," I lied, keeping my voice steady. "I had to get a job to help out. I saved up
money, and… I opened my own bakery in a small part of town."
He nodded slowly, as if he understood. Then he asked about my parents and my love life.
I froze again.
Am I doing a fucking interview or survey? What's with these damn questions?
"I'm not trying to intrude," he added quickly, as if he read my mind. "I just like to know my
workers. It helps me understand the people I work with."
Understandable.
I swallowed hard, nodding. "My dad is… dead. My mom remarried… you know how that goes.
And I'm… single."
He studied me for a moment, not pressing further. Then his gaze softened slightly. "Okay.
When's your birthday?"
I paused, unsure why he wanted to know, but answered, "April 2nd."
"Next week?"Yeah."
Okay." He smiled slightly.
We finished dinner in a quieter space after that. I could feel my nerves easing slightly, though
the tension lingered under my skin.
Finally, I cleared my throat. "I… I wasn't aware I'd be staying here, so I didn't bring any clothes
with me."
He didn't miss a beat. "Don't worry. You'll have clothes by tomorrow morning."
I nodded, my chest still fluttering, feeling the intensity of the day finally catch up with me.
I excused myself and walked to the room that would now be mine. The door closed behind me,
shutting out the rest of the world. I sank onto the edge of the bed, my hands still trembling, my
pulse refusing to slow.
I'm either fucked or I'm fucked.
What if he remembers me and fires me?
I grabbed my phone instantly and called Jasmine, my voice barely above a whisper.
"I have to run," I said, a mix of exhilaration, fear, and anticipation bubbling through me.
CHAPTER 5
"Jas… I have to tell you everything," I said. My voice shook slightly, betraying the excitement,
the fear, and the absolute chaos I felt.
Her voice was bright and cheerful at first, as always. "Sierra! What's up? You sound…" She
trailed off, probably realizing the storm in my tone.
I inhaled sharply. "Jas, it's… it's him. The mansion, the car, the kitchen, the…." I paused, trying
to keep my breath from racing, ".....he's… he's there. And I'm… I'm working for him."
There was a long silence on the line. Then, finally, she spoke back. " Who the fuck are you
talking about? Calm the fuck down!"
"Katie's Father!" I screamed unconsciously.
"Wait…..wait…..Katie's Dad? Are you sure?"
I groaned softly, covering my face with my free hand. "Yes! I don't know if he remembers me,
Jas. I've barely spent six hours in this house. And I….." My words faltered. "I don't know where I
stand. I'm… terrified and… and… I don't even know how to deal with this."
Her laughter came, nervous but incredulous. "Girl… oh man… I don't even know what to say.
That is insane! I mean… wow. Just wow.I closed my eyes, letting the sound of her voice calm me a little. "Jas… I need a favor. I can't
have Katie around while I figure this out. Can you… just take care of her for a while? I'll figure
out a plan… I just… I need some breathing room."
There was a short pause, and then her voice softened. "Of course, Sierra. Always. You just tell
me when, and I've got you. Don't worry about a thing."
I smiled faintly, feeling my chest tighten with gratitude. "Thanks, Jas. Seriously. I don't know
what I'd do without you."
We ended the call, and I set my phone down, staring at the ceiling. My mind was spinning, but
I could feel a strange, dangerous excitement simmering beneath the fear. I was trapped in this
mansion with him. Him. The man who had haunted my memories for years, whose presence still
made my stomach twist.
Before I could settle, there was a knock at my door. My body sprang up like a coiled spring. I
rushed to the door, barely pausing to think.
I opened it almost immediately.
And there he was.
Louis. Standing there, holding a folded pair of black lingerie in his hands.
My brain froze. I wanted to ask a hundred questions, each more ridiculous than the last. Why
does he have that? Is this some kind of mistake? Is he… And then my breath caught as
realization hit me. Of course. It's fucking HIMI forced myself to step back slightly, but he didn't move. Instead, his gaze softened as if he
could read my thoughts. "It's brand new," he said quietly, as if reading the very question I wasn't
able to ask.
My stomach twisted. My fingers twitched at my sides.
I forced myself to step forward again, trying to act normal.
He set the folded lingerie on the edge of a chair, and I instinctively looked away, heart still
hammering.
"I… uh…" I began, but my words faltered.
He gave me a small, knowing smile, calm and unreadable. "Don't worry. I thought you might
need it."
I froze. Need it? My cheeks burned, and I couldn't form a coherent thought. My pulse
hammered in my ears. I wanted to scream, to laugh, to run, all at the same time.
He tilted his head slightly, reading me perfectly, and then moved on, guiding me gently toward
settling in the room. His presence was overwhelming.
I sank onto the edge of the bed, my hands twisting the sheets, my mind spinning. My new job,
the mansion, him, the memories, the intensity of the night…..it was all too much. I felt trapped,
dizzy, and at the same time… strangely exhilaratedI had no idea what I was doing. I had no plan, no strategy. And yet, I couldn't deny that part of
me was already captivated, drawn in by him, by the power he held over everything in this house,
and over me.
I leaned back against the pillows, closing my eyes. My chest tightened. My mind whirled.
I don't think I can do this, my brain began to spiral.
But one thing was very clear, I was trapped with him.
And the worst part? I had no idea if I wanted to leave.
CHAPTER 6.
I woke up thirsty, my mouth dry, my body restless. I lay there for a few seconds, staring into the
dark, hoping the feeling would pass. It didn't.
So I got up.
The house was quiet as I stepped into the hallway.
As soon as I stepped out of my room, I froze.
He was in the kitchenSitting at the island.
I stopped instinctively, but it was already too late. The moment I stepped out, he turned his
head and looked straight at me. There was no pretending I hadn't been there.
I forced myself to keep walking
His gaze dropped.
I felt it like a physical touch as his eyes traced over me, lingering on places I suddenly became
painfully aware of, the curve of my hips, the way the fabric clung to my body, the bare skin I was
unconsciously showing.
My breath hitched.
Then his eyes lifted back to my face, and he smiled.
Like he hadn't just unraveled me with a single look.
I returned the smile, though mine felt shaky, and walked past him toward the fridge, my heart
pounding loud enough to drown out my thoughts. I grabbed a bottle of water and turned…Straight into a perfectly chiseled chest.
I stopped short, my body hovering just inches from his. Heat radiated off him, warm and
intoxicating.
My breath stuttered.
I could smell him, clean, masculine, something faintly woodsy that made my stomach tighten. If
I lifted my hand, just a little, I could touch him. Feel him. Just for two seconds. Just enough to
know he was real and not some figment of my exhausted mind.
My fingers twitched.
Then,
He reached past me.
Pulled out a pack of grapes.
Closed the fridge.
And stepped away.
Just like thatThe spell shattered.
I stood there for half a second too long, gripping the water bottle like it was a lifeline, before
forcing myself to move. My legs felt weak as I walked past him, toward the hallway.
"Goodnight, Sierra," he said calmly as I passed.
I was too embarrassed to speak.
"Goodnight," I whispered back, barely audible.
I made it into my room and shut the door quietly behind me. The moment it clicked closed, I
leaned my back against it and sucked in a sharp breath.
My chest heaved, my heart racing like I'd just run for my life.
"What the fuck just happened?" I whispered to the empty room.
I slid down the door slowly, pressing a hand to my chest, trying to calm the nerves inside me.
This jobThis house.
Him.
I already knew one thing with terrifying certainty.
This was going to be dangerous.
But, I'm not the type to turn down a little adventure.
——
Sleep barely came.
I kept waking up, staring into the dark, my mind replaying the same few seconds over and over
again.
By the time I finally gave up, the clock read 6:00 a.m.
I lay there for a moment, listening to nothing and everything at the same timeHe would be leaving for work at eight.
I pushed myself out of bed and padded toward the bathroom. The tiles were cold under my
feet, grounding me. I closed the door behind me and turned on the shower, stepping under the
spray as warm water poured over my shoulders, my back, my skin.
The minute I closed my eyes, fragments of that night returned in small flashes
Blindfolded and handcuffed, in less than two seconds, I felt something cold on my skin, being
trailed down and caressing my nipples.
It was like I could feel it in reality.
A sharp gasp slips out of my mouth before I can stop it, my back pressing harder into the tiled
wall as the water runs down my skin.
Another fragment flashes.
He places both of my legs over his shoulder, and without further hesitation, I felt the heat of his
mouth and his tongue trailing down my thighs close, enough that my pulse spikes violently.
My breath breaks.
In the shower, my chest rises and falls unevenly. The steam feels thicker now. My fingers
slowly slid in between my legs, trembling"Stop," I whisper to myself, not sure if I truly want to.
But my body reacts anyway, heart racing, knees weak, the echo of sensation crawling under
my skin.
I pressed my forehead against the cool tile, eyes squeezed shut, fighting the rush, fighting the
reminder of how deeply that night had etched itself into me.
How dangerous it still felt.
And how desperately I still so wanted it.
The realization hits me slowly.
This job hasn't even properly started, and already my body is betraying me. Already my
thoughts are slipping places they shouldn't.
This isn't just attraction, it's power.
I exhale shakily, my chest tight.
"You came here for work, not pleasure." I tried to tell myselMy reflection flashes in my mind, a woman who has spent five years building walls brick by
brick, surviving on control and discipline. A woman who couldn't afford to want.
And yet here I am, breathing unevenly, pulse racing, losing my grip because of a few seconds
in a kitchen.
Because of him.
If this is what a single night in the house does to me, what happens after a week? A month?
What happens when the tension doesn't fade but deepens?
I shake my head, water streaming down my face trying to wash the thoughts away.
"This is bad," I murmur to myself.
This isn't just about temptation.
It's about control slipping through my fingers, and the terrifying truth that I don't know how to
get it back.
My mind was spiralling so much, I hadn't realised when someone walked in until I felt a
presence standing two inches behind me.
Oh Fuck