Killian ordered me:
—Take off your blouse.
I closed my eyes. Do I want this? Do I really want to strip in front of a stranger, no matter how insanely hot and gorgeous he is? I need you right now, bestie. If only you could tell me what the hell I should do. I wish my phone would light up with a text from you screaming, What are you waiting for?! Rip that blouse off and start kissing him! Or the complete opposite: Back the hell up right now. Don't act like some cheap fling—he'll never respect you. Make him earn it!
Killian waited like an emperor of pure desire, expecting me to obey.
The night was perfect. He knew exactly what he was doing. He had me, no matter how much I tried to deny it… he had me.
He kept stroking my back. I turned around, reached up with my small hand, touched his face tenderly, and said:
—My blouse isn't going anywhere tonight. Three dates… that's what we promised. Then we'll see. It's not that I need time. I need to understand what this is, to have at least some hope that I won't spend the next five years here watching you ignore me once the novelty wears off.
Killian cut me off and said:
—Or maybe you'll realize I'm the one who doesn't deserve your attention. Let's wait and see if that keeps us from getting hurt. Just let me ask one thing: stay here with me a little longer. Let me keep touching your back. I'm really enjoying this with you.
I smiled, leaned into his chest, and he wrapped his arms around me. I was happy. We stayed like that for a few minutes. I don't know how, but right then I knew Killian was special… and that this devil's contract was going to turn my joy into tragedy sooner or later.
Killian is a hunter, a perfect alpha who always wants more. His forearm brushed against my breasts, and I could feel how much he was enjoying it. I shifted, turning my back to him again. He responded with gentle care and started running his hand up my spine once more. God, that felt good.
—Want another glass? —I asked.
He agreed like a perfect gentleman and poured me some more wine. Killian didn't drink this time. He explained:
—I could stay on this dock forever, but at sunrise I'm flying the helicopter to a meeting, and I can't drink when I'm the pilot.
I pretended it didn't impress me, but inside I was screaming something like, Damn it! Why does everything Killian says sound so fucking hot? I took another sip of that delicious Cabernet Franc, and like a lightning bolt, I suddenly remembered that Manuel—the current gardener—was going to pick me up soon. If he didn't find me in my room, I was finished.
He noticed immediately and said:
—Our first date was beautiful.
Then he kissed my hand. I stood up, gave him an exaggerated curtsy—the kind Carol taught me when I was learning to dance—and told him:
—It was a pleasure… Now, let's go.
As we walked back along the tree-lined path, Killian finally turned his phone back on.
—We're in trouble!
He showed me the endless, venomous messages from Ursula.
One read: Excuse me, Mr. Killian, for the late hour, but something odd happened in the wine cellar. The staff found two hamburgers—one loaded with bacon, exactly how you like it, and another with cheese. Of course our chefs swear you didn't order anything at this hour, but it seemed so strange I could've sworn I smelled your cologne in the west wing hallway.
I thought, She knows. It's over. I'm going to lose this house and every shred of self-respect I have left.
I was about to faint when I saw Ursula's next message:
Situation resolved. My apologies. Mr. Lucius learned about the abandoned hamburgers and informed me that he prepared them himself, took them to the cellar to eat in peace, and forgot them because the President of the United States called him on private business. How strange, right? Those Americans do call at the oddest hours.
Killian laughed in relief and told me:
—Done. I owe that idiot brother of mine one for saving our asses. Yeah, I said our—because my father can't even imagine someone like you being friends with one of his sons, let alone going on a date. The bad part is Lucius isn't much different, and he'll probably want to lecture me. Don't worry, he doesn't know I was with you.
—Great! At least I won't get fired today —I answered, faking enthusiasm.
I noticed the wine had hit me because I couldn't stop giggling.
When we climbed back through the living room window, I felt like dancing. I love dancing. With my eyes closed, I started moving—showing off elegant steps and beautiful spins.
But when I opened my eyes, Killian was dead serious, jaw clenched, staring over my shoulder.
I turned around…
And there stood Lucius.
Watching me with those icy blue eyes like I was some poor girl who'd wandered out of a psych ward. He was still in his sharp black suit and polished shoes.
Furious, he snapped at his brother:
—How can you be this irresponsible? I had to save your ass with Ursula, and stop laughing—this girl's future was on the line. Are you out of your mind? You know what they do to the ones who get fired. Why would you put her in danger?
Like an idiot, I tried to jump in:
—I think—
But Lucius didn't let me finish. He pointed his finger at me and barked:
—You'd better keep your mouth shut when I'm speaking, or I'll have to punish you.
I lowered my head…
And here, bestie, I have to confess something that embarrasses me, something I don't even fully understand. While he was pointing at me and treating me like a misbehaving child… Lucius looked so powerful.
But ignore me on this one. I shouldn't drink, and I definitely shouldn't do it again.
Killian raised his voice at Lucius:
—Enough. Nothing that bad happened. Don't be a pain. Thanks for the save, but next time you lie for me, at least come up with a better excuse than the President calling.
Lucius answered, even more worked up:
—Grow the hell up and lower your voice. Ursula can hear you from a mile away at this hour. I didn't make up the President part—he really called. He said his daughter is coming back for another visit and asked me to organize a welcome ball at the mansion. Basically told me not to leave her side. She fell for me on her last trip to Longfield. He even called me "son" a couple times. Dad's going to love this. If it were up to him, he'd make me marry that plain, tasteless American girl as soon as possible.
Killian mocked him:
—Wait till she sees you dance. That'll kill the crush real quick. You suck at it, bro. You know you do.
I laughed, which made Lucius point at me again and mutter through gritted teeth:
—I said shut your mouth. This circus is over for tonight. Take her—no, I'll walk her to her room. You go get ready. Dad wants you in that helicopter before sunrise.
Killian smiled at me, winked, and said:
—I'll be back in two nights, Carmilla. Text me.
And he left.
Lucius grabbed my arm without looking at me and led me to my room.
Could this night get any worse?
Turns out, yes.
The second I opened my door, he said:
—Listen to me: don't take risks with Ursula. She's not just some housekeeper. My father trusts her more than he trusts us with these things. Respect the clauses—they were made to protect us… they… they…
That's when I noticed him stuttering and saw his gaze drop.
I didn't understand why until I realized my nipples were clearly visible through my blouse.
I turned bright red.
Lucius quickly turned away, saying:
—Get some rest. And don't go out like that again… I have to protect my brother—he's blood—but nothing ties me to you, Carmilla. No matter how attractive you are… the best thing for everyone is to cooperate with Ursula.
I stepped inside and collapsed onto the bed.
My head was spinning.
Killian had been charming tonight, but now I was terrified Lucius would tell that evil woman everything.
And wait… did you catch that?
Lucius said I'm attractive.
I fell asleep smiling.
The next morning I was a total mess when they came to get me. Killian's helicopter had woken me with a jolt, but at least Manuel was wonderful—a total sweetheart of a grandpa.
He complimented my eyes, my hair, then we had breakfast. He said I was too skinny and got emotional when I ate everything, and that was just in the first ten minutes.
Even though my head hurt a little, it was a pleasure spending the morning with him.
And the best part?
Manuel hated Ursula too.
After praising my knowledge and love for flowers, just to piss her off, he sent her a message:
Ursula, there has never been a more efficient or wonderful employee in this mansion than Carmilla. She'll do an outstanding job with the garden. By the way, enable my contact so I can keep chatting with her—she's so lovely and young.
We laughed our asses off imagining the witch's face reading that.
Manuel's contact, which had been grayed out, suddenly lit up bright, and the sweet man celebrated—until his expression turned serious.
—Carmilla, dear… did you do something you shouldn't have? Look who's coming…
I turned around in horror and saw Lucius and Ursula heading straight for us.
The woman said coldly:
—Carmilla, at the request of Mr. Lucius and with approval from his father, Mr. Longfield, Clause 8 is temporarily suspended for official business due to the visit of the U.S. President's daughter. You and Mr. Lucius will meet alone tonight in the grand hall to plan details for the welcome ball. Consider yourself informed.
She stormed off furiously.
But Lucius stayed beside me.
He signaled for Manuel to leave, and as soon as he did, Lucius said:
—Listen, Carmilla: I asked my father to allow this private meeting because Killian's right. I handle investments, but I know nothing about rhythm or music. And last night when you started dancing with your eyes closed, I was there… and even though you were a little drunk, you can really dance.
He looked straight at me.
—Tonight we're locking ourselves in the grand hall, and I'm not leaving until you've taught me the basic steps so I don't embarrass myself in front of the President's daughter when she arrives for the welcome ball tomorrow.
Did you hear that, bestie?
Tonight… I'm going to dance with Lucius Longfield… alone…