by Bella Rose
He shrugged. “It was, but you want to change the rules, so I’m going to add a few surprises. Don’t worry, Ella. I promise you’ll like it. Now go on. Get some sleep. My driver will pick you up from the hospital in the morning.”
Ella looked around the room nervously. What in the world was she getting herself into? “Am I free to go?”
He gestured to the door. “The driver is waiting for you.”
Taking one last look at him and the room, she turned and fled. If this was her last night of freedom for the year, she didn’t want to spent another single second in this house.
When she found safety in the car, the driver lowered the partition and watched her in the rearview mirror. “Home, Ms. Davis?”
“No.” She didn’t want to go home to the empty house. “Take me to the hospital.”
Even if her mother slept all night long, she still wanted to be by her side before she came back. Erik had all the wrappings of a philanthropist, but she had a sinking feeling that he might actually be the devil.
Ella spent the night curled up on the couch by her mother’s bed. The nurses weren’t happy about it, but no one threw her out. All night long, she dreamed of Erik. Damp with sweat, sheets twisted around their bodies as he touched her in places that hadn’t been touched in a long time. When the morning came, Ella’s pussy was soaking wet. Taking a deep breath, she stretched her cramped body and slowly pushed herself up from the couch.
“Baby, why did you spend the night?” her mother said from the bed. “The nurses said you’ve been here since one in the morning.”
“Uh, yeah.” Ella ran her hands through her tangled hair and smiled. “I wanted to spend as much time with you as possible before I started the new job. I won’t be able to visit as frequently, Mom, but I’ll have my phone on me, and you can call me anytime.”
Heather smiled. “Baby, that’s great. I’m so proud of you.”
She was proud. If only she knew what exactly her new job entailed. “I asked the nurses to call me as soon as a liver comes available. I don’t want to hear any arguments from you. You will be having that surgery, and I’m going to pay for it. And if you tell the staff differently, I will have you declared insane and overrule you with power of attorney. Do you understand me?”
Her mother shook her head. “You are just like your father. So stubborn. Give your mother a kiss and go get ready for your new job. When I finally get out of this hospital bed, you’re going to tell me all about it.”
Ella felt like crying when she bent down to kiss her mother. “I want you to call me every day. Twice a day. And I will be back as often as I can. Okay?”
“Okay, baby. Can you get the nurse in here? I’m hungry.”
Ella smiled and nodded. Her mother was hungry. That was a good sign, and more of that would make all of this worthwhile. She softly told her mother than she loved her before she left and relayed the message to the nurse. Gripping her purse tightly, she walked out of the hospital and found a dark car waiting for her. The driver from the night before stood outside the passenger side. “Ms. Davis. Are you ready?”
Was she ready? There was no reason for her to have an uneasy feeling about the job. Armed guards didn’t really mean anything, and there were plenty of rich people who had a live-in staff. But he’d said that she needed to please him. It made her a little jumpy.
But it was her mother’s surgery. For that, she would do the job. “Here goes nothing,” she whispered to herself. Forcing a smile for the sake of the driver, she nodded her head. First day of her new job. She could do this. Erik would uphold his end of the bargain, and she would uphold hers.
Nodding her head, she slipped into the car. It didn’t seem like a car ride to her next job. It seemed like a car ride to a whole new world.
“I’ll need to stop by the house. I guess I should pack a few things.”
Chapter Six
It didn’t take long for Erik’s three favorite men to return to the club, and they didn’t disappoint. Each of them had a friend. Looking furtively around, the six of them walked into the Black Orchid. Although it was his first day opening at lunch, more than half the tables were full.
Not a bad start.
Switching off the security monitor, he opened up the website for his girls. Already they were booked for the next week. At this rate he would need more women. Reaching across his desk, he grabbed his phone. “Matvei? Monitor the girls. If you hear the passphrase, take action. I do not want to see them hurt.”
“Yes, sir.”
Hanging up, he took a deep breath. His driver had contacted him to let him know that Ella was at the house. At that very minute, Ella would be slowly touring the house and looking at all the places he intended to bend her over later and take her hard.
He was very specific that she needed to clean under the furniture. If he went home right now, he’d be able to see that beautiful ass up in the air.
There were women that he could call to relieve him. There were ten downstairs who would be more than happy to leave their clients and service him. They’d all tried.
If he was smart, he’d enjoy them. Ella was a stubborn woman. She might very well spook, but he didn’t want to take the edge off. He loved the buildup.
It would make taking Ella so much sweeter.
“For a closed club, you certainly do have a lot of people coming in and out.”
Erik looked up to see Valeria standing outside his office. “Getting past my security? I’ll have to have a word with them about that.” He swept out his arm. “Please come in.”
“Don’t be upset with your security. I’m just better.” She swung her hips as she walked in. Dressed in her signature black knee-high boots, a black skirt and green halter, she was a show stopper. There was no shame in her eyes as she walked right by the chairs, swung her legs around, and tried to straddle him. He immediately grabbed her hips to stop her.
“There are plenty of other spots for you to make yourself comfortable,” he said softly.
She didn’t immediately move. Instead, she spread her hands over the buttons of his shirt. “Are you sure that’s what you want? I was thinking that maybe the reason you were reluctant to close the deal is because you want to test me.”
“Test you?” He gently pushed her away. “I’m actually a very old fashioned man. I believe in saving myself.”
“Based on the women who work in your club, I have a hard time believing that you’re a man of abstinence.” She smiled coyly and moved away to sit on his desk. Crossing her long legs, she gave him a very good view of them.
Those legs did nothing for him. “If your only job here is to seduce me into submission, you can go.”
Valeria wouldn’t have a meltdown. She was far too cool for that. Just as he predicted, she just shrugged and ran a hand over her knee. “What are you looking for out of life, Erik? Do you like it here in California? Do you want to go back to Russia?”
Erik shrugged. “I like the warm weather, but I miss my family.”
“Kids?”
Sweeping his eyes up and down her perfect body, he snorted. “I know you sure as hell don’t want any kids.”
Valeria slid off the desk and made sure that her skirt hiked a little too far up. Walking around the chair, she spread her hands over his shoulder. “If you follow through, we’ll be a team. And I’ll do anything to please you.” She bent over the chair and licked his ear. “Anything.”
“The thing is, Valeria, I don’t really know that monogamy is my thing.”
“Well, that’s one thing we’re in agreement about. You see, monogamy really isn’t my thing either. It should really spice up our love life. I’d be more than happy to invite one of those beautiful women downstairs to join us. Or maybe all of them at the same time.”
“Not interested,” he said as he stood up and moved out of her reach. “Is there anything else you need?”
“An answer would be nice.”
“When I fi
gure it out, I’ll let you know.” He opened the door and swept his arm out. “Don’t try and break through my security again, Valeria. Or next time, I’ll tell them to shoot you rather than let you through.” Her cheeks reddened in anger, and he smiled. “Be very sure you know what you’re getting yourself into. I may not be the man you seem to think I am.”
Leaning back, he watched as she spun on her heel and marched out. It probably wasn’t a good idea to piss off the daughter of his closest ally and most dangerous competition, but she was just such an easy target.
Returning his attention to the club, he went over the numbers once again. He needed to push Ella from his mind and focus on the job.
It was well after midnight before he called his driver to take him home.
“Did you have a good evening, sir?”
Erik rubbed his eyes. “Productive, but I’m tired of hearing the same damn song over and over again. How is the newest member of my staff?”
“The young redhead? She seemed very guarded on the ride this morning, but I didn’t see much of her as the day wore on. I don’t think she left the third floor.”
“Good,” Erik grunted. He’d specified that she not do anything on the first floor. He didn’t want his guards gawking at her while he wasn’t there. As soon as he walked into the mansion, he checked in with security. Ducking into the office, he carefully eyed the man sitting at the desk.
“Have you shared the footage with anyone?” he asked quietly.
The man shook his head quickly. “No, boss. I know my orders.”
Erik nodded. “Good. Leave me.”
The guard scrambled out of the chair and office. Alone, Erik sat down and scrolled through the tape. When he found what he wanted, he leaned back to watch. Ella had done everything that he’d specified, and unaware that she was being watched, she seemed to enjoy her job. She danced and sang around each room, and Erik would have sworn that her smile was genuine.
Everything about her seemed genuine. That was so rare in his world.
After erasing the footage, he left the office and nodded to the guard. “Good man. Have a good evening.”
Whistling, he stepped lightly up the stairs. To his surprise she was tip-toing across the hallway from the bathroom. Dressed in a tank-top and a pair of tantalizing shorts, she immediately made his body harden. When she heard his footsteps, she whirled around in fright.
“Easy,” he said soothingly. “I just got home from the club.”
She looked so innocent as she wrapped her arms around herself as if that would protect her. If she could see his face in the darkness, she would be able to see his desire. “I was just splashing some water on my face,” she said as she cleared her throat. “I guess I’m having trouble sleeping in a new place.”
“I’m glad you’re still awake. I wanted to know how your day was,” he said smoothly. Get her talking. Let her relax. Slowly, he moved closer to her.
Relaxing, she dropped her arms. “It was fine, but I have to be honest with you. The rooms that you had me clean weren’t dirty at all.”
“They aren’t dirty because I make sure they stay clean,” he said simply. “How do you like being here?”
“I haven’t even been here a full day. I didn’t get a chance to talk to anyone. Before I could go down to the kitchens, food appeared in my room. It was actually a little creepy. Am I not allowed to socialize with anyone while I’m here?”
Erik chuckled softly. He liked that she was still sassy in the middle of the night. “I’ll speak to the kitchen. Staff usually eats breakfast at eight, lunch at one, and dinner around seven. My chef is very particular about staff meal times. If you’re not there by the time she’s ready to clean up, you don’t eat.”
“I’m used to cranky coworkers. That won’t be a problem.” She gave him a beautiful smile. “How was the club?”
Full of sin, sex, drugs, and greed. “Business as usual. I’ll let you get some sleep,” he said. Sensing that she was more comfortable, he moved a little closer to her. She inhaled sharply and stepped back, moving into the spill of light coming from her bedroom. Her eyes were filled with uncertainty, and he stopped.
Tonight would not be the night.
“Is there anything I can get you to help you sleep? I have a stocked bar in my bedroom if a nightcap would help.”
“In your bedroom?” she whispered. Her lips parted, and he tried desperately not to moan.
Taking control of his body, he forced himself to smile. “You’re not required to actually join me in the bedroom if you do not wish to. I can pour you a drink and bring it here.”
Turning her head slightly, she looked back at his room as through she were tempted. When she bit her lower lip, he couldn’t help but take those final steps until he was so close that he could reach out and touch her.
She didn’t move, and the air grew heavy around them. She felt it. He knew that she felt it. There was lust in her eyes, and he could have bent down and tasted her.
“Ella, if you’re not going to have that drink, you should go back to your room and close the door,” he said hoarsely.
“Right.” Wrapping her arms around herself, she quickly stepped into her room and closed the door.
Why did he give her a chance to back down? She wanted him. He knew what desire looked like on a woman, and she’d looked like she was starving.
Normally, Erik simply took whatever he wanted, but there was something about her than made him stop. She was pure and beautiful. If he so much as touched her with his blood stained hand, he’d sully her.
Closing his eyes, he moved into the bedroom and stripped off his clothes. Opening the liquor cabinet, he poured himself a vodka and tossed it back. After a thought, he poured himself another. It still wasn’t enough to chase the demons away.
Chapter Seven
When Ella’s alarm went off, she reached out to grab her phone. Reaching for the nightstand, she found only more mattress. Bleary eyed and confused, she blinked until she realized just where she was. This wasn’t her small bedroom with a twin bed. She lounged in a luxury king bed with satin sheets and down pillows.
Scooting along the mattress, she grabbed her phone and switched the alarm off. Running a hand through her hair, she licked her lips and looked around. This was Erik’s mansion. Immediately the memory of last night flooded her.
Just thinking about it made her heart flutter. Despite her initial fear, her body ached for him to touch her, but there was no way that he would want someone like her. Erik Chesnovak, sexy club owner and millionaire, no doubt wanted someone more his speed. Her tired mind probably saw something that just wasn’t there. Disgusted with herself, she threw the covers off and slid out of bed. Next to her phone was a note.
Breakfast will be available for you in the serving kitchen at eight. Today I’d like the bedrooms on the second floor cleaned. You need to attend to my bedroom every day. Try to spend as little time on the first floor as possible.
Why was she having to stay off the first floor? What happened down there that he didn’t want her to see? And how could he possibly have more bedrooms on the second floor? How many people lived in this house?
Too many questions. Not enough answers. Grumbling to herself, she shucked off her pajamas and slid on a pair of shorts and a T-shirt. She’d lost weight over the past few months, and her shirt hung on her like a bag. Scowling at her reflection, she pulled at the shirt. It was hardly sexy.
“You’re not supposed to look sexy for your boss,” she muttered to herself. “You’re just here to do a job.”
Who was she kidding? Her body was on fire for him. Even now, as she stared at herself in the mirror, she couldn’t help but imagine him standing behind her. He would meet her gaze and wrap one arm around her while the other one would grip her hips. His hard body would press up against her softness, and his hand would slowly slide down towards her aching pussy.
Gasping, she stumbled away from the mirror and tried to clear
her head. It wasn’t okay for her to think like that. He was her employer, and there was no way that he would look at her like that. He was a rich businessman who could have his choice in women, and she was just a charity case.
At eight o’clock sharp, she ventured out of her room and down the stairs to the kitchens. There were several staff members already sitting at the tables. Most of them looked older than her, and they were all speaking to each other in Russian. When she walked in, conversation ceased, and everyone stared at her.
“Hi,” she said awkwardly. “I’m Ella. I’m the new maid.”
When nobody said anything at first, she assumed that no one spoke English, but one of the women broke into a big smile. “We heard that there was a new girl, but we thought that Mr. Chesnovak was keeping you hidden away,” she said in heavily-accented English. “I’m Dina. I’m the other maid. This is Zoya. She’s one of the cooks, so make sure you stay on her good side. This is Nestor and Oleg. They’re handymen and work on the lawn. Don’t worry if they don’t talk much to you. Their English isn’t very good.”
“I guess that means I’ll have to work on my Russian,” she said with a smile.
The men watched her curiously, but the older woman appraised her coolly. Ella wasn’t sure if that was because she was new or because she was American. Then again, Erik had said that his chef was particular.
“Food is on the counter. Grab a plate and help yourself.” Dina returned the smile, and Ella felt a little better. At least one person on the staff was going to be nice to her.
Ella discovered she was hungrier than expected and filled her plate. The conversation at the table started again, and all eyes were on her. It was obvious from the expressions on their face that they were talking about her.
“They’re not trying to be rude. It’s unusual for Mr. Chesnovak to hire someone new, let alone someone foreign.” Dina said something sharply to them in Russian, and they grew quiet.
“Oh no, that’s okay. I’m new. People are supposed to talk about the new person. How long have you worked for him?” she asked curiously.