Page 4 of Semper

From his pocket, he produced a burgundy box, its velvet surface hinting at its contents. It was the sort of box one might expect to hold a fine piece of jewelry, delicate and luxurious.

Judging by the look on his and the rest of the staff’s faces, it was far more precious than that. He opened it to reveal a black skeleton key on a thin, matching elegant chain. Alexander took the key and turned to me, placing it into my palm, his fingers warm against mine. I looked up at him, our eyes meeting as he curled my fingers to hold it tight.

I instinctively knew the key was more than just a tool for unlocking doors. This was a tether, another tangible link to this new life that was still so alien to me. This gesture, although simple, carried a weight of significance.

"This is your home now. Embrace who you were always meant to be," he said softly, a hint of something indefinable in his voice.

I nodded, albeit uncertainly. I couldn’t very well tell him no. I wasn’t that foolish.

“Walk me out,deliciae.” He slipped an arm around my middle and led me towards the door, picking up a sleek briefcase that matched his impeccably designed suit along the way.

The morning air was cool and refreshing as we stepped outside onto the walkway. Waiting at the end was a silver SUV with Isaac, the attentive driver, ready and waiting for him. Turning to face me, Alexander's gaze softened. "If you need anything at all, go to Ambrose or use the intercoms. The staff is at your complete disposal."

He pulled me closer to him, his arm tightening around my waist possessively. "If anyone dares to disrespect you, looks at you wrong, or even breathes too hard in your direction tell me immediately. I'll handle them just as I did Kennedy - with no mercy."

I nodded, but deep down I knew I could never put another human being through the same pain and suffering that she had endured.

As his lips met mine in a kiss filled with both tenderness and desire, his tongue danced along the seam of my lips, beckoning them to part and let him in. Clinging onto the key in my hand like a lifeline, I fought against the urge to sink deeper into his embrace.

He finally pulled away, his gaze lingering on my face as if committing every detail to memory. "I'll see you soon.”

The air crackled with tension, thick and palpable as he reluctantly released me from his hold.

He stepped back and slid into the waiting vehicle, his eyes never leaving mine until the door closed and the tinted windows obscured him. The lingering sensation of his kiss sparked a confusing mix of shame and yearning. It was as if fire and ice were warring within me, leaving me disoriented and breathless.

What was happening to me? How was this man managing to weave himself so intricately into the fabric of my thoughts and emotions, like a skilled puppet expert pulling at invisible strings? I grappled with the unsettling realization that, despite everything, my feelings were shifting in a direction I couldn't quite comprehend or control. As the SUV disappeared around the bend, leaving behind nothing but the fading sound of its engine, Ambrose's gentle voice pulled me back to reality.

"Mistress Lolita," he spoke softly, concern evident in his tone. "May I suggest we return inside for your breakfast?"

I nodded absently, my gaze lingering on the empty space where Alexander had stood moments ago. The lake beyond shimmered like a dark secret, it’s still waters reflecting the depth of my entrapment. The vast estate loomed behind me, sprawling across the land like a beast waiting to devour me whole. I turned back toward it, the towering silhouette casting long shadows across the ground.

The morning sun kissed my skin, but the chill in my heart remained, deeper than the warmth could reach—a coldness that came not from the air, but from the quiet understanding that I was so far from anything and anyone who would see me as I truly was.

Trapped.

CHAPTER THREE

I was guided to the dining room where a smaller, yet no less impressive spread of delicacies had been laid out. Ambrose, proving to be ever the attentive steward, pulled a chair out for me.

I murmured a quiet "thank you" as I took my seat.

A servitor—Tasia—entered right after, her movements graceful and silent. Her dark hair was pulled back neatly, accentuating the gentle contours of her face. She placed the usual pills and a smoothie before me, its hue a different shade from usual.

"Here you are, Mistress. This was specially prepared to help with your menstrual discomfort."

I thanked her and received a warm smile in return before she dipped her head and left the room. As soon as she vanished from view, I took a closer look at the smoothie. Its color was a rich, deep purple, like crushed velvet in a glass. Tiny flecks of red and blue swirled through it, creating an almost hypnotic pattern. It had clearly been carefully crafted—like a potion instead of a mere drink.

Ambrose, standing by with a watchful eye, reassured me, "That should hold you over for a few hours. If the discomfort becomes too much, inform me or one of your servitors.”

I would certainly not be going to him.

“I’ll use the intercoms if I need anything.”

“Excellent. You'll find them in various rooms throughout the house." He paused for a moment before adding, "Once you have finished your breakfast, you are free to explore the estate at your leisure, inside and out." He gave me a genial smile. “It’s been a pleasure to meet you. Enjoy your meal.”

I nodded, taking in his words, and only then realized I’d been clutching the key that entire time. I unfurled my fingers and stared at my hand. The imprint etched temporarily into my skin felt like a metaphor for Alexander. Just as the key had left its mark, so had he, in ways that were far more indelible. I looped the delicate chain tied to the key around my neck and then reached for the pills first.

I swallowed them with a sip of the smoothie. Its rich, velvety texture was smooth and cool, with a flavor that danced between sweet and tart. The taste of fresh berries mixed with a hint of something floral, left a refreshing aftertaste that soothed my senses.

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