Page 38 of Cruel Alpha: Season One

“Please do,” he croons, and this time, when I turn to leave, I don’t stop.

I can’t.

Because there’s a very strong possibility I’ll find myself in yet another compromising position.

Right back on the alpha’s sofa.

15

Happy Birthday, Darling

Annalise

“This really isn’t necessary.”

My words seem to fall on deaf ears as Lady Gilreath continues fussing over me, feathering a brush across my cheeks over and over again.

She’s never one to overdo my makeup, so that isn’t my concern. It’s simply that I can’t see the point in wearing makeup atallwhen my destination isn’t some expensive restaurant or a night on the town. I merely headed downstairs to the diningroom, where I’ll be joined by my maidens for a spread of my favorite foods.

Lady Gilreath steps back, admiring her work for a moment before a satisfied grin stretches across her face.

“There. Perfection.”

A relieved sigh leaves me, but it’s short lived when she grabs the brush from my vanity.

“And now, to do something with this hair of yours.”

“No!”

Her eyes stretch wide when I shout, but I only meant to stop her, not offend her. So, I soften the harshness I just aimed at her with a smile.

“You’ve already done enough, Lady Gilreath, and I appreciate it. But my hair is fine.”

The bridge of her nose wrinkles. “But… there aren’t any curls.”

Her innocence is jarring and it’s as though she truly believes the lack of volume in my hair will somehow trigger a disaster of catastrophic proportions.

Fighting a laugh, I blink at her through the mirror’s reflection. “Yes, I know. But I’m already pleased with it.”

“But today’s your birthday, Ms. Breedlove. And although you’ve gone out of your way to make such a special occasionfeellike just an ordinary day… that simply isn’t true, Ma’am.”

She moves a hand through a small section of my hair, letting strands fall over my shoulder as they slip between her fingers. She loathes straight ‘boring’ hair, but she backs off, and I’m grateful.

“Suit yourself. Shall I help you into your dress at least?”

Hanging on the door of the armoire is the dress she speaks of. It’s elaborate and expensive like all the rest, but I’m not in the mood. Yes, today may be my birthday, and I understand thatmy maidens and staff only mean to make me feel special. But for some reason, all I want out of today is to feel… normal.

“You know, I believe I’ve changed my mind about the dress, too.”

“Dear gods…” she sighs, drawing another smile from me when she lowers to the settee like a damsel in distress.

I can feel her eyes on me as I rummage through the wide drawer beneath the armoire. It’s where my clothes from home were stored.

“This should do.”

I pull out a pair of white jeans, a white body suit with long sleeves, and a taupe cardigan that matches the polish on my fingers and toes. When I face Lady Gilreath, holding the change of clothes in my hands, she blinks but says nothing. That feels like a win to me, so I slip out of my robe, toss it to the side, then put on what I’ve chosen to wear.

“I’m almost afraid to ask, but what shoes will you be pairing with this ensemble, Ma’am?”

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