Page 1 of The Beast's Obsession

one

. . .

Lily

My hands shakeas I clutch my worn leather bag, knuckles white against the faded material. Deep breath. I can do this. For Mom. For Danny. The massive doors of the Wolfe Estate loom before me, gleaming mahogany that probably costs more than our entire house.

I force myself to reach for the polished brass knocker, my reflection distorted in its surface. God, I look so out of place already in my simple blouse and skirt. But it's the nicest outfit I own, carefully pressed this morning while trying not to wake my little brother.

The door swings open silently and I step inside, immediately overwhelmed by the sheer opulence surrounding me. Marble floors stretch endlessly, punctuated by priceless art and furniture that belongs in a museum. The scent of leather and wood polish tickles my nose.

"Oh wow," I breathe, unable to stop myself.

A stoic-faced man in an impeccable suit regards me impassively. "Miss Hart, I presume? Follow me."

I trail after him down endless hallways, trying desperately to take mental notes so I don't get lost. Left, right, up a sweeping staircase that makes me dizzy. How does anyone live like this?

"Your assignment details," the man intones, handing me a thick folder. "Mr. Wolfe expects perfection."

I nod, clutching the folder like a lifeline. "Of course. I won't let him down."

I don’t know much about Grayson Wolfe other than they call him “the Beast.” Apparently because he’s so mean and cold and calculating.

That’s probably why he can’t keep a housemaid. Apparently, he yells at all of them and scares them away.

I don’t have any intention of quitting, though. No matter how big and bad this wolf is. Ineedthis job. For mom. For my little brother.

It’s life or death. Literally.

The man's lips thin slightly. "See that you don't."

And then I'm alone, pulse racing as I flip through the pages. So many tasks, so many rules. I can do this. I have to.

Squaring my shoulders, I start down the hall, heels clicking softly on the marble. Ornate paintings line the walls and I can't help but slow, captivated by their beauty.

A flash of movement catches my eye and I turn, realizing too late that I've wandered into an unfamiliar wing. Panic flares hot in my chest as I spin, trying to retrace my steps. The identical corridors mock me, a labyrinth of wealth I was never meant to navigate.

"Focus, Lily," I mutter, pressing a hand to my thundering heart. "You can't screw this up on the first day."

I stumble through an open doorway, my heart in my throat. The room beyond is dim, masculine—all dark wood and leather.

"And who might you be?"

The voice cuts through the silence like a blade, deep and commanding. I freeze, eyes widening as they land on the man before me. He has to be Grayson Wolfe. Even in the low light, his presence fills the room, broad shoulders blocking my escape. His eyes narrow, raking over me with predatory intensity.

"I-I'm so sorry," I stammer, face burning. "I got lost and?—"

"Lost?" He arches a brow, stepping closer. "In my home?"

God, he's tall. I have to crane my neck to meet his gaze, pulse racing. "It won't happen again, sir. I was just trying to?—"

My hands are shaking so badly that the tray I'm clutching wobbles. Before I can steady it, one of the wine glasses tips. I watch in horror as dark liquid splashes across Grayson's crisp white shirt.

Time slows. The stain spreads, a crimson bloom against stark perfection. My stomach plummets.

"Oh no," I breathe. "I'm so sorry, I didn't mean?—"

I reach out instinctively, as if I could somehow undo my colossal mistake. But Grayson catches my wrist, his grip firm.Electric.

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