Page 57 of The Time Of Queens

I tossed my hand up at this and questioned in a dubious tone,

“In your debt?”

“Yes, for if memory serves, you left without settling any wages or compensation paid,” he reminded me, and I was just about to rummage in my bag and get out the money that Sophia and Pip had given me when I stopped myself in time. Because what if it only ended up getting them in trouble?

I had no idea what a lot of money was or not. So, I didn’t know if it would look suspicious if I had too much for this journey and knowing my girls, then they no doubt would have given me more than what a simple lady’s maid would have earned.

“But I…” I started to try and make some other excuse, but it was pointless when he beat me to it.

“Which would put you at a great disadvantage as I can assume you are without funds, or soon will be after you have paid for the use of this carriage.”

My eyes widened at the realisation that Draven was about to blackmail me.

“You’re joking?!”

“I do not jest, for I am quite serious.”

My mouth dropped once more before I accused, “So, you’re actually bribing me?”

“No, I am merely giving you a choice, for you can pay your way or I can take matters up with the authorities.”

I actually scoffed at this, which admittedly came out as more of a choking sound.

“The authorities?!” I cried in outrage.

“You heard correct,” he confirmed calmly, totally unaffected by my anger.

“So that’s it then? You are bribing me.”

He tilted his head a little and gestured with his hands out before stating in a nonchalant way.

“No, I am simply getting what I want, for if you wish to fight me on it, then I assure you, it is a battle you will not win.”

I huffed before snapping,

“Your arrogance knows no bounds!”

He simply shrugged his shoulders in an unapologetic way before telling me,

“I am a business man, and those successful in business have to…”

“…Exploit people’s weaknesses?!” I barked back, interrupting him, to which he simply released a frustrated sigh.

“To use the actions of others to their advantage,” he corrected, making me scoff and fold my arms across my chest.

“The simple fact, Miss Williams, is that I ordered you to wait until my return and you failed to do so. Now, had you obeyed my instructions, then the matter would have been settled…”

My mouth dropped again before I screeched,

“Orders…? Obey?!”

“Yes, for you were employed under my roof and seeing as I am master of that home in which you occupied, that does mean I am within my rights to command such of you,” he told me with a tone of indifference… and just like a man used to getting his way.

“Jesus, unbelievable,”I muttered in exasperation.

“Believe it, Miss Williams, for you owe me a debt. You disobeyed an order and now you must face the consequences of such.”

“But it isn’t like I stole from you! You asked me to leave, so I left… this is madness!” I argued, getting even more incensed.

---