Page 4 of Enveloped By the Darkness

“Y-Yes,” she gasped as I straightened, stroking her nape with my free hand. “I suppose that’s what I mean.”

“Initially, yes.”

The thought of letting her go was almost painful, but it would help to physically go to her new place of work to get a feel for the Chambers and watch her step over the threshold. That was what I was good at, after all—watching, waiting, and biding my time. It was how she’d come to be mine.

“Once we’re in a routine, perhaps you can drive yourself, little girl.” I could hardly believe what I was saying. Tiffany had changed me, as had being forced back to Barrington. I could no longer hide behind the mask of the monster. Dealing with the demons inside my home had started me on a journey of self-development, which meant accepting if Tiffany was truly mine, that I could let her go and she’d always come back. “We’ll see.”

“I like you driving me, Master.” She breathed the words into my neck, the sound almost lost to the autumn breeze. “But it is a waste of your time.”

“Being with you is never a waste,” I corrected her.

“You know what I mean.” Her big blue eyes flashed at me as an adorable blush rose to her cheeks. “You have your own life as well, Master.”

“Yes.” Gazing back at the house, the enormity of her statement struck me. For the first time, I had responsibilities, bills to pay and employees who looked to me. Coming back to Barrington had turned everything on its head. “Do you like it here?” I didn’t know why I was asking. It wasn’t as though I’d given her much of a choice, and in the end, it had been Tiffany who’d wanted to live with me.

“Of course.” Twisting, she followed my gaze. “It’s gorgeous. All of it is more incredible than I could ever have imagined.”

“Yes,” I repeated, my gaze settling on one of the upstairs windows where, for one disconcerting moment, I could have sworn I saw a small boy sitting by the pane.

Time had not erased the many devils lurking in the hallways, though the lick of paint and new furnishings had helped cast them into the shadows. I still had a lot of work to do if I was ever going to leave my father’s abuse behind me.

“Master.” Brow furrowing, she reached one tiny hand toward my face. “Are you okay?”

“I’m okay.” Capturing her wrist, I met her concerned eyes.

“Are you thinking about him again?” she whispered. “Your father.”

A ball of anxiety knotted in my chest as she waited for my answer. Revealing some of my past to Tiffany had been the most difficult confession of my life, far harder than the admission of what I’d done. Somehow, disclosing what had happened to me was suffocating, the declaration that I had been vulnerable—had suffered—almost intolerable. But this was Tiffany, the woman I’d staked my entire future happiness on. If I couldn’t be honest with her, then what was the point?

“In a way.” My attention flitted back to the window to find the boy gone. “But more about myself, the boy I was, the man I’ve become.”

“I still wish you’d see someone.” Leaning into my palm, her eyelids fluttered closed. “Talk to a professional.”

“I don’t need anyone but you.” Caressing the side of her face, the idea cemented. She was my everything. Who else did I need?

“And you know I’m always ready to listen, Master.” She smiled. “But I have a feeling whatever happened was more than I’m qualified to help you with.”

Shit, she was right. The things my father had done in that house when I was only a child were terrible. How could I expect anyone else to carry the burden of his perversion? It was bad enough that the trauma had no doubt helped mold me into the man I’d become, encouraging me to do the things I had done… It wasn’t an excuse, but it was true. My father’s legacy had a lot to answer for.

“Let’s not ruin the mood by talking about it now, eh?” Blowing out a breath, I turned away from the house. “It’s such a beautiful day.”

“If that’s what you want.” Doubt flickered in her gaze. “I’m always here.”

“I know.” Reaching around her middle, I pulled her flush against me, seeking the solace of her body heat. “And God knows I love you for it, but it’s…” Hesitating, my eyes closed as I stumbled for the words. I didn’t even have the vocabulary for the emotions I was trying to process, but a part of me still loathed showing so much weakness in front of her. I was her man, her master. I was supposed to have the answers, not be endlessly susceptible.

“It’s okay,” she murmured, planting another gentle kiss on my jaw. “There’s no pressure, Master. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

“I’m fine,” I reassured her, opening my eyes and brushing my mouth over hers. “Let’s walk some more.”

“Okay.” Nodding, she untangled herself from me and allowed me to scoop up her palm and lead her on past the elm.

The haunting of Barrington House was far from over, but the specters could wait. I had someone better to concentrate on.

Chapter Two

Tiffany Noble

“I’m thinking of getting more staff.” Kade’s voice was thoughtful as he lounged by the fireplace. “I have a team to help old Noel, but the house could use more people.”

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