Page 23 of Dark Elf's Good Girl

I know he’s hoping he did so I won’t give him that satisfaction. “No.” I giggle just to tack on that I am not as nervous around him as he hopes I am. “I just wanted to look at you.”

Not true in the slightest.

I’ve learned to be vigilant, and a good liar. I have to stay on high alert when he’s everywhere I turn. Does this elf not have a job?

“You just looked so delectable bent over the furniture like that.”

The smile on my face waivers, but I keep it in place, even as bile teases the back of my throat. If looks could kill, I’d slaughter him with my gaze.

“Hard at work.” I give a half shrug and back up, adding space between us. I refuse to put my back to him as I continue my chores.

I wonder if he knows that his mother is watching me almost as closely as he is. She doesn’t show up in my rooms or every hallway I take in this manor like Calix does. But she does berate me over my cleaning habits and always makes sure to check behind me.

I’m not sure who’s unpredictable appearance I hate more, Calix or Talara’s.

The only positive of being in both of their sights is that Talara calls for me so frequently the Calix can’t seem to keep me alone. Sometimes I wonder if she’s doing it on purpose to keep me away from her son.

I really wouldn’t mind if she was.

It’s not lost on me that Calix bought me for a reason. It’s evident in the way that his eyes are roaming down my body right now, making my skin crawl.

But I am damn sure trying to get out of it. I don’t know how long I can go on, considering he bought me. I’m indefinitely his. Right now I’m just trying to survive the day today until I have a better plan.

“I think it’s time for you to take a break.”

I think it’s time for you to take a walk, I want to say to him. I would say he doesn’t get the hint, but as my master, he doesn’t have to. He probably enjoys that I don’t want to be near him, which makes the whole arrangement more sickening.

“I don’t think your mother would appreciate that.” I’m not above trying to hide behind her, even though she’s made her disdain for me clear. “I still have a long list for today.”

He prowls closer. “Let me handle, Mother.” His eyes haven’t made it back to my face, too busy examining my body in the outfit that has been designated for me. If it can be called that. “ I’m sure she wouldn’t mind.”

Something tells me that his mother wishes he would stop bringing home humans. That makes two of us.

I’m surprised she said nothing about the lingerie that I’m forced to prance around their house in. I don't think she enjoys seeing me in it.

Every time she does see me, she glares. It’s like she’s trying to set me on fire with her eyes. It’s the opposite of Calix, who’s trying to devour me whole in this moment.

“Come now. I have a little time.” He steps closer and I have nowhere to go. I’m stuck between a fireplace and a bookshelf, a wall and his body. Like a trapped animal, I’m searching for my only exit.

As he reaches for me, he leaves a space open that I duck through, grabbing my cleaner and cloth and holding it up like that was what I was going for. Calix’s lips press into a thin line, and I can see his patience waning.

Though it doesn’t take much to get him there.

“I need these,” I offer as I try to go to the other side of the room. I start working on the windows, keeping my body where I can still see him.

I kind of think that he likes the chase and that’s why he lets me behave this way. What scares me is I know he’s going to break me when he catches me.

I just hope that never comes.

But on Protheka, humans are never that lucky.

He sighs, glancing outside. I peek out there to see that he’s watching his father talk with another elf. I can tell he’s weighing his options, trying to decide if pursuing me is worth the time or if he should go down there.

One glance at me, and it seems his mind is made up.

“We’ll finish this later," he huffs.

Then he stalks out of the room, and I heave a sigh of relief.

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