I whine as someone gently nudges me awake and I open my eyes to see Greta giving me a warm smile.
'Morning dear, Master Dominic wants breakfast at 7:30 before he goes off to work,' she says and I look at the clock to see I have 5minutes to get ready. I gasp, jumping out of bed and rush to my closet and grab a quick set, dressing and slipping on my shoes. I rush down the stairs and see him sitting already, waiting for me with an eyebrow raised.
'Morning,' he says as I sit down and I smile at him.
'Sleep well?' I ask and he pauses as he drinks his coffee, before looking at me.
'Yes,' I roll my eyes at his blatant lie and eat a piece of bacon.
'I always made father some chamomile before he went to bed,' I say after swallowing and he narrows his eyes at me.
'Are you implying that I lied about sleeping well?' he asks and I give him a small smile.
'You are assuming that I am implying something. I was merely sharing personal information about my father and myself. Surely you should know something about me to appease the social worker,' I say with a subtle hint of sarcasm before taking a sip of the hot cocoa Greta places in front of me and I thank her with a gracious smile and slight bow of my head.
'Very well. My schedule is filled with meeting meaning I won't be home for dinner,' he says as he gets up and I stand with him.
'I hope you enjoy your day then,' I say and he watches for a moment before leaving. I slump in my chair and I play with my food as my mood becomes sombre.
'He detests me,' I pout and Greta tuts at me, brushing some of my hair behind my ear in a motherly fashion.
'He's always been a lone wolf. Having you here has ruffled his feathers a bit, but he will come around,' she says, patting my head before leaving me to finish my breakfast and I decide I'll explore the manor. Walking through the halls, inspecting the portraits of Wanton forebears and come across a family library attached to a large study. I look through the shelves and pick out a book on business affairs and directing, deciding to sit in the leather chaise lounge chair by the large stone fireplace in the study. I lay on my stomach and start reading, after starting a young crackling fire.
Eventually, influenced by the warmth of the fire, lulling me to sleep and then I feel weightless. I moan slightly as my body is squeezed to tightly and then frown as I don't remember having a blanket wrapped around me. My eyes flutter open, looking into a broad chest and I look up to see Dominic holding me close as he carries me. He looks down, finding me staring up at him, clearing his throat but continues walking to his destination.
'I was taking you to your room since you fell asleep in my office,' he states and I blush, nodding.
'I didn't know it was your office. I'm sorry for overstepping,' I say and he walks into my room, placing me gently on the bed, before looking around at it.
'You haven't decorated much,' he says and I shrug as I take off my shoes.
'You're the third person they sent me to. You have no legal obligation to keep me. I should be in the foster system-,' I start and he interrupts.
'You will stay,' he orders and I look up at him as he almost looms over me. I swallow and nod at his statement. His eyes study me for a while and I blush as my stomach announces its need for sustenance, causing his brows to furrow.
'Have you eaten?' he asks and I shake my head.
'Neither have I. Come,' he starts walking out of the room and I follow behind him as he makes his way down to the kitchen. He checks the fridge and takes out chicken stir-fry. I get out two bowls and dish for us, placing them in the microwave. He pours me a glass of water and wine for himself as I lay the counter for us to sit at. I place his food in front of him as he sits down on the barstool and I giggle at how strange he looks on the stool.
'What do you find so amusing, little one?' he asks and I shake my head, clicking my chopsticks.
'You're just so big. You seem like a cartoon sitting on that stool,' I say and his lips tug up into a small smile before starting to eat his food. We silently eat our food and he waits for me until I finish, placing our bowls in the sink.
'I found you reading a book about business, does it interest you?' he asks as we slowly make our way up the stairs and I nod my head.
'I find it interesting how negotiations work. The contractual work is interesting but some of the theories are too idealistic and it would be more beneficial to use three in combination to have a successful business,' I say, looking at him for confirmation and he nods. We stop at my bedroom and I walk in, looking back at him.
'Sleep well,' he says and walks over to the next bedroom, closing the door behind him. I sigh, closing my door and dressing into my PJs, before climbing into bed. I shut off my bedside lamp and feel a familiar urge to sleep in my body.
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I get ready for bed, thinking about the innocent brunette I have taken in and shake the thoughts of how beautifully intriguing she appears, my curiosity sparked.
'Snap out of it, Dom, you're her new father figure. You should think of nurturing her into a strong independent woman,' I scold myself and decide to avoid as much contact with her but ensure she excels in her studies. I spend the whole night awake, trying to not think about the petite girl that I now have under my roof in the next room.