Luke had seemed nice. At first. He'd offered to show me around the more prestigious side of town. Only being used to the slums myself I thought I would be nice to have a companion and see everything. I had no idea he was Connor's brother. I didn't even realise Connor had a brother. "I'm not going to tell you who you can and can't see but just be careful hanging around Luke. He often has ulterior motives" Connor said. His eyes were closed and he was pinching the bridge of his nose. Obviously trying to not get angry. "I didn't know you had a brother" I said. "I don't. He's my half brother and I don't consider him family at all" He'd opened his eyes but the anger was still clearly there. Nervously I placed my hand on the side of his cheek. He leaned into it, watching me intently. I could see he didn't want to talk about Luke anymore so I left the subject alone. I just wanted to be in this moment with him. I was seeing new sides of Connor. Someone I'd never known before. He really was a nice person. I think he just had to act tough. Luke had really got to him, especially when he had mentioned taking me out. But before Luke had said anything he had been perfectly charming towards me. Suddenly he seemed to remember where he was and jumped up. "I've got more work to do but I'll join you for dinner" and with that he practically sprinted out of the room. I sighed. It seems like he wants to get close to me but he's afraid of something.
I left the dining room and went to the library instead. I thought it best not to go outside and run into Luke again. I didn't want to make Connor hate me. I pulled another book off the shelf and sat down in one of the plush armchairs in the corner. Almost as soon as I'd sat down Henry scuttled in. "Oh hey Henry" "Hello mistress, would you like to go back outside or are you done out there for the day?" He asked. "I think it's best I stay indoors today" I replied. He probably knew what had happened already. "No problem mistress, can I get you anything? Maybe something to drink? Water or something stronger?" I thought about it for a moment. I could do with something strong, but I'd never had alcohol before. Alcohol was expensive in the slums and those that drank were normally part of the mob. There were a few people that brewed it illegally but most of the time it was disgusting and watered down so much it wasn't even worth it. "Sure why not something stronger. Just bring me whatever is on hand" He nodded and scurried away. Should I really be drinking this early in the day? I shook my head, I could do whatever I wanted now even Connor had said so. Henry was back with a glass of brown liquid. "Henry, I've never had alcohol before, what is it?" I said earnestly. "Oh mistress this is brandy, the masters favourite drink" he handed it to me and I sniffed it. The smell shot up my nostrils, burning them. I took a gulp and the burning sensation went to my throat now. I coughed a bit and Henry chuckled. "It is a bit of a required taste mistress" I took another sip and this one didn't burn as much. "Henry can you bring the bottle, I'm starting to enjoy it" I smiled. He nodded smiling and left the room, returning in minutes with a Crystal decanter. "Thank you, that'll be all" "Ok mistress I'll be around just ring if you need me" and he pointed to a cord I hadn't seen before right next to the chair.
I abandoned the book and the library and started exploring the my home, drink in hand, decanter in the other. This brandy was making me feel warm and daring. I opened one door only to find a gigantic pool.taking my shoes and socks off, I sat down on the edge and dangled my feet in the water. It would be nice to go full swimming but I didn't have a swimming costume. I looked around, no-one was here so what if I just got in naked. I giggled to myself. I poured another glass of brandy and knocked it back. Feeling brave I shucked off my clothes and was about to jump in when someone grabbed me from behind.