Ava watched as he moved to the drawer and pulled out a cheque, handing it over to her. "Do you need more, Ava?" he smiled. "I can give you any amount you want, and you know that, right?"
"It's okay, this is enough," she replied, mustering a polite smile. But as she turned around to leave, he took hold of her hand, preventing her from moving any further. She swallowed nervously, closing her eyes. "Ava, do you need me to teach you how to say thank you?" he asked, his tone tinged with anger. Turning to meet his gaze, Ava noticed his raised eyebrow. Thank you. It's not like it's free, is it?
"Thank you, Master," she said, faking a smile to appease him. He let go of her hand and ran his fingers through his hair in frustration. She couldn't help but wonder why he seemed frustrated when it should be her feeling that way. "You can go now, Ava. See you tomorrow," he said, reminding her that tomorrow was Sunday. "And then you will do anything I ask you to," he added, leaving her frozen in place, unable to move or think clearly. "You can go now, Ava," he repeated.
"Okay, Master," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. With that, she ran from the mansion to the bank, taking a taxi to the market to buy what they needed to cook for the day. Once she was finished, she headed home.
Seeing the happiness on her mother's and Luke's faces brought Ava joy. It had been a long time since they had enjoyed such a delicious meal. She didn't care what she had to go through as long as they were happy. "I need to get changed, mother. I'll be back in a sec," she informed her.
"Okay, dear. Dinner will be ready soon."
Rushing upstairs, I shut the door but didn't feel startled when I saw Alex sitting and reading my book, the window open, and a gentle breeze flowing in. "You didn't pass through the train station today," he commented.
"That doesn't mean you can just come into my room whenever you want, Alex." I frowned, taking off my shirt. I noticed his widened eyes at the sight of my bra and exposed tummy. "Turn around," I ordered.
"Oh, okay. Sorry," he replied, quickly averting his gaze to face the mirror. I proceeded to take off my trousers and moved to the closet, grabbing my pajamas. After putting them on, I let my hair down and exhaled.
"Are you going to work tomorrow?" Alex asked, his curiosity evident.
"Yes," I confirmed.
"But it's Sunday," he stated, sounding confused.
"Yeah, I have work to do," I explained, turning to face him with a smile. "You see, Alex, tomorrow is going to be a busy day for me. I need to get some sleep right now, so if you don't mind, please leave." He stood up and moved in my direction, frowning.
"I thought yesterday we were getting closer, why are you pushing me away now?" he questioned.
Looking at him, I let out a sigh. "I'm just exhausted, Alex. Please, go home and let me be for..." Before I could finish my sentence, he pulled me into his arms. "What are you doing?" I asked, slightly caught off guard.
"Hugging you," he replied simply.
Breathing in his comforting scent, I closed my eyes. "I know that, but why are you doing that?" I asked, genuinely curious about his motives.
"You look like you need one, and I love you too much to let you be," he whispered, gently caressing my cheek. Pulling away slightly, he continued, "You need rest, though. I will leave, but if anything or anyone is troubling you, please call me." I nodded my head silently, watching as Alex left.
The recurring dream lingered in my mind, and I shook my head to dismiss it. It was just ridiculous, after all.
Damon bent down to inspect his wolves, noticing their paleness. "The food isn't enough," he muttered, observing them as they licked their legs, behaving like typical wild animals. Standing up, I looked up at the sun, reminding myself that I hadn't informed her of the specific time to come. She could arrive at any moment.
When was the last time I felt anticipation for a visit? It made me feel like a teenager again. "Master," Lady Martha's voice interrupted my thoughts, and I rolled my eyes at her concern. "You should go inside; the heat here is too harsh."
"Relax, Martha," I replied, smiling and casually shoving my hands into my pockets. "The atmosphere is perfect."
"Sorry I'm late," I heard Ava's voice, and a genuine smile formed on my lips. "The train station was delayed today."
"What are you doing here? Sundays are usually free," Lady Martha chimed in, confusion evident in her voice.
"I asked her to come. You can leave now, Martha," I said, dismissing her with a wave of my hand. Listening to her fading footsteps, I turned my head slightly to catch a glimpse of Ava, but her appearance made me spin my entire body to face her completely.
She was wearing short shorts—a "bum short," I believe it's called—accompanied by a crop top that exposed her flat tummy. Her hair flowed freely, and she wore a hat to complete the look.
When she noticed my stare, her face reddened. "It was hot, so I decided to wear this, but I can still change to..." Before she could finish her sentence, I lifted my hand to cut her off.
"I like it," I muttered, my eyes shifting to the necklace I had given her, still hanging around her neck. "It suits you."
"Thank you," she replied, smiling. I furrowed my brows, unable to look away from her. "Is there anything you want me to do, master, according to the deal we made yesterday?"
"What's the rush, Ava?" I moved closer to her, lifting a strand of her hair and inhaling its strawberry scent. "I like to savor my prey slowly, Ava, but with you, maybe I'll rush things a little." I took her hand and began to lead her. "Follow me."
We arrived in my bedroom, and I shut the door behind us. As I moved towards my closet, her words stopped me. "Your room?" Her voice trembled slightly, revealing her nervousness and thoughts about me touching her, but it was too soon for that.
Originally, I had planned to grab my jacket and take her out of the mansion. I remembered what Grant had told me earlier—girls love going out on dates, so I thought it would be a good idea. But the way she was behaving made me consider playing a little. I turned around and sat on the edge of the bed, smiling at her.
"Unbutton my shirt, Ava," I purred, a mischievous grin on my face. "It's hot, so that should be an easy task, right?"
Her face, down to her neck, turned crimson. She stepped closer, her hands trembling as she struggled with the first button, then the second. When I touched her, she flinched, causing a frown to form on my face, a frown that I knew would scare her the most.
"I can't touch you, can I?" she finally spoke, her voice barely above a whisper. She said nothing more, opting to look down and clench her fists at her sides. Her words replayed in my head: "I hate you." It was clear. She did hate me, huh?
I've always been bad with ladies, so this wouldn't be the first time someone rejected me. "Hmm," I responded, causing her to raise her head. "Go home." Her eyes widened in confusion, struggling to understand me, and I could tell it was bothering her.
As I stood up to grab my jacket, her hand stopped me. "I came here to do anything for you, master. I fulfill my promises, so please command me."
Smiling, I turned to look at her. "Kiss me, Ava." She stepped back at my request, clearly taken aback. "Can you do that?" I furrowed my brows and chuckled. "How about I throw you on this very bed and rape you?"
"Rape?!" Her voice was filled with shock and disbelief.
"You won't let me have my way with you, so it would have to be rape. Not like it would be the first time for me," I smirked, watching her step back. "You see, Ava," I moved closer, lifting her hat and throwing it aside, "I am what you call evil. I am not good, and I don't plan on hiding that fact. I rape girls that get on my nerves." Caressing her cheek, I smiled at how scared she looked. "But I will not rape you, silly." Laughing, I stepped back and watched her frown in confusion. She entertained me a lot. "What a delight it is to have you here, Ava."
"Huh?" she muttered, seeming extremely confused.
"You seem to always make me laugh," I smiled, observing her closely. "Though the laughs are not real... they are fake." Buttoning my shirt, I mumbled, "I want you to make me laugh, Ava. A real laugh... I still can't remember the last time I genuinely chuckled from my heart."
"Do you have a heart?" she asked, the words slipping out of her mouth before she could stop them.
"I have no idea, Ava. I have been heartless for a very long time," I leaned close, biting her ear softly before whispering, "It still surprises me that I like you, silly girl."