After the assembly, Ava found herself in the garden, tending to the flowers and lost in her thoughts. There was so much to contemplate - her enigmatic master Damon and his peculiar way of living, his likes and dislikes, and the sudden change in Alex's expression last night.
Ever since these two men entered my life, everything seemed so complicated. I'm well aware that I don't like Damon; he both scares and intrigues me. But being around him is also strangely exhilarating.
As for Alex, he is sweet to the point where it pains me to think of breaking his heart. Every woman deserves care and affection from her partner, someone who treats her as an equal. "Ava!" Rose's voice suddenly pierced through my thoughts, making me jump in surprise.
"Oh my God, Rose! Are you trying to give me a heart attack?" I spun around to face her, her brows furrowed with concern. "What is it?"
"Rumors have been circulating about you, Ava," she whispered, her voice low.
"What rumors?" I asked, curiosity and apprehension lacing my words.
"That you're sleeping with the boss," Rose calmly uttered, but her words hit me like a ton of bricks. So that's why people give me those disgusted looks when I enter a room. "Is it true?"
"Of course not!" I growled, my frustration seeping into my voice. I resumed watering the plants, speaking loudly enough for everyone to hear. "I don't care what anyone thinks about me, but one thing is crystal clear - I am not sleeping with the boss." Their stares turned toward me, and I momentarily met their gaze. "And you know what, Rose? These maids need to stop meddling in matters that have nothing to do with them, for crying out loud."
"Please, Ava, calm down," Rose moved closer, her voice soothing. "But something does confuse me. Yesterday, you didn't wear your uniform to work, and yet you weren't reprimanded or punished."
I paused and looked at her, giving her my undivided attention. "That's because... there's a perfectly valid explanation for that. It's between Damon and me. It's personal."
"Come on, tell me."
"Fine, we went to the Wonder Wheel," I admitted.
"You mean it was a date?" Rose's voice lowered as she gripped my arm in surprise. Nodding, I let out a sigh. "It did feel like a date, didn't it?" I mumbled, a smile tugging at my lips. "But nothing is happening between the boss and me. We're just friends."
Our conversation came to an abrupt halt as Damon entered the mansion, dressed in black trousers and a black t-shirt. I had never seen him wear T-shirts before, but I couldn't deny that he looked good in it.
Surprisingly, he walked towards me, and all my words about not having anything to do with the boss felt unbelievable now. "Come," he said, taking my hand and pulling me along with him.
So much for maintaining my respect.
Remaining silent, I didn't speak to him as we entered his room. Was he planning on punishing me now? Is that why he rushed over and brought me here? Am I going to be spanked?
Raising my head, I watched him stare at me with a different expression. "Please, do not spank me. I shouldn't have spoken to you the way I did yesterday. I drank too much," I pleaded nervously.
"What did you drink?" He furrowed his brows, reminding me that I hadn't consumed any alcohol. We had gone to an amusement park, not a bar.
"Nothing," I bit my lower lip, mumbling. "Don't spank me."
"I won't," his response caught me off guard. He had previously stated that nothing was forgiven, yet now he claimed he wouldn't spank me. Then why did he bring me here?
"Am I allowed to go now?" I asked cautiously.
"No," he replied, shoving his hands into his pockets. He pulled out a cigarette, lit it, and took a deep inhale. I couldn't help but find it oddly attractive. "I didn't spank you because I need you to assist me on a journey."
"A journey?" I repeated, perplexed.
"Yes, Ava. I realize that if I were to go alone, it would take days and I would miss you," his words made me blush. "I enjoy observing the different expressions that cross your face. They entertain me. So, I need you to come with me."
"But I can't," I blurt
"You can and you will," he disagreed.
"No, seriously, I can't. My mother will not agree for me to go on this trip," I rushed out the words. "She doesn't like it when I move far away."
"Then I must have a word with her," he stated matter-of-factly.
"What?" I exclaimed, taken aback by his suggestion. Meeting my mother was a serious matter. Damon had no idea about her, and I silently prayed that she would give him a hard time.
"I would like to ask your mother's permission before taking you," he said, catching me off guard. As I watched him take off his shirt and put on a white long-sleeve shirt, I was about to compliment him on his change of color. However, before I could, he grabbed a black jacket and put it on, and a realization hit me.
He was dressed as if he was going to strike a business deal. He had no clue about my mother, and I hoped she would make things difficult for him.
"Okay," I said, finally giving in.
Damon remained seated in his car, realizing that he hadn't thought this through. How could he say such a thing? Meeting my mother was a serious matter, and the cigarette must have clouded his judgment. For the first time in a long while, I felt nervous. "Is it still far?" he asked, not looking in my direction, his gaze fixed outside the window.
"Yes," I mumbled. "Master, I'm not sure if you should meet my mother. She isn't very friendly towards men."
Hearing that, he frowned. "Why is that?"
I paused for a moment, gathering my thoughts before responding with a lie. "She just tends to make it difficult for men who want to date me, that's all."
"Date you?" This time, he turned to look at me, causing me to stammer.
"I don't mean it like you and I are dating or like you have any plans to date me. It's just that Alex has been there before, and now my..." I couldn't finish my sentence as Damon lifted his hand to stop me.
The name Alex echoed in his head, leaving him with a feeling of unease. "Who is this Alex?" he asked, furrowing his brows. "Tell me about this boy."
"He's more of a man," I corrected with a smile.
"He was the one who texted me before you threw my phone away," Ava said.
"Do you like him?" I asked.
Ava remained still for a while before nodding and smiling up at me, meeting my gaze. "Yes, I think I like him. He is caring, supportive, and..." I couldn't bear to hear anymore. Anger boiled inside me, and I lifted my hand to stop her.
"Silly girl," I growled. "Do not praise another man in my presence. You might just be digging his grave if you do."
"You asked," she pouted her lips, and I exhaled. Sometimes, I couldn't help but feel like locking her up in my room and not letting anyone else lay eyes on her. I couldn't bear the thought of Alex making a move on her. She already likes him and hates me. There must be something wrong with the way I treat her. It seems this Alex guy is already winning her over again, even if we are confined. I want her to love me.
"We are here!" Ava mumbled, but I didn't move. Swallowing hard, I watched her furrowed brows, confusion wrinkling her forehead. "Master? What is it?"
"How do I win your heart?" I blurted out, surprising both her and myself. She looked taken aback and unsure of what to say. Before she could respond, I interrupted her. "Forget I said anything." With that, I stepped out of the car, covering my mouth in shock that those words had left my lips. Did I just say that? Love is indeed a dangerous thing.