The memory of Artur’s gunshot paralyzed me. It was enough to keep me from fighting back as she hit me again and again.
“You stole my job. My position. I worked my ass off to be close to the boss, and now they’re handing everything to you on a silver platter?”
The pounding in my ears drowned her words out. She gave me another slap, and my lip split open. Warm blood trickled down my chin. Somewhere in the back of my mind, I knew I should defend myself, but fear and exhaustion weighed my body down. Artur would kill me this time if I so much as hurt anyone else in this place.
Mara shoved me against the wall, her hand still tangled in my hair. I bit back a cry, refusing to give her the satisfaction.
“What’s wrong, huh?” she sneered. “Got nothing to say now?”
The door swung open, and Matvet entered, his sharp voice cutting through the chaos. “What the hell is going on here?”
She froze, her grip loosening just enough for me to pull away. I stumbled back, pressing a trembling hand to my bleeding lip. Matvet’s cold eyes flicked between us, taking in my disheveled appearance and Mara’s flushed, furious face.
“She started it,” Mara said quickly, straightening.
“Shut up.” Matvet’s gaze hardened. “Alessia, follow me.”
I darted a look between the two of them, forcing myself to follow him out of the room. He spoke as he walked, telling me about my new role as Artur’s maid.
The only sign I heard him was my sharp intake of breath. Working under Artur couldn’t be good, but I had no choice. Matvet listed out all my tasks, and I suddenly wished I were still getting pummeled by Mara.
Anything was better than working for Artur.
“Does that hurt?”
He stopped without notice, and I ran into his back. Stumbling backward, I murmured a string of apologies.
When he turned, I raised my hand to shield my face. He frowned but didn’t hit me or try to. “Does it hurt?” I didn’t understand his question until he pressed his finger to his lips, and I shook my head. “We should clean that up. The boss will want you looking good, even as his maid.”
I wasn’t sure if I nodded, but we continued to Artur’s side of the building, and he found a first aid box to clean up my busted lips. Our eyes met briefly, and I looked away.
“Thanks,” I whispered.
Matvet said nothing, but now I knew he differed from the others. He might be detached and cold on the outside, but I’d experienced his kindness twice now.
We spent the next few hours with him, showing me how to prepare Artur’s meal. The more time we spent together, the bigger my fear of Artur grew. I didn’t understand why he commanded such respect. But they all treated him like he wasuntouchable, as if he were a king or god. Even Matvet, too, respected and talked about him with a fear that was impossible to ignore.
Before he left me to do my duties, he said, “Fear the boss or you’ll never survive.”
Now, I was alone in the silent corridor of the east wing, with the trolley containing his dinner. I swallowed my unease and focused on the task at hand. The trolley clinked against the floor with every step as I pushed it forward. I had to set the dishes as Matvet had instructed.
Everything had to be perfect.
I walked into Artur’s private area. It was a pristine space where every inch was crafted to create an atmosphere of sterile perfection. White marble floors, beige walls, and crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling as if suspended in time. The quiet beauty of it almost made me forget where I was and who I was serving.
A sudden bark echoed through the apartment, shattering the silence. I froze, the sound sending a jolt of surprise through my veins. My head snapped to the door. A dog?
Another bark, sharper this time, followed by the sound of claws scraping against wood. My curiosity got the best of me. I approached the source of the noise and opened the door. A sturdy bulldog bolted past me, his thick muscles rippling beneath his fur, and made a beeline for the table.
He sniffed the dishes with enthusiasm, wagging his tail. The sound of his nails scratching across the polished marble floors was the only noise here, louder than the beating of my heart.
“Alright, alright,” I muttered under my breath, feeling a strange pull toward the animal. I grabbed a piece of steak and set it down for him. “Happy now?”
The bulldog barked once, tail wagging so fast it was a blur, as he dug into the food. A contented grunt replaced his snarls as hedevoured the steak. I couldn’t help but chuckle.
“Good boy,” I said, reaching down to pat his head.
He growled, but to my surprise, he didn’t snap at me. His body seemed to soften under the touch, and I smiled despite the strange situation. I missed Vivo so much.