“Hmm. So what do you do for him?”

“No matter he asks me to.” At the least, in concept.

“So what’s it that makes you value all this?” There was a problem in his eyes that made me really feel intensely apprehensive. I didn’t know why he was being so accusatory – he knew none of this had been my selection.

“I don’t know, sir. You’d should ask my Grasp.”

Once I appeared again, he’d returned to the lounge, and I breathed a sigh of aid earlier than taking a big glug of wine from my glass.

*

At precisely 7 p.m., I approached Mark to ask the place he would really like me to serve his supper, and if he would really like the rest to drink. He appeared amused by my awkwardness however solely requested that I carry his meals to the couch and be a part of him there. After I’d made positive he had all the pieces he wanted I seated myself on the reverse finish of the couch and pretended to have an interest within the sport that Mark was watching. He stated nothing till I rose to take his empty plate.

“That was good. Thanks.”

“You’re welcome, sir. Can I get you the rest?” I felt like I used to be only a waitress once more. I’d forgotten how degrading even that might really feel while you had clients like Mark.

“Espresso, black, one sugar.”

“Additionally, I… um…”

“Sure?”

“When my Grasp is right here, I normally should ask earlier than I can have a drink.”

Mark appeared amused. “Tight leash. But when that’s the standard rule then we’d higher persist with it, hadn’t we?”

“Sure, sir.” He continued to have a look at me expectantly – he was going to make me ask the query. Was he having fun with this?

I hoped I used to be managing to speak among the venom I felt via my eyes whereas nonetheless showing outwardly respectful. “Would it not be okay if I had one other glass of wine, sir?”

Mark waved his hand in a gesture of disinterested acceptance and went again to watching the TV. I used to be quick starting to detest this man.

I stayed within the kitchen so long as attainable, cleansing it from prime to backside, attempting to make my wine final the remainder of the night as a result of I wasn’t sure I’d be allowed one other. I performed some music quietly on Ray’s iPod. I felt extra relaxed out of Mark’s presence, and he didn’t appear fussed about me being there. Finally, I wanted him goodnight and went as much as my room. It felt odd to not be going to the room I normally shared with Ray, and now that I wasn’t centered on attending to Mark, I realised how fiercely I missed my Grasp. Once I’d been transferring just a few necessities again to my outdated room earlier that day, I’d taken certainly one of Ray’s T-shirts, and mendacity awake, I pressed my face into it and breathed deeply. The odor of him crammed me with longing, and I lastly allowed myself the time to cry the best way I’d wanted to all day. Finally, I heard Mark come up the steps to mattress, and as soon as I’d allowed sufficient time for him to go to sleep, I crept again downstairs. I’d been attempting to sleep for hours, however my thoughts was nonetheless consumed by my want to have Ray again, my issues about Mark and my questions on the place Ray had gone.

I made myself some sizzling milk and began to put issues out within the kitchen prepared for the morning. I believed I’d been quiet, nevertheless it wasn’t lengthy earlier than Mark ventured right down to see what I used to be as much as.

“I’m sorry, sir, did I disturb you?” I felt self-conscious in my nightdress and wished Ray had left me some correct pyjamas as a substitute.

“No. Simply checking. Heard you come down. Can’t sleep?”

I shook my head. I knew he might see that I’d been crying, however he didn’t say something.

“I don’t sleep properly both. What are you ingesting?”

“It’s simply sizzling milk, sir.”

He reached for my mug. I handed it to him, and he sniffed it to verify.

“Somewhat whisky in there would assist. Right here, I’m positive he’s acquired some up right here.” He went instantly to the alcohol cabinet and began rummaging. After all, he should have been right here earlier than. He poured a beneficiant glug of whisky into my cup and handed it again to me with a conspiratorial look on his face.

“I gained’t inform, in case you don’t.”

“Thanks, sir.” He took my hand, and I fought the urge to wrench it from his grip, however he appeared kinder than he had earlier. He led me into the lounge and sat beside me on the couch whereas I drank. His proximity made me nervous, and I jumped once I felt his fingers taking part in with the strap of my nightdress. Ray had promised…

“Shhhh. It’s alright.” I used to be sure he was going to attempt one thing, however he didn’t. He merely continued to run his fingertips over my shoulders and alongside my neck. It felt uncomfortably intimate, however Ray had solely stated that intercourse was forbidden, and so I needed to permit it.

“He buys your garments too?”

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