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“Can it wait? I’m guessing Liam instructed you to make my morning uncomfortable, but I’d like to enjoy myself for a few minutes first.”
Orin shifts from side to side. “Uh, well, uh—”
“Okay, fine, go ahead. What did the lord and master tell you to say?”
He looks relieved. “Just that he’ll be home in a little while, and he requests that you abstain from more decorating in the meantime. Also that he went easy on you last night, and he won’t be so accommodating next time.”
I stare, trying not to let myself bush, but my cheeks turn bright red. “Anything else?”
“That’s it.” Orin sounds chipper. “Can I get you something else? Freshly squeezed orange juice maybe?”
“Just a coffin. Because I might die of embarrassment.”
He laughs, waving me off. “Don’t worry, Liam’s just like this. You’ll get used to it.”
“I doubt that.” I give him a look before deciding that if he can pretend like this is normal then I can too. “How long have you worked for him?”
“A few years.” He remains standing passively. “We’ve been traveling around that whole time.”
“Where are you from?”
“Boston,” he says, shrugging. “Of course.”
“Is everyone in the Crowley family from Boston?”
“Not at all, but the inner circle is almost entirely made up of locals.” He clears his throat. “Are you sure I can’t get you anything? Liam told me to be at your beck and call.”
“No, that’s fine, thank you.” I turn back to my breakfast, feeling miserable. Do I have this to look forward to? My husband is going to torture me with sexual favors and his strange assistant is going to know all about it. That’s just my life now apparently.
“Well, if you need anything, don’t hesitate.”
“Honestly, I’m not super comfortable with this whole thing.” I gesture at him vaguely. “I’ve never had an assistant before.”
He laughs, rubbing the back of his head. “If it helps, Liam’s probably asked me to do things you’d never even dream of requesting. And he pays me really well.”
“That… actually kind of does help.” I pause, frowning. “What has he asked you to do, Orin? Do you need help?”
“Nothing worth calling the authorities over, don’t worry.” He laughs again, looking delighted by my reaction. “Anyway, enjoy your breakfast. I’ll be in the other room. Shout if you need me.”
He walks off at a brisk pace, and I picture him standing alone in one of the dark, empty corners of the house and powering down like a robot until needed. Except that’s not fair—Orin’s a person, with thoughts and feelings and all that stuff. I decide to make getting to know him better a priority, especially if we’ll be working together for the foreseeable future.
After a nice, leisurely breakfast and some light reading on my phone, I decide it’s time to get some exercise. I can’t stay cooped up indoors all afternoon, and besides, it’s nice out. I head into my room, change into running clothes, slip on jogging sneakers, then make my way to the door whistling to myself.
Except Orin’s already standing in my way. “Hey there,” he says, sounding way too cheerful.
“Hey there yourself.” I pause, taking out an earbud. “I’m just going out for a run. Do, uh, you need anything?”
“I’m supposed to ask you that question. But hey, listen, this is super awkward and I’m so sorry to have to do this, but orders are orders.”
“You have to do… what?” I ask, looking around. The place is empty except for the two of us. “I’m just headed out for a run around the block.”
“Right. About that. Liam made it very explicitly clear that you are not to leave the house.” He has the good sense to look sheepish. “I’m sorry. I really am.”
I take a deep breath through my nose and slowly let it out. “When did he tell you that?”
“This morning before he left.”
“And did he say why?”
“Liam’s not really big on explaining himself.”
“Big shock.” I step forward. “Look. Orin. I like you. We had fun yesterday.”
“We did,” he agrees.
“There’s no way in hell I’m going to stay locked up in this house without an explanation. Did Liam say you need to physically restrain me?”
He looks uncomfortable. “Well, no.”
“Then let’s just say I kneed you in the balls and sprinted out the door.”
“Please, Ms. Alisa—”
“Just Alisa.”
“Okay. Alisa.” He glances to the side, looking worried. His voice falls to an urgent whisper. “Liam wouldn’t give me an order like this unless it was important. I understand you have a certain image of him—”
“My image of him isn’t the problem.”
“Right. Understood. I’m just saying that he doesn’t give orders like this for nothing. Maybe wait until he’s home and ask him for an explanation yourself?”
I feel my impatience simmering. I step forward, and Orin moves aside, clearly not willing to get in my way beyond acting persistent. “I don’t blame you for this, okay? You’re just doing your job. I want us to have a good relationship, but I’m not a prisoner in this house. I’m Liam’s wife. Got it?”
