Page 24 of His Dark Pact

She moved across the shiny black-and-white floor tiles, her attention captured by the sizeable bookcases lining the back walls. In the middle of that opulence was a grandiose grandfather clock, ticking happily away, and beyond it, two dark wooden staircases flanked the area. A colossal golden gong sat proudly beside the left-hand stairwell, and as she dragged her attention from it, she couldn’t understand why any house would require such a domineering piece.

“You have quite the home, Mr. Kyle.”

He joined her by the enormous table in the center of the space. Hypnotized by the abundance of books, she’d managed to completely overlook the piece’s intricate craftsmanship when she’d entered, but now she noticed its fine finish and the crystal vase of enormous lilies that sat on top of its smooth surface. Evidently,someonewas looking after the place if there were fresh flowers on display.

“Thank you.” He slid the key back into his jacket as her focus flitted to the front door. It was closed and had presumably been locked behind them. “I’m very fond of the place.”

“I can see why.” She wasn’t sure she’d have chosen all the dramatic aesthetics, but there was no doubt the interior had been carefully designed and decorated.

“This should be your contract.” He reached for a plastic folder on the table’s surface and flicked through the contents. “Would you mind following me to the study, please?”

He stalked off toward one of the doors, leaving her standing until she started after him. Holding the paneled door open for her, his lips curled as she dashed to take it from him. By the time she reached the threshold, he was already striding away down an internal corridor. The passageway was lit by faux candles on both sides of the dark walls, the pale illumination shimmering on his skin as he paused at the far end.

“Amy?” His eyebrow arched, the tiny gesture accelerating her pulse as she once again hurried to join him.

“I’m coming.” She arrived at the end of the passage, where Kyle was blocking her route.

“Do I have to tell you again?” Disappointment rang in his voice.

“Sir.” Amy flinched, unsure if it was embarrassment or regret inspiring the deed. She hadn’t intended to rile him. She just wasn’t used to using the term.

“Okay.” His gaze was tender as he stared down at her. “I want you to do well here, Amy. Remember that. I wouldn’t have offered you the position if I didn’t want you to succeed.”

“Thank you.” She stared up at his expectant expression, unclear if he wanted her to call him sir again. Surely, she didn’t have to use the word every time, did she?

“Come through.”

Opening the door, he flicked on the light and stepped aside, permitting her just enough room to squeeze past him into what she assumed was the study. The aroma of his aftershave goaded as she brushed by him, her gaze scanning yet another impressive room.

Dressed in yet more wood paneling, the space might have been claustrophobic but for its ample lighting and soft furnishings. Kyle clearly had a liking for crimson hues, and the carpet and curtains all aligned with the warming theme. The only exception to the theme was the black and currently unlit fireplace.

“Take a seat, Amy.”

She heard the door shut behind her, aware as he crossed the carpet to take a seat on the other side of the huge desk that dominated the space. Walking to the nearest sturdy-looking seat, also fashioned from dark wood, she slid onto its unyielding surface.

“This is yours.” Clearing a path across the desk to her, he slid the folder over. “It’s only a few pages, but please read it, and when you’re ready, sign.” He chose a fancy-looking fountain pen from his selection and pushed it toward her.

“I will, sir.” She nearly stumbled over the final word but elected to ignore any discomfort that rose with it. “Thank you.”

Kyle said nothing, but she noticed him settle back in his seat as she picked up the folder and started to read.

Contract of employment between William Kyle and Amy Kendal.

So far, so ordinary, although she still couldn’t believe how quickly his lawyer had drawn up the document. She’d wager he was paid handsomely for his time, but still... a contract in the middle of the night was no normal request.

She inhaled, cognizant of her surreal surroundings. Kyle lived in a house resembling a castle and had a host of staff at his disposal. It was a different world from any she’d ever known. Maybe that was ‘normal’ there?

Turning the page, her gaze was met with a full page of typed font.

“Would you like a drink?” He rose and wandered to the nearby decanter sitting on top of a striking dresser.

“No, thank you.”

She hardly looked up as he busied himself, determined to read his terms carefully and ensure that, whatever he asked her to do in the next seven days, her interests were protected. Everything so far had been mundane, detailing the date of the agreement and name of the position, but what she needed to know were what types of tasks he might ‘reasonably’ expect his housekeeper to perform.

“I think I will,” he went on, pouring a no-doubt pricey liquor into a similarly expensive tumbler.

“As you wish, sir.”