Page 28 of His Dark Pact
Kyle eyed her as she completed her circuit. “Housekeepers do whatever they’re told. Or have you forgotten the contract you signed?”
“No.” She sensed a hot rush of embarrassment at the rebuke. “I just meant...”
“Quiet, please.” He raised a finger to his lips to hush her.
Her jaw fell open with incredulity.He just hushed me!She couldn’t believe it.As though I were a child!
“I can’t say I approve of this outfit, Amy.” A crease appeared on his brow. “I remember telling you that you’d make any attire shine, and I stand by that praise—youare wonderful—but this ensemble truly doesn’t flatter you.”
Well, screw you!
The insult teetered on the tip of her tongue, but the promise of the money held the words back. She hadn’t agreed to look after the running of his home to be judged for her clothing! She’d told him she didn’t have much of a selection. Maybe he’d assumed she was only jesting, but this was the best she had to offer.
“Have I offended you?” His chin lifted as if he couldn’t decide.
“No, I...” Her words trailed away as she struggled with the lie. Shewasoffendedandmortified at the way he’d evidenced her poverty. Standing there, she couldn’t recall experiencing such dreadful shame before.
“I have, haven’t I?” He sighed. “Forgive me. It’s not my intention to dishonor you, but I do want to be honest.”
Obviously.
“Okay.” She shifted awkwardly from one foot to the other, aware suddenly that her black flat shoes didn’t coordinate with her brown skirt. “I have a few other choices. I’ll find something else for—”
“No need.” He cut her off. “You’re working for me, so I’ll provide you with a uniform. That will save both of our embarrassment.”
Her gaze flew to his, scanning for any proof that he was also embarrassed but finding none.
“A uniform, sir?”
He hadn’t mentioned anything about one until then, and neither could she recall the concept being bandied in the contract.
“Yes.” He smiled. “Something for us both.”
For us both? That was an odd way of putting it.
“What size are you?” His attention skimmed over her curves. “I mean, I could guess, but I might get it wrong.”
“A medium size should be fine,sir.” She placed just enough emphasis on the final word to, she hoped, convey her unease with the conversation.
So, he didn’t like her clothes? Her jaw tightened at his judgment. Fair enough. She agreed her clothing was tired and tatty, so she’d take the uniform he offered and wear the damn thing while she worked there. She’d worn an overall to clean in the last evening job, so what difference did it make? Anything to accelerate out of this clumsy discussion as fast as she could sounded like a win.
“Leave it with me.” He rose from his chair and rounded the desk. Once more, she was struck by the sheer size of him as he approached. “How was your sleep?”
“Good, thank you.” She glanced away, conscious of the blush heating her cheeks. She’d always loathed the way her discomfort showed so easily, but its presence in his office was exceptionally undesirable.
“Excellent. I expect you’re hungry.” His head inclined as he sought to catch her eyes. “Do you remember where the dining room is?”
“I think so, sir.” The memories of the evening seemed to be branded in her head. Amy suspected she’d recall Kyle’s house long after she’d been invited to leave it.
“Good,” he continued. “I’ll have Cook prepare us some brunch.”
Of course, he has a cook.
She wanted to roll her eyes. Anyone with a home that required a housekeeper would also employ a chef, a driver, and, no doubt, a gardener.
“I don’t want a fuss, Mr. Kyle.” The idea of dining with him wasn’t as alluring as it had been last night. He’d only been a fantasy then—a mysterious man she’d met once, who sounded exciting. Now, he was her employer, and honestly, she’d had enough of his scrutiny for one afternoon. “I can get something for myself between my duties.”
“It wasn’t a request, Amy.”