Sir Cardiff, page 9
Muted by my genuine hunger and shyness, he eventually let it go and I saw a grin of amusement on his face in between his own bites and chewing. He continued to watch me, his eyes steadfast in their penetrable gaze. I was beginning to get used to it. He always had a bit of a hungry wolf look in his eye.
Since I had precious little interaction and conversation with him to gauge from, I just assumed that this was normal. Our meal continued, each of us entirely absorbed by our food, exchanging the occasional furtive glance.
Once dinner was over, he quietly paid the bill and led me outside. Quietly, we got back into the Bentley and the drive back to the Manor was equally absent of conversation.
But it felt right. Natural, somehow. As if everything that needed to be said, was done in some manner, unspoken. The awkwardness having melted away and settled into something complimentary.
When we arrived, he did something entirely unexpected. After we’d entered the grand house, he’d gently grabbed my hand and pressed his lips to the back of it.
“Thank you, Celeste.” He said, a look of genuine appreciation in his gaze.
“Certainly, sir. My pleasure.” I said.
He’d then walked down the hall, barely saying goodnight. I’d stood motionless for a while, watching him retreat and eager to be in his company again. Under better circumstances.
Chapter Twenty-Three
~ 23 ~
~ ~ ~ ~
After a couple days of no interaction of any kind, I stumbled across Earl in the estate’s private library laying seemingly near-prostrate across one of the leather chesterfields.
A roaring fire in the fireplace was the only light in the room and it cast a warm glow on his tall, attractive physique. Instead of being properly dressed as he typically was, he was wearing boxer briefs and a wife-beater T-shirt.
The sight of his legs took my breath away. Lean, muscular and stretched out. The firelight flicked, showing teasing glimpses of his frame’s handsome contours.
I also found it sexy, seeing him so relaxed and casual. Unassuming. I wasn’t sure but I knew something was off. This didn’t seem like him, so in control and formal all the time. The proper, dapper, gentleman. But this week had included his mother’s funeral, so who knew? It was an anything goes type of week, I’d imagine.
In front of the sofa, on an ottoman-like coffee table, was a care package gift-basket overflowing with foods, bottled liquors and fine sweet-treats. Interestingly, about half of the items appeared to have been opened in a manner of moments, like a four-year old child had torn into the gift, wanting everything open all at once instead of taking their time with each package and carefully opening one after the other.
I grinned in amusement and stood watching him. Every now and then, he mumbled something mostly inaudible and reached for another item from the pile before him. I saw that a tumbler full of hard liquor, glowing amber in the firelight, was resting on the ottoman. His hand held another one, nearly empty. He downed the one in his hand and set it aside, picking up the other one.
Deciding I better not lurk too long watching him, I announced myself. Making my presence known.
“Sir, might I join you?” I asked.
He jerked up and peered at me over the sofa-back top. He grumbled something incomprehensible while gesturing with his free hand that I could enter his personal space.
I walked in and tentatively took a seat across from him, crossing my legs and appreciating the warmth from the fireplace. The ambiance of the room felt amazing, despite his obvious state of misery.
There was silence between us, only the crackling of the fire to drown out the quiet. He was gazing into the flames. I noticed his cheeks were wet, most likely from tears.
Clearly, he’d been crying.
I suddenly felt obtrusive, as if I’d invaded his privacy. I hadn’t meant to… I was concerned though. No one should have to spend the evening alone, the week of their Mother’s funeral.
“This looks amazing. Very kind of someone…” I trailed a finger along the care package’s basket rim.
“It’s a care package from a good friend in the States. Queen. That’s what everyone calls her by,” he shared.
I noticed that he slurred his words a bit and when I peered closer, he had that glazed look in his eyes. “Sir, are you drunk?” I asked demurely taking in a deep breath. I knew it was the obvious question, but I needed to jumpstart the conversation somehow.
“Yes, as a matter-of-fact, I am. Is that okay by you?” He barked out.
I winced a bit. I hadn’t meant to upset him. “Sorry… I didn’t mean for that to come across that way.”
He let out a deep sigh. “My apologies, Celeste. I’m not in the best state of mind right now. Forgive me?” He asked, his eyes softening.
“It’s okay, I would be too…”
We looked at each other. His eyes were full of a weary sadness. As if compelled to explain, he launched out a justification of his current state. “I never really had a mother. Just a cold woman who pretended to love me… I’m grieving the loss of wishful thinking. Not mourning for her…” He said, an old anger deep inside him revealing itself.
“Oh…” It was all I could muster, hoping that my face and eyes poured out the sympathy that I felt for him. It broke my heart to hear him say that. But I could relate. “I understand and I’m so very sorry to hear it…” I said softly, clasping my hands in my lap and looking down at them. Holding my hands together in my lap always seemed to calm and settle me. Giving me a silent strength when I needed it.
“You do? What do you mean?” He asked, a sad sort of curiousness flashing across his handsome and forlorn features.
“My mother passed when I was a young child. I barely remember her. I was raised by my father but since he worked two jobs our entire lives, I never really had much quality parenting time. I understand the wishful thinking part. About wanting a mother…” I choked up a bit, the words coming out of me to my own surprise. I hadn’t meant to intrude his mourning with my own ancient sob-story. But it was so very rare to find someone I could relate to.
He sat up, an earnestness spreading across his face. “I’m sorry to hear that Celeste. Truly.”
I swallowed hard and nodded. “Thank you, I appreciate that.”
We gazed at one another for a bit, a type of energy between us that I could barely comprehend, let alone explain. An acknowledgment of being linked to one another, not just connected.
“Come sit next to me.” He patted the spot on the chesterfield sofa next to him.
Without hesitation, I stood and sat down next to him. He silently went about grabbing another gobbler, clean and empty. He indicated towards the care package. “What would you like to drink?” He asked.
I leaned forward and spotted a fine bottle of brandy. I’d never had brandy and said as much. “I’ve never had brandy, can I try that?” I answered, pointing at the unopened bottle.
“Clever girl. Good choice. That is indeed a fine drink.” He replied, leaning forward to retrieve the bottle of liquor to open it. He handed my gobbler to me and I held it while he poured it about one third full. Then he clinked the edge of my glass. “To motherless children. May we find nurture else-where.” He said.
This caught me off guard and before I could stop myself, I reached for his hand in a momentary gesture of sympathy. I caressed the top of it, lovingly.
The moment was too human, too raw to not go on instincts. I was so close to him, the heat of our bodies next to one another. The firelight, the sadness on his face. The warm, citrine-infused glow of his skin.
I didn’t really care if my career as a paid maid of sorts was about to end for disobeying and breaking the rules. This man, this person, this human being needed some tenderness and t-l-c in his life right now. Right at this moment. As in now.
I took a steady drink, our eyes locked, and the skin-to-skin contact resonating through us both.
He paused, and pulled in a steadying breath. I could see him thinking, figuring out what to do next. How to get on top of the dynamic again.
“I ought to spank you right now. For being so naughty. Breaking the rules like that.” He said, a lascivious grin spreading across his face.
My heart-rate sped up.
He wouldn’t!? Not now? Not while inebriated?!
Feeling bolder than ever, a newfound resolve within me. “With all due respect, tonight is not the time for rules, Sir.” I cast my gaze downwards. Feeling like the mouse playing at being the elephant.
Earl sighed. “You’re right.” His warm hands reached for me, pulling me into him, then grasping and clutching at my face. He pulled me into a long, sensuous kiss that sent me heavenward. Time stopped and the frozen moment between us revealed a passion neither of us had really known before.
When we pulled away, there was a look of delighted disbelief on his face. I can only imagine what mine looked like. Spellbound and delighted, perhaps?
“Celeste…” He said softly, rubbing a finger gently down my jawline.
I smiled softly, waiting. Suspended and held in his gaze.
This was really happening. To me, Celeste.
He stood up, extricating himself from my side. “I need to go to bed, Celeste. I’m so sorry to have stepped over the parameters of our contract. Our arrangement.” He stammered out, clearly upset with himself.
“Sir, with all due respect, it’s okay. I don’t mind… I’m not concerned with that, right now. And I apologize if I should be?” I said, hoping that the bravery I feigned was covering up the real sadness and fear I was feeling. An elation chased away by doubt and stupid rules on paper.
Would he deny himself this? This dynamic between us?
“Celeste. I need you to leave and go back to your room. I appreciate your company and kindness. Truly. But this is inappropriate. Wrong on my part. I can’t take advantage of you like this.” He said slowly but steadily, his voice slurring as the words tumbled from his lips.
“Okay, sir. I’ll do as you ask. But please know, I don’t feel taken advantage of.” I answered as I stood to leave. I gulped down the rest of the scotch in my tumbler, and felt its searing entry down my throat and past my heart. The burning sensation met the emotional one, an ache of agony blossoming from desire and hope so prematurely doused out before ever setting flame.
This was tearing my heart asunder and it seemed absolutely impossible.
How was it that I cared so much for this man, already? We were near-strangers from completely different lives and worlds.
I felt him watch my back as I left the room. Once out of sight, I practically ran back to my bedroom, tears streaming down my face. I felt foolish. Insignificant. Unimportant.
Once inside my room, I leaned against the door and wiped away my tears furiously, forgetting all about the surveillance aspect of our arrangement. Besides, would it matter how he saw me now…
I quickly slipped on my shoes and put on my jacket. Grabbed my phone and a tube of chapstick. Despite the late hour, it seemed a good time to take a walk on the property. I needed to get my bearings and fresh air. Some space and distance from this crazy dynamic.
Slipping out one of the side French-doors, I strode quickly down a gravel path that seemed to lead to the small lake or pond I’d noticed in the distance. Thankfully, the moon was nearing fullness, and when the clouds parted, it lit up the ground just enough for me to see where I was going. Once I felt there was a decent distance between me and the Manor, I slowed down.
I allowed myself to feel all of my conflicting emotions. So much had happened in less than a month’s time. I barely knew what to feel. All of this had required more bravery on my part than all of the rest of my life combined.
But I’d done it! I’d made the best of it. The most of it.
I came to a bench that allowed the seated to take in the breathtaking view of the pond. Tonight was particularly lovely, with the moon’s luminance on the water. I sat down and wrapped my arms around myself in a gesture of self-comfort.
Eventually, my feelings settled and I felt that I could return to the Manor prepared for any possible surveillance inside. Just as I stood to walk back, I felt someone from behind me, wrap their arm around my waist, pinning both my arms at my wrists while their other hand covered my mouth.
Terrified, I managed to let out a small scream before they managed to mute me. I was lifted, full body off the ground, my feet dangling in the air just as if I was a small child. Struggling with everything I could, I went woozy from panic. My heart raced like a hummingbird’s and my thoughts flashed before me, my life revealing everything I’d wished I’d done, wanted to do and hoped to experience.
And yet, much to my own surprise and shock, with that cold reality plunging upon me that I may not ever get to have those experiences, I found that many of them included Sebastian. Earl. Sir. Master.
Perhaps it was all too much for me to comprehend, because the world eclipsed, my vision failed, my hearing tunneled and I passed out.
Dead to the world.
Dead to myself.
Chapter Twenty-Four
~ 24 ~
~ ~ ~ ~
Sebastian woke up the next day with a horrible hangover and a lingering sense of guilt. As he recollected the events of the evening prior, his behavior with Celeste and then rebuffing her, sending her away, he felt his heart clench.
Which surprised him.
This wasn’t just the simple emotion of having mishandled one of his playmate maid employees, this was more. This was feeling bad. Feeling bad about being a dick. Being an asshole.
About someone he cared for.
A woman.
He smacked his forehead and groaned. His headache pounded between his temples and he reached for a glass of water that stood waiting by his bedside, gulping it all down in three, big gulps. He needed more, for the matter and quickly put on a robe to go downstairs to the kitchen.
Glancing at his clock, he realized he’d almost slept in till noon, which was highly unlike himself. His staff would be a bit taken back, he assumed. Best to just waltz in, not speak much, get what he needed which was water and coffee and then right back to his office.
Thankfully, no one was around, and he was able to serve himself in peace, making a quick sandwich with chips. Piling everything onto a wooden serving tray, he wondered if Celeste had been down yet for her meals.
Strolling down the hall and back up the stately stairs, he peered out the window to look at the pond. It had been a while since he’d been out for a walk. Maybe some fresh air would do him some good? He decided he would take one once he got his head cleared. Food and coffee first. Then a stroll.
Striding down the hallway, he couldn’t help but to pause outside of Celeste’s bedroom door. He stood motionless, wanting to knock. Was she in her room? Maybe she was elsewhere in the Manor? He decided to move on, and would look at surveillance to see if he could find her.
Settled at his desk, he inhaled his food, water and coffee while perusing the surveillance tapes, trying to find where Celeste was in his household. He started to get worried as she wasn’t in her bedroom, nor in the library or the kitchen and dining areas.
Where was she? Out for a walk perhaps?
Rather than worry about it, assuming she’d show up soon enough, he set about catching up on his work emails, the day’s news and events. He reviewed his smartphone, noting the very amusing texts from his best friend, Queen sharing the recent shenanigans at the Castle regarding her harem of naughty pets.
He laughed out loud at one point, having a hard time believing the level of punishment she’d needed to execute to get a couple of them back in line.
Feeling better, he realized that he wanted to watch again the interaction between Celeste and Todd, after the get-together between his maids and Queen’s pets. Todd being the private body-guard that he’d asked to engage with her, carnally. He strolled through his files and began to watch their intimate encounter.
Much to his surprise, Celeste had revealed another side to herself altogether arousing. Watching her straddle and impale herself on Todd’s impressive-sized manhood was very stirring. Instead of being passive, meek and submissive – she’d ravaged her boy-toy.
Sebastian smirked, pleased and utterly turned on. Again.
Which made him want to know where Celeste was, ASAP. Scanning his surveillance systems yet again, he came up empty. She was nowhere to be found. Perhaps his driver, Charlie, had taken her somewhere at her request?
Sebastian rang for the butler who promptly arrived, knocking politely first on his door and then entering once called in.
“Sir, how may I assist?”
“Do you happen to know where my guest, Celeste has gone?” Sebastian asked.
A confused look crossed the butler’s face, “Pardon, sir? I assumed she was still resting in her bedroom. To the staff’s knowledge, we’ve yet seen her today. No request for breakfast or lunch either.”
Sebastian stood up immediately, concern suddenly running through his veins. He knew from his private surveillance that she wasn’t in her bedroom. He dashed out of the room and straight to her bedroom, bursting through the door.
Sure enough, her bed hadn’t been slept in and her jacket and cell phone were gone.
“Shit! Fuck!” He yelled, his elevating concern overtaking him.
His mother’s aging butler joined him, catching up to Sebastian’s fast-moving pace, a puzzled and concerned look on his face. “Sir?” was all he said, unsure of what to say or do.
Sebastian quickly pulled up a contact on his phone. His head of security. Whoever he called answered immediately.
“Max, I have an MIA,” Sebastian said rapidly, urgency in his voice. “It’s Celeste, last seen yesterday evening by me. Can you get right on top of this?”
Max affirmed, promising a report and update as soon as he had one for Sebastian.
