The offer

"you can work anywhere but not there, I do not allow it"

"You're going nowhere near the Bravado's" mom said, a frown etched on her face.

"I already got the Job, and plus we need the money, the pay is huge"

"You'll reject the offer, do you know who the Bravados, are? Do you know what they're capable of?

" Mom please, you have to trust me, I'll be very careful, you don't have to worry about me "

" I don't want you there, you know how they are, I can't bear the thoughts of you going through pain "

" I won't go through anything mom" I gave a cheerful smile

" Nothing is going to happen, trust me"

" Promise me, you won't have anything to do with the Bravado brothers "

" Promise " I swallwed, pushing aside thoughts of him 

His Jawline, eyes, and piercing gaze. 

Working in the Bravado mansion, was directly working in the lion's den.

I couldn't reject the job cos I desperately needed mom, to support mom and keep us going.

I had to take up this job, the offer was good.

I've heard rumours, of her the house helps were kicked out less than a week they got in.

Some were used and paid, there were lots of rumors about the Bravados.

It was getting hard to tell which was the truth, hard to know which was twisted, which was fake, which wasn't.

I knew one thing tho, I had to be careful not to get into their bad side,

It was just me, and mom, and I wanted to take care of her. 

I didn't know about my Dad, the only thing I was told, was that he left. 

I wanted to know everything, but whenever I asked, mom could get upset

So I stopped asking, maybe someday, I could finally know everything.

"Are you sure you really want to work there?

"Mom"

I turned.

"Don't worry about me" I pout

" I'm worried" 

" Nothing is going to happen '

" You won't let any of them touch you"

" Of course not" I tucked my long hair at the back of my ears as I cleared the dishes.

" No one is going to touch me, hurt me, or anything, I'll be fine"

I said to reassure her.

Even I myself wasn't sure.

One wouldn't be sure of anything with the Bravado brothers.

I had to stay there, I was only allowed leave, thrice in a month, it wasn't going to be easy.

Hugging Mom goodbye the next day wasn't easy as well.

She hugged me tightly.

"Take care of yourself, call me"

"I'll call you from time to time, please eat well,drink enough water and don't worry about me" I replied.

" Remember your promise "

" Of course" I swallowed, there was no way I would allow any of the Bravado's touch me.

As I enter the dreaded mansion,My eyes wandered to the stunning staircase, its curved banister gleaming with a soft, golden light. The steps themselves were made of a rich, dark wood, polished to a high shine. 

I couldn't resist the urge to run my hand over the smooth surface, feeling the subtle grain of the wood beneath my fingertips.

I heard footsteps from behind me, I snapped out of my reverie and turned.

"You really are pretty" a blush rose to my cheeks,as I took in her charming smile.

I was relieved, it wasn't one of the Bravado's.

"I'm Ashlyn" she stretched her hands.

"You are?

" Siena"

She nods.

" Grandma was expecting you, I'll take you to your room"

I nod, and followed as she took the lead.

The room was more than I expected, it had everything, a huge sized bed, the decorations were equally beautiful.

"This is too much"

"It's not" she smiled.

"Mine is similar, Grandma is kind, she tends to care of all her staffs property, she's great"

"She is, this is... Really beautiful "

I could not believe it.

" If only her grand son's were the same"

She sighed.

" I'll advise you avoid them" she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"They're not...nice"

I nodded feeling a sense of trepidation wash over me.

"I will" I replied, my voice firm.

"Thank you Ashlyn"

"You're welcome Siena, how about a tour round the mansion"

"I would love that very much" my eyes lit up at her offer.

"Shall we? She smiled

I followed her as she took me around the corners of the huge mansion.

She showed me the kitchen.

It did not lack any item needed in meal preparation, there were stores of food and ingredient...

It was painted with bright warm colors.

From the kitchen, we moved to the dining, and we were going upstairs, when a voice ranged from behind us.

My body tensed as he mentioned my name.

I turned to see Royan with his iconic smirk.

"You're finally here" his eyes swept all over me.

"I'll take it from here" he turned to Ashlyn.

"Leave"

"I...."

"When did you start talking back?

He glared at her.

My stomach churned, I could see the fear in Ashlyn's eyes.

It wasn't just fear, there was something else.

I wanted her to stay, but she moved away before I could form the words.

It was just I and Royan staring at each other.

His eyes stared straight from my face to my body.

The gown I wore was not revealing, but the way he stared.

I felt totally humiliated and vulnerable, as he licked his lips.

"I have an offer" he looked up.

"What do you want? I asked, ready to do anything to be away from his presence

" I want you, I really do"

" 500 dollars for every night I spend with you "

I struggled to contain the rage burning through me.

" I do not accept "

" One million dollars " he grinned.

" Even if you offer me five hundred million dollars, I'll not have anything to do with you.. what do you take me for?

"I'm not cheap like the other girls you sleep with, I do not want you or your money"

"Really? He smirked.

" We'll see about that "