my fears

He was really good-looking. The rain had slicked back his hair, showing off his strong cheekbones and intense eyes that seemed to look right into me. His tall, strong body was in a fancy suit that fit him perfectly. He looked like he should be in a fashion magazine, not on the dirty streets we had just driven through.

As he opened the car door for me, I took a deep breath to calm down. The castle in front of us was very different from the mansion I'd just left, but it still felt rich and powerful. The walls covered in ivy reached up to the sky, and the windows shone with the warm light of many candles. The man took my elbow and led me up the cobblestone path with a firm but gentle touch.

The rain had stopped, and everything felt still, as if nature was holding its breath when he walked by. His beauty was clear, and every move he made promised excitement and pleasure. He seemed like a piece of art, and I suddenly wanted to touch him, to feel his jawline and heartbeat.

He brought me through the grand entrance of the castle, and the heavy wooden doors opened to show a fancy foyer. The floor was black and white marble, and the walls had tapestries telling stories of kings and queens. My heart raced with a mix of fear and excitement as we climbed the winding stairs, the candles casting flickering shadows.

The room he took me to was warm and inviting, very different from the cold suite where Victoria had tricked me. It had a four-poster bed with velvet drapes and a fireplace that warmed the space. The smell of sandalwood filled the air, and I felt oddly comforted, even with everything happening.

The man, whose name I learned was Harrison, went to a wardrobe and pulled out fresh clothes. He threw them on the bed and said, "Make yourself presentable," his voice still a bit angry.

Before I could thank him, he called for his maid. She came in, surprised to see me. "Get out of those clothes," he said, pointing to the bathroom. "Take a shower. I'll be right back."

The maid, who looked serious and efficient, nodded and got busy. She turned on the shower and signaled for me to undress. I hesitated, my hands shaking as I took off my wet uniform, feeling very exposed. But her sympathetic look made me feel a bit better, like someone was giving me a chance.

I stepped into the warm shower, the water feeling nice against my skin. The scent of sandalwood surrounded me, and for a moment, I pretended this was just a strange dream. But reality hit me hard, and I knew I couldn't go back.

As the water washed away my worries, I tried to prepare for what was next. I had heard stories about what men like Harrison did to girls like me. I needed to be strong and smart to survive.

The maid waited outside the bathroom, making sure I didn't try to escape. I knew I couldn't. Where would I go? Back to the mansion, where Victoria would have the police waiting? Or to the streets, where I'd be in danger?

When I stepped out of the shower, the warm water didn't ease the fear in my stomach. The maid handed me a soft towel, and I dried off, feeling the fabric's comfort. It was a small comfort in a harsh world.

She helped me into the fresh clothes, moving quickly and without much emotion. The silk felt nice against my skin, but the new dress made me feel more exposed than before.

When I looked in the mirror, I saw a girl who looked like me but felt like a stranger. The uniform was gone, replaced by a dress that hugged my body closely.

The maid looked at me in the mirror, and for a moment, I felt she understood. Maybe she had been in my place before. She didn't ask questions, just handed me a comb and told me to sit.

As she styled my hair, I studied her. Her hands were rough, and she looked tired, but she had strength I admired. She didn't pry into my life, just did her job with unexpected respect.

When she finished, she gave me a pair of high-heeled shoes. "You'll need these," she said. "You can't go in there barefoot."

I put them on, feeling awkward at first. The sound of my heels on the marble floor echoed in the quiet halls. Mr. Harrison liked elegance, and that included how his...companions...looked.

As I walked downstairs, the shoes made me feel like I was floating. The dress clung to me, reminding me of my new situation. The maid followed behind, her eyes down, not judging me but knowing what was about to happen.

When we reached Mr. Harrison's bedroom, she paused, her hand on the doorknob. She looked at me with a mix of pity and resignation. "You'll be fine," she whispered. "Just...do what he asks."

I nodded, feeling a tight knot of fear in my stomach. But I knew I had no choice. If I didn’t go through with this, I’d be out on the streets, alone and vulnerable. I’d heard the dangers of girls who didn’t pay their debts, and I didn’t want to find out what happened to them.

The maid opened the door, and I stepped inside. The room was like a fairy tale, with a big bed covered in soft pillows and throws. The sandalwood smell was stronger, and candles lit up the room, creating a warm glow.

Mr. Harrison stood by the fireplace, his back to me, taking off his shirt and showing off his strong muscles. My heart raced at the sight, and fear gripped me. I knew what was expected, but the reality was scarier than I had imagined.