My fingers curled against the windowsill.
A request from Creed was never a request.It was a summons.I swallowed, forcing myself to steady my breath.“Thank you,” I said, my voice rough, still caught somewhere between sleep and whatever that had been.
I turned from the window and caught my reflection.My hair wild, eyes too bright, face flushed with thoughts I hadn’t asked for, and a jeweled collar around my throat.
I didn’t look like a woman at peace.I looked like a woman awaiting instruction.
I freshened up quickly, then slipped into a blue robe I found hanging on a hook in the closet, padding downstairs with deliberate care.
The scent of coffee and bacon greeted me immediately.It was comforting on the surface, sharpened beneath by precision.
The kitchen was immaculate.
Polished silverware.Pale linen.Morning light poured through tall windows, illuminating a table that wasn’t merely set, it was curated.
Creed sat at the head.
Hair still tousled from his ride, framing his face in wild contrast to the order around him.That face, carved, unshakable, looked up at no one.He didn’t need to.The room already revolved around him.
He turned a page in his newspaper with the same slow precision he used for everything.Each movement said,you arrive on my time.
“Good morning, Miss Peyton,” Ennis said as he placed a plate in front of me.
Eggs.Bacon.Warm croissants.
Food meant to nourish.
“Good morning,” I murmured.
That was when Creed looked up.
His gaze struck clean and cold.“You’re late.”
“I didn’t realize there was a schedule,” I replied carefully.
“There’s always a schedule.”
He folded the paper and set it aside, eyes never leaving mine.
“Eat.”
The word carried no threat.Which made it heavier.
I lifted my fork, fingers stiff, aware of his attention without him staring openly.He ate with measured precision, each bite controlled.
The silence between us was not empty.
It waited.
Ennis returned, pouring coffee, first for Creed, then for me.
“Inform Ruth you won’t be home tonight,” Creed said.
I froze.“I won’t?”
“No.”
He leaned back slightly, entirely composed.
