Property of Philip Edwards

Chapter 1

She walked through the cozy corridors, her heart racing as she took in for the first time this place of opulence in which she now worked. This new job as a maid represented an unexpected chance for her to start from scratch, to build a stable life far from the complications that had hitherto marked her existence. The gilding, the thick carpets and the almost solemn air of the corridors reminded him that this hotel was not a place like any other. Here, everything was carefully orchestrated so that every detail exuded luxury, authority, and this impression of silent power that seemed to permeate the atmosphere.

But she didn't expect what came next. As she closed the door to a suite she had just cleaned, she found herself face to face with a man whose charisma was overwhelming. Tall, dark, his penetrating eyes scanned her from top to bottom, pinning her to the spot. She felt an instant tension, a silent alarm awakening within her, whispering to her to be wary. This man was not a simple employee, nor an ordinary customer.

"You must be new," he said in a low, firm voice, his tone lingering with a hint of questioning tinged with palpable distrust.

She nodded, trying to compose herself despite the impact of his gaze. "Yes, sir...I...I just started today. »

His gaze intensified, almost accusatory, as he sized her up. " Interesting. And why here? In this hotel specifically? »

She blinked, surprised by this unexpected question. "Well, I... I need a steady job, and I heard this hotel is hiring. »

He smiled, but there was nothing warm about it. "A little too good to be true, isn't it? A simple maid hired in a place like this. Who did you talk to about getting this job? »

The questioning, almost threatening tone made her shudder. She didn't know why, but he seemed to be probing her, trying to discover something that eluded her. She tried to remain calm, but her voice betrayed a slight nervousness. "I just responded to the ad...I had an interview...and..."

"Don't play innocent with me," he cut her off, his gaze darkening further. "You might think it's easy to deceive people here, to play the harmless little maid? Who sent you? »

She opened her mouth, speechless at the sudden accusation. " Pardon ? Nobody sends me! I don't understand... "