THE BILLIONAIRE SECRET HOUSE KEEPER

her situation the night prior, she resigned herself to accept it. After all, it might seem like it was going to be forever, but she knew it wouldn't be. And as Emma told her – she was being a hero. Sh

s, something that surprised her given that the rest of the castle was so – dark. Although the outside WAS pink – er, salmon

to how Mr. Gold took his tea and coffee. She also left a precise list of what to purchase on her shopping runs. Belle may have been brought up in luxury but she w

when Belle entered with his breakfast. She set it down in front

got the coffee pot. She poured it into his coffee cup, then left the room. Belle cam

oing?" Gold ask

eakfast."

ining room tab

posed to eat it

in her quarters. That is where y

down the stairs with a tray when I can just sit here with you? Beside

e. And I don't like

e friends come to v

does so for business p

riends. What about f

ed at her, then continu

ked. Gold ignored her. "Boy

ns with me. It is to cook, to clean, and to shop for my daily needs. If

ly incapable of. If I bother you so much then fine, I'll take my breakfast downstairs, Mr. Whatever-

f you wish to have your breakfast here with me, then fine. But let's make a deal – if I

like talking? Then

uiet people? I agreed to let you stay here because that was

en you assume, don't you?" Belle asked,

ming, Belle picked up her plate once again and stomped off, not once looking back at him. Gold fi

he found the cleaning supplies and got to work. She brought Mr. Gold his lunch in his office as per instructions, and didn't say one word to him. That evening, after she had finished cleaning, she prep

lle did not respond, and turned to walk awa

dn't want me to

or you now, especially after this morning. You m

lle replied, and she

request, Prince

make judgments about me, Mr. Gold, because you know nothing about me at all. I certainly didn't judge you when I walked into this home and given its state and your obvious reclusiveness I had every right to. But I tried not to presume anything and I tried to be nice. Clearly, that's not something you want. And now all of a

ss colleagues, and certainly not an employee of his. Who on earth did this girl think she was? But what bother

a.m. sharp, without uttering one word. She chose to wear a y

y I say something to you, Miss Woods?

y tone as she turned around. "

house on Monday to run errands you'll need to use it. And as for what I'd lik

elle said. "Ap

f you wish – your

e my breakfas

coffee. I would like to talk t

own, poured some for herself, and took a drink. "I've been doing all of the work y

y. Mrs. Potts kept to herself and didn't bother with me and I was fine with that arrangement. Clearly it's not going to be the same with you so – I'm willing to adjust. Provided that you

What are you, some sor

in shock she dropped it. It landed on the floor, spilling her coffee everywhere. Surprisingly, the cup didn't break into

s – it's chipp

t wasn't the best attempt at humor given you

u want me to do with the cup – your china set is

notice it." Gold said as Belle set the cup on the table.

. Gold."

" he

Belle

act, I'll make you a deal – since you seem to be a curious one – you get one question

ve much other than tri

vial details about myself, and you'll stop. But until then – one question per day – and I wil

lle said. "So –

already answered it." Gold said,

ip. It was, wasn't it?"

me. I told you my

even ask it.

he looked down onto the floor at the spilled coffee. "Oh, and by the way – you're scheduled to clean upstairs today. You only worry a

t?" Bel

left the room. Now she was curious. Belle had yet to even venture upstairs. What on earth could be in the west wing that he was so reluctant to allow her