Sweet Promotion.

Chapter 1

Janet had endured a dreadful trip. She despised the stress of dealing with people and managing everything on her own. She much preferred the comfort of her mansion, accompanied by her ever-efficient and charming maid. But this time, she couldn’t avoid it. She had to attend the trial she’d been summoned to. Nothing glamorous, just her divorce, with a husband determined to leave her penniless. Of course, she wouldn’t sit idly by, which meant keeping as many people as possible on her side. Between keeping everyone happy and handling her almost-ex-husband, her schedule was as tight as a corset. And facing that man was, without question, the worst of it.

She returned home with aching shoulders, irritated, exhausted, and weighed down. As she opened the door, the aroma of a freshly prepared dinner wrapped around her, accompanied by soft French classical music that, for an instant, lifted the heaviness of her terrible weekend.

“Hello? Little one? Are you here?” Her voice broke the silence, warm, almost childlike.

At the sound of the nickname and the door, Samantha wasn’t sure which made her run faster towards her.

“Ah... there you are... come here,” Janet said, slipping off her coat and turning her back, so Samantha could hang it for her. “Did you finish the bedroom, the laundry, the dishes?”

Samantha nodded, carefully placing the coat on the hanger.

“Wonderful. I wondered if you’d manage it all, but you always do... right on time.” She strolled toward the fireplace room, glancing at the furniture. “Did you vacuum too?”

“Yes, I tried to finish everything before you got back.”

“And you did,” Janet replied, her tone a mix of approval and faint surprise.

“Will you have dinner?” Samantha asked, trying not to sound too eager.

“Mm... yes, but not yet.” Janet checked the time. “You should be off duty by now...” She gave her a soft smile.

Samantha exhaled. “I’ll leave, then.”

“Wait. Sit. Have a drink with me.” Janet settled onto the sofa by the fire. Samantha hesitated, flushed and anxious. Instinct told her to run, but the curiosity, and the tension this woman stirred in her, kept her rooted.

“Oh... I don’t want to intrude. You must be tired too.”

“You’re not intruding,” Janet replied calmly.

“I’m sorry... it’s late, and I said I still had to—”

“Well... ugh... if I have to keep you here to listen to me, then I’ll pay you extra until ten,” she said, slightly exasperated. Sam stiffened, recalling Stella’s warning: Obey. Be submissive. “Now sit down. Please.”

“Um...” Samantha wavered, still afraid. She couldn’t shake the feeling that she was in danger.

“I mean it. Don’t leave,” Janet went on, her voice now soft, almost desperate, with a narcotic effect on Samantha. “Unless, of course, you want me to fire you.” She laughed lightly. “Or maybe I should go to the police and show them proof of you snooping through my things.”

Samantha’s face drained of color.

“God... I can explain...” she stammered, cornered at the edge of the sofa.

“I have cameras, you know?” Janet leaned back on the couch, crossing one leg over the other, challenging her with her eyes.

“I... I didn’t—”

“I know you didn’t steal anything. But snooping is a little odd, don’t you think?” She arched a brow. Samantha felt the tension shoot through her. “Especially in my closet... in my lingerie...” Janet smiled with a mix of mischief and authority. “How do you think your boyfriend would react if he knew?”

“I... I thought...” Samantha broke down, her role as maid slipping away, overwhelmed by the situation.

“Maybe I do want that drink,” she muttered, finally sitting down.

“Oh... now you want a drink,” Janet murmured.

The green-eyed woman rose, walked to the minibar, and fetched two glasses and a bottle of wine. She opened it with a corkscrew as she spoke, not expecting an answer.

“We also need to talk about that little quirk of yours.” She poured the wine. “That way you keep looking at me, little one... Now that I have the right to ask—why do you like me so much?”

Samantha pressed her knees together, trapped in the corner of the sofa.

“I... I don’t... I don’t see you that way, ma’am.”

“Oh, come now. You must like me a little.” Janet approached, savoring her wine. “What kind of girl with a boyfriend stares at another woman the way you stare at me all the time?”

“I...” Samantha tried to explain, but her words got lost under Janet’s piercing gaze.

“Are you hiding something from the world? You can tell me, I won’t say a word.” Janet sat beside her, placing the glasses and the bottle on the table.

“It’s not that... I just...”

“You know, I believe you really do care about your boyfriend. After so many years, of course, you’ve grown attached. But not as much as you’re drawn to me, isn’t that right?” Janet’s voice was sweet but firm, suffocating.

Samantha stayed silent, feeling that any words would fall short. Finally, she summoned the courage to speak the truth she had felt since the very first day she met Janet.

“Maybe...” Her voice cracked slightly as nervousness and excitement ran through her.

“Good girl...” Janet whispered, pressing her leg against Samantha’s. “It’s no big deal to admit it. It’s just you and me here. Besides, love is love, blah, blah... who cares what anyone else thinks?” She lifted the glasses. “Here. I hope you like red wine.”

“Umh... Actually, I don’t think I should...”

“Come on, princess. Relax.” Janet leaned in closer.

“I’m sorry, ma’am... but I don’t think.” Janet rolled her eyes, a hint of annoyance flashing.

“You’re still working,” she said firmly. “Which means you do what I say. Which means you drink the damn wine.”

Samantha almost whimpered, but chose obedience. She took the glass and, surrendering, downed it in one gulp. Janet’s smile widened, pleased by both her submission and her bravery.

“See? Much better now,” Janet said.

“I suppose,” the dark-haired girl replied, setting the glass down, her heart still racing.

Janet sighed, her eyes roaming over Samantha’s outfit. At last, she could admire her without restraint. The skirt, the corset, the lace stockings. The ribbon holding back her hair, exposing her flushed cheeks.

“I have to ask... what exactly is it that attracts you to me? My looks, my voice, my money?” Janet leaned in closer, her face nearly touching hers.

“I...” Samantha froze, unable to respond, when the phone rang.

It was Frank.

“Oh, so he’s calling you,” Janet said, draining her glass with a touch of resentment and authority.

“Yes, I have to answer,” Sam murmured, feeling Janet’s gaze weigh on her.

“Fine, go ahead,” Janet replied, trying to sound indifferent, though her tone carried irritation.

Samantha lifted the phone to her ear.

“Hi, honey... yes, I’m still here.”

Janet set her glass on the table and, without missing a beat, leaned in, taking Samantha’s chin in her hand and whispering firmly into her ear.

“He needs to know you’re not seeing him tonight. Tell him you have to work late.”

Samantha shut her eyes, shivering to her core, overwhelmed by the nearness.

“Yes... I’m sorry, I’ll be late...” she said, her voice trembling.

“But I made dinner for you...” Frank’s voice came from the other end.

Janet whispered again, her breath against Samantha’s skin, waves of command rippling through her.

“Tell him dinner’s canceled. That you can’t.”

“I know... but... Janet has a party tonight and she needs me. I didn’t expect it,” Samantha stammered.

“But is she paying you for this?” Frank pressed. “Sam, you need to come home. This isn’t healthy. You’ve been working too much.”

“Oh, for God’s sake!” Janet snapped, pulling back for a moment in irritation. “Tell him to stop arguing and let you work.”

Samantha froze, as if Janet’s voice and presence carried a power she couldn’t resist.

“I’m sorry... really. I won’t be able to come,” she said.

“Fine, fine. I left something for you in the fridge. I love you,” Frank answered.

Janet leaned back in close, so near her hot breath brushed against Samantha’s skin.

“Don’t. Say. ‘I love you.’ Just say goodbye and hang up,” she whispered, firm and commanding.

Samantha obeyed, throat dry.

“Goodbye, Frank... I’ll see you later,” she said, and hung up.

Janet smiled, delighted, while Samantha looked at her, still overwhelmed by the swirl of fear, desire, and admiration.

“Good girl,” Janet whispered, brushing her hand against Samantha’s face for a moment. “So obedient. As always.”