Beneath His Sheets

Six

Grace’s POV

“You did what?!”

“I know, I know! I am so sorry!” Bianca panicked through the phone. “I didn’t know he was a Valentini—it was too late! Please forgive me! I love you so much, Gee!”

That explained the unknown number blowing up my phone all night.

“I have to go—bye! I love you! Cousins forever!”

The call ended. I stared at my screen, ready to faint.

I am so fired. He’s going to kill me. I’ve been making a fool out of him without knowing, and that alone guarantees my spot in hell.

Okay. Okay. Calm down. He doesn’t know yet.

“Madam Eve,” I whispered to myself. She’s my only solution.

My phone buzzed again.

“I guess you don’t answer unknown phone calls. It’s Dame.”

I shrieked and threw my phone onto the bed like it burned me.

I could murder Bianca. Why does he want to know me so badly? Can’t he just… move on to another girl like a normal rich man?

My screen lit up again.

“I can just keep calling until you answer.”

Is he this desperate with all his girls? Yikes.

“Grace?” Kate’s voice made me jump. “Madam Eve wants to see you. Why do you look pale? You sick?”

“No—no, I’m fine. Warm weather. Where’s Madam Eve?”

“Garden gazebo.”

I changed into my uniform and headed out. The garden was beautiful today—the sun hitting Madam Eve’s marigolds and lavender perfectly. She sat inside the open gazebo, reading glasses on, teacup beside her.

“Madam Eve?” I approached nervously.

She looked up. “Ah, Grace. Sit. I’d like to discuss something with you.”

I sat across from her. She poured me tea and offered biscuits. I declined, too tense to eat.

“Can I ask what this is about?”

“Relax, dear. Kate will handle everything today, and you’re not in trouble.”

I exhaled a breath I didn’t know I was holding.

“Damien and I will be visiting his grandfather,” she continued. “And I’d like you to come.”

I froze.

Me? Why me? Why not Kate? No, no, no—please no.

“That settles it. We leave tonight. Pack for six days. Any questions?”

“Uhm—”

“Good. That’ll be all.”

She is a queen, and her words feel legally binding. Holy, even.

“Can I just ask why not Kate?”

She set her teacup down gracefully. “Because I want you. His grandfather doesn’t keep maids. And I like you because you don’t ask questions.”

Six days. It’s not that long… right? His grandfather’s place is probably huge. I can hide. And Damien still hasn’t recognized me—good for me. Worst case, I play dumb.

“Madam Eve, can I ask a favor?”

One eyebrow lifted—dangerously. “Go on, dear.”

“Can I move positions when we get back? Maybe the kitchen or garden. Anywhere.”

Her expression shifted—judgmental, confused, amused all at once.

“I don’t dislike serving Sir Damien. It’s just… getting to be too much.”

She nodded eventually. “Ah, yes. Kate mentioned you were locked in his closet again while he… entertained a visitor. I’ll see what I can do.”

“Thank you! One more thing.”

She looked like she regretted giving me permission to speak.

“I saved enough money to go to community college. They have night classes, so it won’t interfere with my duties. I’ll leave after work and be home before 11 p.m. Just two years to finish my units. Please.”

She didn’t speak for a long time.

I’ve wanted college ever since I started working here. It was the whole point. But my deadbeat dad left his debts to me, so I’ve been paying them off. Almost done.

“We’ll talk when we get back,” she finally said.

~*~*~*~

After packing, Madam Eve called me to prepare snacks. Nine-hour drive. Damien was going by air.

I wanted to ask why we couldn’t fly too, but Madam Eve hates planes.

“We must be there before Damien. Are you almost done?” she asked.

“Yes, Madam Eve—”

Damien’s head popped into the kitchen.

“Madam Eve, you’re coming with me. Private jet. No lines, no people.”

“It’s not the people I’m worried about,” she muttered.

“This is non-negotiable. Nonno wants us there together. And I’m not sitting nine hours on my ass. We leave in ten.”

She had no choice.

And before I knew it, Damien was sitting across the aisle from me on the jet, giving Madam Eve a few comforting words.

He didn’t spare me a single glance.

Thank God.

~*~*~*

Damien’s grandfather lived on a private island he bought before retiring. After stepping away from the public eye, he practically disappeared, leaving Damien to handle the spotlight—and he clearly thrived in it.

I did a little research. The island has a small population, but since the Valentinis own it, his grandfather basically acts as president or mayor.

When we landed, I expected people waiting to grovel at Damien’s feet.

No one was there.

Until an old pickup truck rattled to a stop and an older man in a denim jacket hopped out, smiling.

“Bambino!” He opened his arms as if to hug Damien—then smacked him on the head. “You arrogant fool! You think just because you control the media, things won’t reach me?”

Another smack. Damien raised his arms to shield himself.

“That’s enough, Fidele,” Madam Eve scolded gently.

Damien immediately hid behind her like a child.

Fidele removed his hat and placed it over his chest. “Evangeline. Amore, it is so good to see you.”

In all my months under Madam Eve, I had never seen her blush.

If only my phone hadn’t been turned off, I would’ve recorded it.

Speaking of that—Damien looked very annoyed earlier when he couldn’t reach me.

Bless airplane mode.

~*~*~*~

Fidele’s house was not what I expected. Not a mansion, but far from simple. Cozy, elegant, warm. Four bedrooms, a large living area, a kitchen, and a view of the ocean that wrapped around the horizon like an embrace.

“I’m sure you want to rest tonight,” Fidele said. “Tomorrow, we eat fresh fish and clams.”

He showed us to our rooms.

Private rooms.

I thanked God again.

I lay on my bed, turned my phone on—

It rang instantly.

I sighed, answered hesitantly.

“Hello?”

“Thank f*cking God you finally answered.”