Dangerously His

ChapterTwo

THE ROLLINS ESTATE

———

“That’ll be all miss.”

Annabel blinked, then nodded quickly.

“Ohh yes—thank you.”

She paid the driver, her fingers fumbling slightly as she stepped out of the car.

The car shut behind her with a quiet thud.

“Good luck.” The driver added, glancing past her toward the towering gates ahead.

Annabel forced a small smile. I’ll need it, she thought. “Thanks.”

The car pulled away, leaving her standing alone.

For a moment, she just stood there, clutching her bag, her heart thudding in her ears. You can do this. She told herself. It’s just a job. But even as the thought formed, doubt followed close behind. Nothing about this felt just anything.

The gates slid open without a sound. Annabel straightened as the estate revealed itself, breath catching in her throat.

The city noise vanished completely,replaced by a hush so deep it felt sacred.

A long, winding driveway stretched ahead, framed by perfectly sculpted hedges and towering trees, that cast cool shadows over the stone path.

Her gaze lifted slowly.

The mansion stood in quiet dominance—grand and breathtaking . Tall glass windows gleamed beneath the afternoon sun, framed by pale stone and intricate ironwork. Balconies curved gracefully along its facade, while wide steps led up to massive doors that looked heavy enough to guard secrets. Everything about the place whispered wealth, power, and permanence.

Annabel’s chest tightened.

People actually live here. She thought, awed. I'm supposed to work here.

She took a step forward, then another, eyes roaming over every detail as if afraid the vision might vanish if she blinked too long.

This wasn’t just magnificent, it was.

It was intimidating.

And standing there at the foot of it, Annabel couldn’t shake the feeling that she was about to walk into a life far bigger—and far darker—than she was prepared for.

Annabel had barely taken in another step when the front doors opened.

A man in his late twenties stepped out, posture straight, expression calm but assessing. He wore a tailored suit that spoke of order and discipline, his dark hair neatly combed, his presence carrying the quiet authority of someone used to managing important things—and important people.

Adam william—kingsley’s manager and also his right hand man.

“You must be Annabel Carter,” he said, voice measured.

“Yes,” she replied quickly, adjusting her grip on her bag. “That’s me.”

He offered a brief nod. “Adam. I manage the estate.”

Relief flickered through her. At least she wasn’t wandering-in unannounced.

“I’ve been expecting you,” Adam continued, already turning back toward the entrance. “Please, come in.”

As she followed him up the wide steps, Annabel couldn’t help the rush of nerves tightening her chest. So this is it, she thought. No turning back now.

And somewhere beyond those doors—beyond the polished floors and silent halls—waited the life she had just stepped into.

Adam led the way inside, his steps unhurried as the doors closed behind them with a soft, final sound.

The interior was just as overwhelming as the outside—high ceilings, marble floors that reflected the light pouring in from tall windows, and a stillness that felt carefully maintained.

Annabel walked beside him, trying not to stare at everything at once.

“I’ll have the details of your employment forwarded to you shortly,” Adam said as they moved through the corridor. “Schedules, responsibilities, and anything else you’ll need to know.”

“Okay,” Annabel replied, nodding. “Thank you.”

They climbed a wide staircase, their footsteps echoing faintly as they turned into a quieter wing of the house.

“This will be your room,” Adam said, stopping before a polished door and pushing it open.

Annabel stepped inside—and froze.

The room was spacious and elegant, furnished simply but expensively. Soft light filtered through sheer curtains, a neatly made bed sat at the center, and a small sitting area rested by the window. It was larger than the apartment she shared with Leo. Larger than anywhere she’d ever stayed.

“You’re welcome to settle in,” Adam continued. “The children are at school. Mr. Rollins will be returning with them later this evening.”

Her heart skipped at the mention of his name.

“I suggest you rest,” Adam added, glancing at his watch. “You’ve arrived early, and it’s been a long day.”

She nodded again, a little dazed. “Yes. I—thank you.”

Adam paused at the door, meeting her gaze briefly. “If you need anything, inform the staff.”

Then he left, the door closing softly behind him.

Annabel stood alone in the room, the silence settling around her as reality finally sank in.

I’m really here, she thought.

And she had a few quiet hours left—before meeting the children… and their father.

By the time Annabel finished unpacking, the room already felt a little less unfamiliar. Her clothes hung neatly in the wardrobe, her toiletries arranged with care. Still, the silence pressed in, heavy and unfamiliar.

She checked the time.

There was still a while before evening.

Annabel pulled out her phone and dialed Leo before she could overthink it.

“I’m here,” she said softly the moment he answered. “I arrived safely.”

His voice brightened instantly. “So? How is it?”

She glanced around the spacious room, the high ceiling, the quiet luxury. “Big,” she said with a small laugh. “Really big. But I’m okay.”

“Of course you are,” Leo replied. “You always are.”

They talked for a few more moments—nothing heavy, just enough to ease the tightness in her chest. When she hung up, the room felt a little less empty.

Just a short nap, she decided. Five minutes.

She lay back on the bed and closed her eyes—

And the next time she opened them, her heart jolted.

8:12 p.m.

“Oh no,” Annabel breathed, sitting up too fast. Panic rushed through her as she swung her legs over the bed. I didn’t mean to sleep that long.

She quickly smoothed her hair, splashed water on her face, and headed for the door.

As she made her way downstairs, her steps slowed.

Laughter drifted up from below—soft giggles, light voices overlapping in excitement. Children.

They’re back.

Her pulse quickened. She reached the bottom of the staircase just as the sounds grew clearer, echoing from the living room ahead.

She paused, drawing in a steady breath.

And then she took another step forward.

She stepped fully into the living room.

Two small figures sat on the plush rug near the couch, surrounded by toys. Twins—no older than six. They looked up at the same time.

The girl noticed her first.

She had soft curls framing her round face and bright, curious eyes that lit up instantly. A shy smile spread across her lips, sweet and unguarded, as if she’d already decided Annabel was safe.

The boy was different.

He studied Annabel in silence, dark eyes sharp for someone so young. His posture was stiff, guarded—too composed, too watchful. There was something unmistakable in his gaze, something familiar, as though he carried a shadow not meant for a child his age.

Annabel’s heart softened.

“Hi,” she said gently, lowering herself to their level. “I’m Annabel.”

The girl’s smile widened.

“I’m Lily,” she said brightly.

The boy hesitated, then spoke quietly. “Nuel.”

Annabel nodded, warmth spreading through her chest. “It’s really nice to meet you both.”

Before she could say anything else—

“Daddy!”

The word rang out in unison.

The twins shot to their feet, small legs moving fast as they ran past Annabel.

She turned just in time to see a tall figure step into the room.

Annabel froze.

A tall figure stepped into the room.

Power radiated from him effortlessly. His presence filled the space without a word,

his children clinging to him like anchors.

This was him.

Kingsley Rollins.

And in that instant, Annabel understood—

Nothing in this house was as simple as it seemed.