Maid for the billionaire's heart

Brothers and blood

BRENDA POV

"Just helping our new staff with a minor burn," Xavier said smoothly, standing up and putting distance between us. My skin still tingled where his fingers had been moments before.

Rosiana's eyes narrowed to slits. "Is that so? How charitable of you."

"The first aid kit is right there if you'd like to verify," he replied, his tone suddenly businesslike. "I believe you were looking for me?"

Just like that, the moment shattered. I quickly pulled my uniform back into place, wincing at the wet fabric against my tender skin.

"Your mother wants to discuss the charity gala," Rosiana said, still staring at me.

"I'll be right there." Xavier turned to me, his face unreadable. "Take tomorrow morning off to rest. You can start your duties after lunch."

Before I could thank him, he was gone, Rosiana clinging to his arm like a beautiful parasite. I sat there for a moment, my heart hammering in my chest. What had just happened? And more importantly, what had almost happened?

I slept fitfully that night, confused by my own feelings. Xavier was my employer, my very engaged employer. And I was nothing but the help.

The next morning, despite Xavier's orders for me to rest, I was up early checking on Max, who was recovering well but still tired easily. After making sure he had breakfast, I began my usual cleaning routine, not wanting to give Mrs. Huntington-Reynolds or Rosiana any more reasons to hate me.

Around ten, Johnson found me dusting the library.

"Mrs. Huntington-Reynolds wishes to see you in the east sitting room," he announced.

I swallowed nervously. "Did she say why?"

"No, but I would not keep her waiting."

The east sitting room was a feminine space decorated in creams and pale blues. Xavier's mother sat perched on a settee, looking like royalty receiving a peasant.

"You wanted to see me, ma'am?" I asked, standing with my hands clasped before me.

Her cold eyes assessed me from head to toe. "We are having an important visitor today. Xavier's brother, Daniel, is joining us for dinner."

I blinked in surprise. Xavier had never mentioned a brother.

"You will need to be at your absolute best," she continued. "The silver must be polished to perfection, the crystal spotless, and dinner served precisely at seven. You will also need to change into something more... appropriate."

"Is there something wrong with my uniform?" I asked cautiously.

Her lips thinned. "Daniel appreciates aesthetic beauty, even in the help. Johnson will provide you with a different outfit."

Something in her tone made me uneasy. "May I ask about Mr. Daniel? Any preferences I should know about for serving?"

A strange smile curved her lips. "Unlike Xavier, Daniel is not known for his... patience. He can be quite volatile when displeased." She leaned forward slightly. "Xavier coddles you. Daniel will not. Remember your place."

It was clearly a warning, though for what exactly, I wasn't sure.

"I understand Mr. Xavier and his brother aren't close?" I ventured.

Her expression hardened. "That is none of your concern. You are here to serve, not to pry into family matters. Is that clear?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Good. Now go prepare. And make sure that brother of yours stays out of sight."

The dress Johnson delivered was still a uniform, but far more fitted than my usual one, with a lower neckline that made me uncomfortable. Still, I had no choice but to wear it.

By six, the penthouse was immaculate, dinner was being prepared under the chef's supervision, and I was a bundle of nerves. Max had noticed my tension.

"What's wrong?" he asked, sitting on my bed as I fussed with my hair.

"Nothing. Just a special dinner tonight." I tried to smile. "Xavier's brother is visiting."

"Another rich dude to boss you around?" Max frowned. "I don't like how they treat you, Brenda."

I squeezed his shoulder. "It's just temporary, remember? Look how much better you're getting already. A few months of this, and we'll have enough saved to get our own place."

The doorbell rang at exactly seven. I hurried to take my position near the dining room, heart racing.

Daniel Reynolds was instantly recognizable as Xavier's brother, they shared the same striking blue eyes and strong jawline. But where Xavier's features were arranged in a perpetually calm expression, Daniel's held a predatory edge. He surveyed the penthouse like a wolf entering new territory.

"Little brother," he greeted Xavier with a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Still living in father's shadow, I see."

Xavier's jaw tightened. "Daniel. You're looking well."

"Of course I am." Daniel kissed Mrs. Huntington-Reynolds on the cheek. "Mother, beautiful as always."

His eyes landed on Rosiana, and he lifted her hand to his lips. "And the future Mrs. Reynolds. Tell me, are you certain you've chosen the right brother?"

I watched Rosiana's smile falter slightly. "Xavier is the perfect man for me."

"Is he?" Daniel's eyes drifted to me, his eyes lingering on my figure in the fitted uniform. "And who might this be?"

Xavier stepped forward slightly. "Our new household manager, Brenda. She's also assisting with the wedding preparations."

Daniel approached me slowly, like a cat stalking prey. "Brenda. Lovely name for a lovely girl."

I kept my eyes downcast. "Thank you, sir."

"Look at me when I speak to you," he commanded.

I raised my eyes reluctantly, meeting his intense stare.

"Better," he purred. "How did my uptight brother find someone like you?"

"Daniel," Xavier warned. "Let her be. Dinner is ready."

Throughout the meal, I could feel Daniel's eyes following me as I served each course. His gaze made my skin crawl, but I focused on being professional, keeping my movements quick and efficient.

"So, Xavier," Daniel said between bites, "the wedding is soon, yes? Finally settling down like the good son."

Xavier's knuckles whitened around his fork. "Yes. Three months."

"Always doing exactly what Father wanted." Daniel swirled his wine. "Have you told your fiancée about the real reason Father left you the majority share of the company?"

"This isn't the time," Xavier said sharply.

"It never is, with you." Daniel laughed. "Always the diplomat, always playing it safe."

"Perhaps you could try it sometime," Xavier replied coldly. "Instead of running through Father's money on your worldwide exploits."

Daniel's smile disappeared. "At least I live my life instead of following a dead man's blueprint. Tell me, are you marrying the ice queen here because you love her, or because Father approved the match before he died?"

"That's enough!" Xavier slammed his hand on the table, making the crystal glasses tremble.

"Boys!" Mrs. Huntington-Reynolds interjected. "Not at the dinner table."

Rosiana looked between the brothers, her expression calculating. "I think we could all use dessert," she said sweetly. "Brenda, serve it now."

I escaped to the kitchen, grateful for the reprieve from the tension. As I arranged dessert plates, I tried to steady my shaking hands. The Reynolds family dynamics were clearly more complicated than I'd realized.

I was so lost in thought that I didn't hear the footsteps behind me until hands suddenly gripped my waist, pulling me backward against a hard chest.

I gasped, nearly dropping the dessert I was plating.

"You smell delicious," Daniel's voice murmured in my ear. "Much more appealing than anything on the menu."

Fear shot through me as his hands tightened. "Mr. Reynolds, please let go of me."

"Mr. Reynolds is my brother," he said, his breath hot against my neck. "I'm Daniel to you." One hand began sliding upward from my waist.

Panic took over. I twisted around and slapped him hard across the face before I could think better of it.

The sound echoed in the silent kitchen. Daniel's eyes widened in shock, then narrowed dangerously as a red mark appeared on his cheek.

Horror at what I'd done washed over me. "I'm so sorry," I stammered, backing away. "I didn't mean it, you really startled me….."

"You little b***h," he growled, advancing on me. "Do you have any idea who I am? I could destroy you with a single phone call."

"Please," I begged, bumping into the counter behind me. "I'm sorry. I wasn't thinking."

"Clearly," he sneered. "Just a worthless girl my brother picked up from the gutter. What did you do to get this job? Spread your legs for him?"

"Leave my sister alone!"

Max stood in the kitchen doorway, his thin frame vibrating with anger. My heart sank. The last thing I needed was Max getting involved.

"Max, go back to our room," I pleaded.

Daniel laughed. "Sister, is it? Another stray in the litter. Listen to her, boy. This doesn't concern you."

Max stepped further into the kitchen. "It does when you're harassing her. I heard what you said to her. You're disgusting."

"Max!" I gasped.

Daniel's face darkened. "Watch your mouth, kid, or you'll find yourself back on the streets where you belong."

"Better than being a creep who can't get women without forcing himself on his brother's employees," Max shot back.

I watched in horror as Daniel lunged forward, hand raised to strike my brother. "You little…."

"What the hell is going on in here?"

Xavier stood in the doorway, his normally calm face a storm of fury…