Maid to the Alpha Billionaire

I stared at Lucien Blackthorn as if he had lost his mind. “Dinner?” I repeated. “Yes.” “With me?” He arched one dark brow. “There is no one else in this room, Elara.” I folded my arms tighter. “I’m not one of the women who chase you.” “Good.” “I’m serious.” “So am I.” He handed me the midnight-blue dress again. “Ten minutes.” “I said no.” “Then I’ll wait twenty.” The man was impossible. When I didn’t move, he stepped closer, lowering his voice. “You’ve been ordered your whole life, haven’t you?” I blinked. “What?” “People telling you where to stand. What to wear. How to lower your eyes.” His silver gaze held mine. “I’m not asking you to obey me.” He placed the dress in my hands. “I’m asking you to choose.” That should have made it easier. It didn’t. Because no one had ever offered me a choice before. He turned and walked toward the door. “I’ll be outside.” When the doors closed behind him, I looked down at the dress. Soft silk slipped through my fingers like water. No maid should even touch something like this. No maid should be in this room. No maid should have an Alpha billionaire waiting outside for her. Yet somehow... I did. Twenty minutes later, I stepped out of the dressing room. Lucien was standing by the fireplace, one hand in his pocket, the other holding a glass of whiskey. He turned. And froze. Heat rushed to my cheeks. The dress fit perfectly, hugging my waist before flowing to the floor. My hair fell loose around my shoulders. His gaze moved over me slowly, intensely. “You’re staring,” I muttered. “I know.” “Rude.” “Necessary.” I rolled my eyes, but my heart was pounding. He set the glass aside and walked toward me. Every step felt deliberate. Predatory. He stopped inches away and lifted one hand. I stiffened. Instead of touching me, he adjusted a loose strap on my shoulder. His fingers barely grazed my skin. The contact sent sparks racing through me. His jaw tightened. He felt it too. “This mate bond,” I whispered, “does it always feel like fire?” “When resisted?” he said quietly. “Yes.” He leaned closer. “Worse.” I stepped back so quickly I nearly stumbled. His hand shot out, catching my waist. For one suspended second, I was against his chest. Strong. Warm. Dangerous. Neither of us moved. Then the doors opened. A servant entered with lowered eyes. “Alpha, the private dining room is prepared.” Lucien never looked away from me. “Good.” He released me slowly. My skin missed him instantly. I hated that. The private dining room overlooked the city skyline, lights glittering like fallen stars. A long table stood in the center, set for two. Candles flickered. Rose petals had been scattered across the white cloth. I stopped walking. “You planned this?” “I requested dinner.” “This looks like a proposal.” He pulled out my chair. “Too early.” I nearly choked. He sat across from me as courses were served—steak, roasted vegetables, warm bread, desserts that looked too beautiful to eat. I reached for the bread. “So,” he said, watching me, “tell me something true.” I tore off a piece. “I don’t trust rich men.” “That’s wise.” “I think you’re arrogant.” “That’s accurate.” “I should go back to my room.” “You don’t have one.” I glared. He smiled. Then his expression softened. “My turn.” I hesitated. “Fine.” “You’re lonely.” The words struck deeper than they should have. “You don’t know me.” “I know the look.” “And what look is that?” “The one that pretends being ignored doesn’t hurt.” I looked away. No one had ever seen through me so quickly. The room grew quiet. Then he said, more gently, “Who hurt you?” I laughed without humor. “Everyone who noticed me only when they needed something.” His eyes darkened. “That ends tonight.” Before I could respond, the doors slammed open. Lady Seraphina entered with three council elders behind her. Her gaze burned when she saw the candles. “This is shameful,” she snapped. One elder pointed at me. “That girl cannot sit at an Alpha’s table.” Lucien rose slowly. Power rolled off him like thunder. “She can sit wherever I place her.” Seraphina’s lips curled. “Then choose now.” The elder nodded grimly. “Your arranged union with Lady Seraphina... or this maid.” The room went cold. My heart pounded. I stood. “You don’t need to answer. I’ll leave.” I turned— But Lucien caught my wrist. His grip was firm. Certain. Then he pulled me back to his side and said the words that shook the room. “I already chose.” He slid his arm around my waist. And kissed my temple in front of everyone. Seraphina gasped. The elders looked horrified. My knees nearly gave out. Lucien’s voice was ice. “Now get out.”