TW: Mild Sexual Content

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SHE WAS FINALLY GONE. For the first time in days, I was able to sleep with a clear mind. I could not hear the creak of his bed or the sound of her beautiful moans taunting me as I slept. But even in her absence, after he'd taken his time in punishing me, Lord Mercer had gone back to ignoring me, as though I truly was nothing more than a servant. My chambers were as barren as they had been before and his were finally quiet.

Although I did not want to admit it to myself, for it spurred on a strong sense of self-loathing, I had longed to take her place at his side during the night. A part of me assumed that I would, that he had been toying with me and punished me as a tease of what was to come when his bed was finally his own again.

For days, I waited but he never came. I worked quietly by his side, continuing to change his ink pots and dust the halls. At night, Mr Maltby had me make my way through every wing of the estate with a box of matches, lighting every candle as I passed through.

The work was mundane and somehow felt as though it should be beneath me. For five long years I had been treated like a treasure, priceless and worth far more than anything else. Here I was sinking back into the place I had come from, turning from lover to servant and one day, when he grew tired of me, street urchin once again.

On one particular evening, while I was going about my work, Lord Mercer had a gathering for dinner. They were almost all older men accompanied by their much younger wives, each of whom had certainly taken a fancy to Lord Mercer.

I stood by his side, waiting with a bottle of uncorked wine. When they asked, I filled their cups. Then, when he shooed me off with a graceful flick of his wrist, I made my way back to the kitchens to help Mr Hargrove, the estate's head chef.

When they first arrived I felt a sense of dread rise up my throat, assuming Lord Mercer was hosting another of his clandestine parties. I'd hated the last and would surely hate the next but it seemed those particular gatherings were not held too often. Lest anyone of proper, untainted standing find out, I figured.

Being dressed up like a doll and paraded around was not a favourite pastime of mine. Besides, now that he had clearly had his fill, what was to stop him from allowing the others a taste? My skin crawled at the thought. Though at least they would have been easier to manipulate, not that Lord Mercer would ever award me even a fraction of control, whether he was the one fucking me or not.

"Who are those people?" I asked Mr Hargrove, who was scrubbing his wooden cutting board clean.

The cook shrugged. "Just some other businessmen the master has some dealings with. It's customary for them to meet in person from time to time. You'll see. They'll have their fancy dinner and then the wives will be taken to the drawing room to talk while the men head into his study to talk business."

I scrubbed the used pots in the sink, humming to myself. "Sounds quite bland."

His deep laugh rumbled through the air as he shook his head, a glint in his eye. "Yes, lad," he said with a hint of humour, "quite bland indeed."

The gentle creak of the kitchen door snapped the silence of our quiet cleaning in two, and Evelyn scurried in with a stack of dishes in her arms as she headed straight for the sink.

She placed them in the cold water and turned to me, taking a cautious step back as she quietly spoke, her gaze flickering briefly to Mr Hargrove before settling on me, "Um... Theo, sir. Lord Mercer needs you to run a few errands for him."

I smiled at the girl, thankful to speak with her again. "Of course, Evelyn. Lead the way."

She turned on her heel without another word, expecting me to follow. As I made to leave, Mr Hargrove called out after me with a sly grin on his face, "Watch out, lad. I think young Evelyn has taken quite a liking to you."

I arched an eyebrow and narrowed my eyes, unsure if he was being serious or not. "Is that so?" I asked, folding my arms over my chest.

He chuckled and waved me off dismissively. "Oh, she's as sweet on you as a summer peach, mark my words. Now off you go, before you keep the master waiting."

With a bemused shake of my head, I hurried after Evelyn, leaving Mr Hargrove's laughter echoing behind me. As I followed her through the maze-like corridors of the estate, I couldn't shake the feeling that things were about to become even more complicated than they already were.

Not that I wasn't flattered for her interest in me. In fact, it had been a while since someone as seemingly pure as her had any sparkle of attraction for me. Most either lusted for my body and sought to possess me or saw me as nothing by the filthy whore that I was.

Evelyn was different. I knew she was and I really was flattered, but she reminded me far too much of my sister for me to return her affection. At least, in the way she wanted me to. Soon, I was sure she would become a true friend I would find myself confiding in when times grew harsh, just as I had with Mary when we were young.

Having an older sister had always meant someone was there for me, long after our mother was gone, but I hadn't seen her since before I left the brothel. If she had sent a reply to my letter, I had never received it. Even then, I wasn't sure she knew where to have it sent even if she wanted to. Hell, I wasn't even sure if Lord Mercer had ever had mine delivered. At first, I had believed him a decent enough man to do that but now I wasn't so sure. Maybe it was all just another part of his game.

Maybe Evelyn was too. Maybe he had sent her to me for a reason. Maybe every time we had bumped into one another it was his doing. The thought alone sent a shiver up my spine. Who could I truly trust in this house of games?

Lost in my thoughts, I barely noticed Evelyn stealing glances at me as we made our way through the corridors. Her cheeks were flushed pink, and there was a nervous energy about her that I couldn't help but find endearing.

"So, um... how are you finding it here at the estate, sir?" she asked, her voice soft and hesitant.

I offered her a small smile, grateful for the distraction from my own troubling thoughts. "It's... different," I replied honestly. "But I suppose I'm starting to settle in. And please, just Theo is fine."

Her blush deepened, and her hand moved slightly, almost brushing against mine before falling limply beside her.

"Well, uh... Theo," she stammered, her eyes darting about nervously, "I'm sorry to bother you, but I... I need help clearing the table tonight. Lord Mercer told me to come and ask you to help so..."

"It's alright, I'd rather clear the table than scrub those filthy pots anyway."

She nodded, her eyes brightening with enthusiasm. "T-Thank you. I just hope the extra work isn't too much, you've been so busy lately. I know Mr Maltby is working you to the bone."

Despite the situation between Lord Mercer and myself, I found myself smirking in amusement as she stumbled over her words. I was amused by her innocence, how she didn't seem to realise how dangerous this game Lord Mercer was playing. I could easily see why. She was so young and, from what I gathered, had been working in places like this for some time.

"He's just being tough on me because I'm new, I'm sure," I said, reaching across the table to collect the plates as she rounded up a cluster of empty glasses.

"I guess so," she whispered but I caught a glimpse of something fearful in her eyes.

My stomach knotted and I looked away, placing the bowls and glasses on top of the pile that I had collected earlier. She knew things I didn't, that much was painfully clear.

"Why don't you help me carry these back to the kitchen. Then maybe we can go find somewhere to take a short break, if Mr Maltby will allow us that is."

Evelyn nodded eagerly, her expression brightening at the prospect of a break. Together, we carefully balanced the stack of dishes and glasses between us as we made our way back to the bustling kitchen.

Mr. Hargrove glanced up from his work as we entered, a knowing smirk playing at the corners of his lips. He winked at me, his eyes flickering with silent understanding, before returning his attention to the task at hand.

Once the dishes were safely stowed away, Evelyn and I slipped out of the kitchen and into the peaceful serenity of the gardens. The air was cool and fragrant with the scent of flowers, a welcome respite from the stuffiness of the estate.

We found a secluded bench nestled beneath the shade of a towering oak tree, its branches swaying gently in the breeze. As we sat down, a comfortable silence settled between us, broken only by the distant chirping of birds and the soft rustle of leaves.

With a sigh, I leaned back and stretched my legs out under me, letting my hands rest upon the rough bark of the tree above. The stretch felt warm and welcome and, as my eyes fell shut, I allowed my mind to wander.

It was pleasant to simply sit and enjoy each other's company, although I felt somewhat uneasy. It was odd. This entire experience seemed somehow so normal and yet so bizarre. I was a servant, a whore and now possibly even a friend. It was almost too many things all at once.

Then the peacefully chilling silence was broken when Evelyn spoke, her voice gentle and tentative. "Theo... I know..."

I turned to look at her, confusion knitting my brows together. "Know what?"

She hesitated, her gaze dropping to her lap as she spoke. "I know that Lord Mercer... has hurt you. You don't have to pretend with me, Theo. I understand."

Her words caught me off guard, a lump forming in my throat as I struggled to find a response. Suddenly I realised that I didn't want her to know these things about me, just as I didn't want Mary to know. I didn't want to burden her with my sins.

But despite the discomfort of having my vulnerabilities laid bare, I couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude towards her. She was offering me something I had not known I needed — understanding, compassion, and a listening ear.

"I... thank you, Evelyn," I murmured, my voice barely above a whisper. "But please, don't look down on me because of it."

She shook her head, her gaze meeting mine with unwavering sincerity. "I would never, Theo."

Her words washed over me like a soothing balm, easing the ache that had settled deep within my chest. For the first time since I had arrived at the estate, I felt a glimmer of hope flicker to life within me, a small beacon of light in the darkness.

And as we sat together in the tranquil embrace of the garden, I found myself grateful for her presence and the comfort she offered.

"He..." I began, my words hesitant as I met her eyes once more, "He hasn't hurt you, has he?"

She looked down and shook her head. "No, he hasn't hurt me. I just... I know what he's done to you. You're not the first person he's brought here for those things..."

I closed my eyes, trying not to think about the images that flashed through my mind whenever I thought of those who came before me. I wasn't the only one brought here to satisfy his darker desires but why had he put me to work as a servant? Did he do the same with the others too when he grew tired of them? Were they still working here? Had I passed any of them in these halls?

My heart constricted and I forced myself to focus on the girl sitting next to me and not my thoughts. There was no use in thinking like that. Instead, I focused on the soft sounds of crickets in the grass beneath us and the gentle caress of the wind as it swept through the branches, making it easier to breathe.

As the silence stretched between us once more, Evelyn's hand found its way to mine, her touch light and tentative. It was a simple gesture, but it spoke volumes, conveying a warmth and reassurance that words alone could not express.

I glanced down at where her hand lay atop of mine, feeling a rush of gratitude towards her for offering me solace in a time of need.

I turned to look at Evelyn, meeting her gaze with a small smile of gratitude. In that moment, I felt a newfound connection with her, a comfort unlike any I had felt. She had seen my torments and sins and had chosen to stay anyway, offering me a comforting presence — a sliver of light in the midst of it all.

Just as the tension between us began to ease, a sharp voice shattered the tranquillity of the moment with a stern calling of my name.

I tensed at the sound of Lord Mercer's voice, my heart palpitating as I turned to see him striding purposefully towards us.

Without a second thought, Evelyn pulled her hand away from mine and jumped to her feet, urging me to do so as well.

"Lord Mercer," I greeted him with a slight bow of my head, my voice tight with apprehension.

He ignored my greeting, his eyes narrowing as they landed on Evelyn, who had instinctively scooted closer to me, seeking refuge from his imposing presence.

"What are you doing out here?" he demanded, his tone laced with thinly veiled annoyance.

Evelyn shifted uncomfortably beside me, her gaze darting nervously between the two of us. "We... We were just... taking a break, my lord," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

Lord Mercer's eyes flickered with something akin to possessiveness as he regarded her, his lips thinning into a tight line. "Well, I need to speak to Theo. You can go."

Evelyn's head bowed as she cast her eyes to the ground, not even daring to glance in my direction lest she too face his wrath. "Yes, sir. Sorry, sir," she muttered before hastily retreating back towards the estate, leaving me all alone with the monster.

As soon as she was out of earshot, Lord Mercer turned his attention back to me, his gaze piercing as he regarded me with an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine.

Without warning, he stepped forward and pulled me by the arm until we stood close enough together that the tips of our noses brushed. My face grew warm as I turned my head defiantly away from his. It offered me no respite, however, as his lips came to brush so lightly against my ear.

"How many times must I remind you who you belong to? You are to stay away from that girl, do you understand me?"

He pushed me back from his grasp, allowing me to regain the breath his presence sucked out of me, and I swallowed hard, suddenly aware that Mary and I would not be the only people to suffer the consequences of my actions. If he could so easily punish me then what would he do to sweet, innocent Evelyn?

"I understand."

"Are you sure about that?" he smirked. "This isn't the first time I've had to remind you, is it? Was your last punishment not enough? First you slack off by yourself and now you're distracting the rest of my servants as well?"

My eyes widened as I realised the further implications of what I had done. I hadn't given thought to the fact that my actions might affect the other servants as well.

Panic seized hold of my mind and tightened like a vice around my chest.

"You won't punish her, surely? She is only young and a woman. She won't be able to—"

He held up a hand, stifling my words as he chuckled dryly. "Contrary to what you may think, Theo, I am not a monster. I don't hit women and I certainly won't punish her for something when she is so easily swayed by you into things she would usually never do."

I breathed a sigh of relief but it was short lived when he continued, "But mark my words, if she continues to defy me, whether it is your doing or not, she will face the consequences. This time, however, I will allow you to take the punishment for her."

His lips curled into a devilish grin and for a split second I wondered if he was actually going to hurt me. But then he reached out with one hand and gripped the edge of my shirt. In his grasp the hem pulled taught as he tugged it sharply and I stumbled forward, crashing into him as he kissed me.

It was the first time his lips had ever touched mine and, for some loathsome reason, I relished in it. The way his lips moulded so easily into mine had my heart racing as he pulled me tightly against him, the palm of his hand resting firmly on the small of my back.

It was despicable and, although I was a man with ample experience in the pleasures of the flesh, his touch had me reacting like a celibate nun being touched for the very first time.  

I couldn't help myself. I needed this. I craved this kiss so much that it left me weak with need, yearning for his touch. And yet somehow, it was the worst thing possible that he should be giving such affection towards me. Because it wasn't just any affection, it was lustful desire, desire which I knew all too well how to feed.

Suddenly he released me, releasing his grip on my shirt, and I gasped for air as I stumbled backwards. I wanted to reach out and grab him again, to pull him back into another kiss, but I knew there was no point. He would do with me what he wanted and, although the idea of that alone had a tent forming in my briefs, there was nothing I could do to stop him. 

His grey eyes were darker when they looked at me, full of unrelenting hunger as they flickered over to the gazebo behind me. I knew what he was asking and bravely turned my back to him as I walked inside.

Without having to glance back at him I could hear the quiet thump of his shoes as he sauntered after me and the quiet ruffling of his sleeves as he undid his cufflinks.

When I finally found my pride and turned back around, his wet lips curled at the sight of me and he drawled, "Your clothes."

A knot formed in my chest as my eyes fell upon the rest of the garden, searching through it for anyone else who might be nearby. Although it was getting late and I knew there would be no gardeners outside, I was still very aware of the other workers and Lord Mercer's guests, any of whom could decide to come out for an evening stroll.

As if he read my mind, Lord Mercer sighed and stepped closer, caging me in. "Don't worry about them. My guests departed whilst you were out here cavorting with that maid and after the way she scurried back inside I suspect anyone else will think twice about venturing out here tonight."

I gulped, fidgeting already under his expectant gaze. "But we're outside, my lord. It is late and you could catch a cold, wouldn't it be better to continue this inside?"

His smirk only deepened. "You're right, there is a chill in the air tonight. You'll just have to make sure I stay warm, won't you?"

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A/N: I hoped you enjoyed this slightly longer chapter. Will we see more of sweet, innocent Evelyn? And what more is in store for Theo? Find out in the next update!