Chapter 12: Kisses of Poison

The weeks at the Vasiliev mansion became a cycle of silent servitude and furtive glances. Ana learned to move in the shadows, to walk quietly, to not attract attention. No matter how hard she tried, however, there was always a pair of eyes that seemed to follow her every step.

Lucian Vasiliev's.

At first, it was subtle. She would find him watching her from across the room as she served tea, as she passed him in the corridors. He didn't say anything, didn't call out to her. But his presence weighed like an invisible touch on her skin.

The first real contact occurred one afternoon in the library. Ana had been sent to organize the old books, making sure each one was in its place. She was concentrating on her task when she heard the door close behind her.

Her body tensed.

-You keep avoiding looking at me," Lucian murmured, his voice calm, almost amused.

Ana turned slowly, her heart pounding. Lucian was leaning against the door, his expression betraying nothing but vague interest.

-I'm not avoiding it, sir," she replied cautiously.

Lucian smiled, as if his answer amused him.

-You don't have to call me that when we're alone.

Anne swallowed hard. Her instinct told her that any wrong answer could mean trouble. But keeping quiet was also dangerous.

Lucian took a step forward. Not in a threatening way, but with the certainty of someone who knows the other has no escape.

-Have they treated you well here? -he asked, his voice softer than he expected.

Ana nodded slowly, although the truth was more complex.

-You don't have to lie to me," he said, with a glint of something like amusement in his eyes. I know what goes on in this house.

Anne looked down. She knew Lucian had intervened for her before, but she still didn't understand why. Was it simple kindness? A show of power? Or something more?

Suddenly, she felt his hand on her chin, lifting her face gently, forcing her to look at him.

-You need not fear me," he whispered.

The warmth of his skin against hers made her shiver. It wasn't an aggressive touch, but it wasn't innocent either. There was something in his gaze that didn't match the tenderness he was trying to project.

Ana didn't respond. She couldn't. Because at that moment, she understood something disturbing: Lucian was not protecting her out of kindness. He was protecting her because he wanted her all to himself.

Before she could process what was happening, she felt the touch of his lips on her cheek, a barely perceptible gesture that chilled her.

-You are special, Ana," he whispered against her skin. And special things must be cared for.

When he pulled away, Ana felt her world rock. For though his words were sweet, his touch was a warning.

Lucian Vasiliev was making it clear to her that, from this moment on, she was no longer just a servant in the manor. She was his.