have much in the way of a will of my own, I expect.
Perhaps that was a better ploy than playing stupid.
'Father always had my best interests in mind, and I was very glad to be able to help him,' she continued softly, knowing that this, at least, was the truth. 'For some reason I have always been good with languages, so I was able to serve him in the same capacity that I am serving Mr. Cameron.'
Du Mond smirked. 'Indeed. Well, don't let him bully or frighten you, my dear. You're too pretty a girl to have to languish in a room, ruining your eyes to read to him for days at a time.'
She almost laughed, and held it back only with a great effort. He really is spreading the flattery on a bit too thickly! I suppose I'll have to play up to it, though.
She fluttered her eyelashes and dropped her gaze modestly. 'It's really not at all bad,' she murmured. 'I could be cooped up in a stuffy old office or library somewhere, working from dawn to dusk. At least here I get to go outside every day for a little.'
He moved forward as if he was going to try to touch her; she managed to move away from him without she hoped-making it obvious that she was avoiding his touch.
'What if I found another option for you?' he asked, and frowned, his concern so patently feigned that she wondered how he ever thought he fooled anybody. 'I don't want to alarm you, but Cameron's not entirely sane, you know.'
'The-accident?' she faltered. He shrugged, scarcely wrinkling his suit. 'It might have been. He has always been ruthless, but since the accident he's become quite callous about anyone and anything other than himself. I think he's dangerous, frankly. I don't worry about myself, but I'm not sure a woman is safe around him.'
She made her eyes go wide and put her hand up to her mouth, hiding the grimace of distaste. 'Surely you don't think he would-that I-'
'I think he would not trouble himself to keep you safe, although I doubt that he himself is any danger to you,' du Mond told her, with false sincerity. 'He never comes out of his own apartments, after all. But I have several friends in the city, and I might be able to obtain an alternate position for you if you wished to find other employment. The circumstances would not be as pleasant as these, perhaps, but at least your employer would be sane.'
She dropped her eyes again and shook her head. 'I cannot imagine leaving this position,' she said. 'I gave my word.'
'At least keep it in mind if you feel Cameron is growing unpredictable,' he urged.
She nodded, and put her hand to her temple, making a face. 'This is all so-unpleasant. I believe one of my headaches is coming on, Mr. du Mond-'
'Paul-' he said, warmly, once again attempting to touch her.
'-this is all very upsetting, and if I do not go and lie down, my head will be splitting shortly,' she continued, turning, as if oblivious to his outstretched hand. 'You really must forgive me.' And with one hand pressed to her temple, she gathered up her skirts in the other, and hurried back into the house before he could offer to escort or assist her.
She felt altogether unclean, as if she had brushed up against something slimy. The nerve of that man! Ugh! I would rather have the company of a hundred frogs than his!
She was just glad that Cameron could not possibly have overheard this conversation. He might not have put the best interpretation on her responses.
I think I will spend the rest of the day right here, she decided, opening the door to her room, and closing it firmly behind her. I have had more than enough fresh air for one day. Or rather-given that I had to deal with du Mond, perhaps the air was not so fresh after all.
Cameron stared deeply into the mirror, his jaws clenched so tightly he expected to hear some of his teeth snap at any moment. Just what is he up to? he snarled savagely and silently. Who does he think he is, lording it as if he is the master here! That interloper-I'll tear his heart from his body-I'll rip his treacherous little head from his shoulders-
His thoughts dissolved into pure and incoherent rage; the scent of musk and blood filled his nostrils, and bile rose, acrid and sour, in the back of his throat. He began to pant and his vision darkened, narrowed to the mirror before him. He wanted blood, blood and the death of this would-be Master who dared to undermine him within his
