Sinful Indulgence

3. Jealous wife

BLOOM

I gazed out of the window of my new bedroom. Orange streaks of the dipping sun bathed the horizon, making it look so picturesque. If only I was a painter.

"You are lucky they are letting you stay in the mansion, "I turned to meet Rose's kind face.

"Yeah, "Maybe for a while, I'd be safe before he finds out again. He always does.

"Now, I have to go but please be on your best behavior tonight. They may be kind but they both got quite the temper when crossed," She had given me that warning several times.

"Don't worry Rose. I will be on my best behavior," I smiled in reassurance.

I walked with her out of the door and watched her make her way to the gate. For a fifty-year-old, she had the energy of a thirty years woman. After she was gone I walked back inside, the huge house was bathed in silence. I sat on the couch, seemingly staring at the empty house before me. Wedding pictures hung gracefully on the walls, and a huge portrait of Vincent decorated the living room. For a moment my gaze just rested on it, admiring how well sculpted his physique was. The painter had done quite a good job with his eyes.

"He is really hunky, isn't he?" I almost jumped off my seat.

"Jenna, I didn't see you come in,"I muttered in embarrassment.

"Which is the common mistake the six maids before you made. They were all to mesmerized by his looks. He is really handsome, don't you agree Bloom?" She smiled sardonically, her gaze on the portrait.

"I really don't know what you mean,"

"Don't worry, I won't fire for admitting my husband is quite the hunk,"

"I only met him briefly. I would not know for sure," I mumbled.

"Well, how about you keep your distance from my husband and I won't have to fire you?" This time her gaze met mine. Malice tainted her eyes but I had been through much worse to be intimidated.

I stared back at her wondering if my decision to work for her had really been the best option. Why was she so insecure about me? Sure Vincent was a good catch but I knew when not to overstep my boundaries. Being caught in the middle of powerful family drama was not a great step in trying to keep a low profile.

The front door opened and Vincent walked in, Jenna quickly rushing to greet him. He pulled her in for a kiss, his right hand around her tiny waist. If only I had a man who would love me like that.

"I trust you got settled in well," Vincent's deep voice bridled through me, cutting off my wish full thinking.

"Yes. Rose is very kind," I tried not to meet his piercing gaze.

"Well do you need anything else?" His voice was laced with concern.

"No thank you. You have done enough for me already. Um... what would you like to eat for dinner so I can start preparing right away?" I looked at Jenna as a distraction.

It was hard to focus when I could literally breathe in Vincent's hypnotizing cologne. My nerves were on edge and for the first time, I was not really scared of standing next to a man.

"My husband and I would be having dinner out. Do you want us to get you something on our way back?" A jealous wife who acts like an angel one minute and the next minute like she could bring hell down on you. Typical.

"That is so kind of you but I had a late lunch with Rose. I'll just go to bed early, if you don't mind that is," I added.

"Don't worry Bloom. Just go to bed and make sure you are quite rested well. Tomorrow night we are having some of my colleagues over for dinner and you'll need to be up early enough to prepare our breakfast before six. I hope Rose told you that,"

"Yes, she did. Thank you again for everything,"

"Well, get an early evening Bloom," I nodded, pushing my body up the stairs. I could feel Vincent's gaze on my back, leaving a trail on hot tingles embracing my entire body.

The night proved long and at around ten, I heard the Callaghan's come in. Jenna was giggling and it didn't take so much to know what would be going on tonight. Thankfully my room was the last in the hallway,  six doors away from the master bedroom.