Hard Time's

Who Knew?

Thankfully Genghis is okay in all the drama you've not even had time to consider who attacked you. Or maybe had a branch just fallen? Impossible Genghis had been hurt too. You collect the dalmation and take her home to Hellman Hall. When you arrive home the Baroness is in her office with two detectives explaining the recent photographs. You hear them talking and look into the office sighing. They stop talking and look out at you. John is standing behind the Baroness she looks at you and then at the valet. 'John, door.' she instructs. John nods and closes the door on you, you roll your eyes.

'Come on girl.' you pat your leg and Genghis follows you to the kitchen where you give her some food. You go for a shower washing dry blood out of your hair. After you get dried you pull on your distressed jeans and oversized top which hangs slightly to one side exposing your shoulder. You roughly dry your hair with the towel and head out. 'What do you think then?' the office door is open and you hear the detectives talking. 'Maybe she's telling the truth but you know what these sorts are like. Anything for publicity to promote their brand.' the other replies.

'You aren't wrong and everyone knows the Baroness is..' the first officer speaks. 'A mad old hag?' they both laugh. 'She is a has-been trying to cling to the dregs of her youth no one wears her brand anymore. My wife said her company will be out within the year. This is probably a publicity stunt. Still, at least we can rule out a sex crime no one is going to be wanting to see what's under that corset. What is she now? About 60?' you hear them laugh. What you don't realise is just behind you stands the Baroness and she's heard everything.

You throw the door open and march into the room and the Baroness leaves without speaking. 'Oh very professional boys.' they jump. 'Jesus! We thought you were the Baroness.' they start to relax. 'Genghis.' you call. The dalmation enters standing by your side. 'Listen gentleman here's the situation, the Baroness is being threatened by some creep that seems to keep getting in when no one sees. Her brand is on the rise, I know because I design for her. She is also an exceptionally beautiful talented woman regardless of her age. I'd also like to add between you two clowns and the Baroness she is the only one capable of dating someone less than half her age. Yup it's me, hi, I'm the problem it's me.' you place a hand on your hip.

The officers look stunned and John arrives watching you from the doorway. 'Id also like to add that should any harm befall my girl whilst you imbeciles are supposed to be doing your job to protect her I will personally see to it that Genghis here gets to bite her first human.' Genghis wags her tail. The officers laugh. 'Little girl, we are officers of the law it would be beneficial for you not to threaten us.' the one in charge was smug. 'Genghis.' The dalmatian barks and starts snarling at your command he quickly sits down again. 'Call me little girl again and Genghis won't be the only bitch you need to be afraid of.' you smile sweetly.

Looking up you notice John he has a proud smile on his face as you defend the Baroness's honour. You give a small smile back. The Baroness's personal guards enter to both your confusion and John's. 'The Baroness is angry boys, she wants you two out now.' The team removes the stunned-looking officers with little care throwing them into the night. You make to leave when John stops you. '(y/n) on my honour as a gentleman, nothing happened between the Baroness and me. It was all a terrible misunderstanding.' You remain quiet as you think. 'I have worked for her longer than I care to remember and I have never seen her so frightened since the Baron was around.'

You sit on the edge of the desk. 'I hate that I can't make her feel safe like you do.' John considers. 'I don't think any one person makes her feel safe but perhaps I was not asked to her room to protect her but to make sure nothing happened to you.' This time you think it through you know how protective the Baroness is of you. Deep down you know she wouldn't cheat. 'She's sorry she slapped you.' he continues. You sigh. 'I kind of deserved it, I called her a whore.' John suppresses a laugh. 'What?' you frown. 'Nothing. I just can't recall anyone ever being brave enough to be rude to her face.' You smile a little. 'She's a kitten really. Slightly psycho at times....but kitten-like.'

John looks at you like you have just arrived from another planet. 'I'll take your word for it on that one.' You go to find her and she is sitting in an armchair by the fire you can't help but admire her beauty. 'Hi.' you greet softly but she doesn't look at you. 'Genghis is okay.' no response. 'How are you?' you try again. 'John will move your things back to your room tomorrow.' At this, your heart sinks. 'And no it's not so I can engage in sexual relations with John or any other staff members you can think of. I just wish to be alone.' You walk over to her as she stares into the fire. 'I'm sorry.' you kneel beside her. 'I should not have called you a whore,' she flinches at the word. 'I didn't mean it. I was upset.'

The Baroness gives a false smile. 'I accept your apology. And I'm sorry for striking you. I will see you tomorrow.' you try to touch her hand and she flinches. You back off realizing you frightened her when she thought you would hurt her. You've never fought as big as this before or gotten that angry. You chose to respect her boundaries and back off going to your room. You glance at her one last time before heading to bed.

"That last kiss, I'll cherish until we meet againAnd time makes it harder, I wish I could rememberBut I keep your memory, you visit me in my sleepMy darling, who knew?"

When you wake in the morning she has gone to work so you ride in alone. Upon arrival, you see a queue of people all looking nervous. 'John.' you catch the valet as he passes you. 'Who are these people what are they doing here?' John looks overworked. 'Applicants. The Baroness is hiring a new assistant.' he shoots off. New assistant? She didn't tell you that. Is she trying to replace you? You aren't her assistant but you do everything for her. Actually, you do it unpaid.

With ease, you push past the sadsacks who seem to think they could even dare to compete with you. You enter the office not waiting for an invite. 'What the hell? You're looking to hire a new assistant? Since when?' When you enter the Baroness is signing paperwork. 'Hired. I already got the job can you believe it?' a tall blonde woman a few years older than you with blue eyes stands up from the chair opposite the desk. 'I'm Lilah! Do you have an appointment with the Baroness?' she greets chirpily extending a hand. You hate her already. 'I'm not interested.' you reply mimicking her. 'I don't need an appointment. She's my-' what are we right now? Oh yes emotionally unstable. 'Blonde girl, send the others away. I have a meeting to get to.'