Someone Competent

Chapter 6: Dalmations

AN: I apologize for the delay. I'm taking college classes over the summer and playing a sport, so this fanfic has been put on the back burner. This chapter is going to be shorter because I don't want to leave you all hanging. Again, I apologize, and I appreciate all of your support. <3

Xoxo, Roses
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You're startled awake by the sound of dogs barking and the Baroness yelling. Their paws tap against the floor. Your room is only a few doors down from the Baroness' chamber, but you usually don't hear her this late at night.

Even though the Baroness is very generous with your paychecks, you don't rent an apartment. You spend the majority of your time with the Baroness anyway. She has an exquisite room reserved for you at Hellman Hall. After staying so many nights in that room, you practically resided there. She offered you the space permanently, noting how often you've stayed the night.

You lazily peel the luxurious blanket from your body. Slipping out of the silk sheets, you grab your robe and step into the hallway.

You blink rapidly at the blinding light. When you finish adjusting your vision, you see them. Outside your door is the Baroness and her Dalmatians. You gasp in shock. The canines notice your presence and sprint to you. They gather around your legs and start jumping all over you. Crouching down to their level, you greet them frantically.

"Hello, my lovelies! I've missed you! Where have you three been?". You ask in a high-pitched voice. The Dalmations allow you to scratch behind their ears, and they lick your face in gratitude.

Eventually, Genghis, your favorite of the three, lies in your lap and allows you to pet her while the other two roughhouse. You lovingly stroke Genghis' rich velvety coat and glance up at the Baroness. Remembering your last encounter, you blush furiously. You notice she hasn't changed into her nightwear yet, and it's well past the time she's usually in bed. Staring down at you with her hands on her hips, she looks slightly panicked.

She clears her throat. "Why are you awake at this hour, my dear?" she questions. You gently remove Genghis' head from your lap and stand, brushing her fur from your robe. Her large brown eyes stare into yours, pleading. You give the dog a tender smile and pat her head. "Maybe I'll convince your mother to let you stay in my room tonight, sweet girl.". You look up at the Baroness. She raises her perfectly sculpted eyebrow skeptically.

"I was asleep, but I heard barking and went to investigate," you answer her previous inquiry. "Where did you find them?".

She sighs and rolls her eyes. "That isn't important, my dear. What is important is that they are back in my care," she states defensively. Your brows furrow at her defensiveness, but you brush it off. She probably regrets being vulnerable with you earlier. You're honestly surprised she isn't avoiding you.

"Well..." you hesitate, wondering if you should mention the kiss. You decide against it. "Can Genghis stay in my room tonight? I promise she'll be good," you beg sweetly.

The Baroness sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose. "As long as she does not get on the bed.".

You thank the Baroness, pulling her into a hug without even thinking. She freezes. Her arms hover next to yours until she eventually gives in and embraces you. You discreetly inhale, hoping to smell her floral perfume. You break away from her. Perplexed when you get a whiff of fire instead of the distinguished fragrance. You scrunch your brows, confused.

"Baroness, why do you smell like smoke?". You know she would never smoke cigarettes, refusing to even look at a pack of them. She'd claim it's not appropriate for a lady of her class to inhale the chemicals.

Her eyes widen, and she clears her throat. "Good night, my dear.". She turns away from you and speedwalks to her chamber.

A look of confusion paints your face as you stare down at Genghis. Her large brown eyes meet yours. "What was that all about?". You whisper, well aware Genghis can't respond verbally. She exhales harshly through her snout and turns to face your door, whining. Chuckling, you open your door. Genghis rushes into the room, flopping right on your side of the bed. You sigh, already accepting the exhaustion you'll feel tomorrow.

At 5 am, your alarm blared. Groggily, you move to turn it off, but you are prevented by an unfamiliar weight on your stomach. You glance down, seeing Genghis resting on your abdomen. Smiling lazily, you pat her head, coaxing her awake. As expected, the dog rolled all over you throughout the night, waking you multiple times. She stirs from her sleep, lifting her head to make eye contact with you. Blinking her eyes up at you innocently, you scoff.

Pointing your finger at her accusingly, you speak light-heartedly. "You know what you did, Genghis.". She nips at you playfully before leaping off the bed and staring up at your door. She scratches her paws against it as you rise from the mattress. Allowing her the exit the room, you watch Genghis happily trot down the corridor to her siblings.

You close the door and yawn, lightly stretching. Your assumptions were correct. With the Dalmation taking up the majority of the mattress and debating the Baroness' sudden change in attitude, you didn't rest well.

Your alarm chimes again, and you turn the clock off. Stumbling around your room to get ready, you accidentally bump into a table. An expensive glass vase falls and shatters. You flinch at the sudden noise, cursing under your breath. Shaking your head, you pull your shirt up over your face, deciding to change into a different blouse. You'll deal with the broken vase later.

Having heard a crash, the Baroness peaks into your room unannounced. Her eyes widen, and she blushes slightly when she notices you're shirtless. She watches you, admiring your figure.

Catching a shadow in the corner of your eye, you quickly pull a blouse over your head. The Baroness is lingering by your door, staring at your body. You smirk confidently. Now who's the one staring?

When you place your hands on your hips, the Baroness snaps out of her trance. She clears her throat and puts on her poker face, though she's still clearly flustered.

"Good morning, Baroness." you greet smugly. She narrows her eyes. "Good morning my dear.". "Did you need something?". "I heard the glass break and came to check. You're unharmed, but you are late.". She raises her eyebrows, glancing at the clock on your end table. You look at it as well, mentally cursing yourself out. She's right, of course. It's 10 minutes past the time you normally bring her morning tea.

She strolls over to your bed, inspecting it. "Ah, I see you allowed Genghis in your bed as well. I thought you were more competent than that.".

You shift your gaze to hers. That comment stung. She notices your wounded stare and rolls her eyes. "Don't look at me like that. You intentionally defied me, my dear. I should punish you for your disobedience.".

You smirk and blush. You know the Baroness didn't imply punishment suggestively, but your mind went straight to the gutter. Her words fuel your wildest fantasies.

The Baroness notices your seductive smirk and sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Oh, for heaven's sake," she mumbles under her breath. Her eyes snap to yours and she narrows them judgementally. "You have the mindset of a teenager. Why did I hire you?".

This makes you drop the smirk. You know the Baroness could fire you at any given moment, and the fact that she is contemplating why she hired you, terrifies you. Some people may claim you're crazy, but you love your job. You've loved watching the Baroness reveal more of herself to you over time. You don't want to lose that.

You sigh defeatedly, bowing your head to the Baroness. "I apologise for my incompetence, your ladyship.".

The Baroness pauses, seemingly taken aback by your sudden apology. She waves it off. "Nevermind that, my dear. We have work to do. Come along.". She struts out the door.

You follow after her loyally.