Dark Enchantment

Chapter 2

Hey guys! Ok so I know it has been forever. :( I'm so so so so sorry... I look up at you with puppy eyes and hope you forgive me. :) I have been crazy busy with papers and tests and work that seem to be coming from all directions. So anyways! Hope you like it! :)

Enjoy!!

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Prologue:

A tall dark figure stood before her. He was draped in a black cloak all the way to the floor along with a hood that covered his face completely. “Come in Miss. Cadwell.” A low deep velvety voice reached her ears.

Chapter 2

Lila clutched her purse tighter to her side and stepped through the dark doorway, ignoring her gut screaming at her not to. She was unexpectedly greeted by a warmth that enveloped her and drew her deeper into the house. Her eyes flitted around the entrance on their own accord.

A grand staircase, made with a dark wood, swept upward in front of her. The tile beneath her feet was dusty, but white peeked through all the dirt and grime. Two wide rooms sat on both sides of the staircase; filled with furniture still covered with grey sheets.

Suddenly the door shut behind her with a loud bang. She twirled around, startled, her eyes big. The dark figure stood there for a second before smoothly walking over to stand a few feet in front of her.

“Follow me.” The deep velvety voice wrapped itself around Lila making a shiver run up and down her spine. Not from fright, but from something she couldn’t quite place her finger on.

Lila strained her eyes trying to make out a face from the shadows cast by the hood. A prominent jawline was all she could make out before the figure withdrew further into the hood. A frown tugged at the corner of her mouth. She caught it and smoothed out her features, trying to hide any signs of displeasure in front of her boss. It wouldn’t do her any good if he thought that she was a high maintenance housekeeper, this job was her only chance.

“Follow me.” He said, before turning and walking swiftly into the room on the left and through a set of doors. Lila shook off her thoughts and hurried after him. “Just think about the work that needs to be done, nothing else” she whispered to herself.

As she followed the man, draped in the black cloak, at a fast pace, she noticed that most of the rooms that they passed were covered with white sheets and dusty, but a few of them looked lived in. The fireplaces were lit with wood crackling merrily, the dust seemed minimal, books and DVD’s covered the tables, and empty takeout containers piled on the tables.

Finally he stopped, after taking a flight of stairs and passing what seemed like hundreds of rooms. He opened a door and motioned her in. She hesitated as her situation hit her; she was by herself with a man in his house, all alone. If something happened to her no one would know or care. Panic crept in her throat. Her muscles bunched up ready to take flight and she glanced to the side wondering if she could find her way out of this maze of a house before this person could catch her.

Just as she was about to bolt he spoke in a worried voice, “Are you ok? You will be staying here as a live in housekeeper, right? I thought you might want to know where your room is…” He trailed off sounding uncertain.

Relief flowed through Lila as she almost laughed at her panic, almost but not quite. He didn’t sound like someone who would hurt her… She took a deep breath to calm her nerves and stepped past him. His scent drifted around her for a second; clean, fresh, and masculine. A desire to wrap her arms around him rose up in her, startling her with its intensity.

She quickly moved past him and looked around the room, automatically pleasantly surprised. The room was clean but a little dusty. Red silk curtains were draped from the ceiling to the floor, the covers for the bed were the same silk covering, and the hardwood floor had a large deep red carpet that sunk when she stepped on it.

“Um… This is really my room?” She asked turning toward the door were he still stood.

“Well, yes? Is it not good enough? Do you want something bigger?” His voice reached her sounding slightly anxious.

“Oh, no that is not it!” Lila shook her head . “I actually didn’t expect this much. Thank you…” She glanced around the room and wonder filled her. The apartment she had shared with her dad wasn’t even half the size of this room. This was much more than she ever could have imagined. A smile blossomed on her face.

“You’re welcome.” His voice answered softly, and then he turned to leave.

“Wait.” Lila called out as alarm filled her at his sudden departure, “What should I do? Do you want me to start cleaning and cooking right now?”

He stopped and paused at the door. She felt his gaze on her from behind the shadows of his cloak. “Just get settled in.” he said with a smile present in his voice, “You can go exploring if you want. Just get the lay of the house for right now. You will start work tomorrow morning. Dinner will be at seven in the study downstairs.” And with those words he turned and disappeared down the hallway.

Lila looked after him in slight awe. This was not at all what she had expected. From the stories that she had heard she had expected a small cold room in the basement with a boss who hounded her every move. After a minute she let out a breath and sat down on the bed, the mattress curved to accommodate her.

Gliding her hand across the comforter she marveled at the softness. Looking around the room she smiled. “Well papa, I think this is the start of something new…”

* * *

Hunter leaned against the wall just outside of Lila’s bedroom, and ran a hand over his face. What the hell was wrong with him? He never reacted like that to any of the other women that came here for the job.

When she had passed him as he help the door open for her; such an enticing scent followed her. It was a mixture of shampoo, and a delicate floral scent. He had almost wrapped her in his arms, then and there, and kissed her hungrily. The only thing that had stopped him was the thought of her face staring up at him with horror and disgust.

He let out a heavy breath and pushed away from the wall. The best thing to do from now on would be to avoid her as much as possible. For his safety, and hers…

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Ok, I know a little slow. BUT! We need to get to know the characters right? :) So let me know what you think!

Comment! Like! :)