What's Underneath Valentine?

Chapter 1

[A/N: good morning/afternoon readers. This is the first chapter of "What's Underneath Valentine" this book is a collab (being made by two people) so sorry if the writing styles are all over the place. We really appreciate the support and we hope you enjoy this book :D The girl in the photo is what we think clover would look like]

~Clover POV~

I stared out of the backseat window as we sped past vast landscape of trees. How long is this driveway? A voice suddenly spoke up from the driver's seat "we are almost there, madam" I looked into the rearview mirror to see my driver. He looked at me with a warm smile on his face. He looked to be in his sixties at least. I smiled back at him I adjusted myself in my seat so I was sitting upright "I didn't quite catch your name" I said to the escort. He let out a chuckle "mackston. But everyone just calls me Mack" mackston. That's a very interesting name. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Mackston" he waved his hand "no no. The pleasure is all mine, ms yoken" I giggled and looked past him to see probably the biggest mansion I've ever seen in my life. I let out a gasp and the car slowed down. The path which we were just driving on seemed to branch into two separate paths, curving around a large fountain. Beyond that was the mansion. It looked to be old but it was in fantastic shape. Mackston turned the car and came to a halt so my side of the door was now facing the entrance. I gulped, slowly becoming more and more nervous. It couldn't be that bad right? It's just a... huge house and a man who isn't exactly the happiest person alive. I'm working for a man named Valentine. Weird name am I right? I could tell right away that he's Italian because of the name. It apparently means "brave and strong" let's see how that goes. Suddenly Mackstons voice pulls me out of my thoughts "aren't you going to go meet val?" He asks with a puzzled look on his face. Shit I zoned out. "Oh uhh... y-yeah. Sorry" I fumbled with the door handle and opened it, I almost tripped getting out. I quickly grabbed my belongings and waved goodbye to mackston. He gave a warm smile and a wave back and drove off back the way we came.

I turned to look at the house. It looks so much bigger when I'm standing at the steps. I then heard the front door open and instantly looked back down. A man that appeared to be in his late 40's stood at the doorway. He was wearing basically a suit. I guess that's just what really rich people wear just for fun. His dark hair was gelled back, not looking too bad. He had a fairly large beard but it was shaped and combed neatly "Good evening, clover. How are you today?" He asked happily. "I-I'm okay. How are you, sir?" I stumbled my words a little. I didn't expect Valentine to look like this. I thought he was gonna look a little more my age. Right after I asked, another man appeared from the doorway. He was tall, tanned and young looking. Maybe a little older than me. His hair was a dark chocolate brown and it was all messy but still looked good. His eyes were a vibrant blue. His face also held a light stubble. He was wearing casual clothing. A T-shirt and some sweatpants. "Who's here, Dad?" He looked at the older man then to me. His jaw tightened as soon as his eyes landed on me. He scanned me up and down and looked back at his father. The older man made a hand gesture to me "this is clover yoken. The maid I have brought here to take care of the house for you, Val" so the younger man is Valentine. Should've known. Val looked baffled "Maid?... take care of the house?... for me?" By the sounds of it he couldn't quite put a sentence together. Val's father crossed his arms "that's enough, Val. You can't take care of the house or yourself. This maid will be with you for as long as I say. There will be no arguing. Do you understand?" He demanded firmly. I just stood there watching the two men argue. It was quite awkward. I fumbled with the hem of my dress. Valentine looked at me and shot me a look then he took a step closer to his father "fine. But I'm not happy about this" he said quietly to him. The father scoffed and walked down the stairs to me. "Please excuse my son. He has some issues that need sorting out. I apologise for any bad behaviour from him. There's plenty of food in the pantry and refrigerator and plenty of other essentials. I do hope you enjoy your stay here" he gave me a warm smile and walked off to what I'm guessing is the garage. I just stood where I was awkwardly, unsure of what to do. I looked back over to the entrance to see Val leaning against the frame with his arms crossed and a stern and cold look on his face "you getting your ass in here or what?" His voice kind of intimidated me. It was both cold and obviously full of irritation. I became very nervous "U-Umm... uhh.." I couldn't say anything. I couldn't find the right words even though all I had to say was yes.  He just scoffed and turned to walk into the large house.

****
I stood wide eyed in the centre of the mansion, marvelling it's magnificent design. Everything was massive. There were so many rooms. This is gonna be hard to keep clean. I'm suddenly pulled out of my thoughts to see a clothed chest with arms folded over it. I slowly look up to see valentine's eyes staring right into my soul. I almost jumped but I contained myself. His eyes narrowed "I don't know how maids work. Just clean whatever's dirty. Food and crap like that are in the fridge. You'll find what you need. Upstairs, to the left is your room. First door. Can't miss it. I'll be in my room" he turned to walk up the stairs. He scares me a little "y-yes master.." he stopped dead in his tracks and looked at me "don't call me that" he said sternly. "Sorry, ma- Sir" I mentally cussed myself out. I'm so stupid. He let out a sigh and continued to walk up the stairs awkwardly then disappeared around the corner to his chambers.
'He seems lovely' i thought sarcastically.

Before i grabbed my luggage i took in a deep breath. "I can do this, there is nothing scary about living in a huge place that i have never been in before... and the fact that the person i now work for is really cold...no its not scary at all" i shook my head to get back on track.
I leaned down and grabbed my luggage then hesitantly made my way upstairs.
As i walked through the hallways i didn't have time to look around because i was afraid i would get lost on my way to my room.
"Upstairs, to the left... first door, can't miss it" i repeatedly mumbled to myself until i finally found my room "finally!" once i was in my room and closed the door, i smiled triumphantly as i put my bags down.
I looked up from my luggage and my jaw drop "w-wow... its so big.."

I gawked at the room, the shade of grey was incredibly pleasing to the eye it was both light but not to light "is this heaven?" I breathed out as I spoke.
Without a second thought I leaped onto my bed, the biggest grin on my face "this room is amazing!" I laid on the incredibly soft bed with my arms and legs spread across it.

After laying down staring at the ceiling I decided to get up and explore the mansion a bit "it wouldn't kill me to explore, I guess" I say to myself as I fix up my dress and saunter to the door.

'Why am i so nervous?' i pondered to myself.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath "okay let's explore a little bit..." I twisted the doorknob and gently pulled the door open. I'll be honest I was kind of scared to leave the room. I didn't want valentine to get mad and yell at me. But why would he right? I'd just be doing my job. Goddammit, clover stop being so paranoid. I compose myself and take a step outside of the room. I look left and right down the long hallway. Jeez even the hallways are massive. I started to make my way down the hall. Everything was too quiet. I want to explore the rooms but I have no idea which one Valentine is in and I'm not sure I want to run into him just yet. So I won't take the risk. I feel a presence behind me and I whirl around to be met with none other than valentines hard, cold face and piercing yet beautiful icy blue eyes "what are you doing?" He said coldly. I took the time to study his face.

He's very attractive but kind of in a scary way. "What are you staring at?" He snapped, his head tilted to the side slightly. I quickly looked down at the floor. That's really embarrassing, He caught me staring at him. "S-sorry master... I was just looking around" i said quietly not realising my slip up, I then see his legs appear in my vision. He took a step closer to me "what did I say about the master thing?" I looked up at him to see discomfort yet a different emotion I couldn't describe in his eyes. "S-sorry" I apologised meekly. I fiddled with the hem of my dress. I usually do that when I'm really nervous. "Look at me" his voice sounded a little forced. I looked into his eyes. He stared at me for a second, looking like he wanted to say something before turning around and walking away "never mind... It's not worth my time" his voice laced with dissatisfaction. I looked back down at my feet, 'did i do something wrong? Why is it that i can't please him?... I just want to please him damn it... wait... That sounded way too sexual..' I smacked both my cheeks simultaneously 'no i won't let him get my mood down!' as i thought that i spun around on my heels and continued my exploration. I'm excited for all the wonderful things I might find in this house...