Her Forever

Rosalie

I woke up to the loud beeping noise of my phone’s alarm going off. I’m not sure exactly what time I went to bed last night, but I’m sure it was late. I couldn’t take my herbal sleeping pills or ask about having a lock put on the door. Waking myself up every few hours to make sure I didn’t go into a deep sleep and listen for any noises at the door was exhausting. With a giant yawn and feeling my back crack a few times, I went to shower.

This was the first time I had a good look at the bathroom. It was huge. The light colors in the room matched the rest of the house. Splashes of pink and grey decorated the counters with soap dispensers, towels, and loofas. The small green succulent plants lined the nearby shelving, giving it a relaxing spa feel. Stripping my clothes and trying my best to avoid the mirror, I hopped in the steam shower and let out the best lovely m**n I could. My eyes were closed, and I could just feel the hot steam scorch my body. It felt so good! When I turned and opened my eyes, I saw the shower I was in was indeed glass, so I could see myself in the mirror. The ugly scars fully on display.

Most had faded and were barely there, but the deeper ones were still a light shade of purple and blue, and that man’s name was still visible on my ribcage under my right breast. “No one will want you. I’ve ruined you.” Holding back a sob, I continued my assault with the soap. I scrubbed until my body was beet red.

The smell of coconut and vanilla filled the shower as I shaved, washed, and cleaned every inch of me. The water seemed so pure here than in the city. City water always made me feel dry and flaky; this was heaven. Turning off the shower, I quickly dried off, lotioned up, and put on my makeup to hide the bags under my eyes. Going bold, I put on mascara and cat eyeliner to make my eyes pop a bit. I’m pretty sure eye makeup has become my obsession now; I just could never afford it before. Every bit of money I had went to the credit card bills I racked up.

After finishing my hair, meaning straightening it to perfection, I headed to the closet. Even though I felt like this was too much, I couldn’t help but feel excited. A whole wardrobe, for me. I’ve only ever seen this many clothes in Amanda’s closet or, better yet, in a store. There were shoes, dresses, workout clothes, shirts, jeans; I’m sure I could wear a new outfit every day for a year.

Heading to the jeans, I put on a pair of dark wash denim with a few holes in the knees and a black Linkin’ Park band shirt. How would they have known that I like that band? It’s perfect, something I have always wanted, honestly. Looking at the shoes, I put on some cute red, low-top converse sneakers that would shape up my outfit nicely. Looking in the mirror, I couldn’t help but admire it. Besides the royal blue dress at my “thank you” dinner, this was the first brand new outfit I’ve ever had to call mine. As a smile crept up my cheeks, I heard a knock at the door. “Come in!” I turned around to see those forest green eyes and sandy blonde hair draped to his shoulders.

Jack’s eyes trailed my eyes from top to bottom, and instead of a smirk, he had a genuine smile. “Wow, you look beautiful,” he said underneath his breath.

I blushed and looked down while rubbing my palms together. I let out a quiet, “Thank you.”

“I’ve come to collect you for breakfast. Will you join me? I can show you around also, if you’d like,” he said with hope.

“I would like that, Jack.” I walked to him and took the arm that he held out for me. Such a gentleman. That is all it is, just a gentleman. “He is your boss, that’s all,” I reminded myself.

Glancing back at Macaroni, she had become brave and sat his large butt on the end of my bed. His judging eyes against Jack had become soft while he finally curled up next to my pillow. she would be fine, we all both would be fine here.

Walking downstairs, he led me to the dining room with many tables and chairs; at least 30 people could sit at one rectangular table. “Sometimes we have more members come and eat dinner with us; that is why we have such a large kitchen and dining room,” Jack said, answering my silent question. I nodded while everyone from our group last night sat down.

“How was your first night here, Lee? Sleep well?” Amanda asked while holding Tyson’s hand on the table.

“Yes, it was great.” I lied. I could see Jack’s jaw tighten after I said that. Is he upset that I left him on the couch?

“Today’s the day you get the grand tour,” Bruce spoke up. “I think Al––Jack was wanting to show you around the estate.” He smiled.

“Yeah, Amanda said there was a lot to do around here, even if it is in the middle of nowhere.”

“Kitten, there is always something to do around here, from swimming to basketball, soccer, video games, movies, the game room.” Jack stuffed a mouth full of eggs into his mouth.

“Usually, I just like to fu-” Claire smacked Keith before he could finish his sentence. “Do not talk like that at the table, or you won’t do what you enjoy!” She glared. I held my hand over my mouth to cover my laugh, but the redness in my ears gave it away.

“I’m sure Amanda and Tyson could agree,” Keith pointed his fork over to the couple.

“It is kinda fun,” Amanda giggled as she twirled Tyson’s beard. My face was glowing; I’m sure I could help guide a plane to land on the estate.

“Lee, are you into any fun activities?” Keith wiggled his eyebrows, and Jack let out a low growl from his throat. I glanced at him from my peripheral vision, and he began to cough.

“Come on, spit it out.” Keith urged. Everyone was looking at me, waiting for an answer; how can they talk about this so carelessly at the table, during breakfast, with a coworker. Isn’t this some form of s****l harassment?

“I-I uh, um no. I do not go around engaging in such activities.” I tried to remain calm. While the sweat started to bead up on my forehead.

“No, don’t tell me.” Keith boomed, “You’re a virgin!?” I think I just died. I can’t breathe. There is nothing more that I would like to do right now than to just faint to get out of this conversation.

Amanda spoke up, “Keith! That is enough! What the hell is wrong with you!? Leave the poor girl alone! Lee, don’t answer him; he’s a d**k.” Keith’s girlfriend, Claire, was sending out daggers from her eyes. When Keith caught sight, he recoiled and turned to me. “I am so sorry,” Keith begged. “That was out of line. Please forgive me.”

“Um, it’s a-alright,” I whispered. I looked around the room; people were still staring. Was I still supposed to answer the question? It is pretty obvious, I thought. “Y-yes, I am. I haven’t really had time to have a relationship.” Looking up at Jack’s face, he had the biggest shit-eating grin I had ever seen. His eyes sparkled. Great, he probably thinks I’m going to be a notch on his belt or bedpost––whatever.

Everyone started eating again, carrying on with their conversations, and I couldn’t eat a single thing on my plate. I stood up and excused myself to put my dishes away. “Kitten?” Jack’s voice came from behind me. I felt the heat on my back as Jack walked into the kitchen with me.

“I’m sorry for what Keith said and put you on the spot like that. We are just so open around here; we are just a big family.”

“If you want me to say it’s OK, it isn’t. That was embarrassing and not something I wanted to freely talk about my first full day here. It could easily count as s****l harassment in the workplace.” I folded my arms in a huff. “Show me what you want me to do so I can get on with my job.”

“Woah, hold on now.” Jack held his arms up in surrender. “Let me show you around first, introduce you to some people you will see a lot. I am really sorry about Keith; nothing like that will ever happen again, I can assure you.” He rubbed my arms up and down. Unfortunately, it was calming me down when I really wanted to be angry.

“Amanda is right; Keith is a d**k. We just put up with him, and he works really hard around here. You will come to find him the annoying older brother in time; he just has no filter. Besides,” He paused, “I was kind of curious myself.” Jack gave a mischievous smirk as one finger traced my jawline.

“Mr. Storm,” Jack’s facial features faltered, “the only relationship we are having is a professional one. Now, let’s see the house.” I walked out of the kitchen, trying my hardest not to turn around. I had to be strong; I could not be weak around this man.

Jack showed me a game room that doubled as a panic room; I’m not sure why. We are out in the middle of nowhere, and everyone seems pretty nice. I brushed it off as if it was nothing and continued to follow Jack around like a helpless puppy.

It was the most lavish house I had ever seen. There was a ballroom, indoor pool, outdoor pool, living room, guest parlor, study/library, offices, bedrooms, and a small medical clinic. Jack was extra attentive and looked at me every time he showed me a new room. It was like he was waiting for me to disapprove. How could I disapprove of anything?

Walking outside, we saw several members walking down sidewalks. It was its own mini-neighborhood. The roads were wide enough for cars to drive on, plus there were sidewalks for kids to ride their bikes and play. Many homes looked the same, but they all had their own unique charm from a different bush, tree, stepping stones, or windchimes.

We passed a small building with many children running around in the fenced-in yard as we walked. There were squeals of excitement as the children played tag with each other. “This is our daycare which doubles as the preschool. This way, they are close to their parents. Once they are older, they go to the school in the town over so that they can interact with people other than just us and enjoy sports and other recreational activities.”

Walking up to the fence, I saw a woman holding a baby in her arms, rocking them to sleep. The baby looked disgruntled and tried to wrestle from her arms. “Do you want to hold him?” the older woman said as she held the baby out to me. I’d never held a baby before; I looked at her worriedly.

“Come now, he won’t bite.” She laughed a little too hard at her own joke, and I held out my arms to hold it. It was a little boy with his little blue hat and white onesie wrapped in a warm blanket. Having the baby close to my chest, the little one slowly calmed down and closed his eyes. The tiny thing went to sleep. A small little smile crept up my face; I just put this baby to sleep. The first time ever holding one, I put it to sleep.

“You are a natural; he has the hardest time going to sleep. I’m Emma,” the woman that had held the baby told me with a smile. “Anytime you want to come by and rock babies, you are always welcome.” Having him was so relaxing; I could just sit and rock babies, which seemed like an easy job to do in my free time.

“S-sure. I’ll think about it.” I chucked and handed the baby back, who decided to let out a wail as soon as my touch vanished from its body. I mouthed “Sorry,” and we continued on our path back to the house.

This place was its own utopia. Everyone had their own home and family and were all provided for. It really was a tight group of people even though almost thousands of people were spread across the entire property. “What do you think?” Jack held his hands behind his back as he leaned forward to see my reaction.

“It-It’s amazing. I’ve never seen or heard of anything like this before. It’s like its own little world.” I stopped in my tracks and looked at him. “Oh my gosh, is this a cult? Are you some kind of supreme leader we worship or tell us to worship something else?” Jack let out the biggest laugh causing several other couples to join in from afar. My head jolted to the sight of three couples looking at us from a playground at least 100 yards away. Did they just hear us?

“Goddess, no. No one worships me, and I don’t tell them to worship anyone else. We are just a small community of like-minded people. We just want to live out peacefully and take care of one another. You can come and go as you please, move in, move out. No one is forced to stay no one is forced to leave unless laws are broken.” He chucked and wiped away a fake tear.

“Hmm, still, it seems like it is too good to be true,” I mumbled. “I’m still waiting for something or someone to pop out and do something scary.”

“Trust me, there is nothing scary about us or the property. In fact, it is very safe. With you here, it will be even safer. Tomorrow I’ll show you to your office, and you can start setting up. Right now, I’ve got scouts out putting up the hardware, the cameras and motion sensors, and such. I just need you to work in a small office working the software for the estate and computer protection for the corporate offices.”

“That sounds more like my speed.” I grinned. “I can still have a lock on my door though right? We did agree to that.” Jack’s face fell; the look of disappointment or sadness was evident.

“Of course, if that is what you wish. I can promise you though, nothing will happen here. I’m right across the hall from your room; if anything were to happen, I would know.” Jack’s hand grabbed mine and gave a quick k**s at the top of my hand. I didn’t like seeing him disappointed; it made my stomach churn in the weirdest way possible. The butterflies felt like stones weighing me down.

However, this guy was a major flirt; I shouldn’t feel this way to him. I shouldn’t like the way he caresses my hand or how he pays attention to me. He probably does this to many other women, but I really liked it. The panty-dropping smile doesn’t help either. He makes me feel wanted, beautiful and makes my heart skip a beat. After all I have been through, I should feel repulsed by their touch with any man. With Jack, I didn’t.

“I-I’ll think about it,” I whispered. I did get through last night without the lock. I got the same amount of sleep I normally did. Jack did say he would hear me if I needed help? Could I really trust him, though? Could I trust him with my life?

“Alpha, Alpha!” A little girl was screaming as she was running towards us. She quickly stopped running, but she was panting so harshly her little lungs couldn’t take it.

“Amelia? What’s wrong?” Jack’s voice laced with concern.

“I just wanted to see you!” Her little doe eyes looked up at him like he was the world. Amelia made grabby hands and looked up to Jack. He picked her up and put her on his h*p, the most natural thing in the world to him. I couldn’t help but smile at her; she was so happy as she squealed at the height she was at. She was up high; Jack was gigantic.

“Rosalie, this is Amelia, my cousin’s daughter,” he smiled at her. Amelia looked down at me and then right back to Jack. Full of confusion, Amelia began speaking. “Alpha, who is this? She’s important?” Jack’s voice cleared, and he started tapping Amelia’s leg.

“Alpha? What is Alpha?” I questioned. “Is it like a boss or something? Alpha usually means like, dog or something, right?”

“Yeah, exactly,” Jack said. “We all call him Alpha,” the little girl said. “It shows respect; he’s the leader and takes care of everyone.” Amelia looked at Jack with pride as she gave him a quick peck on the cheek.

“So who is this? Is she Luna?” Amelia pointed at me.

“Um, I’m Rosalie. I’m here to help with computer stuff.” I explained the simplest way possible. Amelia’s eyes were knitted in confusion. Jack moved her hair behind her ear and whispered something I was unable to hear. Her eyes lit up like Christmas morning. With a quick peck, she wiggled to be let down and ran away.

“What was that about?”

“She had to get home; her parents were waiting on her.” Without thinking twice, he took my hand and led me back to the packhouse. I felt little tingles across my fingertips as they were laced between his fingers. This is really not good. Why is he doing this? But it feels… just so good.

I’m having these feelings for my boss, but what if we broke up? What would other people think of the hired help dating the boss?

As soon as we entered the mansion, I tried to take my hand away from his, but he only gripped it tighter. “I’ve got some work to do in my office. If you need me, I’ll be there. Feel free to settle in, tomorrow I’ll show you your office.” Jack leaned down and gave me a quick k**s on my cheek, and smirked as his muscular back walked away from me.