Page 17 of Promise of Punishment

He has many properties throughout Europe but only one in America. A home in Martha’s Vineyard, of all places. I never minded visiting it. My parents didn’t host their special parties at the house there. They went to several though. Unfortunately, in the world of rich-as-fuck aristocrats any sick fantasy can be indulged for the right price.

“Will do.”

Ending the call, I walk to the window overlooking the front of the castle and the two gardens that flank the tree-lined driveway. Everything is a blur as rain pounds the glass, driven by a storm off the coast. Being perched on a cliff means shite weather more often than not. The downpour mirrors my feelings. Part of me still can’t believe Fable offered me up for a reward. Maybe William is right, and I remember her differently because I want her to be the angel who saved me.

If I didn’t have my own mess to sort, I’d search for Fable and Lola myself.

I’ll have to trust William for now.

7

I KNOW THOSE BLUEBELL EYES

Six years later

Fable, 23

I stand among other staff in the mansion’s prep kitchen, listening to Margo, the head housekeeper, assign tasks for the day.

I’ve only been here for a month, but so far it’s going well—as in no one knows I’m lying about my identity and how I got this job.

I’d hate for Haven, the tall woman to my right, to get in trouble because of my lie, but no one can know the truth. I’ve been pulling off this charade since before I lost Mom.

Like always, tears fill my eyes at the thought of her. I blink them back quickly. It’s been three years, and I still can’t control my emotions. The tears aren’t as hard to deal with as the anger or the nightmares.

Haven bends to my ear. “I have some concealer you can borrow in my locker. It’s a lifesaver for when I’m tired.”

I tense and force a sweet smile. “Thank you,” I whisper back.

I can’t believe I forgot to cover my dark circles before I left. If I weren’t running late, I would have. And if the pharmacy that honored the coupon the vet gave me wasn’t out of the way, I wouldn’t have been late. But if I had slept for more than three hours a night, I wouldn’t need the concealer.

I learned a long time ago how to function on only five hours of sleep, but storms always do me in. The lightning, the thunder, the memories. It’s like I’m there again in that farmhouse. It was raining on the day Mom was murdered too.

I shiver and realize the meeting is over. Everyone is gone, except for Haven.

She’s facing me, her hands on my upper arms, a look of concern in her hazel eyes. “Do you need to go home?”

“No.” I snap to attention. “I’m sorry. I had a late night at the shelter. It’s no excuse, and it won’t happen again.”

It’s not a complete lie. I volunteer a few nights a week at the shelter, cleaning the kennels and giving the animals love and attention. I just wasn’t working there last night. I was at my second job, but I don’t want Haven to know about that one. She might think I’m not taking this job seriously. A pet lover herself, she doesn’t mind that I help animals in need.

“If you need to talk…” Haven offers, but the concern in her eyes tells me she’s worried I’ll become a problem.

As her assistant, I can’t become a housekeeper or even be given the chance to get hired full-time until I’ve proven myself. No matter how many years I’ve done this job, even her job, and more, my resume is always the same. Assistant helper with a longstanding industry background and great references, thanks to Amara and her huge family, who work all throughout New England and vouch for me every time I have to move and get a new job.

I straighten my spine and look her directly in the eyes. “I’m good. I promise. I won’t let you down.”

If I fail, it will reflect poorly on her. I became an assistant to a family like the Ashfords only because Haven vouched for me. She’s friends with Amara’s uncle, and he asked her for this favor.

“Okay then.” She nods and digs into her pocket. “Here’s the key to my locker.”

“I have concealer,” I blurt, though I’m not certain. “I’ll put it on before heading upstairs.”

“Margo wants us to start in Mr. Ashford’s office before he returns from his morning meeting. Then we’re to set up the breakfast room for a brunch the chef has prepared. Mr. Ashford will have two guests with him. His brother and his closest business associate. They are quite the attractive bunch, so be mindful not to stare if you catch sight of them.”

I nod. “I know the drill. You don’t have to worry.” I’ve mastered the art of keeping my head down. “I’ll be right up,” I assure her.

She smiles and walks away, leaving me to gather my thoughts, my emotions, and whatever else I need to pull together.