Chapter 4: Inappropriate

A flicker of humiliation crossed Amy’s face. Zack’s meaning couldn’t have been clearer. "Master Johnson, please behave yourself." Her expression—a blend of defiance and indignation—seemed to amuse Zack. His fingers grazed her lips, slowly rubbing back and forth, as if savoring the texture. The softness of her lips and their faint chill deepened the look in Zack’s eyes. A familiar heat stirred in his abdomen, causing his nerves to tense involuntarily. "Heh." Zack chuckled with a hint of forbearance in his eyes. "Too little?" Amy's face flushed, not with embarrassment but with anger. Lowering her gaze, she whispered, “I only wish to earn what I need through my own hard work.” Zack leaned closer, his lips brushing against her ear. Warm breath fanned over her cheek, deepening her already crimson complexion. “How do you know being a lover doesn’t take effort?” “It takes plenty of work to figure out how to please a man.” The bluntness of his words sent a surge of fury through Amy. Her head snapped up, and she found herself face-to-face with Zack’s chiseled features. The strong, masculine scent of him enveloped her, and in the depths of his star-like eyes, she saw her own apprehension and unease reflected back. For a fleeting moment, Amy wanted to escape. But she suppressed the thought and calmed her nerves. Bowing her head, she said, “Master Johnson, it’s late. You should rest. I’ll continue cleaning the floor.” How interesting. The corners of Zack’s lips twitched upward. He released her chin and straightened up. Amy secretly breathed a sigh of relief and bent down to continue to wipe the marble floor. “Did Bailey not tell you? Starting tonight, someone must take turns on night duty in my bedroom. Tonight, it’s your turn.” Her hand froze mid-motion. She looked up, her eyes ablaze with indignation, silently accusing him. Mr. Bailey had gone through all the training procedures beforehand—there had been no mention of such a rule. He’s doing this on purpose! Zack raised an eyebrow, his smile a clear declaration: Yes, I am. “Master Johnson, it’s inappropriate for a man and a woman to share such proximity.” It wasn’t the task itself she feared, but the man’s unpredictable behavior. Especially after his earlier words, laden with insinuation. She’d have to be out of her mind to willingly walk into his room. His smile remained unfazed, his tone teasing, like a cat toying with a mouse. “You’re free to refuse,” he said. Hope flared briefly in her chest, only to be extinguished by his next words. “And I’m free to fire you.” Her body trembled slightly. She bit her lip, lowered her gaze, and said softly, “I’ll do as you say.” A flicker of displeasure crossed Zack’s face. She’s this determined to stay? Fine. I’ll make it worth her while. Reaching out, he grabbed her chin once more, tilting her face upward. His tall frame loomed over her, and his sharp eyes locked onto hers. "What if my orders are something more excessive?" "You!" Amy looked stunned and opened her lips slightly. The sight of her lips, with the tip of her tongue barely visible, triggered an inexplicable reaction in Zack. A foreign tension spread through his body, unsettling even himself. His throat bobbed as he swallowed hard. Tightening his grip on her chin, he tilted her face even higher. If he leaned in just a little more, their lips would touch. Pushing the thought aside with force, he refocused on Amy. The predatory gleam in his eyes—the gaze of a wolf watching its prey—sent Amy’s heart into a wild, desperate rhythm, as if it might burst from her chest. Panicked, she averted her gaze, too afraid to meet his piercing eyes again. "Answer me!" He intensified his tone, and her chin ached slightly.