Chapter 5: I Have My Limits

Amy closed her eyes briefly, then opened them with newfound resolve, as if she had made up her mind. “Master Johnson, I cherish this job, but I have my limits. If you insist on crossing that line, I’ll have no choice but to leave.” Zack scrutinized her for a moment before letting go of her chin. His lips curled into a mocking smirk. “Relax, my bed isn’t something you’re qualified to touch.” As Zack turned and walked away, Amy felt as though she’d just been pulled out of a river—her back was drenched in sweat. Before applying for this job, she had heard about Zack’s volatile temperament. Experiencing it firsthand made her realize the rumors hadn’t exaggerated. If it weren't for... she wouldn't want to stay stay another day. “Aren’t you coming?” Gritting her teeth, Amy quickly followed Zack into his bedroom. Unlike the opulent golden European-style decor in the rest of the house, his bedroom was dimly lit, with dark purple and black walls that gave it an oppressive atmosphere. The bedding was also primarily black. The only source of light came from the crystal chandelier above the bed, though even its base was black. Taking in the somber interior, Amy couldn’t help but think this gloomy environment matched Zack’s erratic behavior. "Close the door!" He ordered curtly. Amy instinctively bit her lip before turning to shut the door as instructed. Zack, seemingly unbothered by her presence, began removing his clothes. In seconds, he was down to nothing but a pair of black boxer briefs. Just as Amy braced herself for the worst, Zack walked straight into the bathroom without a glance back. "Don’t come in." Amy had no intention of assisting him with his bath, so she gladly remained where she was. Zack, however, glanced back to catch the hint of joy on her face. He suddenly felt that he had done something stupid. When Amy saw Zack suddenly turn around, she quickly restrained her smile and pretended to be calm. Once the sound of running water filled the room, she finally relaxed. But as she turned her head, her gaze landed on two old photographs on the nightstand. In one photo, a woman embraced a young boy whose face radiated innocent joy. The other photo featured the same pair, but the boy’s smile was gone. If Amy wasn’t mistaken, the boy was Zack, and the woman was likely his mother. Where was his father? Her thoughts were interrupted by the sensation of warm breath near her ear. "Interested in this?" Startled, Amy jumped slightly but quickly composed herself. She lowered her gaze and explained softly, “I’m sorry. I didn’t know what else to do here, so I just looked around.” Zack's expression was disbelief, but he didn't say anything. He just pointed to the sofa at the foot of the bed. "Sleep there!” He said. He commanded before lying down on the bed himself. Amy looked at the sofa at the foot of the bed. It was big enough for one person, and it was much better than sleeping on the floor than she had thought before. Relieved, Amy settled herself on the sofa fully clothed. As she listened to Zack’s steady breathing, she found herself unable to relax. She had never shared a room with a man before, let alone a stranger. It wasn't until midnight that Amy fell asleep. The moment she drifted off, Zack sat up quietly. In the faint moonlight, he gazed at her fair, delicate face, his eyes filled with a cold glint. "Amy, you'd better have nothing to do with those people, or else …" Zack murmured, a trace of gentleness flickering across his lips. The next day. Amy was going crazy. Not only did she sleep in Zack's room, she also got up late. As if that wasn't bad enough, she got caught red-handed by Mr. Bailey and the other maids.