Chapter 004 Cillian
Lyra stands there, trying not to fidget. It’s almost amusing how obvious it is—her fingers twisting the cuffs of that ridiculous pink sweater with the sequined snowman. But amusement isn’t what I feel. Not even close. The way she shifts under my stare, the way it makes her nervous, sends heat straight through me. In my world, fear is currency. I trade in it daily. People flinch, they obey, they get out of my way. I don’t care. But this—this is different. Her nervousness isn’t fear of consequences. It’s something softer, something that makes my pulse kick hard.
I’m not used to being thrown off. Ever since that call about Elara, I’ve been scrambling to regain control, but I’ve managed. Mostly. I mapped out every step: agency, references, interviews, hire someone competent, done. I did not map out this.
“You’re a little young,” I say. It comes out sharper than intended, almost accusatory.
“I graduated college a few months ago,” she answers, shifting her weight again.
“So you’re over eighteen?”
“Yes.” She licks her lips—shy, quick—and my cock stirs.
Jesus Christ. Why am I even confirming that? I circle the desk and sit before the situation becomes obvious. “Please. Sit.”
She lowers herself into the chair opposite me. I force my gaze to her face, but it keeps slipping. The sweater’s baggy, hiding everything, which somehow makes it worse. My brain supplies helpful images of what might be underneath. I picture ordering her a uniform—something short, something tight. Something that would make those nervous little movements impossible to hide.
“I’ve got a degree in education and lots of experience,” she says, pulling me back.
I already know all this. I called every reference myself. No one had a bad word. Not one. “You came highly recommended. The agency mentioned temporary placements, but your past families only had praise.”
“Really?” Her eyes go wide; she straightens like I just handed her a gift.
“Expecting complaints?”
“No, not at all.” She rushes the words. “It’s just nice to hear. I didn’t always get long-term gigs, so I tried to make every day count with the kids.”
Live-in. That’s the next hurdle. I was going to put the nanny next to Elara’s room. Practical. But now my mind redraws the floor plan entirely. Closer to me would be better. Easier access for instructions.
The image flashes: Lyra on her knees in front of me, waiting for orders. My cock swells harder, pressing painfully against my thigh. I shift in the chair and adjust myself under the desk.
“You know the position is live-in, correct?”
“Yes. Full-time care until Elara starts school after the new year.”
“Exactly. She’s on break. I can’t be in two places at once.”
“Of course. I’m used to helping families like that.” Her smile is soft, sweet. Too damn sweet.
“You’ll be on call twenty-four hours a day.” I lean forward slightly. “If I need something from you in the middle of the night, I expect you to provide it.”
She crosses her legs. A faint flush climbs her throat. Imagination, or is she reacting?
“I’ll be happy to,” she says, tucking hair behind her ear.
“I’m not an easy man to please.” The words come out rougher than I intend. She bites her bottom lip, and I nearly groan. “But if you do as you’re told, I’ll make sure you’re taken care of.”
“Taken care of?” Confusion flickers across her face.
I rest my forearms on the desk. “We can keep this off the books. You’re paid through the agency, but I’m willing to negotiate direct cash incentives for… extra tasks.”
Her lips curve, just a hint. “I’m listening.”
“For now, your job is Elara while I’m working. Anything I need outside those hours, I’ll double your rate and pay you myself.”
“That sounds great.” She beams. “I’m happy to help however I can.”
All right. Decision made. “Then it’s settled. I’ll keep you.”
She stands. I don’t. Can’t. The erection straining my slacks would be impossible to miss. “I’ll have your things delivered to your room. Elara can show you the house later.”
She reaches across the desk to shake my hand. Her fingers are small, delicate inside my grip. Warm. I close my hand around hers and hold a second longer than necessary.
“Thank you again for the opportunity,” she says softly. “I’m going to work really hard.”
“I have a feeling you’re going to do your very best to please me.” I give her hand a gentle squeeze before letting go. Any longer and I’d pull her straight over the desk and onto my lap.
She leaves. The door clicks shut behind her.
I exhale like I’ve been holding my breath for hours. Then I stand, cross to the door, and lock it. One hand braces against the cool wood while the other yanks open my belt and zipper. My cock springs free, heavy and aching. I wrap my fist around it and stroke once, twice.
“Goddamn.”
I picture her bent over this desk, sweater rucked up, thighs spread. The fantasy is vivid enough that my balls draw tight almost immediately. I grab a tissue from the side table just in time. Release hits hard, hot pulses spilling over my fingers. I bite back a groan, hips jerking.
It takes the edge off. Barely.
I clean up, tuck myself away, and return to the desk. Then I pick up the phone and dial building management.
“Yes, Mr. Eve?”
“Put Miss Lyra in the east wing.”
“There’s only one finished bedroom in the east wing, sir.”
“Technically there are two. They’re separated by a connecting door. Remove it when you deliver her things.”
“Yes, sir.”
I end the call. He doesn’t ask why. Good. Because I’m not about to explain that I want the door gone so I can watch her. So I can walk through whenever I feel like it.
She was hired to take care of Elara.
But I have needs too.