11. CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SIX
VERONICA
It has been three weeks since the dinner exchange from hell, and each day I am learning more about how much Sebastian has changed. Brutal isn't the correct term to describe the once sweet little boy I knew.
Sebastian Baros is a prick.
Every second of every day, the orders grow more demanding, each one more aggravating than the last. I want to wrap my hands around his neck and choke him until he realizes how much of a privileged asshole he is.
Of course I don’t do that, because I really, really, would prefer to not be hung by my neck. So instead, I pretend I am doing it. I’ve always had an overactive imagination, so it’s easy for me to watch as the blood slowly dissipates from his pretty face.
Alright, that was a tad over the top, but I can’t help it. I’m sleep deprived.
His Royal Highness is apparently immune to needing sleep, considering Sebastian is up at all hours, every single night, demanding something. None of that would be a problem if the things he requests weren’t things he could do himself.
Fluff my pillow.
Set my alarm.
Another coffee, but this time, make sure you don’t burn it, Little Dove.
The worst part? Sebastian doesn’t even have an alarm clock. I spent over two hours looking for it while he made snide remarks on how I ‘should’ve better acquainted myself with his room.’
Three weeks ago, I would have been elated to do anything for him. Veronica then, was naive. Veronica now, is smacking herself in the ass for doing this.
“Miss Pierce, he’s ready.” Addie’s voice rattles on my last nerve.
She’s no better off; I have a bone to pick with her.
For whatever reason, I can’t do anything correctly when she’s around.
I know I’m not a perfectionist like she is, but I keep everything in order the best I can, and I’ve been the only handmaid for Sebastian that’s stuck around longer than two weeks.
I deserve a medal.
“Coming!” I call out in the sing-song voice that I know grates on her last nerve.
Take that, Prim.
My hand runs over the assortment of bleach white towels resting on the counter of the oversized laundry room. Tonight is the first night I have to actually be in the room when Sebastian and Mary… do it.
Yes, it.
I’ve come to terms with the fact I would eventually be in there during what would seem like such an intimate time. Now that moment is here, and I think I’m breaking out in hives.
“Miss Pierce!” Addie calls, her aggravated voice booming against my eardrums.
I grab the towels quickly, knocking over a freshly folded basket of Sebastian’s laundry in the process.
My shoulders fall with the rumbled mess, now covering the marbled flooring at my feet.
I’ll have to rewash them again, but it’s a small price to pay over listening to Addie continue to shout my name.
I’m absolutely positive Sebastian takes his sweet time even showing up to this act, so I’m not sure why she’s making it seem as if I’m the one who’s caused the delay.
The past four times, there was nothing but chatter of how Mary was furious with him for being hours late to the party.
Bumping my hip against the swinging door, I leave the laundry room only to be grabbed at the arm by Addie. Her chapped lips are pressed together in a thin line, and I swear I can see a vein popping from the side of her forehead.
A sense of pride clutches my chest, knowing I have equally panicked her as much as I have frustrated her.
It helps ease the queasy feeling in my stomach, the unease I’ve had all day.
My eyes glance at the clock as if counting down the minutes of my last remaining brain cells before they died and lost sanity.
“We are going to get marked for this. Do you not realize the severity?” Addie’s fingers tremble where they grip my arm, and for a moment, I’m actually confused.
“What do you mean? Sebastian isn—” The woman abruptly stops in her tracks, and if it weren’t for her hold on me, I would have stumbled forward.
Thankfully, I have enough sense to grip the towels, clutching them to my chest as I stare at her with wide eyes.
I’ve never seen her like this, so panicked and, dare I say, scared.
“He is, Miss Pierce. We have been waiting on you,” she says.
Oh.
Well, that changes things, I suppose.
Without wanting to make matters worse, I turn our positions until I am the one grabbing her arm, quickly moving down the long hallway.
If I were by myself, I would sprint to the room, but I’d rather not be yelled at right now, especially since I am the one that is holding up this process of fuckery.
Why is Sebastian on time? It doesn’t make any sense, considering his track record.
When we arrive, Georgina is standing outside the door with a neutral expression on her face.
Her dark eyes look at me expectantly, as if telling me we will have a talk when this is over.
I’ve seen that same look a million times, and, just like when I was little, I offer an apologetic smile, with my dimple showcasing for added sympathy.
Addie pulls my fingers from her arm, muttering unintelligible words under her breath as Georgina opens the door. I slip into the room behind Addie, who is already going to what I would imagine is her usual spot in the back.
Just as she said, Sebastian is indeed present, and sitting on the solitary chair beside the bed, one ankle crossed over his knee. His shoulders are straight, and he looks like a true king upon his throne.
“Well, isn’t it nice of you to show up, Little Dove.” Sebastian’s lip curls up into a smirk. My stomach drops, and the hairs on the back of my neck rise as I clutch at the towels a bit firmer to keep myself from wrapping my hands around his stupid neck.
“Apologies, I was ensuring the towels were warm. I’ve heard it helps with the process.” I give him a faux smile, and I watch his briefly falter. If he is adamant about playing this little game, I have no problem winning it.
The annoyingly loud clearing of a throat brings us back to reality.
I momentarily forgot we weren’t in the room alone; there are about six other people here.
My gaze shifts to Mary, who is already on the bed, with her hair fluffed and makeup caked on.
Tonight she wears a lacy set of royal blue lingerie with gold accents, designed, no doubt, to specifically match the colors of Hawthorn.
Seems like an awful lot of work to get all dolled up, only to have it taken off or ruined.
I avert my eyes as I move to the back, but I’m stopped by a set of firm fingers curling around my arm.
When I turn, Sebastian is staring down at me with curious eyes, speckles of gold within the mossy green and brown.
His lips purse in amusement as his head cocks to the side.
My breathing quickens, and I’m not sure if he can feel it or not, but by the way his eyes flash, I am going to say he can.
“You stand by the bed, front and center,” Sebastian hums out, and the sound rattles my core.
Despite the protest of my mind and the constricting pressure of my heart, I nod and step forward until my knees are nearly brushing the silk sheets.
This wasn’t something I prepared for, being so close to the action.
In fact, I am considering making myself pass out to relieve myself.
It’s bad enough having to be in the same room as he made love to his wife, but standing beside the bed where there is literally nowhere to avert my eyes without drawing attention to myself? Torture.
No, I think I’d rather be tortured.