"I… have always been curious," she heard him murmur between slow, deliberate licks. The words made her lift her head, trying to decipher what he was muttering.
How could he do this to her body while maintaining such a serious expression? It was maddening. And worse, she hated to admit it but a part of her wanted to see just how far he would go.
"How long does it take to make a woman submit?" He added, his voice smooth yet unreadable.
Before she could react, his lips continued their downward path, sending another shudder through her. Her body responded in ways she didn't understand, rising instinctively beneath his touch. Her breathing grew uneven, erratic. She didn't know how to fight this…what to do, what to feel.
When he reached her navel, he lingered, tracing slow circles around it. Lilith tipped her head back, letting the sensation settle. She knew she should resist, should fight back. But she was cuffed, helpless, how could she protest?
Then, suddenly, a low chuckle rumbled from him. Her eyes snapped open in confusion. What was so amusing?
Zayd abruptly pulled away, rising to his feet beside the bed. Hands tucked into his pockets, he stared down at her.
"That was easier than I expected," he mused.
Lilith frowned, her mind scrambling to grasp his meaning. Then it dawned on her, the realization hitting like a slap. He had wanted this all along. Not her body, but her reaction. He had set a trap, and she had walked right into it.
'You fool,' she scolded herself. Chastising herself for playing right into his hands.
The smirk on his face deepened as he took in her unsteady breaths, the telltale rise and fall of her chest. Disgust curled in her stomach, not just for him, but for herself. He had used a cheap trick… and it had worked.
"Come in," he ordered.
Lilith barely had time to brace herself before the door opened and several maids stepped inside, bowing slightly as they approached him.
Mortified, she curled up, turning away to shield herself from their eyes. The shame burned. How was she supposed to hold her head high if he wouldn't even let her cling to the last shreds of her dignity?
"Train her to be a maid. She will serve me, day and night."
His words were directed at the maids, but his gaze remained locked on Lilith. And then it struck her, who exactly would be training her.
Directing her gaze to the maid, her mouth parted in shock when she spotted Madam Agnes. "No!" She silently muttered.
Her blood ran cold. There was no way she would allow that cruel woman to train her.
"I…I do not need to be trained," she said quickly. "I can work just fine."
Madam Agnes lifted her head at that, her sharp eyes pinning Lilith in place. Lilith's resolve wavered, and she looked away.
"You heard her," Zayd said, barely suppressing his amusement. "She's ready. Get her prepared to serve me."
Turning to leave, he took a step but then hesitated, his gaze shifting back to Madam Agnes.
"I trust you to keep her under constant watch. Your life depends on her behavior."
Madam Agnes bowed slightly. "I will do as you command."
With that, Zayd strode out, leaving Lilith alone in her confusion. She replayed his words, a creeping suspicion settling over her. He knew she would try to escape, yet he had deliberately placed the burden on Madam Agnes. Was this his way of forcing her to abandon the idea? Did he truly believe she would care what happened to that wretched woman?
If so, he was a fool. She couldn't stand Madam Agnes. Why would she care if she died because of her escape?
"You heard the Alpha. Get her," Madam Agnes ordered, and her maids wasted no time obeying, leading Lilith away.
She was taken to a room where a set of maid's clothes awaited her.
"Am I starting today?" She asked as she changed.
"You were the one who said so yourself," one of the maids replied.
Lilith blinked in confusion. "When did I…" She halted mid-sentence as realization struck. She had said it when she told Zayd she didn't need training. Her expression twisted in frustration, and she smacked her forehead twice, cursing her own foolishness.
He had likely intended to give her a few days before making her work, but she had thrown that chance away with her own reckless words.
"I am done," she muttered dejectedly, sighing at her misfortune. Escaping would be even harder now that Madam Agnes would be watching her every move. If only she had kept her mouth shut, she might have had some breathing room.
"You will be in charge of serving the Alpha," the maid from earlier informed her. "Just follow Madam Agnes's instructions."
Lilith gave a small nod, resigned.
Once ready, she was led to the kitchen, where Madam Agnes awaited.
"We have brought her, Madam Agnes," the maids announced before promptly leaving.
Madam Agnes barely spared her a glance before stating, "You will serve the Alpha's meals, which means you will serve first. Do not be distracted, and be quick about it."
Lilith nodded, listening intently. She had cooked for and served her foster parents and their children before, how difficult could this be?
"The Alpha dislikes the maid speaking while serving his food. If you need anything, step away from his food and ask one of the maids," Madam Agnes added.
"Understood."
For a moment, Madam Agnes's sharp gaze lingered on her, sending a chill down Lilith's spine. That woman was far more terrifying than the Alpha himself.
Finally, Madam Agnes handed her a cooler. "Take this and lead the way. The others will assist you." She gestured to the maids carrying the remaining dishes.
Lilith hesitated. "Erm… I don't know the way to the dining room."
Madam Agnes wordlessly turned and began walking, forcing Lilith to hurry after her in relief.
The dining room was spacious but surprisingly modest, not elegant, yet not overly extravagant. Lilith pursed her lips as she took it in. Considering the Alpha's status, she had expected something far more lavish. Perhaps Zayd wasn't the type who cared for opulence.
"Remember the rules," Madam Agnes murmured as she left the room.
Lilith straightened, keeping her head bowed as she approached the head of the table, where Zayd was seated. Silently, she began serving him, careful with each dish.
But as she placed the last one, she inadvertently lifted her gaze, only to lock eyes with someone she hadn't expected.
Shock jolted through her, and the spoon in her hand slipped, clattering onto the floor.