I sat back in the pool chaise, looking up at the beams of light coming down from the sky. London never had any sunny, warm weather, but I guess in the outskirts, sunlight was more common than in the city. Although the temperature was still a bit chilled from the fresh autumn air, the light still managed to heat my body.

Ciel brought me home after school and handed me a bathing suit. This was supposedly going to cure my boredom.

In the distance, music was playing. The mansion was set up with a surround system that was played by Ciel's iPod. Classical music from the 16th century I would believe. A woman was singing her soul out, her voice harmonizing with the other dozens. I think I know the composer, Tallis I believe.

I didn't know there was a pool here, or should I say mini-water park. There was a diving board near the deep end of the lap pool with four lanes. The S-shaped pool has a waterfall flowing into it from the little jacuzzi isle from above. Not to mention there was a small slide. Next to the mini bar set up in the corner, there was supplies and pool toys, such as doughnut floats and noodles lined up along the wall. Everything was constructed perfectly, as everything else in the house.

I took a deep breath of air and fixed my shades on my face. I needed some sunlight, I have only been indoors recently. I never dared to go near the pools in New York or the beaches, even though Sterling would attempt to kidnap me into going. I never liked to be in large crowds in the first place, let alone have them all be wet and dirty. I shivered in my seat of the thought.

"The sun not warming you enough?" Ciel called out, referencing to my shiver. I looked over at Ciel, who was on the diving board, slightly bouncing. His hair was soaked from the times he jumped in before, drips falling off, some leaving trails along his face, his body... oh god his body.

I suddenly snapped out of my gaze, looking back into his eyes. Of course, one was hidden behind his bands, I still think he has one of his patches on, but I couldn't tell from down here.

"Well, we still are in London, aren't we?" I said in reply, very dull with a hint of annoyance. I heard a small chuckle before he dove in.

I wasn't an expert at swimming and diving, my only experience was gym class freshman year, and watching the Olympics with Sterl and Finn, but if Ciel was being judged, he would no doubt be a complete 10/10 from any judge.

His diving was slick and perfect, the splashing at its minimum, and the way he move underwater like an abnormal shark. He came up, taking a breath. He shook his hair, the water spitting out. The light shined upon his skin, the droplets glowing along. Ciel looked like he descended from Mt. Olympus, and Zeus had no competition against him. A Greek God with an eye-patch.

He caught my gaze, and I flushed, looking away.

He swam over to the ledge on the pool close to me, "We don't have to be in London." He placed his arms on the brick ledge and hung onto the sides.

Taking off my shades slowly, I raised my brow and peered down at him, "What do you mean...?" I said slowly. He's not actually considering traveling already... I've only been here a week.

"We could go anywhere."

I scoffed, "Like where?"

"Anywhere. Toyko, Sydney... Or maybe somewhere local like Paris, Berlin, Madrid, or even Rome."

"Local?" I asked astonished, "Local would be going to the public library or to the park, not all the way to Germany," I let out a breath.

He tilted his head, "Local for me, Effie. Besides, I have property in most of those cities. But like I said, we don't have to be here. Where to? You seem like you'd enjoy Switzerland, or maybe somewhere tropical like Fiji or Rio de Janeiro?" He looked at me with eyes of eagerness, but his face still remained calm.

Is he serious? He's wanting to take me to all the way to Brazil? But for what? And why?

"When exactly are you planning to take me to all of those places?" I asked.

"Anytime you'd like, right now, tonight..."

I laid my head back and relaxed my face, placing my sunglasses over my eyes, "It's fine here, it's only a little chill." One I didn't even get the shiver from the weather.

He raised his brow, "Are you denying my offer?"

"Yes," I folded my arms across my bare stomach and continued my sunbath. I don't like traveling, I hated the plane ride from New York.

I could see him shake his head in the corner of my eye, "You are something else, Miss Effie."

I brushed off his comment, pretending his voice didn't intimidate me. I would repeatedly tell myself he could never do that. I never get nervous. But he makes me feel that way so much.

"Miss Elizabeth," I snapped my head up to Sebastian as he appeared next to me, startling me slightly, but I didn't think it was noticeable, "What would you like to drink?"

"Uhm, a lemonade is fine."

Sebastian nodded and went back to the little bar Ciel had out here. I looked at the back of the house, realizing it's bigger than I thought. I tried to count the windows.

"How many rooms do you have in this house?" I asked Ciel.

"Nearly 30," I inhaled a breath. What the hell does he need to do with all those rooms?

Ciel came up beside me, his body dripping. I tried to focus away of his Michelangelo sculpted body, but it wasn't working. Sebastian came back with a glass of lemonade and a stack of towels on the other hand. He set my glass down as Ciel grabbed a towel, wrapping it around his body.

Sebastian also handed him a phone, "It's Sawyer."

Ciel grabbed the phone, he began to talk, "Ciel." He answered, eyes still on me. "No, it's in Denmark... Why did you let it?" he said agitatedly. "... Well, have them ship it back and send it to it's right place. Simple..." He continued to talk on the phone. I laid back in my chair and let the sun bathe me.

I noticed Ciel was watching me carefully as well. For some reason I couldn't feel uncomfortable with myself at the moment. My insecurities have run off. I didn't feel like I was too skinny or I was too pale or too exposed. I mean I was in a two piece bathing suit he chose, which also matched with his navy blue trunks. I have never been so exposed to a boy before, not even Sterling or Finn. Well, Finn has accidentally walked in on me when I was changing my shirt he spilled fruit punch on, but only briefly saw my bra since I was putting on my jumper.

I blushed knowing Ciel was still looking at me. I slowly peered up at him, and he was definitely staring at me. I tilted my head slightly. He finally hung up. I put my glass down after taking a sip.

Ciel continued to watch me with that glare of hunger; he wasn't famished for food. He slowly came more near me and sat down near my legs.

"Won't you swim?" he asked in a low voice. My heart was racing fast. I meet this boy a week ago and he's already intimidated me beyond my point. Why does he have this effect on me?

I shook my head, "I'd like to just sun bathe," And I'm not getting into that pool with you. A stranger. I have to live with you now and you still remain a stranger. But... a stranger I'm oddly comfortable being with.

"Come on... Just the jacuzzi, then..." He said in the most luring voice ever. I squirmed slightly in my seat. He lifted the corner of his mouth.

I bit my lip and nodded, "okay."

His half-smile went away, and his eyes darkened suddenly. The gaze of hunger seemed to only worsen. He held out his hand, I held it without second thought. He pulled me towards him, his other hand catching my face by my chin. He pulled my chin with his thumb to make my lower lip release from the grasp of my teeth.

"Don't do that..." he breathed. His eyes flashed with a great thirst, and he drinking me up as if I was wine.

I breathed in his scent slowly, the sweet smell of expensive cologne and a different taste to it that seemed to slightly mask it all, and there was a small rush of nostalgia running down my spine.

"Do what?" I challenged. I placed my hand on his wrist, but I didn't pull is hand away. I just kept it there. He slightly tensed at my sudden action, but then relaxed, still watching me in hunger as he's have been for the past 20 minutes. Hell, he's been staring at me like this since I got here.

His eyes darkened, "Don't bite your lip, Elizabeth." He growled lowly, then running his thumb across my bottom lip. Dropping his hand, which made mine fall as well, he turned around and began to walk towards the jacuzzi, pulling me along side him.

I stared at him in confusion from behind.

Stop biting my lip? Why?

He held my hand, escorting me down the steps into the hot bubbling water. It sat down on the ledges, bringing my knees to my chest, my insecurities working up again since I was now even more close to him, and supposed to be soaking in a bubbling hot water. He sat down across from me.

Sebastian came to his side with a tray of wine. I grabbed one myself, taking tiny sips of the dry white wine. I continued to stare at Ciel. I tried to puzzle him together with my few interactions with him.

You're so discreet.

"What is it?" He asked me. I shook my head. "Tell me what your thinking."

I hesitated for a moment, then looked down into the rippling water. I glanced back up at him, "You're discreet. I don't like it."

He gives me his usual half-smile, "I suppose I am. Ask me anything you want, Effie. I will do my best to try and answer truthfully."

"Why did you say for me not to bite my lip?"

"It's distracting." Oh. Me? Distracting...?

"Why?" I tilt my head. Do I intimidate him? No way...

Well, he did kiss your neck, Effie. My inner subconscious spoke, lowering her reading glasses. That was just a... That wasn't even... My thoughts continued to hang as I tried to find an excuse.

I have no excuse for that.

He eyed me for a moment, eyes narrowing to the slightest, "It's very... effective..." He said those words as if it was that was exactly how it makes him feel. I nod, still confused. "Any more questions?" And suddenly, all of the million questions I've had since the first day I got here came pouring into my mind.

"Why do you wear an eye patch?"

He rose an eyebrow, "During a time of anguish, I had an occurrence that made me have to wear one."

"Anguish?" I asked.

He nodded, "Yes, but it's over now, I took care of it." I watched him with my eyes wide. He gave a half squirm and a half sigh, as if it pains him to get into such detail. "Effie, you must know, there are a million of things you do not want to know about me."

"Why wouldn't I want to know?" I blinked at him in surprise.

He took a deep breath, "Because if you knew, you'd be begging me for mercy." I inhaled sharply, then scowled at him.

"Well, Mr. Phantomhive, I can guarantee you I will never do such a thing," I folded my arms across my chest, scoffing.

He chuckled at me, "Oh, no. Of course you won't." I narrowed my eyes. We sat in silence once more, enjoying the sounds of a beautiful orchestra playing.

I still don't know why I'm even here.

"Why did you take me in?" I asked the golden question that has been on my mind since I got here.

He watched me, as if he was wondering whether to tell me the truth or not. "You need me," he said blatantly. I stared at him in disbelief. I need him? For what?

"I don't know you," I whispered. He scooted slightly closer to me. "I have never seen you before, as far as I know. You're a stranger. And for some reason, I am here under your rule. I don't need you...? I don't know you. Who the hell are you?" I started to get heated up. Who the hell is he? "I don't need you."

"Yes, you do. You know why."

What? "Why?" I snapped at him. I lifted my glass and took a sip. "Please, enlighten me."

"Effie, you were living from home to home, foster parent to foster parent. I have taken you in, given you a life of luxury," He waved his hands around as emphasis to the luxury. "I have provided you with clothes from the top brands, enrolled you to one of the top academies in Europe. Your room is as big as your old home, everything I have here is for you now. My cars, my money, my bloody company is for you..."

"Sounds like you're trying to buy me, Mr. Phantomhive..." I said slowly, peering up at him.

I could see a ghost smile, but he scowled at me. He shook his head, "No more discussion." I huffed and stood up. I went over to the steps and walked out. "Where are you going?" he called after me but I ignored him. I grabbed a towel, wrapping it around my body. I shivered slightly.

"I'm sorry to inform you, Ciel, but this pool did not succumb my boredom at all."

I turned around expecting him to still be in the jacuzzi, or rather at least stepping out, but he was right in front of me, regarding me intently. I let out a breath from my miniscule startle. "Perhaps I should give you a tour then, I do believe I haven't shown you the full manor yet," he says to me coolly.

It feels like the conversation we had was forgotten, because I was fully obliged to this offer. I nodded slowly. "I should change," I looked down and blushed, wrapping my towel around myself tighter.

"Yes, of course. After you have changed and prepare for dinner, we shall take a tour." I nod, then turn around, making my way to my room.

I quickly bathed, wrapping the white towel around me while I step into the closet to see if Ciel chose something for me to wear.

I opened the door and clothes were lined up on the racks. They all looked new with tags still on them. Jeans, leggings, blouses, skirts, my uniforms, casual dresses, even formal gowns were hung. Shoes were lined up against the racks, heels, flats, sandals, everything designer brand. Damn.

I looked at one of the blouses, $80. I gaped at it. This simple blouse? I shook my head.

I pulled on the drawers, hoping to find some undergarments.

After all of the rummaging through, I placed on a pair of black shorts with a plain white button down and black sandals. Heading back, I found Ciel in his study already fresh and clean. I knocked on his opened door, leaning against the frame. He glanced up from his computer and half-smiled.

"You look lovely, I see you have been through your closet. I hope everything is to you liking."

"It is, it's over the top. Thank you, Ciel," I looked down at my knotted fingers. He motioned his fingers for me to enter.

"I have to finish up on this report for our investments. I'll only be a moment," I nodded and closed the door behind me. I was about to sit down, but I noticed the book shelf in the right wall. I went over to it slowly, looking at the neat array of books.

Nearly every famous English Literature book is shelved onto here. The Raven, Jane Eyre, a neat collection of the Bronte Sisters. I spotted my favorite, Great Expectations. I gawked silently at the volumes, seeing they were first editions. How in the hell did he manage to get a first edition? I pulled the first volume out.

"They're all first editions," Ciel murmured behind me, I could feel his cool hand ever so lightly be placed on my lower back. I slowly flipped through the pages regarding him as impassively as I could.

These books must have cost a fortune, are they real? No, they can't be real...? Ciel isn't even real. "You're not real..." I let out a breath in disbelief, speaking my thoughts. "It's incredible. How did you manage to get these?" I peered at him through my lashes. He smirked, placing his cool hand over mine and placing the book back into it's place. I still looked into his eyes while he watched me as well.

"Now, Miss Elizabeth," He says completely ignoring my question, "a tour of your now home via Phantomhive."

He held onto my hand and showed me out of the study. He lead me down the wide hall, showing me pointing to doors of guest rooms. He explained that the first floor was more for dining, ballrooms, music room, living rooms, and basically any area requiring large space. On the second floor was for bedrooms and studies. Up on the third floor led to more. There was a small exercise room with equipment, even a steam room and spa. He even had a cinema, with a popcorn machine and snack table, the huge projector on the wall. And every little thing in the house was furnished with elegant and luxurious furniture.

My eyes were wide this whole time. This house was a Tardis. Yes, it's large on the outside, but the inside looks so much larger than it is. I felt the need to check my pulse because I think I have died.

He never named other rooms, he passed by them as if they weren't even there, he also barely showed me half the rooms, just pointed to them and told me what they were, like his room and various guest rooms. It was strange, and I wanted to know what was behind them. I could barely be in his study without having him watch my every move. I leave it alone for now.

"How do you like it so far?" he asked me, turning around to see my face.

"It's like the playboy mansion, but greater. You might be Hugh Hefner for all I know."

He snorted.

The game room set up with a poker table, blackjack table, and even a large roulette table with the spinner. The room was dark, only a few lamps hanging from the ceiling gave it light. A shelf filled with board games. The back wall was filled with three arcade games, lounge chairs over the large flat screen T.V with game consoles, even a ping-pong table.

"I don't see you being one to fancy a ping-pong," I whispered. He chuckled slightly. The billiards table stands out the most, since it was in the center of the room and the light above it made it noticeable. I haven't played in a while.

I walked around it, slowly rubbing the polished mahogany wood with my fingertips. "Do you know how to play?" Ciel came behind me, following my hand with his inches away. I nodded, looking over my shoulder to see a glimpse of him. "Shall I challenge you to a game?"

"What is in it for me?" I asked, slightly shifting my body so I was now facing the pool table.

Ciel thought for a moment, "Well, if I win, I'm taking you traveling, if you win, well... then you get to wish for whatever you'd like."

I stroked my chin for a moment then nodded, "Alright."

He set the balls and pulled out a cue for me and him. His was specialized, navy blue and a gold chromed end. Mine was simple, but it felt expensive.

"Regular pool or any other game?" He asked.

"Regular pool," He nodded. He placed all of the balls neatly inside the triangle and lifted it, making a perfect set.

He examined his arms outward, "Ladies first."

I lifted my eyebrow at him then went over the side of the table. I placed the cue ball around in the left corner and bent over to level my eye with the ball. I made the shot and sunk two solids. I made another shot, hitting in one more solids. I stood proud of myself.

"Nice shot," Ciel complimented. My lips shaped into a smirk, and I bent over the table to reach the cue ball. I missed. I pouted my lips and went back onto my feet. He chuckled and I scowled at him. He made his first shot, sinking two balls in. We played on until both of us had two more balls each. Ciel was fixing his aim when my phone buzzed in my pants pocket. I looked at the number, seeing it was Sterling.

I rolled my eyes and answered. "Hello?"

"How are you, my love?" His voice seemed relax, more cheerful. Before, getting a call from Sterling was my remedy for life in New York, now he's become a burden. He called me endlessly this past week, and when I don't answer he goes belligerent and threatens to come over here. He called me five times during school, and he has woken me up in the middle of the night because he forgets of the time-zone difference.

"Sterling, I can't talk..." I looked back up at Ciel, who watched me with his usual darkening eyes.

"What? Why? Effie, you barely have time for me now. I still exist, you know."

"I'm busy, bye."

"Ef-"

I hung up the phone and shifted my eyes back to Ciel. I set my phone down on the ledge of the pool table as he took his shot. He missed.

I went over to the ball on the long side and Ciel walked over to where my phone was. My phone buzzed again, Ciel staring down at it. He made a face picking it up, maybe at the caller ID.

"This is your phone?" he said in disgust. I pouted, I like my Nokia. He better not buy me a blackberry like his.

"Don't answer it, let the voice-mail take it," My words were useless since he pressed the answer button.

"Miss Elizabeth's phone," I heard Sterling voice talking on the line. "She's not able to answer the phone... Yes, I understand... I am Ciel Phantomhive, may I ask who is speaking as well...?" I walked over to him and tried to take the phone but Ciel wouldn't give it. "Mr. Grant, may I ask your reasoning for your persistent calls with Elizabeth?" he sounded politely cold.

I reached out but he caught my wrist with his hand in a sharp move, but then rose his fingers over my palm, interlocking our fingers. He watched me as I blushed. "Well, Mr. Grant, I understand your concern, but I can assure you Elizabeth is in a well condition, your forethought is no longer adequate for her... That won't be necessary... Like I said, Mr. Grant, Effie is in good hands."

Sterling then continued to babble on and I could see that Ciel was becoming agitated. I held out my other hand for the phone, but before giving it into my hand he hung up.

"Why did you answer?" I asked him, letting go of our hands and going back to the game.

He disregarded my question, "We need to get you a new phone tomorrow afternoon, pronto."

I shook my head, "No way in hell."

He took humor by this for some reason, "Not even in hell?" he lifted his brow at me and smirked. I looked at him funny... it was just an expression... "We're going tomorrow after school, no questions. I can't have you walking around with that brick from 50 years ago."

I scowled at him, rolling my eyes. I lifted my cue and angled it towards the cue ball. It was a little farther than I expected, so I had to lean over the table, up to my tip-toes. I could feel my shirt rise slightly, exposing my midriff. Before I took my shot, I looked up at Ciel and he was leaning against the wall, one leg over another, arms crossed, watching me like I was prey, and he was no doubt the predator. And then suddenly, we were no longer only Ciel and Effie, we were the wolf and the rabbit.

Drawing my cue back, I hit, but only missing the aimed ball, hitting in the black ball instead and sinking it into the hole. I watched in frustration. How could I have missed?

Ciel pushed himself off the wall and I went back onto my heels. He stalked towards me and I stood still, continuing to watch the pool table hoping the bloody eight-ball would come back up.

Ciel stood behind me, a few inches away, "What a drastic mistake, Miss Elizabeth. But it has come upon me that I have won... as I always do."

I turned around to face my body to him, looking at the floor. "I have never lost a game of billiards in my life."

"I'm glad to have become the victory against you..." He turned around and made his way tot he couch near to glass windows. "So where to first...? Like I said before, you'd enjoy Switzerland..."

I sighed and went over to the seat next to him. "Why do you want to take me traveling? I've known you for five minutes Ciel, and this past week has been a rush. I just want to take a seat and get comfortable..."

He crossed his legs, one leg over the knee, and tilted his head, "I want to see your reaction to the rest of the world."

I rose my brows, "My... reaction?"

"Yes, your reaction," he repeated. "You're not reacting the way I thought you would when I brought you here to London, I mean, such a drastic change in lifestyle should have at least some kind of effect. But for you... you remain impassive."

I furrowed my brows, "Am I just an experiment to you then? To amuse you?" I crossed my arms. The nerve of this man to bring me out here.

He chuckled, "That's to prove my point. You react completely opposite of what I expect. You say Lizzy is too typical for an Elizabeth, so you call yourself Effie. I take you out to measure for new wardrobes, and you dread every minute. You tell me I'm ageless. I give you an expensive necklace, and you accept it, when I thought you'd absolutely refuse. You were supposed to go to school next semester, I start you now, you're okay with it. I give you a new wardrobe, you thank me, and even wear them," He motioned to my outfit, "I throw away your clothes and you accept it. And with everything else you act so indifferent, like nothing ever bothers you unless it does. I tell you I want to know how you'd react to going to different parts of the world, and you think it's just for my amusement."

I was taken back by this. I never knew anyone would want to be so delved into my actions, or care enough to see who I am. And he gathered all of this in 8 days. "So what is all of this to you, then?" I asked, looking down at the ground. I felt ashamed and intimidated. Actually, I always feel intimidated by him.

"You intrigue me, Effie. You're a mystery that not even Sherlock can solve. But it seems I will have to be greater than he for you."

I saw Ciel's hand lay on the couch, and I moved mine towards it. Slowly as it inches, the ambiance in the room changed.

My hand made contact with his, and for the first time, I no longer felt intimidated by him, and I was comfortable. All of my discomforts to him ran away, because I know he was looking for a pattern of me and wanting to know me.

And as my eyes darted up to his, abruptly, an exotic feeling was engulfing me that was hidden. I felt an electricity, something in between us that pulled me to him. Never have I felt this... this... craving passionate rage. I suddenly craved him in every way. I gasped, and never in my life has someone had this effect on me. Our fingers intertwined, and it feels like it was for the first time.