Silence is a thing to be cherished, it is no small thing, because the peace in the silence, once broken, is very difficult to get back. An annoyance I have become accustomed to in the last week. The rhythmic beat ripped through the story playing in my mind. The images bleed together, melting into a colorless blob, molding the words together and making it impossible to concentrate. My coveted quiet was overtaken by electronic dance music. I tried to hold onto the last shred of sanity I had remaining and failed. My gaze elevated from the book I was reading to find my self-imposed house guest swaying to the music, which only seemed to become louder. The book she had started discarded in the chair she vacated.

For a moment I was drawn to the way her body moved, eyes following each curve, catching the peek of skin from beneath the risen hem of the dark blue tank top just above her blue jeans as her arms rose above her head. Elbow perched on the arm of my wingback, the backs of cool fingertips brushed the skin of my face as I rested it there. I would be lying to myself if I did not admit to being captivated at that moment. Yet I know, things are not going to last. With a sigh, brought back to myself, my gaze averted.

I marked my place and set the book against my thigh, "I thought you wanted to read…" My tone was accusatory as that had been her original excuse after all. She'd shown up in the doorway, unsummoned. I'd instructed Johnson she was not to be given the idea that she was welcome in the library, yet that is the notion she'd obviously gained. It is rare these days that I am left to read undisturbed. Now the woman seems bent on taking it one step further.

"I am bored," her eyes, which were previously closed, opened, hands brushing along her sides as she continued the sensual dance, hips swaying from side to side, knees bending as she dipped low then rocked back up. She was toying with me, that much made very clear, the only question being...why? To what gain?

The book hit the table with a heavier thud than necessary, an expression of my frustration that did not seem to deter her. As I reached for the thick rope to my right, my fingers wrapped around the ornate tool, tugging on it. Within moments, each elevating my irritation, the door was nudged open, "You rang, my lord."

"I'll take lunch in my office," My response clipped as I pushed myself up from the chair, my legs easily taking the weight. The old man nodded in understanding and disappeared from the door.

I too headed for the door before the words halted my steps, "What am I doing here?"

My brows rose, gaze settled on the heavy oak. I suppose I should be surprised the question hadn't come before now. After a beat, I responded dully, "Entertaining yourself, obviously."

With the scoffing sound, it is clear my response was not as was desired, "I wonder why that is, h'm?" The annoyance in her tone was clear, it's purpose I was not sure of. Surely she would be relieved I had not asked much of her, then again, she seemed to desire my attention, for some reason.

The curiosity was enough to cause me to turn, she had ceased to move though the music continued, her manicured hands settled on her hips. She'd gained weight, the meals had clearly been good for her. Johnson had ensured she had everything she needed, even ensured that she was taken to the salon regularly. He knew I liked my girls properly groomed. She was pretty enough, would be considered gorgeous even. That wasn't the issue. There was just something about her I couldn't put my finger on that kept me from going through with it.

"Something you want?" One feminine brow arched, I could see the hope behind the snark, but I refused to give into it. Perhaps she will become fed up like the others. Leave like the others. I could return to my misery and peace. The two seemed mutually exclusive these days. Perhaps my days of having a 'girl' have ended. Perhaps I can move on from that stage of life. I know all too well that will never happen. I've gained an addiction, one I will not just 'grow out of'.

"I will have Johnson bring your lunch as well," With that, I left the room. As I headed down the hall, I could have sworn I heard an 'Of course not' murmured. The disappointment was evident.

The meal served its purpose, sating my body's need for energy. I gain little to no enjoyment in food anymore. The lavish parties that were thrown within the walls of the estate were known best for the exquisite food supplied. My mother's specialty. The woman had a sixth sense for one's tastes. I would eat my weight in salmon puffs, steak kabobs, that dip I never did remember the name of….

Long fingers pushing back through my hair, the strands parting with the intrusion before I set the plate aside and stand from the desk. Venturing out of my office recently has become a rarity. I am not even sure why I feel the need to hide in my own home. It was not as if the woman had any power here and I could just as easily send her packing. I saved her life and now owe her nothing. In fact, she owes me.

The carpeted path to my own room unfortunately passes hers. With the door open, I find myself checking for signs of habitation. As there was no life inside, I continued on without further thought except for the shower I was desperately seeking. I could almost feel the quiet serenity brought by no sound other than the falling rain from the multiple shower heads and the relaxation that comes with the warmth against my skin.

My desire however, was not to be satisfied as voices found their way up the steps. I recognized my butler's frantic but hushed voice immediately, even if he wasn't the only other male in the house.

"Please, Miss, this area is off limits. The door remains locked for a reason. I would be happy to find you suitable entertainment, we do have a large collection of DVDs, a home theater and even a popcorn machine…"

Under different circumstances, I might have been amused by the man's attempt to bribe her. The location the voices are coming from however, is no amusing matter. I take to the steps toward the large wooden door that is locked at all times except when in use. It was quite obvious the girl was attempting to pick the lock, likely with a hairpin, at least that is what I assumed given her body hid the actual act. The clicking of metal to metal was clear enough however.

I made a point to clear my throat loudly, a gasp from Johnson is followed by the tink of the metal pin hitting the wooden flooring. The butler rushed to begin apologizing. An unnecessary act that was silenced by a wave of my hand.

"It is alright, Johnson. I will handle it. Why don't you get dinner started?"

At that the butler smiled, grateful for both the lack of reprimand as well as the task given which gave him leave to vacate the uncomfortable situation.

As the man rushed by, my guest had just finished picking up the hairpin she dropped and was fixing it back into her hair. I waited, patiently, allowing for the adjustment before beginning to speak, "That room is off limits."

"Why?"

The question was fired back at me immediately before I had finished speaking, I ignored the question and continued with my intended dictation, "You have access to every other room in the house. Including my library. Leave this alone." My tone was harsh, I knew, however, it seemed required to get the point across to her. The girl had quite the rebellious streak. One I would ordinarily find entertaining yet in her it was more of an irritation.

I turned, heading back up the steps, listening for the lighter steps behind me, the evidence that she is following. "You are a guest in my home, it would be prudent to remember that and respect boundaries."

"You still haven't told me what I am doing here?" She moved up beside me, matching me stride for stride as we both head down the hall, "You said you wanted me to stay, but not why or what you wanted from me. You pamper me, feed and clothe me with your money and ask nothing in return. It makes no sense."

I inhaled sharply, grabbing her arm. My fingers dug into her skin as frustration began to take hold. My gaze bore down on hers and she never faltered in looking back at me. I very nearly growled at her, but kept silent.

It took only a few seconds for her to break the silence again, "I've heard the rumors, I know what you do with girls," her chin lifted rebelliously, daring me, "why not with me?"

I scoffed at her question, my grip loosening as I pushed her back. I obviously wasn't going to scare her away, no matter how hard I tried and she'd called my bluff. A lot of the rumors were bad enough to scare off any self respecting woman, this one definitely wasn't going to be scared off by my posturing. Instead I sighed, "Why can you not simply be grateful for the care and go on driving me mad with your noise. I would think you wouldn't want whatever the rumors say nowadays." I turned and continued on my journey to my room, "If you know what's good for you, you'll stay out of that room."

I could feel the rolling of the eyes behind me as I opened my bedroom door to head in. What's worse, I felt her follow me inside the room, "The rumors are quite scandalous to be sure." I turned at her words to find her looking around my bedroom, a room before now, she hadn't entered. I ignored her and continued to the closet. "Maybe that kind of thing excites me." The words brought a scoff to my lips, returning with a set of clothing which I lay out on the bed.

"If you don't mind…" I reached her and pulled a stone figure from her grasp and laid it back on the dresser, "I'd like to shower and have dinner. You should do the same." With this, I grasped her arm, leading her toward the door. "Be careful of your wandering, I don't want to send you home."

Those words seemed to strike a cord, her back straightened, I felt almost a terror coming off her. I felt a rising curiosity, but not enough to delve into it tonight. I closed the door behind her and returned to the task of readying myself for bed.