The Dragon’s Baby: Book 1

By Violet Jessamine

Bored, and sick of being a broke college grad, on a whim Briala Maddox accepts a job as a maid for the multi-million dollar Bane family on their palatial estate. It’s a fairytale come true as she quickly falls head over heels for the castle...and the family’s resident bad boy, Callum. Their attraction is instant and explosive, dangerous and almost inhumanly hot.

When they finally give in to their instincts and spend one scorching evening together, Briala wakes the next morning to see that Callum has dragon wings. Coming to terms with sleeping with a dragon shifter and realizing she’s falling for more than just a man is one thing, but now Briala is also pregnant with the dragon’s baby.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Radish
• Release date: Nov 10, 2021
• ISBN: 9781956969092

Violet Jessamine

Violet Jessamine reads a lot fantasy and is probably reading something while you read this.

Book preview

Chapter One

The heat on my neck was so hot I nearly pulled away from it. Were it not for my desire to be closer to its owner, I might have, but one of his hands curled around my waist, his nails dragging over my skin as they moved, and he yanked me back against him until I could feel his excitement poking at me below. His other hand slithered over my chest, staying teasingly clear of my breasts, and moved up to cup my chin.

He turned my face towards his. Was this your motive, Briala? His voice dug into me like the growl of a hungry beast.

I’m here aren’t I?

I risked a glance into his smoldering, dark eyes, burning brighter than ever. Heat coiled around us and it wasn’t just from the roaring fireplace. It was his heat, mysterious and strong. He guided me down onto my stomach across the silky sheets of his four-poster bed. I crooked my head to one side as he crawled over me and settled on top of me. He fitted his mouth into the curve of my neck and nipped at me, an involuntary moan leaving my lips. He saw to the spot thoroughly before his weight left me behind. I looked over my shoulder and he was standing at the foot of the bed, naked and staring.

Turn over.

Something about the very fire behind his words made me bow to his commands. I turned onto my back and allowed my own nakedness to be on display. The blazing embers behind him cast a halo around his perfect body, sliding shades of orange and red against his black hair. His firm pecs and abs were a delightful dinner, his full, muscular arms and thighs were dessert, and his impressive, excited length was the perfect midnight treat. My heart thundered in time with the clock while he held my gaze with his. Maybe it was the booze, but I was trying and failing to figure out how someone like me managed to find my way into the luxurious room of someone like him.

All I could do as he stepped forward with a predatory grin on his face was thank whatever god willed me to accept this job. As if the experience wasn’t good enough…

…the perks were next to none.

* * *

One Week Earlier…

If I didn’t know any better, I’d have thought the fairy tale worthy Krkonoše mountains rolling by outside the car windows were nothing more than a projection on a green-screen. That morning, I’d woken up in my old, broken twin-bed in my apartment in Delaware, and now I was in an all-white Rolls Royce being chauffeured through The Giant Mountains just outside of freaking Prague!

I texted a picture of the scenery to my best friend Nijah back in the States.

Nijah: Girl, I told you! You can thank me whenever you’re ready. I’d take dinner, but an exclusive Bane design is how you really say, Thank you for talking me into this.

Briala: Lol I don’t think I’ll be able to ask for handouts on my FIRST day, but I can text you the link to their online store if you’d like.

Nijah: You’re funny. Are you buying because I certainly can’t afford a Bane original. I could buy a house or a car with that kind of money.

Briala: No kidding.

Oh, I think we’re here. It’s like a goddamn castle. Gotta go.

Njah: You better text me as soon as you’re settled. Live your best fairy tale life, Bri!

I tucked my phone away as the car approached a massive, dark gray, stone castle. The spires were tipped with flags; shimmering silver, with a black dragon whose head and tail curved opposite to one another, making it look almost like the infinity symbol; the Bane’s infamous logo.

I was certain I’d wake up soon. For half a second, I was teleported back to my miniscule apartment. I was sitting on my bed staring at my computer, with all of my bills, and my newest student loan payment screaming at me. It didn’t matter which way I flipped my due dates, my paycheck wasn’t ever going to be enough to cover my expenses.

What about that maid job with the Bane family? Nijah had asked.

Seriously? I can’t drop everything and go clean the most famous house in fashion.

Why not? She opened the pamphlet that I’d grabbed from a coffee shop when I saw the Bane logo on the front. They were the most famous names in fashion. The matriarch of the family was my personal idol. I’d grabbed it more as a fan, but made a joke about applying for the job it advertised: a house maid. You’re hyper-organized, plus you’d get good experience, right?

Yeah, but what about everything here? I asked.

She slumped down on the bed next to me. What are you doing here, really?

I didn’t have an answer then, so here I was now.

The car pulled around a massive, marble fountain. The centerpiece was a carved dragon, with its wings folded around its body, its head looking directly up into the sky, its mouth open, and a steady stream of water flowing out. We came to a stop at the foot of the castle. It’s even bigger up close!

Thank you, I said to the driver with a smile as I clambered out of the nicest car I’d ever been in.

I stood in the gorgeous roundabout courtyard looking up at the imposing manor. Alright, Bri, let’s do this!

* * *

I blamed the memory loss of the following hour on being overwhelmed by the glamour of everything around me. At some point I’d met the head maid, Amber, a brusque woman who was short in her responses to me, but thorough in her descriptions of the Bane house and family. She clearly took her job very seriously even though she didn’t seem much older than me, so I chalked her borderline rudeness up to that. Her strawberry blond hair was pinned on top of her head in a tight bun, and her cocoa eyes were shielded by a pair of glasses. She was dressed in a pair of black slacks and a purple, short-sleeved blouse. I noticed all of the staff seemed to be dressed similarly apart from white blouses instead of purple.

If you see any of the Banes approaching, you will curtsey. It is always ‘ma’am’ and ‘sir’ for the elders and men of the family and ‘miss’ for the youngest daughter. I was scribbling notes at lightning speed as Amber plowed through her instructions. She was delivering her speech while walking through the winding hallways of the castle. I might have liked to draw a map, but there was no time. I just made the best notes I could as I followed behind. "We’re always up before the Banes. The Madam is often awake by 7, so plan to be awake no later than 6. They expect meals to be ready when they reach the great hall for breakfast, not nearly ready, ready."

I nodded as I wrote. Always ready. Got it.

Lord Bane likes to tell jokes, always laugh. They are never funny. I chuckled, but when I looked up Amber was staring back stone-faced.

Always laugh. I made a note on my paper and then smiled. Amber did not. Yikes.

Finally, we reached the end of a hallway and I damn near crashed into Amber when she came to a sudden stop. I retreated as she turned to face me. One last thing, and this is important.

I prepped my pad and pen. Lay it on me.

You are never to go into the North Tower after sunset.

Why? I asked.

Amber leered over her glasses at me. My apologies. There is one final note: do not ask me stupid questions. Are we clear?

I swallowed hard and wrote a note about the North Tower on my pad.

Amber went silent, but her eyes started to scan me. I shifted under the intense scrutiny, but didn’t say anything. Certainly not the most friendly of welcoming faces. I followed her as she led me to an area where there was a much higher concentration of staff. She walked up to one door and opened it. Inside were two beds inside, each with a nightstand and dresser. One bed looked lived in, but the other bed was freshly made and had a set of folded clothes on top.

She pointed at the clean bed. Your bed and your uniform. She pointed at the other bed. Your roommate is Jia, you’ll meet her later. Get dressed. I’ll be back in five minutes.

I stepped back, grabbed my uniform and got dressed. I wanted to start unpacking my things and text Nijah, but all of that would have to wait. Amber was already back in the doorway with a broom, dustpan, and garbage bag in her hand.

She held them out to me. You will start by sweeping out the fireplaces. No chimneys, but you’re responsible for collecting any debris. She motioned for me to step out of the room. She pointed down the hallway. You will start with the guest rooms. Head down this hallway out of the residential quarters and you will find yourself in the dining hall. Take a left out of the door, and then a right out of the entryway, and head up the small flight of stairs into the foyer.

She was going so fast my head was spinning. I don’t—

Once you’re in the foyer, there are six directions you can go, two to the left, two to the right, and one up both flights of stairs, you are going to go up the right flight of stairs, and at the top go right, not straight. Do you understand?

My mouth was suddenly dry as she continued to rattle off directions at lightning speed Um—

…I said do you understand?

Yes ma’am.

She nodded. Good. Good luck. She walked away and I took a deep breath. I did my best to try and remember the directions and set off down the hallway.

As I moved along, I took in all the beautiful architecture. It was so cool. A big, mysterious castle. An off-limits wing? I was in a fairy tale. Amber would maybe be the wicked step...coworker. I tried to give her the benefit of the doubt. She had to manage this entire castle and train a newbie, that had to be stressful. She faded from my mind quickly as I journeyed around. I couldn’t wait for my first bit of free time so I could take in the castle properly. There were statues and expensive looking paintings around every turn. It was more like a museum than a home.

I reached the end of a hallway and looked around. I was running through my pathway in my mind and comparing it to Amber’s directions. Did I go up? Maybe I’d gotten to the correct place by accident? I opened the first door slowly and poked my head inside. It was a huge, ornate room with a giant four-poster bed in the middle, and against one wall there was definitely a Fireplace! Score one for Briala!

I walked in and started to close the door behind me when I heard a gruff and unmistakably male voice shout, Who the hell are you and what are you doing here?

I dropped my stuff. It wasn’t just that I was suddenly staring at the most gorgeous man I’d ever seen, it was that he was standing there in nothing but a towel. I managed by sheer force of will to drag my eyes up to his, as they locked me into place.

His lips pursed into a line. Every inch the predator sizing up his prey. Well? I’m waiting…

Chapter Two

C’mon Briala, say something!

I said, the gorgeous man was closing in on me and the heat curling around me was getting stronger with each step, who the hell are you and what are you doing here?

I retreated until I hit the doorframe and managed a weak, Sorry. I’m a new maid here. I—I must have gotten turned around.

He was within arm’s reach, and the only thing stronger than his cologne, was the temperature. He wasn’t just hot in the figurative sense, he was literally hot.

He tilted his head to one side, a stray black curl falling in front of those piercing eyes. Are you sure that’s the reason you’re here? He placed an arm on the doorframe above me and leaned down until he was inches away from me. Sure you didn’t come here for something more, beautiful?

A shock of heat spread through my center as I tried to get my brain to form some kind of intelligent response. My gut reaction was to tell him I did want something more. It was a thought that didn’t feel like my own. I wasn’t that kind of girl, but no one as beautiful as the man in front of me had so much as held a door open for me let alone backed me against a door and asked me if I wanted more.

I bit down on my tongue to keep myself from getting swept up in the moment. Um, it’s my first time in a castle. I think I mixed up my stairs.

Somehow, the heat diminished from a raging storm, to smoldering embers. The pointed, hungry gaze washed from his dark eyes, leaving only confusion in its wake. He closed them for a moment and started to laugh. "Shit. You really are lost. His voice had a deep, gravelly tone to it that sent more excitement pulsing downwards. His eyes opened again as he backed away from me and I tried to ignore the pang of disappointment. He held out a hand and put on a tilted smirk. Better properly introduce myself then. I’m Callum Bane."

I wanted to crawl inside a hole and die. I’d acted like an idiot in front of the Callum Bane. Tabloid famous playboy and heir to the Bane empire, Callum Bane.

This is certainly not how I imagined meeting you for the first time, sir, I admitted, forcing my hand up to meet Callum’s. He gave it a heavy shake before dropping it again.

He chuckled. Normally when beautiful women show up at my door they aren’t lost. Gorgeous and smooth? Where were you trying to get to?

The guest rooms.

You definitely took a wrong turn then. He set a hand on my back to gently push me into the hallway, and it seared my skin. When you get to the end of the hallway, take a left. There’s a really long hallway. Walk until you can’t go anymore, take another left, and you’ll be there. He knocked on his door. Resident rooms have purple, guest doors are green.

Those directions were so much easier to follow than the ones Amber had given me. Thank you.

I slid past Callum into the bedroom and collected the cleaning materials, but when I turned he was standing squarely in the doorframe. His teasing smirk had found its way back to his face. You never told me your name.

Briala, I shot out, embarrassed that I hadn’t started there.

The fire in Callum’s eyes came back full force. Briala. I’m gonna remember that.

* * *

The following hours were uneventful. I’d managed to get a handle on the house thanks to Callum’s tip and fireplaces were surprisingly easy to clean. The biggest issue was that my mind kept wandering back to Callum’s bedroom, and his fiery gaze. My body had turned up at the request of something more and hadn’t come down since. I was aware of how long it had been in the sex department, but it must have been too long for me to already be so out of sorts. I hoped I’d have a few minutes later to at least give myself some relief, otherwise I’d be walking around Bane Castle like a dog in heat.

When I finally stepped out of the last green door, it was up to me to somehow get back down to my room. I might have been able to retrace my steps but that would include going past Callum’s room, so instead, I started off in the other direction, hoping that I’d just get lucky.

Each turn brought me to something new, and even though I was getting more lost, I was excited to view more of the Banes’ incredible artwork. There were statues, beautiful, floor-to-ceiling tapestries, and astounding paintings, all of which depicted some dragon or scene with dragons. The dragons were all different colors, but there seemed to be a lot of blue and gold ones. I recalled the marble dragon fountain on the drive in and the dragon in their logo.

Must be really into dragons, I said out loud.

Hey! Watch it! I barely evaded smashing into a ladder. I looked up to the top and there was a blond haired, green-eyed man perched at the top. Be more careful.

Sorry! I guess I’m just a bit turned around.

Hang on. He climbed down the ladder before looking me up and down. He was just a hair shorter than me, but had a big confidence radiating off him. Oh, hey, you’re the new maid aren’t you? He grinned and held out a hand. I’m Miles. I do a lot of the odds and ends around here, plus all of the restoration work. Nice to meet you.

I took his hand and shook it. Nice to meet you. I’m Briala, you can call me Bri. It was so nice to see a face that wasn’t scowling or burning. How long have you worked here?

About four years, he replied. The Banes are good employers, just a bit odd.

Seems like a bit of an understatement, I laughed, gesturing at the opulence around us.

He shrugged. I don’t know. People with lots of money always end up being pretty eccentric. They’re really particular about the upkeep of their house and protecting their heirlooms, and I assume someone told you about the North Tower, right? I nodded and he continued. Good. That’s important. Don’t risk it. They’re dead serious about keeping everyone out, even me, and I’m the one who keeps the place from crumbling to the ground. Sometimes I lose sleep at night thinking about the state of things over there, but Madam Bane tells me it’s fine and I know better than to talk back. You met her yet?

My head was spinning just trying to follow Miles. He was going a mile a minute, really living up to this name. I’m afraid not. At least not yet.

You will, he replied. She makes it a point to meet every new hire. He pointed down the hallway in the direction I was going, When you get to the end of this hallway, take the stairs down, and then follow the carpet with the red runner. Red runners always lead back to the foyer. Think you can get where you’re going from there?

Definitely.

Good. He patted me on the arm. Best of luck. Try not to run into any more ladders.

With Miles’s directions, I was able to make my way back to the staff living quarters. I wasn’t there long before it was staff dinner time and then we had to hop to work getting dinner ready for the Banes. By the time I finally got back to my room that evening, I was exhausted. Not only had I put in a full day of work, but I’d had a full day of travel before that. Between that and jet lag, I was going to sleep like a baby.

I pulled my suitcase out of the armoire and pulled out my laptop, a phone charger, and a set of PJs. I still couldn’t believe my turn of luck and knew I owed Nijah a long, detailed email about the day. I stole the bathroom for a few minutes to change, and then slipped back out into the bedroom. When I re-entered the room, there was another woman there, sitting on the bed, flicking through her phone.

She looked up and smiled at me. Hey roomie! She had long, jet black hair, and hazel colored eyes. She flipped around to the other end of the bed and held out a hand. I’m Jia.

I shook it, smiling. Jia had a bubbly energy that made it hard to remain stoic. I could tell instantly I was going to like her. I’m Bri.

Nice to meet you. I’m glad they finally got someone in here. I was going nuts picking up the slack. She repositioned herself into a cross-legged position on her bed as I moved back over to mine. You don’t sound local, she laughed. What made you take the job?

I kicked my suitcase underneath my bed, then sat down. Oh, you know. Fashion’s kind of in my field, plus the chance to travel and live in a castle were too good to pass up.

Right? Jia yelped. "This is amazing, isn’t it? I just wanted to meet the Banes, plus most people have to pay to have this experience, but we’re getting paid. That’s having your cake and eating it too if I’ve ever seen it."

I laughed. No kidding.

So, how was your first day?

For the most part, fine, although I did get lost. Amber did say this place was massive. I said as I opened my laptop.

Jia raised an eyebrow. Oh, trust me girl, you didn’t get lost. Amber gave you the wrong directions.

My jaw dropped. I thought about the simplicity of the directions that Callum and Miles had given me. Why would she do that?

Jia shrugged. "She was probably hoping you’d end up somewhere you weren’t supposed to and get canned. She’s got a major stick up her ass when it comes to other women around here, plus you’re model gorgeous, so she probably hated you instantly."

I wasn’t that pretty. Sure, I’d taken a certain level of care of myself, and my mom was very beautiful and people always said I took after her. I hadn’t had particularly stellar luck with men or anything, so I couldn’t have been all that great. I don’t know about the model part.

Ohhh, Jia scrunched up her nose at me, are you one of those humble, beautiful people? Ugh. It makes it so much harder to jealously hate you. She winked and I couldn’t help but laugh. Anyway, just stay out of Amber’s way and you should be fine. Most everyone else is pretty nice. She snapped her fingers. Oh, and stay away from Callum Bane.

My heart started to race instantly. ......oh? H-how come? I wanted to ask about him more, but didn’t want to seem too eager.

"Because Amber’s crazy about him. Like, Jia spiraled a finger next to her head, nutso crazy. You want to stay on her good side, or at least not make it to her bad side, so don’t go near him."

All of my excitement was gone in a flash thinking that the beautiful, mysterious man was totally off limits. We did a little more chatting, but Jia noticed my mood change. I managed to convince her I was just tired, so she instantly cut the lights and promised to keep her scrolling to a minimum so I could sleep. I decided I would send Nijah an email in the morning instead, set my laptop aside, and crawled under my blankets.

When the room was quiet and my mind was free to wander again, it immediately went back to Callum. His glistening body, his overwhelming fire, the sultry sexiness of his voice; all of it nearly made me give into lust. I squirmed around in my bed, trying to get the tingling between my legs to calm, but it wasn’t working as well as I was hoping. I kept imagining responding Yes, to Callum. I imagined his biceps flexing as he snatched me off the ground and threw me down onto the bed. The rooms were so large, that I’d probably be safe to make any noises I wished. I imagined him standing in front of me and slowly unwrapping the towel, letting the fabric slip off until finally he was—

Bang!

The door to my room flew open, completely throwing the fantasy of Callum Bane out of my mind.

Chapter Three

One Week Later

Every time I thought about Amber storming in while I was fantasizing about Callum with my hands between my legs, I shuddered. If the way I flailed wasn’t indication enough of what I was doing, my short breaths and flushed face were. She stared at me with intent to kill, but then noticed Jia staring and left. It was as confusing as it was horrifying, but I was repressing it as best I could, distracting myself with the upcoming spring gala. The Banes held seasonal galas to debut their new lines. This gala’s theme was Grecian Spring and the staff would wear costumes. All the male staff were to be Greek statues, the female staff nymphs. I thought I was silly for buzzing with excitement, but when I looked over, Jia was grinning from ear to ear.

Bundles of periwinkle, magenta, lilac, and white grecian windflowers were brought in and some were sewn onto vines around the pillars, while others were placed in pots and sprinkled in the fountain. We finished by lacing the flowers into curtains folded over the doors to the ballroom and some small stone benches and olive trees were placed as finishing touches. When we were done, the foyer had been transformed into a beautiful Grecian courtyard.

We were admiring our work when the front doors to the foyer folded open with a large creak. I turned around and gasped. Stepping through the doors, in a magnificent long sleeved, gray knit, body contouring dress, and holding three black poodles at her side, was Madame Katya Bane. Her gray hair had been pulled back into a tight bun that sat directly on top of her head, her face didn’t have a blemish or wrinkle on it. To her left was, who had to be, the younger Bane child, Christine. She looked to be in her early twenties, and had long brown hair that flowed all the way down her back, with Madam Bane’s same blue eyes. Accompanying them was a haggard, stressed-looking young man at Madam Bane’s side.

"Oh! This looks amazing. Amber, you have really outdone yourself! This is going to be the best gala yet," Madam Bane said.

Amber offered a shallow nod. I’m glad you like it, ma’am.

Madam Bane’s eyes moved in my direction and locked on me. Oh, and you must be our newest edition to the house. She walked over to me and I was starstruck. Madam Bane wasn’t just the matriarch of the Bane family, she was a fashion mogul. I wanted to meet you sooner, but you know how it goes. I didn’t really think she’d notice me at all, but Miles did say she made it a point to meet everyone. She stuck out her hand obviously expecting me to take it.

I lifted my hand and took hers. Madam Bane seemed pleased enough and shook it a couple of times before dropping it. Nice to meet you, ma’am. I bowed my head slightly, trying my best to curtsey as expected. I’m Briala Maddox.

Now let’s have a proper look at you. Madam Bane’s cool glare cast downwards. She looked to my feet and then back up to the top of my head. No one said a word as she did a full circle around me, including Christine, who was thumbing through her phone, looking bored.

Finally, Madam Bane came to rest in front of me, and the pensive purse to her lips curved into a smile. Darling, you are a work of art.

I was certain I’d heard wrong. What?

That bone structure, your hips, your curvature, those legs. You’re a designer’s dream!

Oh, Uh… I—I don’t think...

She snapped her fingers in the air and the assistant rushed to Madam Bane’s side. Miss Maddox will wear our featured costume.

The assistant bowed his head. Yes ma’am.

Featured costume?! Oh, no, you don’t—

Oh don’t be modest. It is, after all, your first gala with us. She looked at her assistant. Please take Miss Maddox to get ready.

I didn’t know how to react to the gesture, but I didn’t have time as the assistant herded me towards the staircase. I dared a look back over my shoulder, and was met with the steely, glowering glare of Amber watching me leave.

* * *

It took several hours to get ready. My face was made up to perfection, while stylists curled my hair and weaved in windflowers before placing a gold, metal leaf crown on top. Next came the dress. It was a jaw-dropping, floor length, purple, sheer Grecian gown. The dress itself was strapless, but had a long, satin purple cape attached to the shoulders that fell in a long train, finished with gold stilettos with circlets around the ankles. I couldn’t believe that I was going to get to wear something so beautiful as that!

I didn’t have much time to admire how the dress looked before I was whisked out into the ballroom where the guests were gathering.

There were hundreds of people, all wearing expensive fashions that could likely pay off my car. They applauded as we walked in, and I tried to ignore the way many of them pointed at me and whispered to one another.

The ballroom was a sight to behold. All four corners had been given their own, two tier fountains, each topped with a periwinkle colored dragon whose breath was pouring water. Tables were topped with lilac tablecloths and vases of windflowers, tapestries depicted different Greek gods, and sheer, white sashes hung in swoops across the ceiling, with windflowers laid in the dips. Against the far wall, there were more of the tall white pillars, leading up to what looked like a small Parthenon, with a microphone in the middle. Along the walls were glass display cases inside of which were different selections from the Banes’ spring fashion line.

Three weeks ago, I was just some small town girl living in my dumpy Delaware apartment wondering how I was going to make my rent, now I was standing in the middle of a Grecian ball in the Banes’ castle. Lucky was an understatement. I shook myself to attention. I was still on the clock. I stepped lightly and carefully, and started to make my way around the room. Sometimes I would get so caught up in the conversations that I had to stop and remind myself I wasn’t a guest.

Amber looked like a different person, smiling and laughing with guests in a simpler, white version of my dress. I was beginning to think that maybe she was just stressed when we met, but when our eyes met, her expression turned sour.

Jia slid up next to me. Told ya, she hates you and showing up like an actual goddess is only going to make things worse.

I don’t know about the goddess part, I responded. I’d never been particularly graceful or beautiful, and now I was surrounded by models I clearly paled in comparison to. She doesn’t seem to like me though. I didn’t like the idea of not being liked. We just need to get to know each other. That will fix things.

Jia snickered. Good luck.

Before I could say anything else, Jia was shooed away and I was encouraged to continue floating around. After about an hour, the string band that was the evening’s musical choice, changed pieces and the ballroom doors were opened to the guests of honor.

Leading the pack was Madam Bane. Her hair was down and she wore a stunning gold crown. Wearing a royal red Grecian gown that was similar to mine, but without the cape she carried a golden scepter. She was clearly meant to be emulating the Queen of the Gods, Hera, while the man at her side was meant to be Zeus. He was wearing a white toga, that hung over one shoulder and was tied at the waist with a gold chain. He had a crown of ivy atop his head and was no doubt Madam Bane’s husband, Gideon.

Christine Bane entered next wearing a beautiful, white, chiffon gown that was strapless and fell to the floor. Her hair was held back in a ponytail with flowers in it; surely meant to be Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty. To her right was Adonis himself, Callum Bane. He had an understated silver band circling his dark hair, and a white sash that swooped from his left shoulder to his right hip, and then across his waist to wrap around and cover his ass, before meeting with the right hip again, where both pieces were held in place behind a gold emblem with a dragon on it. The sash only travelled down to about mid-thigh where it was all muscular legs until his Greek sandals picked up around the calf. The sash had been stretched to cover as much of his chest and stomach as it could, but plenty of skin were still visible.

Three of the Banes sifted into the crowd to mingle, but Callum’s dark gaze scanned the room. A part of me was hoping he would see me.The other part was screaming at me for even thinking something so stupid! But then those eyes caught mine. He locked me into place, slamming against me with the same heat I’d felt in his bedroom. Despite the distance between us, I was sweating, and when he started to take quick steps towards me, I thought I might melt. I should have disappeared into the crowd, but my feet weren’t moving. I stood frozen by his stare until he reached me.

I see my mother roped you into her little star role, he huffed in that sexy voice that had been fueling my fantasies. It’s a game she likes to play with the staff.

It was very kind of her to—

It doesn’t suit you. Ouch. I knew it didn’t suit me, but it hurt to hear someone else say it, especially the hottest guy on the planet. I ducked my head but Callum tipped a finger under my chin, tilting it up. My eyes locked onto his and that powerful fire snaked around me like tendrils, tangling me up. It covers too much of you. Beauty like yours shouldn’t be hindered. I couldn’t decide if that was easier or harder to hear, but with Callum looking down at me like I was the only thing in existence, my brain was powering down at way too fast a speed for me to decide. He pulled his hand from my face and motioned me forward with a finger. Follow me.

God, I wanted to more than anything in the world. I can’t, sir. I have to stay here and work or Amber will notice.

Callum raised an eyebrow at me. You don’t work for Amber, you work for me.

He didn’t ask again before starting off. I hesitated for another second then followed after him. I placed my vase outside the ballroom doors, and followed Callum across the foyer, through a door, and down a long hallway.

Where are we going? I asked.

Don’t want to spoil the surprise, my little nymph.

We reached a door near the end of the hallway, and Callum opened it, I walked in, and then he shut and locked it behind us.

He leaned in dangerously close to my face to whisper, Wait here, into my ear, then walked towards the back of the room and disappeared.

I looked around the room and noticed rolls of fabric designer’s tools laying everywhere. It was a design studio. For a second, my heart fluttered as I imagined him propositioning me again. If he did, I’d struggle to say no. The space between my legs was already tingling when Callum came back holding up a stunning, lilac chiffon gown. It crawled over both shoulders and in straight strips over the breasts to a point at the stomach where the fabric nearly ended before cascading down to where I imagined my knees would be if I were in it. The arms were totally exposed, along with the sides, and the deep V of the front of the dress went from the neck all the way down to the stomach. At the point where the fabric met around the belly button, there was an emblem that matched the one on Callum’s hip, gold with a dragon.

He smiled that heated, sexy grin at me before growling out a single command, Take off your clothes.

Chapter Four

Take off your clothes.

My head was spinning at Callum’s words and it took me much longer than I would have liked to find a way to respond.

I’m not sure what type of girl you think I am, but I’m not—

Callum scoffed. To try on the dress. He pointed at it like it should have been obvious. "Take off that dress so you can put on this dress."

Oh, right. I shouldn’t have even assumed a guy like him wanted to sleep with a woman like me. I started to pull down the zipper, when the burn of his eyes on me pulled me. Um… Sorry, do you think you could turn around?

Callum’s resulting smirk was sexy. I was hot for him, and he knew it. He turned at a teasingly slow pace. I hadn’t seen his back before, but it was just as hot as the front. I wanted to reach out and touch it, but resisted. When I didn’t start undressing, Callum sighed and put his hands over his eyes.

I giggled. Thank you.

I pulled the dress off myself before realizing I’d neglected to take the dress from Callum. Uh… Can I have…

Callum held out the dress, but nowhere near where I was standing. Sorry, you asked me to turn around, so I can’t exactly see where you’re standing.

He was a tease, and a good one. I walked over to where he was holding the dress and reached out to grab it, but his heat grabbed me first. I struggled not to touch him. His eyes weren’t on me, but I could somehow still feel the weight of them. My mouth went dry and my mind started to get hazy. Why was everything around him so hot? I grabbed the dress from his hand as he laughed, low and rough. I carefully stepped into the new gown, seeing it was even shorter than I anticipated, stopping around mid-thigh, but it did seem to fit me much better.

You can turn around now, I said shyly, blushing already in anticipation of him opening his eyes.

If I thought his eyes had a fire before, the torrent of flames that erupted inside me when he looked at me was otherworldly. It had to be the dress. He certainly wasn’t looking at me that way. That would be wishful thinking.

He took a few steps toward me with a satisfied grin on his face. Much better.

He circled around me. He was just checking the dress, but it felt more primal, like a predator circling its prey. I took in a breath and held it as his hands brushed against my skin, sliding the fabric down my shoulders and setting it exactly where he wanted it. His fingers curled under and started to smooth the gown just barely skating past my breasts as he flattened the dress against my chest and waistline. I let my breath out, but took it in again quickly when he crouched. His breath steamed against my thighs as his hands worked along the base hemline. My brain tried to convince me that his hands were lingering longer than they should be, but the few logical brain cells I had left told me he was just working, nothing more.

When he finally stood up, I felt like I was going to pass out. Whether from the heat, from holding my breath, or from Callum’s presence, I wasn’t sure.

His head went to one side as he considered me, so I broke the silence to save myself. Is this one of your mother’s designs?

His eyes locked into mine, and that time when the heat flared up, it wasn’t welcoming—it was something malicious and somehow cold. My mother could never make something like this.

Who made it? Callum’s hands fled back to my thighs and started to shift the fabric again, working to get the dress sitting on me exactly as he wanted it. I imagined the way I harped on my work to perfect it, and realized I knew the answer to the question already. Did you make this dress, Mr. Bane?

The harsh fire faded in favor of the seductive one. It slid like snakes up my legs, slithering under my dress and burning my insides. Callum smiled at me. We should go back to the party and show off your new look. He led the way back to the ballroom. I started over to where I’d discarded my vase, but Callum took my arm and held me in place. Leave it.

I have to work, I protested.

You are, he responded. Tonight, your job is to show off the dress. One of the other staff members approached us with a tray of champagne. At first he avoided my eyes, but when he realized who I was his jaw dropped a little. Callum took a pair of champagne glasses from the tray and handed one to me. Here.

I took it from him, still drenched in disbelief. At least when I was working, I could keep myself grounded in the concept that, at the end of the day, I was still just the help, but now I was wearing a one-of-a-kind Callum Bane at a Grecian gala like I was one of the guests.

Why are you doing this? I asked. I’m no one special.

Says the girl who ran her own art gallery while juggling college. He took a sip of his champagne like he didn’t just say something he had no right knowing!

H-how do you know that? I asked.

His confidence wasn’t shaken in the slightest. I saw it on your resume.

My resume? Suddenly, it hit me like a bolt of lighting. Wait… Were you the one who hired me? Cal—uh sir.

He shrugged. My mother is good about keeping up with the staff, but these girls she finds… He side-eyed me. You seemed different. He did an about face until he was staring straight down at me. Briala, his voice was low again, seductive. I like different.

My mind traveled back to my now shuttered gallery. Talk about a failed investment. Callum mentioned it like it was something to be proud of, but I couldn’t be more ashamed. I shut up my dreams when I shut up that gallery, and I had no plans of going back. I hadn’t touched my own art since.

Now, this is a party, so drink your champagne and try to enjoy yourself. He was right, it was a party, and I’d just been given a free pass to actually have fun. I smiled at him and then led the way back into the gala.

All eyes shifted to us as we passed through the ballroom doors, and it was only a matter of time before the Queen of the Gods was storming towards us. She gave me a once-over like I was covered in shit. "What is this?"

Callum wore that magnificent, arrogant smile I was beginning to associate with him. I thought it time to showcase some fresh designs. He put a hand on my back. Luckily, I had a willing model.

I didn’t dare speak as Madam Bane’s glare stabbed into me. She looked back at Callum with a sneer. "There is