Chapter 12: Chapter 12

I stretched in the bed, throwing my hand into Johnny’s face. He chuckled, pushing my arm away. “You really took the whole ‘make yourself at home’ seriously.”

 

“Damn straight.” I laughed as well, rolling over in the bed to face him.

 

“Wanna order in some breakfast?”

 

“Nah, I’ve got to get going and get back home.”

 

“Boss need you back?” He laughed.

 

“That’s part of being a nanny. Only getting one full day off.” I ran my fingers through my hair. “Well, at least for me.” I paused for a moment. “I’ve got to get back to reality and do some homework before my kid comes home. This has been a nice break, though.” I smiled. “Honestly, it’s been the best time since I moved out of Alder’s place.”

 

“I’m glad to hear it, Lili.” Johnny smiled back at me. “I wasn’t kidding when I said you’re welcome here. You added me to your phone, and anytime you need a place away from a toddler, you can come hang out.”

 

“Too nice of a guy.” I shook my head. “I appreciate it a lot. And I’m sure I’ll take you up on it. I’ve got to finish my painting after all.”

 

“‘Course. Couldn’t forget the painting.” He laughed, rolling over in the bed to face me. His fingers traced my skin, following the curve of my hip. “How much time we’ve got before you go?”

 

“Not enough time for that.” I raised an eyebrow. “I was hoping to use your shower one last time.”

 

Johnny sighed dramatically before smiling again. “I’m going back to sleep then. Catch you later, Lili.”

 

“Later, Mister Edgy.”

---

I had finally returned home and changed into a pair of new clothes. Mr. Wolfe was home and caught me coming in, making me feel like I had to hide that I was wearing the same clothes. Thankfully he didn’t say anything about it and let me head up to get change. I eventually made my way back down, greeting Mr. Wolfe formally this time.

 

“Feel better in some fresh clothes?” Mr. Wolfe asked with a smile.

 

“I do, yes.” I smiled slightly, tucking some hair behind my ear.

 

“How was your time with your friend?” He cocked his head to the side, the smile still on his face, but a…harshness in his word.

 

“Fine.” I shrugged casually, pulling my laptop out and setting it on the counter. “I’ve got some homework to do.”

 

“I’d like to see your reaction to something first.” He stood up from the couch and beckoned me to follow. We walked back up the stairs and into his office. I had only been in here a handful of times to clean. He kept it very orderly. But something was new in here. One of Alder’s paintings hung in the large cutout opening.

 

“Mar--Marco.” I looked over at him in surprise to see his wolfish smile.

 

“What? Don’t you like it?” He raised an eyebrow, the smile never leaving his face.

 

“Not…really.” I looked back over at it. Nothing was wrong with it, but the fact it was a naked painting of me, now hung up on my boss’ office wall.

 

“She’s quite beautiful, though.” He walked closer to it, gentling touching the framed canvas.

 

“Isn’t it appropriate to have in your house with such a young son?” I tried to reason with him, try to get him to take it off his wall. I had no idea if he knew it was me, but perhaps he had talked to Alder, and he had told him.

 

“Lark isn’t allowed in here.” He shrugged, turning his attention back to me. “What’s so wrong about having a picture of such a stunning woman?”

 

“Nothing, I suppose.” I shook my head in defeat.

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“I’m glad to hear you’re coming around.” He chuckled quietly. “Lark should be home soon, but I’ve got some things to do. I’ll be home later tonight.”

 

“Okay.” I nodded weakly. “I’ve got homework to do, so I’ll be kept busy until he gets home.”

 

“Things piled up after you took the day off with your friend, didn’t they?”

 

“It was nice to have a break, admittedly.” I rubbed my arm.

 

“I bet. You could always take the day off with me, though. I could take you somewhere nice.”

 

“That…”I trailed off before shaking my head. “Seems inappropriate.”

 

“Nonsense.” Mr. Wolfe smiled again, glancing at the painting one last time before leaving the room.

---

I had done nothing but work on my projects for school since Mr. Wolfe had left. My lunch ended up being a smoothie that I had made while still working.

 

Eventually, it was time for Lark to come home, and there was a knock on the door. I got up from the kitchen counter and headed down the stairs to open the door. “Thank you for bringing him.” I smiled at Margaret, who did nothing but glare darkly at me.

 

“May I come in?” Though it was a question, she made it clear I was in no position to say no as she pushed past me and headed up the stairs before I could even say anything.

 

“Sure.” I closed the door behind the three of us and headed up into the living room, where she had taken a seat.

 

“I have a trip to Europe the week after next, so I won’t be here to see Lark. Tell Marco that once again so he doesn’t forget.”

 

“Sure thing.” I nodded, standing behind the couch that was across from her.

 

“I can’t believe he hired someone like you.” She scoffed. “You’re not nearly as professional as you should be. You’re much too casual with me.” She waved me off. “Besides, he never asked my opinion as he should have.”

 

“I’m sorry. I wasn’t aware of the situation.” My face dropped slightly as she began grilling me.

 

“He only hired you because he wants to fuck you.” She verbally spit at me. “And by your expression, he has already tried. I know I’m right.” She crossed her arms over her cleavage. She paused a moment before glaring over at Lark who was sitting on the couch in front of me playing on his iPad. “Having him with that pompous ass was the greatest mistake I made.”

 

My face quickly shifted to a dark glare. “Get the fuck out. Now.” I pointed toward the stairs. She looked at me in shock for a moment, before returning to her glare. She picked her expensive bag up off the couch and stood up, walking past me with a breeze, not saying another word as she left.

---

I had put Lark to bed and started back on my homework before Mr. Wolfe came in. Giggles emanated from the bottom of the stairs, signaling me he wasn’t alone again. Nerves twisted up inside me at the thought. I…was jealous of the girl, jealous she was getting his attention, even if I had rejected him. Eventually they made their way to the top of the stairs. She was no doubt beautiful, as I would expect from any girl he brought home.

 

“Lili. You’re still awake, I see.” Mr. Wolfe walked over to me; the girl glued to his side.

 

“Doing homework.” I quietly answered.

 

“As always.” He chuckled, causing the girl to laugh as well. “You could always take a break and join us instead.” He walked behind me and placed a hand on my shoulder.

 

I quickly shook it off. “I don’t have time. I have more homework to do.”

 

“Suit yourself.” He laughed again, walking over to the bar cart and picking a bottle up, holding it up to the girl, who smiled widely and nodded. “We’ll see you in the morning then, Lilian.” With that, they headed upstairs, making noise all along the way.

 

Anger boiled up inside me, but I didn’t want to admit that it bothered me so I turned my attention back to my homework, determined to finish it.

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