Read Twisted Rogue (The Twisted Love and Rogue Love Collection) for Free Online

dinner, Grace,” Marshall said gruffly, cutting off Jane before she could say anything.
     
    Jane looked over and gave me a weak smile. “Yes, please come join us Grace. And try some of the potatoes with the roast chicken. Tammy puts chives and thyme in them. We would love to hear about how your first day of working with Mr. Harrison went.”
     
    I quickly loaded my plate with some food and sat down next to Jane. She seemed happy enough to have me there, but Marshall just stared at his plate as I sat down. I wondered if he was always this antisocial or if he just didn’t like me.
     
    “Today went okay,” I said to Jane after taking a bite of the creamy potatoes. “I just can’t tell if Mr. Harrison likes my work or not. He is so hard to read.”
     
    Jane laughed. “That he is. But don’t worry, you would know if he was displeased with your work. If his reaction was lukewarm, it means you did a great job.” She smiled at me reassuringly, but I still felt something was wrong. Jane’s kindness was genuine, but the closer I looked, the more I thought her cheerfulness was hiding something. There was a sadness in her eyes that didn’t disappear, even when she smiled.
     
    I slept soundly that night. I thought I heard a distant scream at one point, but it may have just been part of my dream. When I woke up, I couldn’t remember my dreams, other than a vague feeling of unease. I pulled back the heavy silk curtains to let the light into my room and instantly felt better. A hot shower, complete with fancy shampoo and conditioner that Jane had left for me, completely washed away all my unease. It was a new day and I was ready to get to work and prove myself.
     
    I got dressed in my favorite green wrap dress with a light brown leaf pattern print, and then hurried down to the kitchen. A breakfast of freshly made, creamy oatmeal and toppings was laid out on the marble countertop. I helped myself to a bowl and topped it with some fresh berries, before going to find my seat at the table.
     
    As I sat down, I noticed a folded piece of paper at the end of the table. It was simply labeled “Grace.” I reached over and grabbed it, curious. The handwriting was beautiful and feminine, if slightly shaky. I knew it was from Jane right away.
     
     
     
    Grace dear,
     
    Mr. Harrison has other matters to attend to today. You have the day to do as you please. He asked that you report back to him tomorrow morning.
     
    Yours,
    Jane
     
    I looked at the note and felt a twinge of disappointment. Despite Mr. Harrison’s gruffness and his intimidating behavior, I had looked forward to working with him today and proving that I could be a valuable asset to him. I also wanted to learn more about my mysterious employer. Now, I had to wait one more day before I had that chance.
     
    I decided to make the most of my day off and explore the grounds. I ate a leisurely breakfast, enjoying the view of the gardens as I nibbled on my oatmeal and sipped my hot coffee. Once I was finished, I headed to the library, where I finally had the chance to explore and pour over Mr. Harrison’s incredible collection of books.
     
    I entered the beautiful library and was struck once again by the majesty of the room. Every corner of it was perfectly decorated to create a sense of whimsy and fantasy. The edges of each bookshelf were gilded in gold paint and the spiral staircases were made of beautifully twisted metal. The second level was a balcony instead of a full floor, but it was arranged in a way that created several secret nooks where once could hide away with a book. That is just what I did for the first few hours of the morning. After wandering around the shelves, I pulled out a book that I had never read before, Madame Bovary, and curled up in the huge pillow-covered chair I found in one of the little nooks. As I got lost in the tragic story, the hours flew by.
     
    It was almost noon when I realized that I should explore more of the Harrison Estate