Chapter 8 - The Shift in Power
Sadi’s breath hitched, her mind reeling from his words. "Roman..."
"You don't clean this house anymore," Roman stated, his voice absolute.
Sadi blinked, confusion cutting through her desire. "What?"
"You heard me," Roman said, releasing her chin and stepping back to pick up his coffee mug. He took a slow sip, his eyes never leaving hers. "As of 6:00 AM today, you are no longer on the domestic staff. I've hired a replacement team from the agency. They arrive at noon."
"You're firing me?" Sadi asked, a sudden cold panic settling in her chest. "Because of... because of what happened?"
Roman set his mug down with a heavy thud. "I don't sleep with my employees, Sadi. It creates operational vulnerabilities."
Sadi’s jaw dropped. "You think I want to sleep with you?"
"I know you do," Roman replied deadpan. "Just as clearly as you know I intend to keep you in this house. But not as a maid."
"I have my own apartment," Sadi said, her voice rising as her temper flared. "I have my own life! You can't just reassign my role like I'm a piece of real estate!"
Roman reached into his inner jacket pocket and pulled out a manila folder, setting it on the marble island.
"Your student loans—twelve thousand dollars—were paid off at 8:00 AM today," Roman said calmly. "Your apartment lease in Oak Park has been broken, your security deposit refunded, and your belongings are currently being packed by a professional moving crew."
Sadi stared at the folder, her vision blurring with anger and disbelief. "Are you insane? You can't do that! That's illegal!"
"I run an illegal empire, Sadi," Roman reminded her smoothly. "A broken lease is the least of my legal concerns."
He stepped closer, leaning over the counter. "You have two choices. You can go back to your tiny apartment, find another low-paying job, and let your mother talk down to you for the rest of your life."
He paused, his eyes darkening.
"Or you can move into the east wing of this estate. You can use your art history degree to curate my private collection of antiquities. You will be paid a six-figure salary, you will have your own security detail, and you will sit at my table every night."
Sadi stared at him, her heart hammering against her ribs like a wild drum. "And what do you get out of this?"
May you like
Roman reached across the counter, his broad hand coming up to rest gently against the side of her neck, his thumb feeling the wild flutter of her pulse.
"I get you," Roman whispered. "In my house. Where you're safe. Where no one ever makes you feel small again."
