Chapter 8 Troubled Emotions

• ELIZA
• I set the table, trying to shake off the lingering sensations from the car ride. Maggie’s warmth and teasing helped ease my nerves, but I couldn’t help sneaking glances at Lincoln, who was engrossed in his phone.
• As we sat down to eat, the tension between us was obvious. Lincoln’s eyes met mine, and for a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of emotion. But it was quickly replaced by his usual unemotional expression.
• Maggie’s attempts at conversation were replied with monosyllabic responses from Lincoln, and I found myself struggling to contribute. The silence was oppressive, only the sound and clinking of the silverware on plates could be hard.
• I was almost done with my meal, Lincoln pushed his chair back, his eyes never leaving mine. “Eliza, can I have a word with you?”
• I hesitated, feeling a sense of tremble. I shook the feeling off, and nodded to follow him.
• In the study, Lincoln closed the door, his expression unreadable. “What’s going on, Eliza? You’re distant, distracted. Is everything okay?”
• I shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. “Just tired, I guess.”
• Lincoln’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t lie to me, Eliza. I know you too well. Something’s bothering you.”
• I sighed, feeling a surge of frustration. “Maybe it’s the fact that I’m stuck in this situation, living with you, pretending to be your mistress. Maybe it’s the fact that I have no control over my life anymore.” Where this sudden confidence came from, I had no either.
• Lincoln’s face darkened, his voice sounded low and threatening. “You’re not pretending, Eliza. You are my mistress. And you’ll do well to remember that.”
• A shiver ran down my spine as he stepped closer, his eyes blazing with intensity. I knew I had to tread carefully, but a part of me refused to back down.
• “I’m not your property, Lincoln,” I said, my voice steady. I had better start watching my tongue before he did that for me.
• Lincoln’s smile was cold, calculating. “Oh, but you are, Eliza. You’re mine, in every way that counts.”
• The air seemed to vibrate with tension as we stood there, locked in a silent power struggle. I knew I had to be careful, but I couldn’t help feeling trapped, like a bird in a gilded cage.
• It was already glaring that we were moving in that direction again and I can’t be selfish he already gave me an evening to blush about.
• “Why don’t you just get straight to the point then” I sent my hands to his belt and traced his length.
• He made an obvious jolt and looked surprisingly at me.
• “ You’re getting wilder everyday” he smirked “ you actually have a job” he rolled my hair around his hand and pulled me to my knees.
• It’s not the first time anyways so I got to work, fumbled with the belt and his meat was in my face. No need to be shy in this moment I’m not innocent. Suck on it like a very good girl. It was satisfying watching him loose control of himself each and every time. Once he released I ran out of the room to empty my bowels. Damn this pregnancy symptoms.
• After successfully puking in the bathroom, I groaned tiredly and cleaned off the bathroom. I plopped on my bed and allowed mother nature do it’s job.
• I stretch on the bed and grumbled sleepily, it was morning already. Another day to re-live my everyday life. I got off the bed to prepare for the day. As I stood up to walk to the bathroom, I heard a knock from the door, the very next minute, Maggie strolled in.
• “Hi Maggie, good morning” I muttered
• “Morning princess” I heard the sarcasm and teasing in her voice.
• I giggled, “oh please.”
• “Are you okay though?” she asked.
• “Uhm yes. Why do you ask?”
• “I don’t know. Since you came to this house, you’ve been looking so distant, sick. Are you ill?”
• “No, I’m fine” I knew it, they were already noticing the symptoms; it is only a matter of time before everyone finds out. I feigned a smile and added, “Really I’m fine Maggie."
• “Well okay, if you say so. What should be prepared for breakfast?”
• “I think spaghetti and spaghetti sauce will be fine. He doesn’t hate spaghetti too, does he?”
• She chuckled, “No he doesn’t”. Maggie turned to leave.
• “A little extra spicy please” I added.
• “Okay okay” and she closed the door behind her.
• I sighed and walked to the bathroom, to start my business.
• Thankfully, breakfast today wasn’t weird and long, we were now in the car on the way to work. He said nothing through out the journey to the office, I said nothing too.
• The car stopped to a halt in front of the building, I was about opening the car door to leave when I heard him say, “I have a dinner meeting later this night, you have a dress right?”
• What? Why was he telling me this now?
• “I don’t know. I don’t think I do” I had to let him know. He could have told me this since for me to have prepared my dress and myself mentally.
• “That would not be any problem either. I’ll have a dress sent to you before the end of the day” He said and got out of the car.
• “Be fucking real” I mumbled to myself and got out of the car too.
• I brazed my way to the elevator and got off on my office floor.
• “Eliza, good morning” Minnie’s voice boomed from the other end of the office.
• “Hi Minnie morning.”
• “You look lovely today Liza, good morning” I turned to see Ric smiling sheepishly at me.
• “Oh really thank you Ric” I returned the smile. I had no strength for the usual office gossip today, I settled down in my cubicle and placed my hand on my head. I felt exhausted.
• The day went by in a haze, less stressful than yesterday. I was going on with my normal work activities when I heard Minnie’s shrill.
• “Elizaaaaa.”
• I got up and turned to look at her, “What is it?”
• “There’s a package for you. Oh my gosh it has a note attached too, he calls you princess?”
• I hurriedly walked up to her. It was a package from a courier service. I suddenly remembered what Lincoln had told me earlier.
• “Spill Eliza, who’s the lucky guy?”
• “At this point I think she’s the lucky one here” My other female colleagues had started gathering, things like these was what got them living.
• “Can I have my package please?” I whined.
• “Oh sure princess.”
• I snatched the package from her and hurriedly walked to my seat. Once I was settled and was sure the other ladies were at their corners too, I took out the note to read.
• ‘Be my princess tonight’
• I found myself beaming widely still starring at the note. His mean character was also somehow romantic.
• I heard someone clear a throat before me. I paused and raised my head a little.
• “Why are you not working?”
• Lincoln!