The sun is setting. Softening light stretches across the bed, and I watch the shadows play across my bare thighs. I can smell autumn in the breeze that plays through the curtains, dancing to and fro. I hear a soft knock and after a pause, Anika, the house girl comes in to light scented candles and flick on dim lamps. I watch her move as she glides about, graceful like a gazelle yet alert like a rabbit. She is beautiful, as are all of the people that live in the house. And like all of us, she is dressed erotically; her sheer silk gown hangs on her carved frame like a well-placed prop. Her lips are soft and lush, and I watch them curve in a half smile when our eyes meet. She knows my skin, my hands, the smell of my hair. Memories of our stolen moments warm my skin and skate down my spine. I know her, just as I know all of the people that come through the house, each with a defined purpose, all ready and willing to participate. I drift into a relaxed half-sleep, remembering when I first came to the house.
I met Jace on a normal Tuesday morning while standing in line for my morning coffee. I was green, for certain. A paralegal with ambition, bred to be lush but trying to pass for polished. As we passed the time with small talk, Jace seemed to see right through my carefully constructed veneer and his curious stare heated my gypsy blood. After several weeks of whirlwind romance, Jace brought me to the house one snowy night in December. We had driven from the city and into the beautiful wooded country. The house loomed large, with warm light reaching out from its windows to light up the surrounding trees. Jace opened the front door and I entered, taking in the soft lights, elegantly placed furnishings and the perfectly coordinating house staff. Theo, the strapping and very shirtless butler greeted us, his skin gleaming like satin on steel. He took my coat and effortlessly guided us to the drawing room. A fire waited, drinks were poured. Anika drifted in and announced the evening meal, offering me slippers and a lap robe. As she placed a napkin on my lap, I glanced down the wide neck of her gown to find tight red nipples on perfect peach sized breasts. I nervously glanced away only to see Jace watching me, heat and amusement in his expression.