The old Hawthorne Mansion loomed like a gothic dream on the outskirts of the English countryside. Sophia had taken the live-in personal assistant position three weeks ago, managing the estate’s affairs for the reclusive owner who was rarely present. The real enigma of the house, however, was Mr. Elias Blackwood, the butler.
Elias was perfection incarnate. Mid-thirties, tall and elegantly built with broad shoulders, dark hair was always styled and a sharp jaw.
“Everything in this household runs according to my service,” he had told her on her first day. Sophia had soon learned just how personal that service could become.
It started subtly. A lingering touch when he handed her morning tea. A whispered “Well done, Miss Sophia” that sent shivers down her spine. Then came the discovery, the
