Chapter 13

I knock on the door and Richard Haswell, billionaire owner of one of the largest corporations in the world, my Master, opens the suite door, inviting me in with an outstretched arm. Inside, he takes my coat, slipping it from my shoulders, and hanging it carefully in a closet. Dressed casually again, he wears a loose white linen shirt and tight black jeans.

He leans in to kiss me, looking closely at my face. "Are you all right, Elizabeth? You seem upset."

I nod, not wanting to discuss what has just happened. "I'm fine. It's nothing."

He holds my gaze, clearly not believing me, but then changes the subject. "Have you eaten? Are you hungry?"

"Err, yes, I'm hungry. Actually, I didn't eat," I say. Then flushing, I add, "I was excited by all the lovely things you sent. Thank you."

Richard smiles, nodding in acknowledgement. "You're welcome, Elizabeth, and I see you have used them well. Come over here into the light. I want to see you."

Richard leads me to stand by the window, t