Read Story: SEASON 2 EPISODE 77

The housekeeper!

Marcus meet's the new housekeeper and sets the tone.

Thursday, September 12th, 1:30 pm

“There they are,” Erin said, her face nearly pressed against the glass as the chopper descended. Several people stood about fifteen feet from the helipad as we neared it. I could see my pool and the garden; both looked pristine and untouched—ready for me.

At long last… I was home.

“That must be Emiko,” I said, eyes fixed on the woman leading the group.

“Yep!” Erin looked at me, grinning. “Finally! No more party planning for me. Emiko and Charity can take care of it.”

“You threw such a good one last time,” I said.

“They’ll throw even better ones,” Erin said.

The skids made a touchdown, and I could already hear the faint sounds of the rotor soften, each decibel dropping as the pilot powered down.

Chloe opened the door and stepped out first, adjusting her jacket. She scanned the area through her aviator sunglasses as if there could possibly be danger on top of my own roof.

I stepped out first, squinting to protect my eyes from the sun and rotor wash as I looked at my welcome committee.

Helen drew my attention immediately. She looked radiant in a dark purple button-down that opened at the top to show a tantalizing amount of skin. Her black pants hugged her hips, and she wore heels that made her a couple of inches shorter than me. Her golden blonde hair fell in loose waves down her back and fluttered in the wind from the slowing helicopter blades.

The collar around her neck was still in place and spoke volumes about our relationship—hard-earned ownership. I had crowned her and claimed her—lifted her higher than her husband ever did, even as I wrapped a symbol of submission around her neck.

She was mine… body and soul.

And she was a sight for sore eyes.

“Helen,” I said, her name tasting like the sweetest wine as I closed the distance between us.

What was once an icy, calculating stare was now twin azure flames as she looked back at me with a radiant smile. Her faint laugh lines didn’t detract from her beauty. They matured it and gave it weight.

As soon as I got in arm’s reach, I grasped her face and brought her lips to mine for a soul-searing kiss that she returned with interest. I felt her moist tongue immediately press against my lips and let it in. We spent the next several moments fully making out with each other in front of more than a dozen people.

“Is she going to greet us all like that?” Natashya murmured behind me.

We parted, and she gave the bohemian dancer a smile tinged with demure warmth—an almost-girlish flicker beneath all that poise.

“I don’t think Miss Upton would be thrilled with that notion, Miss Lazarev. Apologies for the overt display. It’s been a week, and our…”

Helen hesitated and searched my face for a moment. “Marcus… he gave us quite the scare.”

What had Helen been about to say?

Helen moved on. “Oh, Marcus! I’d like to introduce you to your domestic manager. Marcus Upton, this is Emiko Hoshino.”

I turned fully toward the woman beside Helen, giving her my full attention.

Emiko looked about five years younger than Helen—maybe a little younger. Several inches shorter, she stood around five foot four, her posture poised without stiffness. Her dark chestnut hair was gathered in a loose bun at the nape of her neck, held with a silver clip.

She wore a silk sheath dress with a Mandarin collar and an intricate Japanese floral pattern. The cut was modest but deliberate—tailored to hint at a slender waist and the soft flare of her hips. The silk outlined her breasts just enough to notice they were slightly smaller than Helen’s. The dress wasn’t designed to seduce, but it made the option available.

Her fair complexion set off the dark sheen of her hair. Her eyes—deep, dark, endlessly patient—seemed to drink in the light and turn it into warmth. And her mouth… full enough to soften her elegance, curved just slightly to the side in a smile that suggested she already knew your secrets and simply chose not to mention them.

She was breathtaking in a way that suggested no effort at all.

And I’d been around women long enough to know: that kind of presence was never effortless. It was art. Studied, refined, and worn with quiet pride.

She gave me a slight bow and a warm smile. “Mr. Upton. Thank you for allowing me to serve you.”

Her voice held a soft, natural husk—unforced, unpracticed. Not seductive, just steady. It reminded me of Shea in spirit more than tone: warmth personified.

“Emiko.” I offered her my hand, and she took it in both of hers. They were velvety soft, and I could feel the slightest caress of her thumb across the back of my knuckles. She gave my fingers a light squeeze and let them go.

“It’s good to have you. I look forward to seeing what you can do for the house.” I glanced to my left at Erin. “I know my assistant is happy you’re here.”

Emiko’s smile widened a touch. “Yes. Erin has taken on too much. Looking after your direct needs is a full-time duty. Managing a household as well only detracts from her responsibilities. That she has maintained all of it is a testament to her capabilities.”

She gave Erin an admiring smile and then said, “Now that I am here, I hope that I improve, not only your life, but your staff’s, so that everyone may serve you better.”

Her words… the way she spoke… her elegant beauty… I might have already been a little smitten.

Erin gave a soft snort beside me, modest but unmistakably pleased.

“Well put,” I said. “How about we walk down to my study. Helen says you have some thoughts.”

Emiko bowed her head slightly. “I would like that.”

“Em,” I said, turning to my sister, “I know you guys have to be tired. I’m going to be tied up with this for the rest of the day. You want to do dinner here tonight?”

“Sounds great,” Emily sighed. Her eyes were already starting to get heavy.

“No naps,” Natashya said as she threw her arm around my sister and gave me a wink. “You have to stay awake at least until the sun sets.”

Emily groaned.