Ah'Taria, Gold District— The Palace

Kayla twirled around the room her long blue summer dress bellowed around her ankles as she laughed at her reflection.

"You seem happy," remarked Lucas as he and Jacob walked into the room.

Kayla stopped and stared at him excitedly, "I'm meeting Ebony at the Golden palace Cafè this afternoon."

Lucas frowned as he watched her glide around the room, "Will it only be Ebony or is her husband joining you?"

Kayla stopped to cock her head and stared at Lucas, "Why would it matter?"

Lucas smiled tightly,  "Jacob and I will be joining you."

Kayla brow knitted together as she watched Lucas carefully.

"Why would you want to join Ebony and me?"

Lucas extended his hands to Kayla. He folded her in his embrace and kissed her forehead before he replied,

"Because I said I  wanted to join you."

Kayla frowned darkly at him, "if that is what you want."

She shrugged as she walked past him, "Good afternoon Jacob." With those words she stormed out of the room.

Jacob chuckled at the rigid posture Kayla had adopted, "You could have just said you didn't want her to go alone in case Arturo was there."

Lucas stared coldly at his wife's back, "She needs to learn not to question my wishes."

After they'd followed behind Kayla he sighed inwardly before he  glowered at Jacob, "Stop smirking before I rip your lips off. And i admit I may should have said that to her instead."

Jacob laughed,  "The Joys of being Married."

Lucas waved his hand and tripped Jacob before he gave him a dirty look, "I can't wait for you to feel my joy."

Jacob sobered at Lucas's scowl and mumbled, "More like pains."

Kayla ignored them as she strolled regally toward the Cafè that stood outside the gates of the palace.

As she entered her eyes scanned the room until she saw Ebony's head peak out of an alcove.

Kayla called Ebony's name and waved enthusiastically as she walked towards her.

*****

Leaf–tree Inn, Bronze District, Ah'Taria,

Earlier that day

Ebony stared out the small window of the tiny hotel room she and Arturo shared.

She attempted to ignore his latest rant about their monetary situation as she prepared to leave.

"Are you listening to me?!" He yelled at he roughly grabbed her arm and pulled her around to face him. " I shouldn't have to be telling you this Ebony."

Ebony took a deep breath as she stared blankly at him. She closed her eyes and tried to remember He had Kayo, her precious baby, hidden somewhere on Mizu.

"I don't know what you expect me to do, Art?." She snatched her arm from his painful grip, Jacob Lawson Isn't someone that you should take lightly." With defiant glare she laughed without humor, "I want nothing to do with him or Lucas Sinclair."

Arturo grabbed Ebony and shook her before he pushed her into the small wooden chair.

"How can you say that!"  Yelled Arturo as he stepped in front of her and pulled her head back by her hair. He raised his hand to strike her but lowered it with a sneer.

"You are lucky you are to meet Lady Kayla I can't send you with bruises on your face," snarled Arturo as he walked toward the hidden compartment that held beverages. He reached in and retrieved a bottle of wine, "Do you not realize what Lord Jacob can do for us! The royals alone that he'd shower on you is staggering. I would reap the benefit of you–"

Ebony pushed her black hair out of her face and glared, "Is that all you can think about? Your–get–rich–quick–schemes are tiresome. You could be working as a civil servant on Mizu but you refused to do the job correctly."

Arturo poured a glass of wine and chuckled, "When I married you I expected to be rolling in royals. But your father left stipulations on everything he'd left you."

He paused to gulp down the liquor from the glass then poured himself another, And now I am just as poor as I was before marrying you."

Ebony snarled, "You could always agree to a divorce."

Arturo stared at her in disgust, You want me to remove my name from your family's register." A cruel laugh spilled from his lips as he gloated, "I would never give up the Talisman name!"

Ebony gazed at him for the fool he was as she rose, "Arturo, I have a date with Kayla."

Greedily he sat the empty bottle and glass down, "I will join you."

Ebony waved her hand and snickered, "you will not! Kayla is only expecting me and I will not allow you, and your greedy stupidity, to do something that will make me lose my only friend."

Your reluctance to do what is necessary for your family will make you lose everything" he goaded.

No!, me letting my worthless and greedy relatives talk me into marrying you is why I will lose everything!" She snapped angrily. "You, my family and your family spent my dowry as if it were endless."

Arturo rolled his eyes, "Since there is no more you should do whatever is necessary."

Taken aback by his statement Ebony rolled her eyes in annoyance, "So I should do whatever is necessary while you my dear husband does nothing!."

"Exactly!" Arturo nodded in approval with the belief Ebony understood what he expected.

Angrily Ebony grabbed her shawl, "You and your family are insane!." She opened the door and turned to stare at him coldly, "My family is no better than yours but at least they are mine."

Arturo sped after her as soon as the door slammed behind her, "I must make her see that becoming Jacob Lawson's Paramour would improve all of our circumstances. She needs to stop being selfish." Grumbled Arturo.

Ebony ignored her husband as she walked down the street toward the Cafè she and Kayla were supposed to meet. As she crossed the gleaming white streets she wished he respects her words and realized that she would never ask Kayla for anything nor would she stoop to being that man's paramour.

Ebony took a deep breath as she ran toward a transport that would get her to the cafe earl. She turned to see that Arturo had fallen behind and wouldn't be able to make it before the transport pulled away.

"This transport is going to the Gold District," stated the woman that operated the controls. Ebony nodded as she placed her hand against the black screen. The transport operator smiled, "Accepted! Ebony A. Talisman of Mizu  guest of Lady Makayla Sinclair."

Ebony sat down and watched as Arturo tried to wave at the transport to stop. "Please do not stop," whispered Ebony as she stared blankly out the window.

After several minutes the transport stopped outside the upscale restaurant and Ebony disembarked. She raised her head high not willing to let Arturo steal her happiness. With grace she walked into the cafe and smiled as she took in the shiny golden wood floors, white marble table tops and wrought iron chairs. "Do you have a reservation?" asked a Nasally voice.

Ebony turned to smile at the person that looked down his nose at her Ebony giggled, I'm here to meet my friend Kayla Sinclair" Her smile grew as the person's snobbish attitude turned humble and he led her to a beautiful alcove with fresh cut flowers and a small water fountain.

"Her ladyship should be here shortly," He nodded slightly in respect before he walked away.As he entered the back  room he shook his head, "Lady Kayla should definitely have chosen a different location for her lowbrow friend and herself to meet." He ignored the other staff as he placed an assortment of pastries on a larger platter and poured four cups of coffee. With a beleaguered sigh he walked back out into the main area to place the tray on the table.

Ebony stared at the stain glass that glittered around the light fixtures. She saw they had beautiful depictions of dragons that breathed fire and phoenixes that rose from the flames.she smiled politely to the servers he placed coffee and pastries on the table before she turned to look at the mural in the alcove. "Wow!" Gasped Ebony in awe at the vibrant and rich colors.

Lost in thought she heard her name called enthusiastically. She stood up to greet Kayla as she did  she was enclosed in a relieved hug.

Ebony sighed happily as she returned the warm hug.

Kayla stared into Ebony's Violet eyes she smiled, "I hope you don't mind that Lucas and Jacob have joined us."

Ebony felt her heart lurch at the mention of Jacob's name. "No... It would be nice to see them. We only got to speak briefly at the children's introduction ceremony."

Kayla nodded and pulled her back towards the alcove excitedly, "You've married." As they sat down  she looked over to see Lucas and Jacob had entered the cafè, "You must tell me everything!."

Ebony pulled her lips back in what she hoped was a smile as she stared at Kayla, "To be honest Kayla I married him at the urging of my family and–."

"And you are unhappy and hope that Kayla will assist you in ending the marriage," Interrupted Lucas as he walked over and sat down.

Ebony paled as she stared at Lucas before she quickly looked away to shake her head, that's not true, My Lord. I will end the marriage with my own two hands."

Jacob smiled as he sat down at the table with Lucas, "Explain how you plan to do that Ebony?"

Ebony could feel her heart speed up as she looked into Jacob's light brown eyes and felt a pull that made her feel like she was falling. She pushed against that pull and turned to look at Kayla, "I would never ask you for anything."

Kayla frowned towards Lucas and Jacob Even if you did it is my decision to help you." She turned toward Ebony and smiled brightly, "And I would help you if you asked."

Ebony tried and failed to return the Kayla's bright smile. She could feel the years melt away as she stared into those brown eyes; all the pain, heartache, loneliness and trauma. Kayla is such a wonderful person I can't imagine how or why she'd willingly be with someone like Lucas, thought Ebony.

"What makes you think she did it willingly,"Taunted Jacob as he stared at Ebony.

Ebony turned to stare at Jacob and again felt the pull to fall into his eyes. "I'm sorry," she asked with the hope she'd heard him incorrectly. "I didn't quite hear you."

Jacob smiled sweetly towards her as he picked up a lemon scone, "I didn't say anything."

Lucas choked on his muffin as he knew very well what Jacob had said.

Kayla stared at Jacob with a small frown as she'd heard him too, "Jacob! Don't do that please." Then he turned and cocked an eyebrow toward her, Kayla sighed. "I'd hate to have to mention your behavior to your mother." As his smile slipped a little she turned to Ebony, "Acadia is a wonderful and beautiful woman that would be very upset if she learned Jacob was prying into the mind of an innocent woman."

Jacob rolled his eyes as he bit into his scone, "Kayla I'd appreciate if you don't speak of my mother in front of her."

Ebony felt a little hurt at his tone but tried to cover it with a smile. She nodded slowly as a wave of sadness and understanding hit her. "I apologize. I seem to be out of place here."

Jacob stared at Ebony and cocked an eyebrow, "You are out of place here but that didn't stop you from coming."

Lucas turned to look at Jacob with a confused stare. With a sigh he inquired through their link, why are you being so mean to her Jacob. He watched semi–amused when Jacob shrugged in answer.

Ebony picked at her simple dress as she took in Kayla's well–made designer outfit and felt sadness bloom in her heart. "I'm so stupid. Why did I never realized the Academy's uniforms hid such a a difference in our socio economic class and standings?" She nodded politely, "I apologize for being imprudent and trying to continue my acquaintance with you, Kayla." With a nod towards Lucas and Jacob she started to leave the table.

Kayla jumped to her feet, "What are you talking about!" Kayla reached for Ebony's arm and grabbed her, "Don't leave" Ebony winced as Kayla squeezed the arm that Arturo had earlier grabbed and bruised "Kayla I believe I should leave."  She said as she pulled her arm out of her grip. "I am obviously below the level of which your husband and his friend believe you should be associating."

Kayla turned to glare from Lucas to Jacob, "That's not true and even if it were I will not let anyone dictate to me who my friends should be."

As she stared at them angrily she raised her chin haughtily, "And I believe my dear husband and his friend understands."

Lucas smirked as he raised his coffee cup and bowed his head to her, "Yes. definitely I understand."

Jacob stared coldly from Ebony's face to the arm she'd wrenched from Kayla's arm, "So your husband isn't just selfish and greedy but abusive too."

Ebony turned to look at Jacob before she responded flatly, "Arturo is not your concern Lord Jacob and neither am I."

Jacob smirked at her as he locked eye's with her. His lips rose as she fell into his spell. He watched silently as she sat back down obediently, "I will concern myself with what I want, Ebony."

Kayla stared uncertain of what just happened as she went to shake Ebony Lucas grabbed her shoulder. "I believe it is time for us to take our leave. You can visit Ebony again tomorrow." Jacob didn't break eye contact with Ebony as they left. He delved into her mind, he pried into her thoughts, he read her every memory and smiled when he located the ones from the Academy. Gently he pulled and reviewed those, as to not cause her unnecessary trauma, when done he waited for her to regain awareness.

Ebony blinked several times before she realized she and Jacob were alone. Uncertainty bloomed in her stomach and she frowned distraught. She thought she had gotten away from him when he'd left school. She'd gotten married and started to raise a family with the belief she'd never see him again. She felt a terror only he could inspire within her and watched almost horrified as he smiled at her. It was a smile that dripped an acid honey that signaled her doom.

Tears came to her eyes as she stared into cold light brown eyes.

With a smirk, Jacob whispered, "It's being a long time Ebony."

Ebony's breath caught in her chest as she closed her eyes she could feel his voice wash over her body like a caress. "In my nightmares you were always there," she whispered.

Jacob leaned toward her, "Were they really nightmares or does it make you feel better to say they were."

A warm shiver ran up her back from his reply. Ebony was about to answer him when she heard a voice outside the alcove that she recognized,

"My wife is here meeting with Lady Makayla Sinclair and I demand to be sat with her."

Ebony cringed in embarrassment as she looked down at the table, "I should leave before he causes a bigger scene."

Jacob cocked an eyebrow as she rose, "My question still stands. Do you want me to assist your husband in reaching his goals in doing nothing here on Ah'Taria?" He gazed at her and knew she didn't remember the last part of the Question, at Kae's suggestion he'd erased that.

Ebony looked down at him as he sipped his coffee, "And what would I have to do for your assistance?"

Jacob smirked as he lied, I need an assistant."

Ebony stared at him baffled, "All I would have to do is become your assistant? What does the position include?"

Jacob gave Ebony a sexy smile as he chuckled, "Everything I say includes"

Puzzled by his answer she nodded, "How much does the job pay?"

Jacob pulled out his hand held and sent a message to Saia He waited impatiently for her reply, "How much do you believe the job should pay?"

Ebony could hear Arturo as he became louder and started to argue with someone outside the alcove, "If I become your assistant I–"

Jacob rested his elbows on the table and steepled his fingers with a know it all smirk. He waited for her to shift uncomfortably before he cut her off, You want me to use my power to terminate your marriage to Arturo and send him back to Mizu." At her nod he continued, "What about the other things you want?"

Ebony stared at her hands as she played with her fingers, "Would my job responsibilities fall in line with being like a paramour?"

Jacob sat his coffee down and sat back in his seat, "And if It did?"

Ebony shook her head quickly and stared down at her hands, Can I really barter my body and freedom to get away from him and my greedy family?, she continued to play with her fingers, I honestly don't believe you see me that way."

Jacob stared at her as he leaned back in his seat, "I don't know but you may grow on me."

Ebony looked at him hopefully, You don't want me to be your paramour? All I have to do is become your assistant and you will help me?"

Jacob smiled and it only widened when he heard her heart speed up, "That is correct. I will help you find somewhere to live on Ah'Taria between my residence and the palace so that you can commute with ease."

Ebony nodded as she looked back down to her hands, "Lord Jacob there is one more thi–."

Jacob waved a hand at her and interrupted again, "I will have Kayo brought to Ah'Taria." He picked up his handheld as it went off and read Saia's response: Am I being fired. Are you replacing me that you need an assistant? I am sorry for my lapse! I am paid 45 royals a week plus my apartments are paid for by the palace. Sighing he looked at her, "Ebony, my offer includes a weekly stipend of 30 royals a week and lodgings for you and Kayo are included with the position."

"My wife is back there and I will join her," Arturo walked into the alcove and glared at the occupants. Ebony he slurred drunkenly as he grasped her shoulder, "Did you not hear me calling for you?"

Ebony stared into Jacob's conceited face and replied as doom bubbled inside her, "I accept."

Palace Cafè

Jacob smiled sickeningly sweet as Arturo as he looked at the Man's flushed and drunken face.

Jacob pointed to an empty chair and bared his teeth in a smile, Have a seat. Ebony and I were discussing a job I have available."

Arturo plopped down unceremoniously in a chair and glared at Ebony, "Why would you and he be discussing a job?" Arturo reached for her as he growled, "I told you–"

Jacob waved a hand and Arturo's head slammed into the table. "You are not allowed to do that," He warned.

Arturo raised his head and nodded toward Ebony, "What exactly is the job you have accepted from his Lordship."

Jacob cocked his head at him before he answered, "You needn't worry about that. Ebony's position doesn't require your presence nor am I overly fond of it. I believe you should return to Mizu and await word from her."

Arturo licked his thick lips as he could hear the royals as they rolled in, "And if I decide to settle here with her and her daughter–"

Jacob's smile tightened, "Isn't Kayo your child also?."

Arturo waved a hand at the question and he slurred, She is mine but of no use to me at this time."

Jacob cocked a brow to this, That's interesting. She is about the same age as my friend's children and I believe they would like a playmate. Does that make her of more value to you?"

Arturo turned to look at Jacob, "Are you speaking of the heir apparent and those two girls?"

Jacob wanted to kill him immediately. With a sneer he sat forward in his chair, "Does it matter which child she amuses."

Arturo could see his death in Jacob's eyes and wondered if he had pushed him to the limits of his good will. Quickly he nodded so low his head thumbed against the table, "It would be an honor for our daughter to play with the Sinclair children."

Jacob smirked at him, "I thought it would be." He swung his eyes to Ebony as he rose, "Stop by my home office before you retire for the evening so that we can discuss your position in detail." At Ebony's nod he turned to Arturo, "I don't expect to see you again without Kayo." When Arturo wanted to speak he continued, "Leave today on the transport for Mizu and return within two weeks with her."

He exited the alcove and went to the server to make sure the bill was paid before he left.

––––

Ebony plucked at her dress as she realized her and Arturo were the center of attention with Jacob gone. Ebony rose to leave the Cafè before Arturo could cause another scene. Quickly she nodded to the server and hurried out with the hope that he would follow suit.

Instead Arturo relaxed as he was left alone in the exclusive restaurant. He called loudly for the server and started to wave until he came over,  Is Lord Jacob taking care of the bill?"

The waiter stared at Arturo as if he were a disgrace of a man and shook his head, "His grace took care of the bill on his departure."

Arturo sneered as he mocked the waiter, "His Grace! Well add the most expensive bottle of port to the bill and a meal fit for King Isaiah Sinclair."

Oliver stared at the man as if he were crazy and walked away. He pressed a few buttons on his hand held to place the order and alert Lucas of the new charges to the bill.

––––

Inside the Palace

Lucas stared down at his device as Jacob walked into their new shared offices. With a frown he turned it toward Jacob, "Why did you order the most expensive bottle of port and the king's feast and tell the server to charge it to me?"

Jacob brow furrowed before he started to laugh, "That man obviously has a death wish."

Lucas cocked a brow at him and asked coolly, "What Man?"

Smirking he sat down, "Arturo Talisman, husband of my new assistant."

Lucas head shot up as a slow smile spread over his face, "Why do you need an assistant."

Jacob glanced toward the door as Kaelen walked in. He flicked a piece of lint from his jacket as he drawled, "My mother thinks I need someone other than the cleaning staff to wake me up. She complains of the lines outside my room." With a nonchalant shrug he watched Kaelen sit down,

"Therefore I hired an assistant."

Kaelen frowned as he heard the end of the conversation, "An assistant for what?"

Lucas chuckled, "Jacob has a very interesting morning routine. I believe he hired someone to assist him with that."

Kaelen frowned and nodded, "What routine could you have that calls for an assistant" Lucas and Jacob smiled, he  shook his head quickly, "Never mind!" He held up his hands then he continued, "I don't want to know."

Jacob chuckled as he watched Kaelen send dirty looks towards Lucas as he pressed buttons on his hand held.

Lucas glared down at the report's they had just received from their two full analysis, "We need to do something about the families that are knowingly working against the Alliance."

Jacob shrugged as he swiped his finger deftly across his hand held, "One of the families must have gotten nervous after medic Holmes death." He glanced up from the report he'd just condensed, "They have relocated to Olliyum  under the guise of  sending their daughter to the Academy there."

Kaelen nodded as he sat down. "What do we plan to do about the one's still on Ah'Taria?."

Jacob rolled his eyes, I think we should elimin–"

Kaelen sighed as he shook his head, "One suicide or random accidental death is a tragedy but eight or nine is too many to be believed as a coincidence. It will lead those working against the Alliance to do something hastily."

Lucas chuckled as he looked up from the report on the family that had relocated to Olliyum, I'm going to have to agree with Kae on that."

Jacob turned to look at Saia as she covered her mouth, "Since you seem to be in a good mood what do you think we should do?"

Saia turned to look from Kaelen to Lucas and finally at Jacob, wincing at his acidic smile she hurriedly turned back to her screens.

Saia and Anton's family had been working for the palace since before her father's father was born and she knew nothing pleasant laid behind any of Jacob's smiles. With agility and confidence she pressed buttons as she said, "I think you should invite them all to a gathering and everyone should mysteriously have a change of heart."

Lucas frowned at her idea and shook his head, "Saia, when have you known either of us to believe traitors should be given the option to have a chang of heart."

Kaelen reviewed the names for a second time, "Has Anyone checked to see if these families have connections that are not readily available?" He looked toward Lucas and Jacob and turned the device toward them, "On the surface there is nothing but I think we should dig deeper."

Anton Maddox looked to his twin sister and whispered, You ran a trace on all of the people before we'd left yesterday yesterday." He sent a look her way and nodded back toward the three that sat at the table and then shook his head.

Jacob missed the quite conversation Between Anton and Saia and threw his hand held on the table. He rose and stretched as he yawned. Calling the twins he said, "Don't you both believe that, was something one of you should have looked into?"

Anton tilted his head toward his twin, She was supposed to look for their connections; while  I tracked that family that left for Olliyum."

Saia turned a pleading look to Anton but when he shook his head and continued compiling data she knew she was being left to handle her lapse on her own. Turning to see the glowering face of Jacob she hurried to find the research she'd done on the connections between the families, I'm sorry Lord Jacob! I was sure I included that in the reports."

Jacob smiled tightened, "Don't make me believe I made a mistake in keeping you on staff Saia."

Saia nodded as beads of sweat broke out on her forehead, Goddess he is scary when He's angry! I hope his new 'assistant' can help him with that, she giggled out loud at that thought.

Jacob smirked as her thoughts that came clearly to him but he remained quiet as he walked behind her. He'd grown up with the twins working for his family; he and Lucas had played many pranks on them as they had grown up. She and Anton were the closest things he and Lucas had to childhood friends, but he'd never tell them that.

"Saia how long do we need to wait for the information?" Jacob asked as he placed his hands on the back of her seat tilting it and her back and forth.

"I know I compiled it I'm just locating it. It should be only one more minute." She giggled as he played with her seat.

Jacob smirked, "You always were easily entertained."

Flushing bright red, she nodded her head remembering how Jacob and Lucas used to 'entertain' themselves and sometimes her and Anton by playing pranks on anyone unlucky enough to come to the place. They also would play them on her and Anton but nothing too serious.

Lucas chuckled as he rose and walked behind Jacob, "Leave her alone so she can work. You have to remember she gets the worst motion sickness."

Rolling his eyes at the memory he turned to Kaelen,  When we were around 12 we took her to a festival with rides and she threw up on the spinning one."

Kaelen arched an eyebrow, "I thought it was just you and him."

Lucas nodded and smirked, "It was just Jacob and me technically. Saia and Anton's family make up the majority of the Sinclair and Lawson staff."

Kaelen nodded slowly as he could imagine why they hired Saia and Anton as part of their staff. They'd ignore or  overlooked almost all their tendencies because they grew up with them and were privy to them everyday. Glancing at Saia he chuckled at her red cheeks as she rapidly pressed the keys to run a new trace on the names. Rising he laughed as Jacob rocked her chair with more force, "Jacob you really should give her a break! She and Anton just celebrated their marriages,"

Jacob turned and smiled tightly at him before replying, "I am giving her a break." As he said this the chair flipped backwards with her tumbling to the floor and Jacob looking down coolly at her. As she scrambled to her feet and rushed to the garbage can to throw up he mumbled, "Sorry Saia."

Lucas threw his hands up mumbling, "How is it possible that seeing Ebony and hiring her has put you in such a sour mood."

Waving a hand and sending a chair flying he growled, "I can't even understand why she looks at me like that. Even as I was helping her she stared at me like that."

Saia turned her chair right side up and sat back down. With a calm that belied the fact that he had just flipped the seat she said, "I've compiled the information and It was sent to you, Lord Jacob."

Jacob patted Saia's shoulder as he turned away from her to allow her to finish whatever she was doing prior to running a trace on their connections.

Kaelen brow furrowed as he stared at Jacob, I'm sorry I don't understand how you can say that. Ebony stares at you with the same look Mia stares at Lucas with on occasion." Pointing towards Saia he said exacerbated, "You almost hurt Saia."

Lucas smirked as he tilted back into his chair, "Saia didn't say anything about it plus how would you describe that look your beloved little sister gives me?"

Kaelen walked over to the toppled chair and turned it right side up, "Like she's afraid you may hurt her if you don't control yourself." Pointing to Saia, just like Jacob almost hurt Saia."

Lucas smirk grew as he listened, Saia did Jacob almost hurt Saia."

Saia glanced at Kaelen and shook her head. "No, I'm used to it. He throws temper tantrums like a child." Smiling toward Jacob and Lucas she giggled, It's part of their charm once you get to know them."

Kaelen raised an eyebrow to that and shook his head, obviously she fell on her head during one of their little pranks. Sighing he hoped that their perversity wasn't part of the gift he'd received after waking from his coma. Looking down he reviewed that data that Saia sent to them mumbling, "Do either of you ever notice that Saia looks at you like that?"

Jacob turned to Saia and with a honey smile called, "Saia, could you turn around so Lucas and I can get a look at you?"

Saia turned and looked at both Lucas and Jacob with trepidation in her eyes.

Lucas stared into her fear laced eyes and shrugged, "I don't see it." Turning to Jacob he asked, "Do you see it?"

Jacob shook his head as she stared at Saia intently, "Nope. I don't see it."

Kaelen stared at both of them as if they were crazy. "Let me ask you something?" Pointing toward Saia he asked boldly, "Does her expression show fear."

Lucas and Jacob both looked at Sais intently and both shook their heads slowly. Lucas smirked, "I wouldn't say fear per say more along a sign of self-preservation."  Turning to Kaelen he laughed, Did you not see her tuck and roll when the chair fell backwards."

Jacob nodded in agreement with Lucas as he watched Saia stare at them with a blank face. " She knows neither one of us are going to kill her." Waving his hand towards her he rolled his eyes, "Saia you're fine get back to work."

Saia nodded as she glanced at Anton with a questioning expression, glancing back at Kaelen she wondered why he was trying to explain something they would never quite understand.

"You know we can hear you right," Lucas said as he looked over toward Saia.

Giggling, Saia looked back at Lucas, I didn't say or think anything Lord Lucas."

Lucas rolled his eyes at her as he turned to Kaelen again, "I really don't see anything."

Kaelen threw his hands in the air and stared at Saia back before asking the room, "Is she a Masochist?"

Jacob laughed as he sat down so they could finish working, "I'm supposed to meet with Ebony in a little while. Shall we finish this?"

Kaelen looked at his handheld wishing he could be a fly on the wall when Jacob told Ebony her responsibilities. Looking up at Jacob he saw him smirking. Damn I wish I could be there to see her pass out.

E

Lawson Estate

Jacob walked into the elegant foyer of his family's home and handed his coat to Jonathan.

"You have a visitor Lord Jacob. She stated that you were expecting her,"

Staring rigidly at Jacob, Jonathan continued, "She stated that you hired her as an assistant and her prints did show she was part of your staff. She's in your private studies."

Jacob smiled warmly at Jonathan, "I think I may have played a little too rough with Saia."

Jonathan's expression didn't change, "I doubt that young Lord." Walking away with his coat he added, "Saia knows how to tuck and roll."

Jacob laughed as he shook his head seeing that he'd obviously spoken to Saia and Anton about what transpired at the palace.

Walking up the wide staircase he whistled the Alliance anthem as he turned to go to his wing of the house. Reaching the crescendo he wondered why his mother always got testy when he talked about moving out. Nodding, as he didn't miss a note, he decided he'd talk to his parents about it again tonight at dinner.

Walking into his study he blinked twice when the seats in front of his desk were empty.

"Lord Jacob, I hope you don't mind that I waited here." Ebony sat in one of the seats located in front of a wide picture window that had a wonderful view of the Lawson's garden and of the palace.

Sitting down in front of her, he quickly took in her nervous hands wringing and tapping feet. "I have to ask." He began as he started to smile frostily, "Why would you agree to work for me?"

Ebony gaze move past his eyes to rest on his forehead as she whispered, "I don't know." She turned to look away from him and shrugged, "I can't stand Arturo's presence in Kayo's life and you offered to help us."

Smirking at her profile he sat back in his chair, "Kayla offered to help you too."

Ebony shook her head, Kayla would have made it happen and Lucas would have thought I was using her. You on the other hand offered me a way to help myself." Turning she stared at him, "I am curious what does the position entails."

Jacob's smile never slipped as he lean forward to stare into her Violet eyes, First of, I don't want or need a paramour. They are too clingy and needy," He searched her mind for her apprehension and his smile widened, So instead I decided to hire an assistant to help me."

Ebony felt a chill run up and down her spine as his sweet honey voice surrounded her. Suppressing a shutter she pressed her lips together, You want me do the job of a paramour without publicly announcing that I am your paramour."

Jacob sat back in his chair never breaking eye contact, Hmm. That sounds almost right. You will also be my assistant and accompany me whenever I ask or need accompaniment.

Ebony's foot tapped rapidly against the floor; She could feel her distress rising, "Jacob. I don't want to be a paramour."

Jacob smiled as he rose with an air that stated the conversation was over, "Good because I don't want a paramour."

Slowly Ebony rose and shook her head hoping to wake up from the nightmare she was in, If I refuse the job–"

Smirking Jacob stared mockingly at her, Any assistance I can and would give you would no longer be fourth coming."

Ebony sat down heavily, dejected, she placed her head into her hands: What should I do? If I change my mind it will take years before I can divorce Arturo and that's if I can keep the last of my family fortune from him and my family. Sighing she looked at Jacob with worried eyes,

"Can I really trust you?."

Jacob cocked an eyebrow and asked with a devilish smile, "Have I done anything you can remember that would make you not trust me?"

Ebony stared at him expressionless: why does he phrase things like that? It's so off-putting! He makes me want to pull my hair out! But technically he didn't force me to have the threesome with Gloria. I was too ashamed and afraid to back out after she suggested it. Comparing that experience to having sex with Arturo, I guess it was better.

Jacob watched her shift in her seat uncomfortably as she replayed their brief interaction with Arturo's many bumbling attempts at having sex with her. Jacob winced when he saw clearly the awkward and painful experience she'd had with him. Waving a hand he interrupted her thoughts, "I'm riveted by your thought process but I would like your answer now."

Ebony closed her eyes, nodding as she whispered, "What exactly–"

Jacob cut her off, "Aside from accompanying me you are to wake me every morning."

Ebony nodded as her heart beat picked up at the way he said wake him In the morning, "I can wake you in the morning."

Smirking Jacob drawled, "My mother is tired of the line of servants wanting to wake me up."

Ebony stared uncomprehending and waited for him to continue.

Smiling wider he continued, "I like to be awaken with morning fellatio and you will perform it until I'm satisfied."

Ebony could feel the warmth coming to her cheeks she'd watched avidly while Gloria had sucked him into her mouth during their threesome but she had never done it before. Looking at his ear she cleared her throat, "I've–"

"You are to not bite me, graze me with your teeth, scratch me, try to push me away or throw up on–"

"Wait!" Ebony said as she looked at him slightly confused, "Why would I throw up?"

Jacob smirked as he waved her question away, "Don't worry about that right now."

Staring at him with apprehension she weighed her options again.

Sighing he waved a hand toward her and frowned when she flinched. "What in Hades is wrong with you,"  He growled as he stepped toward her,  I know you are aware of Ah'Tarian tendencies–"

Nodding quickly she cut him off, "I apologize Lord Jacob."

I rescind my offer to help you, Ebony." Jacob tried not to smirk when he heard her heart skipped a beat. Feeling his hand held go off he looked down and saw a message from Kaelen: Are you really going to make her beg to suck your dick?

Trying not to laugh he replied: You said you'd only listen, 'Mr. fly on the wall.'

Looking to see if Ebony noticed he'd used his device, he waited while she took in his words when she still didn't respond respond fast enough he drawled, "We are done Ebony." Walking toward the door he smiled when he heard the chair scrape back.

Ebony jumped to her feet and took a deep breath, You said you'd pay for mine and Kayo's living quarters plus pay me 30 royals a week." Walking behind him she stared at his back, "I'll do it."

With a shaking hand she reached to touch his broad back, "I'll do it."

"I don't want or need a flinching bedmate Ebony," He said without turning toward her.

"I–I–I can do it," She lied as she tried to run her shaking hands along his back.

Jacob sighed as he felt her hands touch him looking over his shoulder he felt his device go off again. Looking down at it, He chuckled at Lucas's message: Have her prove it right now! And if she can even do it hallway decent I'll pay her first year's salary upfront.

Jacob smirked as he glanced back over his shoulder at her and chuckled, knowing Lucas would be able to keep his money.

Ebony stared into his eyes and knew he was about to say something she didn't want to hear. She could feel an overwhelming crushing feeling as her fear grew of him refusing to assist her almost as much as she could feel herself choking on her fear of him.

She still remembered her father explaining to her how Ah'Tarians were dangerous and to try to stay away from them. As she grew up she learned none were more so than the Sinclair's and Lawson's. Now here she stood in front of  Jacob Lawson.

You will be my assistant on trial basis. I'll give you the two weeks it takes until Kayo gets here for you to do your job acceptably," Smirking he touched a black curl and waited for her to flinch awa. When she didn't he pulled tilting her head back.

Ebony gasped and closed her eyes as he leaned in toward her, Is he going to kiss me. Oh gods above, what all does he expect me to do with him.  She felt his breath whisper over her face and waited for his lips to slam on hers wet and disgusting.

Chuckling Jacob pushed several strands behind her ear before he felt his device go off again. Leaning away from her he looked down and saw a message from Anton: Arturo Talisman has departed for Mizu. Saia and Marcus have followed him and will bring Kayo back without him. The seals you requested have been submitted for him to be removed from her family's registry. Is there anything else you need us to do? Sending a swift reply he disconnected the feed to Lucas and Kaelen.

"You have two weeks to please me, Ebony." Tilting her head up he brushed his lips across hers when she stiffened he sighed, "I honestly don't think you can do it."

Ebony pulled back and averted her eyes, "I can please you," she whispered.

Smirking he chuckled, "I don't mean the way you laid there to please Arturo." Turning her face toward him he continued, I want you to pleasure me Ebony I have no interest having sex with a corpse. You will not have Gloria to makeup for your short comings." When she tried to turn away from his penetrating stare the pressure of his grip increased, "And Ebony I only want to say this once. You are to look at me when we speak."

Ebony swiftly nodded as she stared into his light brown eyes. She watched as his eyes swirled and darkened into a gold color that was breathtaking. She could feel herself drowning and wanted to look away but his words compelled her not to break the gaze. When his lips curl up into a smile she prayed to every god and goddess that they were coming to an agreement and not speaking hypothetically. He spoke in a way that his meanings were not always clear to her.

Pulling on her wayward curl that kept falling forward he smirked, "You start tomorrow. Wear your hair down and wake me properly at 07:00."

When she nodded he smirked, "Do I need to tell you in details how to wake me?" He watched amused as she shook her head. "Don't worry about where you will reside for the next two weeks," He said as he felt his device go off again, "I've had an adjoining room to mine assigned to you for the trial period."

Reaching for his handheld he read Saia's message: Arturo Talisman is a piece of work; he is boosting of how his wife will soon be the paramour of Jacob Lawson.

Jacob glanced irritated from his handheld to Ebony, "Let me show you to your room." Turning on his heel he opened the door and walked toward the end of the hallway. Swinging the doors open he pointed to the large room, "These are my rooms." Pointing toward double doors he continued, "My sleeping area is through there." Walking back out the room he took her to a smaller set of double doors, "This is your room." He led her into a large airy light peach and pink room. Walking fully into the room he pointed to were the various doors led, "Ebony this doors led directly to my rooms. Use this door to come in and out of my rooms.

When she nodded her understanding he smiled, "One last thing."

Looking him in the eye she shifted uncomfortably, "Yes."

"Come here," he said in his soft honeyed voice.

He watched her walk toward him. When she stood directly in front of him he smirked, " Give me a goodnight kiss."

Ebony pressed her hands against his chest as she stood on tip toes and pecked his bottom lip.

Chuckling Jacob grabbed her around the waist pulling her closer to him. Grasping her chin he smirked, "We'll have to work on that." Dipping his head he kissed her fully on the lips, Running his tongue along the crease of her lips he whispered, "Open your mouth." When she opened it too wide he chuckled and stepped away from her. "You should really start thinking of how you are going to improve in the next two weeks." With that he opened the adjoining door and left her to stand staring after him perplexed.

Scratching her head she mumbled, "It's not like I can ask Kayla or anything."

Jacob looked down at his handheld to read Lucas's last message: She better not ask Kayla for advice or even tell her that her job includes fucking you. Oh yeah before I forget congratulations on the new new assistant. Jacob chuckled as he imagined Lucas sitting in the bathroom sending him the message so Kayla wouldn't see.