The office was in a neat building at the entrance to the harbour. The brick building was quite big, at its front there were the rooms for the office and a place to host clients and behind the building there was a large storage space , partially covered with a roof. Some more precious trade items were kept in locked rooms.
We entered the building and I noticed how elegant everything here was. Both the furniture and the wall decorations. The wooden floor was shiny and we were instantly greeted by a middle-aged clerk who came rushing as soon as we entered despite quite a few people who were already waiting in the hall.
"My lord -he bowed - we have prepared everything as you wished. Please follow me." He walked quickly across the open space filled with armchairs and tables straight to a desk "Here we have the information desk, on the left is the office where we record imports and exports. Next, the office for collecting duties and searchers. Finally here, - the man approached a massive double wing wooden door and immediately opened it showing a spacious office. - This is your space my lord."
"Thank you Tyron. As you see lord Kian is my companion today as he shall start working here by next Monday."
"It's a pleasure my lord." The man bowed again.
"From now on I will continue. You may leave."
I must admit I felt excited, I will work here in this big office. I looked around only to notice one desk and a sofa with two armchairs in the corner. The room was well lit and was painted in bright sunny colour and on the wall there was a big painting with two ships entangled in a fierce battle.
"This is my office and here are all the port books as well as cockets and other valid documents." - Tod pointed at the bookstands on the right.
"It is very beautiful but there is only one desk here. Where is a place for me?"
"Come here." He grabbed me by my arm and pulled me behind him to the door on the left. It was another office smaller but more cosy with thick carpet, tapestry on one of the walls and a bookshelf. There was also a huge sofa and equally big desk. The furniture was fancy carved with floral patterns and the two chairs were upholstered. It looked magnificent.
I smiled brightly at Tod.
"Thank you."
Tod was beaming with joy, he hugged me and kissed passionately.
"Not here, - I pushed him - someone may enter."
"Don't worry. No one will."
The following two weeks proved he was right. Nobody entered my office except for Tod. My beautiful office had two doors, one was a toilet and the other led to Tod's office. Not a single person was able to come to my office unnoticed, to be honest nobody ever came. It was always Tod who brought me all the documents for translation.
Tod arranged everything in a perfect way, he often sat in my office watching me working three times we had office sex. Tod even said he bought that sofa only for that purpose.
It took me one month to realize that Tod was the only person I had contact with, even servants didn't dare to have long conversations with me.
Tod was caring, Tod took me to opera and the theatre, Tod and I often frequented fancy restaurants. At some point I felt like some trophy he was showing around. Always dressed in sparkling outfits with jewellery.
Tod loved watching me getting ready for our outings. I spent a fortune on toiletries, shoes, jewels and other stuff I didn't need at all. Whenever I was walking dressed like that, people stared, both men and women. Tod was smiling walking next to me, usually clad in black. He made sure that I was never left alone with anybody. I was a colorful bird placed in a golden cage, that's how I felt. Despite the fact I was able to take part in cultural events, I worked in an office and walked along busy streets, I was almost never approached. If somebody was talking to me directly, it was always with Tod standing next to me.
It felt bizarre, I was busier than in my previous life with Lorcan, as I called it, but somehow I felt lonelier.
Tod was obsessed with me. To the point it scared me.
Once I was talking to a young delivery man who brought some food supplies to our home. The butler was missing and I stepped in. It was just a small talk and we had some laughs. Tod came while I was still talking to that young man. He said nothing but in an instant I knew we had to finish our conversation. My guts told me there was something wrong I did since my stomach cramped when I noticed Tod's expression. He was pissed. As soon as the delivery guy disappeared with his wagon round the corner I turned around and looked at Tod.
"I couldn't find the butler so I took the delivery. After all, you told me to take care of the house matters." I decided to explain myself immediately.
"I see. It seemed quite an amusing conversation. Did you like that man?" Tod came closer and I stepped back. He stopped.
"No, I didn't. I was just polite." My stomach felt tight again.
"Fine, let's go to our room Kian." He stretched his hand and I grabbed it and followed him to our room. Tod said nothing however during that night I barely slept.
We started with a light meal and then went to the bathroom. We had our first sex in the bath, it was a total mess. The water was splashing as I was riding Tod. I thought he calmed down yet we did it two more times in the bed till I begged him to stop.
He listened.
The next morning I saw Mr Herton, I barely recognized him. His face was swollen, nearly black and blue. All the servants were silent and were avoiding me like a plague.
I found Tod in the library and asked him directly.
"Did you beat the butler?"
Tod raised his eyes from the documents he was reading.
"Yes, I did."
There was no remorse in his eyes and expression.
"Why?" I was too shocked to form a proper question.
"He failed his duty. I was very angry with you yesterday Kian. I felt the urge to punish you, but I promised I would never hurt you. So he had to pay."
His tone was totally indifferent and I was standing there agape and speechless.
Tod was Lorcan's son.
What have I ever expected?