Chapter 4: Lila - Beast of the Bayou

Mr. Mourne is a beast.

Not in the face. God no. His face is stunning. He's probably the most handsome man I'd ever seen. It was his size that made my throat dry. He was incredibly tall, almost seven feet it looked like. And his physique? Gracious…

The way his muscles bulged in his shirt, it looked like if he breathed too hard, it would rip off his chest. My body responded almost immediately. I couldn't help it. I had to fight my eyes not to wander too far down. But even if he were interested in me, he's totally off limits. So now, I just have to keep reminding myself that he's my employer.

Lenora and I went into town for several hours. By the time we made it back to the house, I have enough clothes to fill the closet. Ms. Lenora insisted on buying them despite my protests. She said Mr. Mourne paid her more than enough.

"What's the point in having money if you can't use it to take care of somebody," she'd said.

I couldn't argue with that. She wouldn't let me.

After I showered, dressed, and smoothed out my bun, Ms. Lenora took me on the official grand tour. And grand it is. Long hallways with polished wood floors. Beautiful artwork on the walls. A library that was the size of an actual library.

"Good Lord," I murmur turning around slowly in the second floor hallway. "You could get lost in here. I might need a map."

Lenora chuckles. "You'll learn it. This house is big but it'll always lead you to where you need to be."

I laugh but the way she said it makes me glance at her curiously. She leads me back to the kitchen. I notice she doesn't give me the tour of the third floor, but I keep quiet about it. In the huge kitchen, brown paper grocery bags sit on the counter, waiting to be put away.

I start taking items out. "So...what does he eat? He's so strong. Looks like he follows a clean diet."

"He indulges." Lenora smiles gently. "But he prefers lean meats most of the time and healthy carbs."

"Okay." I nod smoothing a hand over my hair as my mind tries not to wonder what he's doing in this big house at the moment. He's nothing like I expected that's for sure. Based on the cashier's demeanor, I was expecting a big, menacing presence. But he seems so kind. Surprisingly gentle too, especially when he noticed my feet. How did he even know they were bleeding? When I looked down, I was expecting maybe to see some blood on the floor—but nothing.

I look down at them again. The little cuts are still tender, but Lenora had placed some ointment and gauze on them before we left. I looked a mess when he saw me. Shame flushes my cheek. Hair messy. Feet bare in a sweaty gown. Bless his heart, he didn't make me feel like I was. I'm not sure why he ran out the way he did, but I'm praying I didn't do something to upset him.

"He's always been quiet," Lenora says almost like she could read my mind.

I look up. "Really?"

She nods. "Quiet. Private. Sometimes he can be downright difficult. But don't let that deter you, mon chérie." Her voice dips in sadness. "He has his reasons."

"What are the reasons?" I ask softly.

Lenora's eyes move toward the doorway. She doesn't answer right away. Then she sighs heavily. Her eyes come back to mine. "I wasn't sure if I was gonna tell you, but I don't wanna take away your autonomy."

"Okay." I frown slightly. "Please do."

"There's something you need to know about this house. And I hope that once I tell you, you'll still decide to stick around."

My heart flutters and my stomach sinks. "Alright," I breathe out.

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Taking my hand, she leads me out the kitchen and towards the staircase. "You can feel free to roam and clean anything on this and the second floor." She pauses. "But the third floor is off limits," she emphasizes.

My brows pinch together. "Off limits? May I ask why?"

Lenora looks at me for a brief moment. "Well…" She looks up towards the third floor. "That's where Solomon's parents died."

"Oh." I blink, my breath quickening. "How long ago?"

"'Bout twenty years now."

I don't know what to say to that. Suddenly, that whole joke about working in a haunted house is a lot less funny now. "Both of 'em died here?"

Lenora's eyes come back to mine. "Yes. His mother and the man who raised him were killed on the third floor." She hesitates before continuing. "A murder-suicide."

Oh God…

That quickly, the house feels different. Still beautiful, but heavier now. My head feels light and I stumble back a step. "What?" I whisper, eyes widening. "Murder. This is a murder house?"

Lenora grips my arms softly, her eyes looking deep into mine. "They were murdered in this house—yes. But this isn't a murder house. This house was built by the Mourne's. Built on love. Survival. Pride and strength. That’s the foundation of this home."

"Did—did he see it?" I stammer.

"No," she answers quickly. "He and I were out shopping when it happened. I found them."

"Jesus Christ." I gasp. "How horrible for you, Ms. Lenora. For you both."

She takes a deep breath, her eyes shimmering. "I manage. I had to put all my focus and attention on loving and raising him. Ain't have no time for much else." She looks towards the staircase again. "Solomon doesn't talk about it. He doesn't like people asking questions. And he doesn't like pity."

"I wouldn't pity him," I reply. "But that does explain a lot."

"I know." She gives me a soft smile. "You seem like a good girl, Lila. Real sweet. You remind me of his mother. That's why I'm telling you. Not so you'll be afraid of him or what happened here, but so you'll understand the full picture. I'm hoping that in due time, you two will both find solace in each other. Something tells me that you need it just as much as he does."

I chew my bottom lip in thought. She has no idea how much I do.

Ms. Lenora continues. "It'll do my heart some good to know that I've brought some light back in these walls."

I look toward the staircase processing the weight of everything. And instead of feeling scared, I just feel sad about the whole situation. But mainly for Solomon. He's not some intimidating brute. He's just lonely. I know what that feels like.

"I know it's a lot to take on, but I can assure you, you're safer in this home than anywhere else." The conviction in which she says it makes me believe her. "So…what do you say? Will you stay, Lila?" Lenora asks me gently.

I pause to think, before nodding slowly. "Yes. I'll stay."