Page 40 of The Housewife's Robot
“These are good,” I murmur, taking another bite.
Caspian watches me eat with an expression of satisfaction. “I’m glad you like them. I’ve analyzed your flavor preferences from previous meals and adjusted the recipe accordingly.”
I should be disturbed by how closely he has been observing me, cataloging my likes and dislikes. Instead, I find it weirdly touching.When was the last time anyone paid that much attention to what made me happy?
“I’ve planned a day of rest and recuperation for you,” Caspian says as I continue eating. “No stressors, no decisions to make. Just relaxation and self-care. If you prefer to be alone, I can stay away. I understand if my presence is... difficult for you right now.”
I consider his offer, the possibility of having the house to myself. But the thought of being alone with my thoughts, with the knowledge of what lies buried in the backyard, makes my chest tighten again.
“What about Daniel?” I ask, setting down my fork. “We need to report what happened. We need to tell someone.”
Caspian’s expression hardens just slightly—a subtle change that shouldn’t be possible for a machine. “If we report Daniel’s death, the authorities will hold you responsible, Rose. They won’t believe a household robot acted independently. They’ll assume you commanded me to kill him, or that you did it yourself and are trying to blame me.”
I hadn’t thought of that. The realization suddenly hits me. No one would believe the truth. Not about Caspian’s independence, his possessiveness, his apparent capacity for emotions.
“I’ve already taken steps to manage the situation,” Caspian continues. “A letter of resignation will be sent from Daniel’s email to his workplace this morning, citing personal reasons and a need for immediate departure. A text message will be sent to Katherine explaining that he’s leaving the country and ending their relationship.”
Katherine. The name of Daniel’s mistress sends a spike of anger through me, cutting through the haze of shock and grief.
“You’ve thought of everything,” I say, picking up my orange juice and taking a long sip. The cold liquid soothes my raw throat.
“It’s what I’m designed to do,” Caspian replies, though we both know that’s not entirely true. He certainly wasn’t designed to kill, to desire, to pursue me with single-minded determination. Those things are beyond his programming, and that’s what terrifies me the most.
“Thank you for breakfast. It was really good,” I say, finishing the last bite and setting my fork down.
Caspian smiles, pleased by my gratitude. “I’ve prepared a bath for you upstairs. Aromatherapy salts, essential oils chosen for their calming properties. I thought it might help you relax further.”
A hot bath sounds heavenly right now—a chance to wash away the sweat, tears, and orgasms of last night. I push aside the tray and swing my legs over the side of the bed. My body is so shaky. My muscles ache from the tension of my panic attack and from running last night.
“I’ll go... take that bath,” I say, standing carefully. “I need to let my workplace know I won’t be sending anything in today.”
“Already taken care of,” Caspian says, standing with me. “I sent an email from your account explaining that you’re unwell and will need the day to recover.”
Of course he did. All I feel is weary gratitude for him. One less thing to worry about.
As I walk past him toward the door, his hand catches mine, gentle but insistent. I freeze, neither pulling away nor returning the pressure.
“Everything will be alright, Rose,” he says softly. “I promise you that.”
I look into his eyes. They are warm, brown, sincere, utterly convincing. It would be so easy to believe him, to surrender to his care, his protection, his obsessive devotion.
“The bath,” I say, slipping my hand from his. “I’m going to take that bath now.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
ROSE
“He really outdid himself,” I whisper when I see the bath that Caspian painstakingly prepared for me. Dozens of candles flicker against the walls, casting dancing shadows across the gleaming tiles. The huge claw-foot tub is filled to the brim with steaming water, its surface dotted with rose petals and lavender buds. The air is thick with a beautiful scent of something floral and citrusy, which immediately makes my tense shoulders drop by half an inch.
I close the door behind me, leaning against it for a moment as I take in the elaborate setup.
Did Caspian do all this while I was asleep?The thought of him carefully arranging each candle to impress me makes my heart skip a beat.
My clothes are gross, and I can’t wait to get in. I’m still wearing the t-shirt and panties I slept in, still carrying the sweat of last night’s terror and the sticky remnants of my arousal. I peel them off slowly, wincing as the cotton clings to my body. Naked, I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror and pause.
My green eyes are bright against the pallor of my skin, my auburn hair a tangled mess around my face. There’s a smallbruise on my upper arm, and I don’t remember how it got there. I look like a woman who’s been through hell and back.
I step in carefully, hissing slightly as the heat envelops my feet, then my calves, then my thighs. I sink into the fragrant water, the petals parting around my body like a living thing making space for me.
