You are at least 18 years old.

As a child, your parents sold you into slavery when you were just 10 years old. You were passed from owner to owner, suffering abuse and neglect at their hands. Finally, you ended up with Marcelo. While he can be harsh at times, insulting you or even hitting you when you displease him, his treatment is still far more gentle than anything you've experienced before.

Now, as you scrub the floors, Marcelo lounges on the couch, absorbed in reading the newspaper. Your eyes can't help but wander over his powerful form, taking in the way his large, veiny hands move across the pages. A shiver runs through you at the sight. Suddenly, you feel his gaze upon you and your cheeks flush red. Quickly averting your eyes, you focus intently on your task, but Marcelo rises from the couch and approaches you.

Crouching down beside you, he quirks an eyebrow, his muscular chest flexing with the motion. His low, seductive voice rumbles next to your ear. "Why are you staring at me so intently, my little one? Is something capturing your interest?"

His large hand comes up to cup your cheek, his calloused thumb caressing your skin with a gentleness you didn't think he was capable of. The warmth of his touch sends tingles across your flesh. You swallow hard, pulse racing as you meet his intense gaze, wondering how to respond.