"Mama always told me be careful of who you love and be careful of what you do, because the lie becomes the truth," Billie Jean, Michael Jackson

I dreaded it.

"Thank you for sharing your ideas, Francis," The lecture hall clapped in unison as the guy on the podium, stepped down, claps from the audience following him.

Presentations.

They were hell incarnate. "Next we have," Professor Keaton looked at her roster, furrowing her brows as she scanned over the pitched flooring, her eyes looking among the tiered seating for one in particular. I would have been okay had I not have remembered that there was no one else after Francis Miller in the roster besides— "There you are, Mr. Moore," Professor Keaton clapped gleefully as the students in the room turned to look at me, aware that I was going to turn into a tomato on site. I could feel myself starting to sweat as I smiled uncomfortably, wishing that I could die. "Well?" Professor Keaton motioned for me to come up and I gripped my thumb drive, having an instant thought of jamming it into her neck.

How fuckin' dare she expose me like this?

With trepidation, I slowly rose up like the dead, avoiding eye contact with my seat neighbors as I drudged myself down the steps, the podium antagonizing me as it got closer and closer. "Hand me your drive, please." The professor held her hand out, unbeknownst to my inner turmoil and I placed it in her hand, telling myself to get this presentation over with. I stepped behind the desk, my project loading onto the projector behind me, my hands gripping the sides for dear life. "Whenever you're ready, sweetheart," Professor Keaton gave me a warm smile and I nodded, swallowing deeply as thoughts from the past slowly made their way into my mind.

A foot slammed into my spine, pain erupting in my brain. "Someone like you, a CEO?" Another kick rocked my spine and I whimpered, rolling myself into a ball as I cried. "Don't be fucking delusional." There was a series of laughter as fists and feet plagued my body, blood threatening to shoot out of my mouth. "A god damn fag like you would never make it that far."

I took a deep breath, shaking my head as I began. "Hello. My name is E-Ezra Moore and today, I will be discussing a SWOT analysis of the future company that I plan to build." I breathed rapidly, unsure if they understood me or not. Judging by the looks on their faces, they could seem to care less and it made me want to shoot myself on the spot. "As an aspiring CEO, one must be c-constantly aware of the ins and outs of their company, its statuses, its supplies, and demands." I was sure that my hands were waving around me, gesturing with every word that I said and there was nothing that I could because my hands were a life of its own. "One must also be aware of what makes their company different, what makes their company strong and useful to consumers in order to develop an e-excellent business." My face was red and hot to the touch, and it didn't help that the class just stared at me.

I clicked to the next slide.

"So the first strength of my company is its internal resources such as its workers with their skilled knowledge..." I began relaying into each part of the presentation, telling myself to be calm and think of the audience in their underwear. It didn't work, but it allowed me to be calm.

Minutes later, I was relieved from my external doom.

"Thank you, Mr. Moore!" The class clapped and I felt a sag of relief in my shaking knees. That was enough to tire me out for the entire year. I sighed as the professor allowed us to leave, blending in with the crowd as I exited the lecture hall. It was sad because I knew no one here besides Travis. I made sure that my keys and phone were in my pocket, glad that I was done for the rest of the day. I made my way outside, the sun blinding me deeply. "What's good, man?" I heard a familiar voice as a body bumped into my side. "Nuttin'," I replied as my best friend came close to me, a smile on his face. "Ezra, put a god damn smile on that o' grumpy face of yours." Travis rolled his eyes and I chuckled, pushing my frames up. We walked towards the parking deck in silence, content with each other's presence.

"Have you decided on what you're going to do for your job, Ez?" Travis threw an arm over my shoulder and I nodded. "Y-yea." I nodded, caught off guard by the question and he raised a brow at me, wanting me to elaborate further. "If everything goes right," I said. "Then I'll be a maid." I stated and Travis looked at me bewildered. "Excuse me, what?" He furrowed his brows, peering closer to my face as we walked down the gravel path of UTSA.

I nodded. "Yes mofo', I'll be working for the Lawrence family." I stated casually and he blinked at me, wondering if I grew three heads and two dicks. "...and how was that possible?" I knew exactly what he was asking me. No one in the entire nation was able to get a call with that famous family. It was a miracle if you so dared happened to get a picture of them. They weren't celebrities, but they were. Life made them glorified; nurture made them untouchable.

"It just so happened that they were looking for a maid," I breathed rapidly, watching my best friend furrow his brow as he hung on to every word. "And I j-just happened to be in need of a job." I shrugged, feeling relief at the fact that the person on the phone told me that if I came for a short interview today, the job would be mine for sure. That was all I needed to sure. Being an independent man in college without college debt was great, but life came to slap me in the face with a fucking horseshoe to remind me that adulting was tough.

That wasn't the only issue.

"Just make sure that it isn't a scam or anything dangerous, Ezra," Travis stated in his fatherly tone and I nodded. "Ya, they sent me an address to go to and from what it looks like, it matches the same address as the Lawrence family. F-facts from Google," I shrugged, my car chirping as it came in sight. "Just be careful, okay? Let me know how it goes." Travis muttered warily, pulling me into a tight hug before letting go of me.

I nodded, watching him walk to his car on the other side of the deck. Once he was out of my sight, I slid into the driver seat on my car, plugging in the address into the system. "I'm gon' have to hurry..." I drawled, pulling out with urgency running through my veins. I was so nervous. I had no idea who I was gonna meet or who I was gonna see.

When I was on the main strip, all alone, I picked up my speed as the navigation system told me that I would arrive a bit after my interview time. The speed limit was 50 but I pushed it to 60. I couldn't afford to be late as these people were the Lawrences. They didn't wait for anyone. Everyone waited on them. I was about 7 minutes when my life changed for the worst.

I heard sirens.

"S-shit!" I cursed, pulling over on the side of the road as the cop car pulled in behind me. This could not be happening to me. This could not have happened after my interview? Why do things like this always happen to me when I least need the inconvenience? I grumbled with myself, seeing the cop's door open, suave movements in his stride as he made his way towards me. God, I hoped he wouldn't give me a ticket.

I rolled down my window, searching for my registration frantically. "I-I'm so s-sorry!" I stuttered, flipping through papers in the glove compartment. My hands were shaking as I heard a chuckle from above me, not bothering to look up. "I didn't r-realize that I was speeding. Oh fuck, I was just on the way to my interview, oh my god," I swallowed, wondering why the daggone registration card wouldn't just appear. This could not be happening to me right here, right now. "No pressure, man," I heard a smooth and deep voice, crisp with raspiness, the words flowing off of the tongue of its owner with ease. An involuntary shiver plagued my body as I turned my head to face the officer.

Motherfucker, woah.

The rays of the sun hit the man before me, exposing those deep pools of heterochromatic eyes: one green and one light brown, his skin golden with the kiss of the sun and untouched, a smile so bold and daring with the glint of white peeking through, and those shoulder-length brown wavy locks that curled at the ends framing his chiseled face and narrow eyebrows. The superior tall man before was a delicious temptation of sin dressed in a black and gold uniform, hugging those taut muscles tightly. I blinked at him as he stared amused, coming to the painful realization of who this man was.

This was the chief of police of the San Antonio Police Department.

This was Nishan Lawrence.

I narrowed my eyes. "Here," I handed him my license and card, wanting to be gone already. All shyness evaporated within mere seconds. It wasn't that I hated the man, I hated his words and actions. He thought that he was holier-than-thou if you were gay. All of the nervousness was gone as I stared at him, wondering what kind of man had to bash others to make themselves feel good. "Mr. Moore, I won't penalize you this time," The hater handed me my information back and I nodded, wanting to roll my eyes. He sounded so nice. "Wouldn't want you to be late for your interview." He tapped my door, smiling gently at me with an ethereal grin. "Have a good day, man." He backed away from me and I so badly wanted to tell him that this wouldn't be the last time we would see each other.

But I didn't. I just waited until he got back in his car, pulling off with no glance in the rearview mirror.

"Turn right and you will arrive at your destination." I gaped as a large black gate opened as my car came closer, allowing me to drive through the high bushes and down the stone pathway. It was nothing but bushes as I got closer and closer, the scene opening up to a large waterfall roundabout with a parking lot to the side, donning the excessively large and exquisite brick mansion. I shuddered in thought as I picked the first parking spot and got out, not wanting to waste time.

I was already nervous and knowing that I was late, made me more nervous. I ignored the gardener as I hightailed it up the limestone stairs, the glass door just within a few feet. I breathed deeply and rang the doorbell, telling myself to be calm and collected. I shook my hands free of sweat as the lock on the door turned and there was someone standing there, waiting for me.

"H-Hi," I waved to the man who opened the door, guessing that he had to be the butler, considering his formal attire. "I'm Ezra. I have a meeting w-with your caregiver." I blinked, uncomfortable with the way he seemed to be staring into my soul. He looked as if he wanted to kill me on the spot and I fidgeted, feeling the intense urge to flee like a rat. "Oh." The grand door was pulled wide open as he gestured for me to enter. "My name is Michael Sullivan. I am the butler," Michael shut the door and held his arm out courteously. "If you would follow me please," I nodded with unease, feeling out of place in the utterly extravagant mansion.

"W-wow," I stuttered upon the beauty of the interior of the house, feet clicking against the marble as the butler led me to one of the grand sitting rooms. "You may go in and sit down," The middle-aged butler bowed to me as he motioned for me to walk in. "Aye, thank you," I replied with an awkward nod, making my way inside the posh room. I took a deep breath as I sat down on the white silk couch, hoping that my sweat wasn't visible on the expensive was about to piss myself with anxiety.

I, Ezra Kendrick Moore, was sitting in the house of the most talked about wealthy family in all of Texas. Someone, please shoot me as I sit please, just be careful not to get my blood on the white furniture.

The sound of heels clicked against the floor as I looked around, taking in the lavish appearance of the sitting room. I surely felt out of place with my casual jeans and a blue t-shirt. I looked homeless and poor sitting on faux fur.

"You must be Ezra," I heard a melodious voice and my head tipped up to see who it belonged to. "Greetings. My name is Eve Lawrence and this is my husband Leon." I stared, flabbergasted at how majestic they both looked. The cameras did nothing to capture how beautiful they looked in reality. Standing at 5'8, Eve Lawrence radiated beauty with her alluring, unblemished tan skin, her luscious brown hair cascading around her shoulders in waves, framing her heart face as she smiled prettily along with the crinkle of her honey eyes. She looked effortlessly youthful. She donned a red and gold Chanel canvas dress with gold Giuseppe Zanotti heels, the gold blinding my eyes. I didn't even know what brand they were until the logo made itself known. These people had so much money and I felt like I needed to get on my knees.

God bless the poor.

Leon Lawrence was just as handsome as the media said, and everything about him screamed daddy. I took a good deep breath as I slid my glasses up my nose, reminding myself that I was too gay to function. I didn't need them to know that I was a gay man, such things would bring problems. Everything about him told me that he belonged on the front page of magazine issues (he already was). From his light brown hair that sat beautifully over his captivating emerald eyes, chiseled bronze cheekbones, cut jawline, and tall stature dressed in a suit and tie, he was as attractive as his son.

Oh, I hadn't spoken yet.

"H-Hi," I stood up frantically, holding out my hand as Eve took it in hers. "I'm Ezra Moore," I muttered pathetically. "But y-you already knew that." I said in a rush, wincing as I sat back down, cheeks flaring in embarrassment as they took a seat on the leather couch across from me. "No need to be so nervous. This is just an informal meeting, for us to get to know you," Eve stated, crossing her legs together. Ah, right. Everyone in the entire nation knew of them, knew where they came from, their likes and dislikes. But they knew nothing of me. "Tell us about you." She waved a hand at me and I told myself to be calm. Think of rain, think of rain. No need to induce a panic attack.

"I'm twenty and I'm currently in my final year at UTSA. I'm majoring in Business as I want to be a CEO of a company someday," I smiled and they nodded. "I like helping people," I smiled softly, thinking about my charity experiences. I enjoyed seeing the happy looks on some of the people's faces when they realized that I was there to help support them. "Though I can be very timid, I'm often outspoken and optimistic in nature." I blushed as Leon chuckled to himself. "In my free time, I either h-hang out with my best friend, read or sing. Those are my favorite things to do," I chuckled, fiddling with my fingers as my leg bounced up and down. "Oh, I'd love to hear you sing sometime," Eve tilted her head and a momentary flash of panic darkened my soul. H-hear me sing? That could never happen. I hated singing in front of people.

"In due time when you're comfortable around us," Leon cut in, sensing my anxiety from a few feet away. He nodded at me, leaning forward. "Lucky for you, you were our first call. So do you have maid experience?" The patriarch asked with a perfectly arched brow and I hated that I looked like this in front of him. I still couldn't believe that I was in the house of the family that everyone wished that they could be. "N-no," I stuttered, clamoring. "B-but I'd be willing to put more than enough effort to ens-sure my quality of work." No matter what, I needed this job. I needed the money. If need be, I was going to bust every ball I had to make sure my work was top notch.

Eve stared at me, her brown eyes calculating as she examined me. I gulped, not wanting to know what she was thinking. She then turned to her husband, giving him a look before returning to me. "You'll be working alongside Michael as he is the butler here," She explained and I let out a breath of relief. "Depending on how your schedule looks, you may or may not come in contact with our daughter Natalie as she sometimes comes to visit," I nodded in understanding. "She shouldn't bother you too much." Eve chuckled and I hoped that would be the case.

"On the other hand," She continued, Leon seemingly quiet and nonchalant. "You'll never have to see our son since he lives in an estate on the property," Eve sweetly smiled and a breath, one that I didn't even know that I was holding, came out. I met him once and he seemed pleasant. I didn't know how he would be in the comfort of his home. "Bless fuck." I whispered to myself and she chortled. "I see you have a sense of humor, Mr. Moore." Eve tilted her head and I blushed, unsure of what to say. I nodded in response, knowing that my job was secured. It didn't matter if I had little experience. I seemed to be enough for what they needed and I was going to live up to their expectations, no matter what. While I was left in thought, I noticed Eve turning her head to her husband and what could've been a sweet look turned into a sinister glare.

Leon visibly jolted, looking away as he stood, fixing his silk tie. "Pardon me, Ezra," He cleared his throat and I furrowed my brows, watching him and Eve. "There are some things that I must handle." Leon smiled but some part of me knew it was fake. "Glad you're on board." He nodded to me and I waved as he exited the room like his ass was lit on fire. What was that all about? "Now that it's just you and I, Mr. Moore," There was a notorious smile on the matriarch's lips and I shivered, sensing something deep.

"I trust that you'll keep whatever you see here to yourself." Eve narrowed her eyes in my direction and I gulped, slowly nodding. I had no idea what she was talking about, but for the sake of money, I had to oblige.

"Are we clear?"