Some hours later
The moon cast long shadows across the manicured lawn as Lily led Jack through the winding paths of the estate. Their footsteps crunched on gravel, echoing in the evening quiet.
"And that's the pool house," Lily pointed to a structure larger than Jack's entire apartment. "Though I suppose you'll want to wait for warmer weather before using it."
"I don't actually know how to swim," Jack admitted.
Lily stopped mid-stride and turned to face him, her eyes wide. "Really?"
"Not much chance to learn in Ashton." Jack shrugged. "Unless you count that time Miguel pushed me into Miller's Creek."
A smile tugged at Lily's lips. "Did you sink or float?"
"Mostly flailed and swallowed half the creek." The memory brought a grin to his face. "Migs had to fish me out."
"Your friend sounds... interesting." Her voice carried a hint of amusement, the earlier awkwardness from dinner softening.
"That's one word for him." Jack rubbed the back of his neck. "About what he said earlier-"
"We should get you inside," Lily cut him off, but her cheeks had gone pink again. "It's getting cold."
They walked in comfortable silence until reaching the main house. Jack found himself stealing glances at Lily as she navigated the maze-like corridors. Her blonde hair caught the warm light from wall sconces, creating a sort of halo effect that made her look almost magical.
"Here we are." Lily stopped at a heavy wooden door. "Your room."
Jack's jaw dropped as she opened it. The space was bigger than his entire apartment, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the grounds. A massive four-poster bed dominated one wall, while a sitting area with leather chairs occupied another corner.
"This is insane," he breathed.
"The bathroom's through there." Lily pointed to another door. "And that's your closet, though it's empty at the moment. Mr. Altiar arranged for a tailor to come tomorrow."
Jack wandered to the windows, taking in the view. "I keep expecting to wake up."
"If it helps, you don't look like you belong here yet."
He turned to find Lily covering her mouth, eyes wide with horror. "I'm so sorry! I didn't mean-"
Jack burst out laughing. "No, please - that's the most honest thing anyone's said to me all day."
Her shoulders relaxed and she joined his laughter. "Well, the tailor should help with that at least."
"Yeah? Think he can fix this?" Jack gestured to his face with a grin.
"There's nothing wrong with your face." The words tumbled out before Lily could catch them. Her cheeks blazed red and she took a step backward. "I should go. You must be tired."
"Wait-" Jack reached for her arm but stopped himself. "Thank you. For everything today. For making this feel... less impossible."
Lily's expression softened. "Get some rest, Mr. Reeves. Tomorrow will be busy."
"Jack," he corrected. "Please. Mr. Reeves makes me feel ancient."
"Goodnight, Jack." She smiled, ducking her head as she slipped out the door.
Jack stood there for a moment, staring at the space where she'd been. Then he flopped backwards onto the enormous bed, grinning at the ceiling like an idiot.
Maybe not everything about this new life would be terrible.
After some time, his eyes started to feel heavy and Jack fell asleep.
The soft morning light filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow across the room. Jack slept peacefully, his face free of the tension that had marked it for days. In sleep, he looked younger, almost vulnerable.
Lily stood in the doorway, a tray of breakfast goodies in her hands. She smiled at the sight of him, his dark hair tousled, one arm flung above his head. For a moment, she just watched him breathe, her heart fluttering in her chest.
Stepping inside, she closed the door gently and moved toward the bed, intending to wake him softly. Her fingers brushed his shoulder, and Jack's eyes shot open. In one swift move, he grabbed her wrist, twisted, and flipped her onto the bed. He found himself straddling her, his legs on either side of hers, his heart racing.
Lily's eyes went wide, and her cheeks flushed a delicate pink. "Uh-"
Jack's brain caught up with his instincts. "Shit!" he exclaimed, scrambling off her. "I'm so sorry, I didn't-"
"It's okay!" Lily held up her hands, her voice breathy. "It was just a reflex, I know."
They sat there for a moment, frozen, the air thick with something unspoken. Then Jack let out a nervous laugh, rubbing the back of his neck. "I guess I've got some fight left in me after all."
"Guess so." Lily adjusted her blouse, her face still flushed. "Here, let me help you up."
She held out her hands, and Jack took them, letting her pull him to his feet. For a moment, they stood there, their fingers entwined, neither quite ready to let go.
"Thanks," Jack murmured, his gaze dropping to their joined hands. Then, clearing his throat, he stepped back. "And sorry again. For that... welcome."
"It was quite a welcome, Mr. Reeves." Lily's eyes sparkled with mischief.
Jack smiled, feeling a rush of warmth. "Jack, remember?"
"Jack." She savored the name, her gaze holding his.
He glanced toward the window, suddenly aware of the quiet tension between them. "So, uh, what's on the agenda today? More mansion tours, getting to know the staff?"
"Actually," Lily began, still standing a bit too close, "I thought maybe you'd like to explore the grounds. It's a nice day, and fresh air always helps me think."
Jack nodded, his pulse still racing from their encounter. "Sounds great."
"Oh, and breakfast." Lily held up the tray, her movements graceful. "Chef prepared quite the spread."
Jack grinned, offering her his arm. "Lead the way, Ms. Hart. I'm starving."
They strolled out, their hands brushing as they walked. The morning sun bathed the estate in golden light, birds chirped in the trees, and for the first time in a long while, Jack felt a glimmer of hope.
Jack's stomach growled as they approached the front doors, the breakfast tray balanced perfectly in Lily's hands. The morning sun streamed through tall windows, painting golden patterns across the marble floor.
"The gardens are beautiful this time of year." Lily's shoulder brushed against his. "There's this hidden spot near the-"
"Going somewhere?"
Elias's voice cut through the air like a steel blade. Jack turned to find his grandfather descending the main staircase, each measured step echoing through the foyer. The old man wore a three-piece suit despite the early hour, a gold watch chain glinting at his vest.
"Just showing Jack the grounds, sir." Lily straightened, her casual warmth replaced by practiced formality.
"That can wait." Elias's gaze swept over them both, lingering on their proximity. "Ms. Hart, please deliver this check to my study." He pulled an envelope from his jacket. "And Jack - we need to discuss your future."
Jack's chest tightened. He glanced at Lily, catching a flicker of disappointment in her eyes before she masked it.
"Of course, Mr. Altiar." She accepted the envelope with a small curtsy that looked strange on her. "I'll take care of breakfast first-"
"Now, Ms. Hart."
Lily's lips pressed into a thin line. She handed the breakfast tray to another passing servant, then disappeared down a corridor, her footsteps fading away.
Elias clasped his hands behind his back. "Walk with me."
It wasn't a request. Jack fell into step beside his grandfather, their shoes clicking against marble in perfect rhythm. The breakfast smells grew distant, replaced by leather and old wood as they approached Elias's private wing.
"You seem quite comfortable with the staff," Elias remarked, his tone carefully neutral.
Jack's jaw clenched. "Is that a problem?"
"That depends entirely on you." Elias stopped at a heavy oak door, his hand resting on the brass handle. "And on how seriously you take what we're about to discuss."
He pushed open the door, revealing a study that looked more like a war room, with maps and charts covering the walls. Jack's heart hammered against his ribs as he stepped inside.
The door closed behind them with a soft, final click.