e

old room, decorated in cold greys and whites that felt more like a luxury hotel than a home. For a momen

Julian Bl

an had disappeared into another wing of the penthouse without a word. I

the door. "Mrs. Black

ting up and pulling

fruit, and toast with jam. She set it on the bedside table

dear. I hope

. "You don't need to bring me b

he room. "Mr. Blackwood left for the office an hour ago. He said you're

ey were. "I

've worked for him for eight years, Mrs. Blackwood. H

howered and dressed in the same clothes from yesterday-I had not

designer furniture but it was completely devoid of warmth. No family photos. No personal touche

nk from Julian's breakfast. Without thinking, I rolled up my sleeves and sta

Blac

watching me, she looked surp

re you

at rose to my cheeks. "I'

my hands. "You're the lady of the ho

lady of anything. That cleaning and organizing and

ind," I sa

t this is your home now. You should res

had no idea what

ed, a different man stepped out. He was tall and handsome in a completely different way than Jul

ules's best friend and business partner since college." His handshake was warm and h

y his friendliness. "Lena Carter. T

t I'd grown used to, but actual interest. "So, Lena Blackwood, tell me-how d

swer that wouldn't be a complete lie, w

You're

ng from his study. He must ha

lian's cold tone. He turned back to me. "I brought lunch from that Italian place you like, Jul

d. "Lena has access t

me she would figure it out?" Nate's tone was

appeared from the kitchen, saving the moment.

arm. "May I escort y

d in his eyes. I took Nate's arm anyway, grateful for the gesture, at least the human

hat I thought about the city. He treated me like a person, not an inconvenience or a contract obligation. He told funny stories

ghter before our economics final. Except he fell asleep at his desk, face-first in his textbook

almost smiling.

re in the class." Nate shook his head. "That's Jule

g. But I noticed he watched every interaction between Nate and me. When Nate laughed at

a meeting?" Juli

watch. "Which gives me another hou

moved, but he

med he had work and disappeared back into his study. Nate led me through the g

eenery, a small oasis in the middle of the city

some advice?"

odd

eping everyone at arm's length." Nate's expression was sincere. "But undernea

I don't think he wants

if he's ever too cold, too harsh.

had offered me genuine kindness with

eeting. I spent the rest of the afternoon in my room,

ice came through the inter

gs. He stood by the window, his back to

artners. You'll need appropriate clothes." He turned,m. "Nate will be there

phone buzzed. He glanced a

ng her in the lobby." His grey eyes locked onto mine. "Do you want