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"Still—” Lily started.
Maria's smile faded just enough for sympathy to shine through. "You've apologized for everything since you got here."
Lily looked away. "I don't mean to."
"I know." Maria reached over and gently tucked a loose strand of blonde hair behind Lily's ear. "Eat while it's hot."
Maria left, and all Lily could do was sit and stare at the tray. No one had made her breakfast since she couldn't even remember. Her mother had died when Lily was sixteen. Her father followed two years later. Since then, everything had been microwave meals, takeout, or whatever she could afford. Her ex had never cooked because he'd expected her to. Even after working all day, he still demanded dinner be made by the time he got home from work. Her chest tightened. She forced the memories away and picked up a piece of toast.
By the time she finished eating, curiosity had replaced some of her fear. She knew that she couldn't stay locked inside the bedroom forever. After changing into a pair of soft leggings and an oversized t-shirt someone had left folded neatly on the dresser, she opened the bedroom door. The hallway stretched in both directions. She stepped out onto the polished hardwood floors and looked at the walls covered in modern artwork. Large windows overlooked acres of perfectly manicured grounds. It felt less like a house and more like a luxury resort.
She wandered downstairs, following the faint aroma of fresh coffee, and heard voices drifting from somewhere nearby. "They found another warehouse." She was sure that was Soren’s voice.
"The shipping manifests?" another man asked. She wasn’t sure, but she thought that it might be Luca.
"Already encrypted.”
Lily froze. She knew that she shouldn't eavesdrop, but before she could retreat, Soren appeared in the doorway. His blue eyes landed on her immediately.
"You slept,” he said. It sounded less like a question and more like an observation.
"I guess,” she said.
"You also ate,” he said.
"Maria insisted,” she breathed.
His expression softened almost imperceptibly. "She usually gets her way."
Luca chuckled. "She always gets her way."
Soren ignored him. "Come here, Lily."
She hesitated. Every instinct screamed not to obey anyone—especially a man who gave orders as naturally as breathing.
"You don't have to sound so commanding," she almost whispered.
One dark eyebrow lifted. "I wasn't aware I did."
"You do." Luca actually laughed, and Soren shot him a look that instantly silenced him. Lily almost smiled—almost.
She walked the rest of the way into the kitchen. It was enormous with marble countertops, dark cabinets, and professional-grade appliances. A massive island dominated the center of the room. Soren stood beside it with a mug of black coffee. Even in dark jeans and a charcoal Henley, he looked intimidating with his broad shoulders and strong hands. He was the kind of man who filled every room simply by existing.
"Coffee?" he asked, holding up a second mug.
"You remembered that I like coffee?” she asked.
"Well, you did drink two cups last night,” he teased.
"I did?"
"You refilled it twice after dinner," he reminded.
Lily frowned. “Were you watching me?"
He shrugged, “Let’s just say that I notice things about people.” Something about the way he said it sent a tiny shiver down her spine, not because it sounded threatening, but because she believed him.
He handed her the mug and their fingers brushed. The contact lasted less than a second, but still, heat spread unexpectedly through her chest. She stepped back from him. "This house is enormous."
