Mr. Baron's sleek black car came to a halt in front of Kyle's villa. The towering gates opened slowly, revealing the modern architectural marvel nestled within. Stuart stepped out, his eyes widening slightly as he took in the sheer magnificence of the estate. For a moment, he was visibly stunned.
Inside the villa, Mike was monitoring the security footage when he spotted the familiar face.
He quickly dialed Kyle.
"Sir," Mike said the moment Kyle picked up. "Mr. Baron is here."
There was a pause before Kyle responded calmly, "You know what to do."
The line went dead.
Mike let out a soft sigh, straightened his jacket, and stepped outside to greet the guest. With security protocols in place, Stuart wouldn't be able to approach the house without an escort.
"Mr. Baron," Mike said, extending a hand politely.
"Mr. Mike," Stuart replied with a faint smile, accepting the handshake.
"This way, please," Mike gestured, guiding him through the garden path toward the reception area.
As they walked, Stuart spoke without preamble. "I believe you know why I'm here."
"I'm fully aware you requested a meeting with Mr. Wade," Mike replied, maintaining a courteous tone.
"Then arrange it," Stuart said firmly.
Mike stopped and turned to face him. "I'm afraid that won't be possible at the moment, Mr. Baron."
Stuart narrowed his eyes. "And why is that?"
"Mr. Wade is currently unavailable, and he specifically asked not to be disturbed."
Stuart's expression darkened, a flicker of annoyance passing through his eyes. "Unavailable? Or avoiding me?"
Mike's professional smile didn't falter. "I can't speak about Mr. Wade's intentions. But I assure you, he'll reach out when the time is right."
Stuart clenched his jaw, but he nodded once, curtly. "Let him know I came here out of courtesy. That won't be the case next time."
"I'll pass along the message," Mike said smoothly.
Stuart turned on his heel and walked back to his car, the polished shoes echoing faintly against the stone path. As the car pulled away, Mike stood still for a moment, then turned and made his way back inside.
*Medley's POV*
Warmth.
That was the first thing I felt as I stirred awake. A comforting kind of warmth that wrapped itself around me like a soft cocoon. My cheek was pressed against something firm, Kyle's chest, and his arm was draped over my waist, holding me close.
For a moment, I just lay there, eyes closed, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. Last night felt like a dream, a surreal blur of petals, whispered words, and fire-hot kisses. But the dull ache between my thighs was a clear reminder that it wasn't just a dream.
I opened my eyes slowly. The suite was still dim, golden sunlight creeping in through the curtains. Everything was still as beautiful as it was last night, rose petals scattered across the bed and floor, wine glasses half-full on the table, and that subtle scent of vanilla in the air.
I turned slightly, careful not to wake him.
How did we get here so fast?
Barely a week ago, I was hiding in fear, uncertain and unwanted. Now, I was in the arms of the most powerful man in L.A. a man I barely knew, yet who treated me with more tenderness than anyone else ever had. My fingers lightly traced the edge of his jaw, his features relaxed in sleep. He looked… peaceful. Almost younger.
I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. What now, Medley?
I carefully slipped out from under his arm and padded silently into the bathroom. My reflection caught me off guard, I looked flushed, glowing even. My fingers brushed the faint mark on my neck and I blushed.
After a quick shower, I wrapped myself in the robe and walked back out. Kyle was awake, seated on the edge of the bed, already halfway through buttoning his shirt. His dark eyes met mine, unreadable as always.
"Good morning," I said, my voice softer than I intended.
He gave a small nod. "Did you sleep well?"
I nodded, unsure of what else to say.
He stood and walked over, reaching for my hand. "We'll head back to the villa in a few hours. Maria has prepared everything."
I blinked. "Oh. Okay."
He tilted my chin up with a finger, his eyes lingering on mine. "If you're uncomfortable… about last night..."
"I'm not," I said quickly, my cheeks burning. "I… I wanted it."
A faint smirk tugged at his lips, and for a second, the cold mask cracked again. "Good."
He turned away, grabbing his blazer from the chair. "Get dressed. I'll order breakfast."
As he walked out of the room, I stood there a moment longer, hand resting over my heart.
The ride back to the villa was quiet. Kyle kept his eyes on the road while I stared out the window, my fingers fidgeting with the hem of my dress. My heart wasn't racing anymore, it was just floating somewhere between nervous and numb.
I glanced at him occasionally, trying to read the expression on his face. But as always, he gave nothing away. He was so composed, so controlled. Meanwhile, I felt like a storm inside a glass.
When we finally pulled through the massive gates of the villa, I felt a weird mix of relief and anxiety. This place had once felt like a prison, a golden cage. But now… it almost felt like home.
Maria was already standing at the front steps, her hands clasped together, a bright smile on her face.
"Welcome home, Mr. and Mrs. Wade," she said warmly.
That title made me freeze for a second, Mrs. Wade. That's me now. A title that came with no rulebook.
Maria walked up to me and gently squeezed my hands. "You look well. Rested."
"I… I am," I replied with a soft smile.
As Kyle handed Mike the car keys and gave him a few hushed instructions, Maria leaned in closer and whispered, "He's never looked this at peace before. I think you've already done more for him than you realize."