I walk over to the floor-to-ceiling windows that span the entire far wall in the bedroom. Gripping the corner of the blackout curtains, I push them open, and to my surprise, a romantic garden is revealed. Lush green grass lines a small stone pathway while thriving emerald vines crawl up the side of a far wall. The space looks cozy but expansive. My eyes find a small white bench tucked into the corner under an arbor, before sliding over to a stone fountain surrounded by white rose bushes.It’s beautiful.
I slip on my shoes and head out the bedroom door into a long hallway. I quietly round the corner into the great room, expecting to see a door to the back somewhere since the gardens looked like they could be entered from a short distance down the hall.
Suddenly, a masculine voice says my name from behind. “Lux.”
My hand flies to my chest. “Sebastian, you startled me!”
“River wanted me to give this to you,” he says without a greeting and hands me a white box from under his arm.
I take it from him and see what’s in it. “A laptop? I already have one.”
“River said the one you have is shit.” When he sees the look on my face, he adds, “His words, not mine.”
Unsure about the gift, I take it, not wanting to turn down a kind gesture. “All right.”
Sebastian gives me a curt nod and glances behind me to where my bedroom door hangs ajar. “Going somewhere?”
My ears prick with heat, sensing his suspicious question. “I saw gardens outside my window and was going to check them out. I hope that’s not a problem.”
“Suit yourself. I’m headed to the kitchen.”
At the mention of the kitchen, my stomach growls with hunger. “I should probably grab something to eat as well. Do you mind showing me where it is?”
“Sureee,” Sebastian draws out, like my request bothers him.
I shrug it off and remind myself I’ll only have to be here until we’ve taken down all the guys.
He gives me his back and walks away without checking to make sure I’m behind him. Walking at a measured pace to ensure I don’t lose him, I do my best to take in the surroundings as we pass a great room, foyer, and elevator with one entire side of the house comprising floor-to-ceilingwindows, lending to a perfect view of the tall evergreen trees of the forest.
We finally approached the large restaurant-style kitchen with top of the line appliances, and there’s an older woman with weathered skin and kind eyes sitting at a round wooden table next to a large bay window. There’s also a dark haired man in a chef’s jacket behind a large island chopping vegetables and placing them into containers.
“Good evening, dear,” the woman greets us.
“Good evening,” I say, unsure of who she is.
She gives me a bright smile and introduces herself. “I’m Mae. River and Sebastian’s aunt.”
Their aunt lives with them?
River mentioned last night his parents were no longer around. Maybe she stepped in after they passed.
I return her smile. “I’m Lux. It’s nice to meet you.”
“River said you’ll be staying with us awhile.”
Does she knowwhyI am here?
“Yes, and thank you for allowing me to stay. This home is beautiful.”
“Wish I could take credit. River and Sebastian designed it right after finishing high school.” She sips her coffee. “I’m only in charge of their calendars.”
“She’s being modest. She manages everything around here,” the chef chimes in then extends his arm. “Hi, I’m Ben Randell, their personal chef.”
“Lux Levinson,” I say my name and reach out to shake his hand. “It’s great to meet you.”
“What can I make you to eat, Miss Lux?” Ben tosses a rag over his shoulder.
Chewing on my bottom lip, I’m unsure what to say. I’ve never had a personal chef cook for me before. Not wanting to be rude, I settle for the first thing that comes to mind. “How about avocado toast?”
