The office was quiet.
The hum of computers and low chatter filled the space, but Lillian barely noticed.
Her phone buzzed.
She glanced down.
Subject line: URGENT: Dallas Meeting – Smart-Home Interface Finalization
Her heart skipped a beat.
Sebastian.
She swallowed and got up immediately, walking toward his office.
The door was slightly ajar.
She knocked softly.
"Sebastian?"
He looked up from his papers, eyes sharp but calm.
"Yes?"
"Uh… you have an urgent email," she said, holding her phone out.
He took it, scanning quickly.
"Dallas?" His eyebrow raised.
"I'm needed there to finalize the smart-home interface deal. That's… fast."
Lillian nodded.
"Yes. It came in about ten minutes ago."
He leaned back in his chair, smirking faintly.
"Good. Then get everything ready. Flights, hotel, meetings… you know the drill."
"Yes, sir," she said, trying not to blush.
He tilted his head, voice teasing.
"Oh—and since we're… well… a couple now, you can book one room. Don't make me sleep on the couch."
Lillian blinked. Heart racing.
"Wait… one room?"
He smirked again.
"Yes. You heard me. We're a couple now. Enjoy the privileges."
She flushed but didn't argue.
She actually—quietly—pulled out her phone and booked one room.
"Done," she said, voice a little breathless.
Sebastian's eyes flicked up.
"You… actually did that?"
She nodded, cheeks pink.
"I… yes."
He chuckled softly.
"Impressive. I didn't think you'd take me seriously."
"I… did."
He leaned back in his chair.
"Good. Now, meet me at my mansion when you're done packing."
"I will," she said.
"And… I'll be safe."
He nodded, expression softening.
"Good. Be careful."
Chloe's apartment.
Lillian set her suitcase on the bed.
She packed efficiently, folding clothes and slipping toiletries into a small bag.
She paused, thinking of Sebastian.
He'll be at the mansion already…
The drive there was calm, though her mind raced.
She rehearsed the last conversation in her head—the teasing, the one-room booking, the soft smirk he always gave her.
When she arrived at the mansion, the door was already open.
Sebastian's car was in the driveway.
Her heart beat faster.
She walked inside.
"Sebastian?"
He appeared from the hallway, suitcase in hand.
"Lillian. Perfect timing."
She noticed his casual attire—shirt partially unbuttoned, sleeves rolled up—and smiled faintly.
"Packing light?" she asked.
He smirked.
"Always."
She set her suitcase down and went to help.
Together, they packed efficiently.
Clothes, gadgets, documents.
Then her eyes fell on a small amber bottle on the bedside table.
She recognized it immediately.
Sebastian's insomnia medication.
She picked it up gently.
"Sebastian… this?"
He glanced at her, a faint flush on his cheeks.
"Ah… that. I… I've been trying to use it more often. Some nights, I don't need them at all."
Lillian looked at him, curious.
"Really?"
He nodded.
"Yes… but you know, old habits die hard."
She tilted her head, eyes soft.
"Are you planning to take them with you?"
He smirked, teasing now.
"Are you planning to drug me again like last time?"
Lillian's lips twitched.
"Only if you refuse to sleep again."
He laughed softly, shaking his head.
"Fair enough."
He picked up the small bottle and placed it carefully in his suitcase.
What you don't know, he thought quietly, is that I've been sleeping better because of you.
She watched him, still concerned, unaware of how much influence she actually had on him.
"Everything packed?" she asked softly.
"Yes," he said, zipping the suitcase closed.
"Thanks for helping. You're… efficient."
She smiled faintly.
"I try."
They carried the suitcases together to the car.
The evening air was cool, crisp.
Sebastian opened the passenger door for her.
"After you," he said, voice teasing but warm.
She got in, glancing at him.
He was watching her, hands on the wheel, eyes soft.
The drive to the airport was quiet. Comfortable.
"Dallas is… a long flight," Lillian said, stretching slightly.
Sebastian smirked.
"I'll survive. As long as you're in one room with me."
She laughed softly.
"I guess I should prepare for your snoring, then."
He raised an eyebrow.
"You worry too much. I'm the CEO, remember? I can't snore."
"Right," she said, rolling her eyes but smiling.
The jet sat waiting on the tarmac, sleek and gleaming.
Sebastian held the door open for her.
"After you," he said, arching a brow.
Lillian stepped inside, eyes widening at the plush leather seats and soft golden lighting.
She's been in his private jet many times, but no matter what she still finds it impressive.
"Wow… fancy as always."
He followed her in, placing their suitcases in the storage compartment.
"It's my standard," he said with a small smirk.
"You're just lucky I'm letting you ride in it."
"I feel very lucky," she said, smiling, trying to hide her fluttering heartbeat.
"You should," he replied, meeting her gaze.
There was a warmth in his eyes, something rare.
Protective.
Personal.
They settled in side by side.
Sebastian handed her a tablet.
"Want to go over the meeting notes before takeoff?"
She nodded, flipping through the documents.
"Yes, good idea. I want to be ready."
He leaned back casually, reaching to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
"You're meticulous," he murmured softly.
"I have to be," she replied, cheeks warming slightly.
The engines roared to life.
The jet lifted smoothly.
"This is a long flight," she said again, stretching her arms.
"you'll survive," he said, a teasing edge to his voice.
"As long as you're stuck sitting next to me."
Her eyes widened.
"Oh no… does that mean I have to endure your terrible in-flight jokes?"
He smirked.
"Maybe. But mostly me pretending to be charming. You're welcome."
She laughed, shaking her head.
"I'm not sure how I got stuck with you."
"You asked for it," he said, tone playful but sincere.
"You agreed to the one-room arrangement."
Her cheeks heated.
"That's… different from this."
"Not really," he said, eyes flicking to hers.
"We're together, aren't we?"
"Yes," she whispered, almost shyly.
"Good," he said softly.
"Because I don't like the idea of you being anywhere else. Not now, not ever."
Her chest tightened.
"I… I feel safe. With you."
He reached over, brushing her hand lightly.
"That's exactly how you should feel."
Sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow on her face.
The cabin was quiet except for the gentle hum of the engines.
"Are you nervous about the meeting?" he asked, voice low.
"A little," she admitted.
"It's a big deal for the Dallas team."
"Don't be," he said, tilting his head.
"You've got this. And I'll be right here, making sure nothing goes wrong."
She looked up at him.
"Even… with me?"
"Always," he said simply.
"With you. Every step."
She bit her lip, trying not to blush.
"I… trust you."
He gave her hand a gentle squeeze.
"Good. That's the most important thing."
She smiled softly, heart fluttering.
"You really are something, Sebastian Wolfe."
"Only when you're around," he said, smirking faintly.
"Only me?" she teased.
"Only you," he replied, softer this time, almost a whisper.
She leaned back, letting the warmth of the sun and the hum of the jet sink in.
For the first time in a long while, she felt… completely at ease.