Morning in Jay's apartment was peaceful.
Too peaceful.
Sunlight spilled across the living room floor. The city noise was distant. Percy was sprawled dramatically across the couch like he owned the place.
Jay stood in the kitchen in an oversized sweater, tying her hair up while waiting for the coffee to drip.
Her phone buzzed.
Unknown number.
She hesitated… then answered.
"Ms. Mariano?" a professional female voice spoke. "Calling from Watson Enterprises' legal department."
Jay straightened slightly. "Yes?"
"There is a document Mr. Watson wants reviewed personally. He insisted it not be emailed."
Her brows furrowed. "I'll see it at the office."
A brief pause.
"Actually… he is on his way to you."
Jay froze.
"Excuse me?"
"He left ten minutes ago."
The line disconnected.
From the couch—
Percy slowly lifted his head.
"Why do you look like you've seen a ghost?"
"He's coming here."
"Who?"
She stared at him.
"…Keifer."
Percy sat up instantly.
"Oh this is premium entertainment."
Jay glared at him. "Shut up."
But before she could even think—
There was a knock.
Not loud.
Not aggressive.
Controlled.
Jay walked to the door.
Opened it.
And there he was.
Mark Keifer Watson.
Perfect suit.
Calm face.
Eyes focused only on her.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Then—
"You didn't text," he said simply.
Jay blinked. "That's why you're here?"
"Yes."
From inside the apartment—
Percy: "THIS MAN DROVE ACROSS LONDON BECAUSE OF A TEXT?"
Keifer didn't even glance at him.
He stepped inside calmly.
The space suddenly felt smaller.
More serious.
Percy stood, crossing his arms.
"You track her location too?"
Keifer replied evenly, "She sent it last night."
Jay felt heat rise to her face.
Percy gasped dramatically. "Oh she shares location now. We're deep."
"Percy," Jay warned.
Keifer's gaze moved back to her.
"You're coming with me."
"Where?"
"Breakfast."
"I already had coffee."
"That's not breakfast."
She crossed her arms. "You skipped the part where you ask."
His eyes softened slightly.
"I'm asking."
The tone wasn't commanding.
It was quiet.
Intent.
Jay stared at him for a moment.
"…You're ridiculous."
"I know."
Percy muttered, "This is insane wealth behavior."
Jay grabbed her bag.
As she walked past Percy, he whispered, "He's obsessed."
She kicked him lightly.
Keifer noticed.
His eyes narrowed slightly. "Problem?"
Percy grinned. "No, sir."
Outside, the morning air was cool.
Keifer opened the car door for her without hesitation.
She paused before getting in.
"You really came just because I didn't text?"
"Yes."
"That's dramatic."
"No. It's intentional."
She didn't respond.
She just got in.
Inside the car, silence settled.
Not awkward.
Just heavy.
After a few minutes, she spoke softly.
"You could've called again."
"I did."
She checked her phone.
Three missed calls.
Her stomach flipped slightly.
"I was in the kitchen."
"I know."
She looked at him.
"You get worried too easily."
He didn't answer immediately.
His fingers tapped once against his thigh.
"I don't like not knowing if you're safe."
Her heart softened slightly at that.
"You think I can't handle myself?"
"That's not what I said."
"Then what are you saying?"
His jaw tightened faintly.
"I lost control once before. I don't intend to repeat that."
She knew what he meant.
His mother.
The past.
The fire.
Silence filled the car again.
This time heavier.
She slowly reached out and placed her hand over his.
He stilled.
"I'm here," she said quietly.
His hand turned slightly, intertwining with hers.
Firm.
Grounded.
"I know," he replied.
And that sounded more vulnerable than he meant it to.
They arrived at a private rooftop restaurant.
Reserved.
Empty except for them.
Jay looked around.
"You planned this?"
"Yes."
"You act like you didn't."
"I prefer surprises."
She narrowed her eyes playfully.
"You're impossible."
"And yet," he said calmly, pulling out her chair for her, "you're here."
She sat.
He took his seat across from her.
For once—
No tension.
No teasing.
No jealousy.
Just quiet morning light.
He watched her as she sipped her coffee properly this time.
"You didn't have to come," she said again.
"I know."
"Then why did you?"
His gaze didn't waver.
"Because when you don't answer, I imagine the worst."
Her teasing expression faded slightly.
"You don't trust the world."
"No."
"Do you trust me?"
He held her gaze.
"…Yes."
That was rare.
Very rare.
She smiled softly.
"Then next time, trust that I'm fine."
A pause.
"…Text me."
She laughed lightly.
"Okay."
Back at the apartment window, Percy watched the car disappear earlier that morning.
And for once—
He wasn't joking.
He wasn't teasing.
He was thinking.
Because this wasn't some casual billionaire romance.
This was something deeper.
And dangerous.
Not because of love.
But because of how much Keifer was willing to move for it.