Wren let the stress and weariness of the day seep from his body. A half moon shone through the Lounge's large windows, providing a comforting glow. Fiona's soft voice wasn't even cause enough to make him lift his head from where it rested.

"Would you like me to turn on the TV for you? You look exhausted."

"I'm worn out." He chuckled. "Hilda warned me though. And no, thank you, about the TV."

He heard the maid's soft steps as she rounded the couch, came into view, and seated herself on a recliner. She had changed from the maid's black dress into a baggy T-shirt and sweatpants. He quirked a smile. Even in that, she looked adorable.

"Leah asleep?" he asked.

" I hope so. She is still worked up but has stopped pacing at least. I fear Alyssa might have pushed her patience too far. You will want to keep a close eye on Leah tomorrow."

"Alyssa deserves whatever Prin -, I mean Leah wants to dish. I'm not making promises I won't help her either."

There was silence for a moment. Wren lifted his head and saw the maid was smiling as if holding a secret.

"What?"

She shook her head and lifted her hands for emphasis. "Nothing. I said nothing."

"You were thinking something though."

She laughed, but it was obvious she wasn't planning on revealing the cause of her strange smile. "I suppose you're wanting to throw in the towel after today, hm?"

"You mean quit?" When she nodded, he scoffed. "Not a chance. I'm here for a year, and I'm not budging until that year is over."

"Why a year?"

Wren hesitated, wondering how much he should divulge. "It was the terms of my agreement with Mr. Kingsley."

"What if Tony wanted you to stay longer? Would you?"

Studying the young woman across from him, Wren chose his words with care. "I don't see myself staying. This job...it's a means to an end for me. I'll do it to the best of my ability, but after my year, I'm gone."

Fiona's disappoinment was obvious, and Wren entertained the idea she might have an interest in him. Yet, she didn't flirt or bat her lashes like most of the women who threw themselves his way. Her demeanor confused him. She stood, her smile still genuine.

"I hope you reach your dreams in life then, Wren. This year will be interesting."

Wren grinned and pulled himself to his feet out of respect. "It would seem like it."

He watched her retreat to the door, but she paused and turned again. "I was wondering... How did you get inside the gym? Leah said Alyssa had taken the keys and locked the doors."

Gazes locked. She was studying him, dissecting him, and that knowledge made him nervous. "The window... It was open."

"All the windows in that building are high."

Wren nodded but let the silence dangle between them. Once again, it was Fiona who broke the stillness.

"You aren't just an average construction worker, are you?"

When Wren didn't answer, she nodded, satisfied. " I see." She opened one door. "You two are the perfect pair."

Wren quirked an eyebrow. "Oh?"

She giggled. "Yes. One jumps out of windows, and the other jumps through them. The perfect match."

Wren could only stare as the maid left the room. "The perfect match." He let the words play on his tongue. Then, he snorted and shook his head at the ridiculousness of the suggestion. He wouldn't even consider it.

************

Leah raced up the stairs two at a time as her maid's approaching footsteps echoed in the hallway. When she reached her bedroom, she did her best to be silent as she slipped inside. Her rapid breathing filled quiet room, and she slid to the floor with thump. Tears filled her eyes, but she swiped at them, angry.

"This job is a means to an end for me." Wren's words echoed in her mind, and she drew her knees to her chest. She hadn't intended to listen. She had wanted a glass of water from the kitchen, but Wren's laugh had drawn her like a bee to honey.

I'm just a job to him, she thought. Her heart twisted. Why had she imagined that she might trust him? Why did her foolish heart keep pulling her towards him when she knew it would only make her vulnerable?

"Everyone leaves," she whispered. The raw pain that struck revealed to the young heiress just how much she'd opened herself to the butler and that terrified her. I can't be abandoned again. I can't!

And she knew. At her age, one could only be abandoned if they loved first.

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