I shifted awkwardly in my chair, glancing at the two males sitting across from me on the couch. The taller of the two was watching me with no expression on his face. He had been introduced to me as Atlas Hayes, Kaz's cousin. 

Kaz, on the other hand, was looking around at the small apartment, a look of disbelief and disgust on his face. He clearly didn't approve of the place, but something tells me there's not much he does approve of unless it's ridiculously expensive.

"So, uh..." I cleared my throat to try and get his attention. The silence was killing me. "You said you were gonna call me."

"It was easier to come to get you," he replied, his blue eyes finally meeting my own.

"Did you, uh... overhear my landlord?" I rubbed the back of my head, feeling embarrassed when he nodded. "Great..."

"It seems we came at the opportune moment. You'll be taking the job, then, hm?"

Like I have a choice at this point. I didn't want to seem too desperate, though. I still have a shred of pride left. "Can you tell me more about it?"

He quirked a finely plucked brow, crossing one leg over the other. "I've already given you the pertinent information."

"Remind me."

We stared at each other for a moment and I wondered if he was going to answer me.

"Your job will be to look after and protect me at all times. You'll be paid $10,500 each week on Sunday and you'll be required to live on my family's property. You'll have your own home on the estate so you'll have plenty of privacy while still being close should I need you."

It sounds more like a glorified babysitter than a bodyguard. "I don't mean to doubt you, but... does a high schooler really need a bodyguard?"

"Do you know who my father is?" he quirked a brow, not giving me any time to respond. "Jun Colson, founder and CEO of Colson Publishing. It's currently the number one publishing company in the world. He's quite an influential man, which means he has many enemies. Enemies who are more likely to go after his son than attack him directly."

"Okay, fine, that's actually a good point, but why me?" I frowned. "I have no training as a bodyguard and I've only worked as a security guard at one school. I'm not qualified to protect you."

There was a flash of something unfamiliar in his eyes as he exchanged a look with his friend. It was gone by the time he turned back to me, a smirk on his lips. "I believe in you." And then he stood up, dusting off his outfit. "Shall we get going?"

"Eh?" I blinked at him dumbly and he gave me an exasperated look.

"Do you really need more time to decide? You have no job and you've been kicked out of your apartment."

"No, no, I accept! It's just," I motioned toward my apartment. "I need to pack!"

He rolled his eyes and snapped his fingers. As if on cue, Atlas opened the front door, revealing a group of five people standing outside. They wore bright orange shirts, the words 'Hayes Moving' printed on the left breast. They all looked to Kaz, awaiting orders like good little soldiers.

"Pack up everything. Anything you break, you're replacing." Kaz snapped his fingers again and the men rushed into the apartment with cardboard boxes, getting to work.

Words failed me as I watched this with wide eyes, my mouth hanging open. Is this what it's like to be filthy rich? This guy doesn't seem real.

"Let's go." Without waiting, he left the apartment with Atlas close behind.

"Cap!" I called out, listening to the sound of his paws against the wooden floor as he came running. 

Typically, he ignores me whenever I call him, choosing to be an independent cat rather than an obedient one. I guess he knows that something's up because he didn't hesitate to jump into my arms. His eyes watched the men as they walked back and forth, beginning to pack up the apartment, his ears flicking every few minutes.

I held him closely as I stepped out of the apartment. "Time for a new adventure, Cap."

He meowed but I couldn't tell if it was positive or negative.

Kaz was already sitting in the back seat of a large, black SUV. He eyed me through the open window before glancing at Cap. "You didn't say you have a cat."

"You didn't ask," I replied, narrowing my eyes at him. "If Cap can't come, I'm staying."

"Don't be dramatic," he sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You can bring the feline, but keep in mind that I have a dog. Bellany won't mess with him as long as he doesn't mess with her. Now, get in. It's hot." He rolled the window up, offering me no chance to reply.

Clicking my tongue, I stepped around to the other side of the vehicle. Atlas was waiting there and he opened the door for me when I approached. "Thank you."

He just nodded, closing the door behind me before walking around to sit in the passenger seat.

 I leaned my head against the window, watching the apartment complex disappear as we drove away. It felt like a chapter was being closed and I was terrified of the one about to begin.

-ˋˏ ༻❅༺ ˎˊ-

"Holy shit..." I muttered, eyes wide as I stared at the house before me. 

No, house isn't grand enough. This place was a fucking mansion and a castle rolled into one. A large stone fence surrounded the property, the gate being manned by a security guard and a keypad. The drive from the gate to the mansion itself was long as hell, surrounded on both sides by a well kept lawn, perfectly trimmed bushes, and beautiful cherry blossom trees.

"Do mind your language when you speak to my father, hm?" Kaz sent me an amused look as he stepped past me, heading up the steps into the home. The doors were opened for him, two women standing on either side of the door and bowing when he approached.

"Welcome home, young master!" they chorused, but he paid them no mind.

It took a moment for his words to register. When they did, my eyes widened and I rushed after him, clutching Cap tightly so he didn't fall. "Wait a minute! I'm meeting your father?"

"Of course you are." He sent me a look as if I was dumb which, to be fair, I am. Still, I hadn't planned on meeting his dad! 

"Atlas, take the feline and put him in her new home."

Without hesitation, the large male approached me, holding his hands out. I gently patted Cap's head, telling him to behave before handing him over. I was worried he would freak out when he was taken away, but he did as I asked and behaved himself.

"Follow me," said Kaz. He headed down the hall to the left of the large staircase in the entryway. He led me down a hallway lined with paintings, stopping at the only door at the end of the hall. Without knocking, he entered, motioning for me to follow.

The office was large, lined with tall bookshelves. In front of the door was a seating area with two comfortable looking couches facing each other, separated by a coffee table. At the back of the room sat a large wooden desk, behind which sat an elegant looking man. He was an older version of Kaz, though he looked more distinguished and kind.

"Father, I've brought her."

The man glanced up from from the paper he was reading, a kind smile on his face. "Ah, you arrived sooner than expected." When he stood, he was a few inches taller than his son. He fastened the button on his suit jacket before approaching me, holding out his hand.

I quickly wiped my palm against my shorts before slipping it into his own. "Nice to meet you, sir."

"No need to be so formal," he chuckled. "Please, just call me Jun. Have a seat." He motioned toward the couches and I chose the one on the right.

It was the most comfortable piece of furniture I had ever felt in my entire life. It was like I was sitting on a damn cloud and all I wanted to do was go to sleep. I never knew you could feel so relaxed just by sitting down.

To my surprise, Kaz left the room, leaving me alone with his father. I suddenly felt very nervous. I'm not exactly known for my tact and I tend to put my foot in my mouth. I really need this job, pride be damned, but one wrong word or phrase could completely ruin that.

"There's no need to be nervous," he spoke softly, undoing the button on his jacket as he sat down across from me, one leg crossed over the other. His hair was the same shade of blonde as his son's, slicked back away from his face. His eyes, though, were a dark blue instead of the icy blue ones belonging to his son. "I wanted to thank you for looking after my son."

Thank me? My brow furrowed in surprise. It's not like I'm doing it out of the kindness of my heart. It's a job.

He lowered his voice, glancing at the closed door. "Listen, I know my son isn't the easiest person to get along with. He means well, he's just not very good at showing it. You really helped him out and he's admired you for that for a while. I'm glad he finally found you."

"Huh?" I blurted out in confusion, blinking dumbly. "What are you talking about? We only met a few days ago."

"You don't remember?" he quirked a brow, humming when I shook my head. "Four years ago, the SUV he was in broke down during a storm. You helped Atlas move it out of the road, yes?"

It took a moment for the memory to come back, my eyes widening. So, the person in the backseat was him?

"He made a poor decision in writing you a blank check. You could have taken advantage of that and taken a lot of money from him, but you only took $2,400, if I recall correctly. You got yourself a small apartment, but it only covered a few months of rent. I'm curious, why didn't you take more?"

How in the hell did this guy know all of that? I can't believe it was Kaz that I helped and it was his check that I used. I scratched the back of my head, trying to ignore the headache that was beginning to form. "Um... I didn't want to use it at all, but I had to. I'll work hard to pay it back, sir."

Jun chuckled softly. "You don't have to worry about paying it back. You helped my son and he helped you back in return. That's how the world should work." He paused, watching me closely. "I'm sure this is a lot to take in. It's quite the change from what you're used to. Life will be easier for you here, Jay."

"Yes..." I nodded slowly. "I'll do my best."

"I'm sure you will. I do have a request to ask of you before you go."

"Sure," I nodded again, blinking at him curiously. "Whatever I can do, sir."

"Don't be afraid to tell him off if the need should arise."

"Eh?"

"Kaz is a good boy, but I admit that he's been spoiled by us. I want my son to be kind to others, to be understanding of others. He's never had to want for anything, so I have no doubt that he can't understand the struggles of those less fortunate. You have experienced such struggles and I believe you can help change his viewpoint. Don't be afraid to call him out on his behavior simply because you work for him. Can you do that for me?"

I was surprised by this request. Typically, rich people don't want to hear that they're wrong. Especially if it's their employee that's telling them such. He's actually giving me a free pass to speak my mind if Kaz acts like a spoiled rich bitch, though. How could I possibly refuse? "Yes, I can. Leave it to me."

Jun smiled warmly, standing up and once more buttoning his suit jacket.

I followed him on instinct, standing up as well.

"Thank you. I'll let you settle in. Michael!"

The doors of his office opened and an elderly man entered, his grey hair parted neatly. He wore a butlers uniform, gloved hands clasped behind his back. "Yes, sir?"

"Please escort Jay to her new home."

"Of course, sir." The man bowed before turning to me. "Follow me if you will, please, miss."

I glanced at Jun, watching as he returned to his desk, before I turned to follow the older man. The other employees stared at me as I walked past, whispering amongst themselves. I can't blame them, though. 

Dressed in a baggy black t-shirt and basketball shorts, I looked like the last thing that belonged in such an expensive house. Everyone here was dressed so proper, even the employees. Everyone was polite and eloquent... it was like a different world and it honestly made me feel a bit self-conscious.

Michael led me out of through a set of sliding glass doors on the left side of the home and out into the garden. A stone path guided us, framed by a variety of flowers that I couldn't name. The path branched off in two directions. To the right, it went deeper into the property. To the left, it led toward a small home that sat up against the stone fence. 

Well, I say it's small because I'm comparing it to the main house. It wasn't small by any means, two stories high and big enough for a full family. I could see Cap sitting in living room window, watching a bird as it bathed in the birdbath.

Michael paused in front of the front door, turning toward me as he held out a key. "This is where you will be staying. This is the only key. Please take care not to lose it."

"Thank you," I told him, taking the key from him.

"Your things should be arriving shortly. If there's anything you require, please let me know. My number, as well as the Colson's home phone number, have been written down by the phone. Is there anything you need before I go, miss?"

"Ah, no. Thank you again."

"Of course." He bowed at me before walking away.

If my head wasn't hurting before, it certainly was now. My heart raced as I inserted the key into the lock, slowly pushing the door open. The home was sparkling clean, looking as if it had just been built.

To my direct left was the living room, complete with a large, flat screen TV and the latest gaming system. To my direct right was a dining room with the kitchen right after that. I opened the fridge curiously, surprised to see that it was full of food. So was the freezer and the cabinets. I could survive her for a year or better if there was ever an apocalypse!

"Cap," I breathed out, stopping in the dining room to look at my cat. I thought he had just been sitting on the window sill but I was wrong. It was a full on couch attached to the large, bay window.

He craned his neck back, meowing at me.

"Is this real?" I muttered, falling onto the cushions beside him. "Did I fall into a coma and all of this is a dream?"

Movement caught his attention and his eyes fell on the birdbath once more as more birds landed on it. His tail swished back and forth, ears flickering as he listened to them talking to each other.

"I'm gonna check the upstairs," I announced, as if he cared.

The stairs were directly in front of the door, not nearly as grand as the ones in the Colson house. My bedroom was above the kitchen, at the far right of the second floor. There was another room beside it, the bathroom across from it, and a walk in closet attached to the bathroom. I barely have enough clothes to fill a regular closet, what the hell am I gonna go with a walk in closet?

"What have I gotten myself into?" I muttered to myself.