Chapter 3 Under his roof

Clara woke up disoriented.

For a moment, she thought the plush bed beneath her was a dream. Then she saw the gold-framed skyline outside the tall windows and remembered-she wasn't home. She was in his house now. Nathan Cole's fortress in the clouds.

The guest room was ridiculous. It looked like a five-star suite, with velvet drapes, soft gray walls, and a closet big enough to house a small family. But despite its beauty, it didn't feel like hers. Nothing about this place did.

She padded barefoot to the en-suite bathroom and splashed cold water on her face. You're doing this for Leo, she reminded herself. Just a job. Just a few weeks.

A knock came at the door.

"Miss Evans?" a soft voice called. "Mr. Cole requests you join him in the study."

Requests, huh?

She changed quickly into the simple clothes she'd packed-nothing flashy-and followed the maid through long, echoing hallways until she reached double doors carved in deep mahogany.

Nathan stood behind his desk, tall, sharp, and dressed like a storm-dark shirt, sleeves rolled, no tie.

He didn't look up from his tablet when she entered.

"You're late," he said flatly.

Clara glanced at the clock on the wall. "It's 9:01."

"That's one minute too late in my world."

She bit her tongue, already tempted to roll her eyes.

"I've outlined your duties," he continued, tapping the tablet. "You'll manage my schedule, field personal calls, accompany me to key meetings, and-when required-attend social functions. You'll be compensated weekly."

He finally looked up. "You'll live here, follow my rules, and stay visible. I don't like not knowing where my assistant is."

Possessive, much?

"Is this still an assistant role," she asked slowly, "or am I on parole?"

His lips twitched, almost a smirk. "You can leave anytime you want, Clara. But the hospital bills won't."

That silenced her.

He rose and walked around the desk, closing the distance between them. His gaze dropped to her bare feet, then back to her face.

"Next time, wear shoes."

Clara's cheeks burned. "Sorry, I didn't know-"

"You're not here to feel at home. You're here because I allowed it."

She stiffened. "Right."

Then, unexpectedly, he added, "Leo's doctor called this morning. They're adjusting his medication. I've arranged a private nurse."

Clara froze.

"I... thank you."

"I don't do it for thanks," he said coolly. "I do it to keep you focused. Your brother is safe. Now you can be useful."

Her chest tightened with a mix of gratitude and something sharper. Fury? Fear? She couldn't name it.

"You don't need to control every part of my life, Mr. Cole."

He leaned in, just enough to make her breath hitch.

"Oh, Clara," he murmured. "That's exactly what I need."

Woul