HARRY

My eyes widened at the revelation.

I stared at Caspian in disbelief, trying to process what he had just said. “Derek is on the Board and your family founded St. Louis?” I repeated, my voice filled with astonishment.

Caspian nodded, a small smile playing at the corner of his mouth. “Can’t believe they didn't tell you? I thought you knew it all along.”

“I didn't,” I admitted, feeling a mixture of surprise and relief.“I thought he was just a businessman, had no idea about St. Louis.”

Caspian leaned back on his chair, observing my reaction. “Dad doesn't like to talk about himself much, but I thought your mother would have told you. Anyway, just know, dad has always been more focused on making sure everyone around him is taken care of and now that includes you too.”

I couldn't help but feel warmth spread through my chest at his words. “Thank you, all of you for doing so much for a stranger.”

“You are not a stranger.” He leaned forward and took my hand on his own. I had goosebumps all over my body by his mere touch. “Not anymore. And I know it sounds crazy but I feel like I have known you my entire life.”

I chuckled, looking down at our connected hands. “I appreciate everything Derek and you have done for me. I-I was worried about starting college, classes, now… now I feel better.”

“Good, you don't have to worry about anything,” Caspian said, his voice softening. In that moment, the stern, intimidating aura he was projecting earlier seemed to fade. “You are part of the family now, Katherine. I will take care of everything, you just focus on settling in and your studies.”

I nodded, grateful for his reassurance. His words were comforting, but they also stirred something else inside me—an awareness of the complexities that lay beneath the surface of this family. Even though they weren't related to me by blood, I knew I had to respect the new relationship, and that meant ending whatever it was with Lucas.

“Now, we are mostly done, you can go back. I will look after everything else.” Caspian continued, shifting back into his usual business-like tone. “If you need anything, whether it’s about school or anything else, don’t hesitate to ask.”

I nodded, feeling a bit more at ease. “I will. Thank you, Caspian.”

He smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling slightly, and for a fleeting moment, I wondered what it would be like to truly know him, beyond the authoritative figure he often portrayed.

As I stood to leave, Caspian’s voice stopped me. “One more thing, Katherine.”

I turned back to face him, curiously. “Yes?”

“About earlier… I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable,” he said, his tone sincere. “It wasn’t my intention.”

I felt a blush creep up my cheeks as I recalled how close we had been. “It’s okay,” I replied quickly, not wanting to dwell on it. “Really.”

Caspian nodded, seeming satisfied with my response. “Alright. I’ll let you go, then. I’m sure you need to settle in.”

I offered him a small smile before leaving the study, my mind swirling with everything that had happened. I initially thought about joining the others in the family room. I could hear their laughter and chatter echoing faintly down the hallway, a stark contrast to the tension I’d just experienced.

But the day had already been overwhelming, and I was exhausted—physically and emotionally. I decided I needed some time to myself, to process everything and just… breathe.

Instead of heading toward the family room, I turned toward the staircase, deciding to retreat to my bedroom for some much-needed rest. As I reached the top of the staircase, a soft mewing caught my attention. I paused, looking around to pinpoint the source of the sound.

It was faint, but unmistakable—a kitten. Intrigued, I followed the noise down the hallway until I reached a partially open door. Gently pushing it open, I peered inside and saw a small, black kitten curled up on the floor.

My heart melted at the sight. The kitten was absolutely adorable, its glossy fur gleaming under the soft light filtering through the room. Unable to resist, I stepped inside and knelt down, reaching out a hand to the tiny creature. The kitten looked up at me with wide, curious eyes before rubbing its head against my hand, purring softly.

“Hey there, little one,” I whispered, smiling as I gently scratched behind its ears. The kitten responded by playfully swatting at my fingers, making me laugh.

I was so absorbed in the moment that I didn’t notice when someone entered the room. “Who are you?”

I turned to see a guy standing in the doorway to what must have been an en-suite bathroom. He was tall, with a toned body, clad only in a pair of black boxer briefs. He had a towel in his hand, probably for drying his hair, and he stared at me kneeling on the floor, playing with a kitten.

My eyes widened in surprise, “Oh! Uh, I didn’t realize anyone was in here,” I said, voice tinged with embarrassment. “The door was open.”

“Okay, but who are you?” He repeated, trying to hide the growing bulge in his brief with the towel.

I blinked, my face heating up as I registered what was going on. “I-I’m Katherine, Jenny's daughter.” I stammered, quickly standing up and turning my back to him, trying to give him some privacy. “I heard the kitten and… I didn’t mean to intrude!”

The chuckled softly, seemingly more amused than annoyed. “It’s fine. I should’ve closed the door. I forgot that we were going to have a girl living with us now.”

I couldn’t bring myself to look at him, my cheeks burning with embarrassment. “I didn’t know this was your room… I’ll, uh, just go now.”

But before I could make a hasty retreat, he stepped forward, the towel now wrapped around his waist. “Wait, don’t rush off,” he said, his tone light. “If you like the kitten, you can stay and play with her. She doesn’t get much attention from the others.”

I hesitated, torn between fleeing the room and staying to spend more time with the adorable kitten. The guy didn’t seem bothered by the situation—if anything, he was taking it in stride. Slowly, I turned back around, careful to keep my gaze above his waist. Bad Idea.

“You sure?” I asked, still feeling awkward.

“Yeah, of course.” He offered me a friendly smile, his easygoing nature putting me slightly more at ease. “Besides, Leo’s probably still annoying the hell out of everyone downstairs. You’re safer up here.”

That made me laugh, the tension between us easing just a bit. “Alright, I’ll stay for a little while.”

“Oh, I forgot. I am Harry.” He scratched the back of his hair, while I looked at his body.

“Nice to meet you, Harry.” I offered him my hand that he took without any hesitation and gave a firm handshake.

“Now, if you won't mind. I'll like to dry my hair and change.”

I nodded shyly and he went back into the closet. The kitten mewed again, drawing my attention back down. I knelt once more and resumed playing with the little ball of fur. Harry came back, this time in a pair of joggers that did nothing to hide his erection.

As I petted the kitten, I couldn’t help but sneak glances at Harry while he dried his hair with the towel, still feeling a bit flustered. He was clearly in great shape, his toned body showed his dedication to fitness. After a few minutes he, with the towel around his shoulders came to sit on the floor. Way too close to me.

“So, how’s your first day here been?” Harry asked, breaking the silence.

I smiled faintly, scratching the kitten under its chin. “It’s been… eventful, to say the least.”

Harry chuckled, nodding. “Yeah, I bet. This house can be a lot to take in.”

“I get the feeling,” I said and he reached forward to play with the cat.

I felt his chest pressing on my shoulder and I couldn't help but turn to find him staring at me.