Her parents had left her a legacy hidden in plain sight.
And with Byron at her side and Barnaby’s brilliant mind leading the way — maybe, just maybe, she could finally bring the truth into the light.
They stumbled into the house, the adrenaline still fizzing in their blood after the day’s wild scavenger hunt.
Barnaby kicked off his sneakers dramatically, sprawling out across the entry bench. "Right! First rule after a hunt? Food and rest. I am not touching these coordinates until I’ve had something greasy and at least two bubble teas."
Lucy laughed, shaking her head. "You’re impossible."
Barnaby wagged a finger. "No. I’m brilliant and hungry. That’s called balance."
As he disappeared toward the kitchen, Byron leaned close to Lucy, his breath hot against her ear.
"I know exactly what I could eat right now," he whispered, voice thick with suggestion.
Lucy jumped, her stomach doing a ridiculous little flip. She turned to him sharply, cheeks burning. In a mock panic, she called over her shoulder to the house staff. "Food to my room! One hour! Don’t be late!
Byron chuckled low in his throat, a sinful sound that only made her legs weaker. Without another word, he grabbed her hand, and they practically ran up the stairs, laughing like teenagers about to get away with something.
Chapter 25
Lucy lay sprawled across her bed, flushed and giggling, her heart still pounding from what they had just done. Byron lounged beside her, his bare chest rising and falling, a lazy smile playing on his lips.
She propped herself up on her elbow, studying him.
"You never talk about you," she said softly.
He turned his head, his grey eyes locking onto hers. For a moment, he said nothing, just stared like he was memorizing her.
"My life’s not so different from yours, Lucy," he said finally. His voice was low. "Maybe just a little darker around the edges."
He reached out and ran his knuckles gently down her arm.
"I promise you," he whispered, "I’ll tell you, my story, I just need you to figure out yours first."
Lucy swallowed past the sudden lump in her throat and nodded.
"I need a shower," she said, hating how reluctant she was to leave his side.
Byron smirked lazily. "I’ll try not to miss you too much."
~
"Your food’s here," Byron called. Lucy practically squealed with excitement. She threw on comfy joggers and a loose tee and ran out of the bathroom.
The staff had outdone themselves. Bowls of pasta, bread rolls and fresh salad sat waiting.
Lucy dived in like she hadn’t eaten in years. She devoured her plate so fast, Byron sat back, hands folded behind his head, laughing at her.
"Come on now," he teased. "Did I not satisfy your appetite enough?"
Lucy snorted, almost choking on a piece of bread.
Byron’s grin turned wicked. "Good girl," he murmured. "I love it when you choke."
Lucy burst out laughing, tossing a bread roll at his head.
"BYRON!" she shrieked, giggling so hard she nearly tipped her chair over.