The mansion was unusually quiet.
The soft hum of the city outside drifted through the tall windows, painting the room in pale gold and silver from streetlights.
Lillian followed Sebastian into the living room, carrying a small stack of DVDs she had picked earlier and a bowl of popcorn.
"You actually agreed to a movie night?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
Sebastian smirked, loosening his tie.
"I said I'd try. Don't expect me to suddenly become an expert in popcorn and plots."
She laughed, setting the DVDs down on the coffee table.
"We'll start simple. Nothing too… confusing."
She held up the first case, a romantic comedy.
"Promise me you won't fall asleep halfway through."
"Falling asleep isn't part of my skill set," he said smoothly, though she caught the faint glint of amusement in his eyes.
They settled onto the sofa, the blanket she had brought draping over their legs.
Lillian leaned back, feeling the warmth of the throw and the faint heat radiating from him beside her.
"Ready?" she asked, handing him the remote.
Sebastian took it, his fingers brushing hers.
She shivered slightly and laughed nervously.
"Careful, Mr. Wolfe. That's dangerously close to cozy."
"I take pride in my dangerous side," he replied, pressing play.
The opening credits rolled, and Lillian immediately started commenting.
"Oh, he's going to mess this up. Watch."
Sebastian glanced at her, unimpressed.
"Mess what up?"
"The whole plot. He has no idea what he's doing."
"You mean like me?" he teased, a small smile tugging at his lips.
She nudged him lightly.
"Don't compare yourself to a rom-com disaster."
"I think I'm worse," he said, leaning back.
"I don't even like movies. Too slow. Too many emotions."
Lillian's eyes softened as she looked at him.
"You don't need to like them. You just need to… be here."
He caught her gaze and tilted his head slightly.
"Is that supposed to be charming?"
"Maybe," she admitted, hiding a grin behind the blanket.
They watched the movie, and every so often, Lillian's laughter made him glance at her.
The way her shoulders shook slightly, the way her eyes lit up—he found himself leaning just a little closer, though he pretended not to notice.
Lillian dipped her hand in the bowl of popcorn and chewed.
Sebastian gave her a questionable n
"What?"
"You're loud when you eat."
"No I'm not!"
"And when you talk."
"Sebastian."
"Yes?"
"Please stop."
"Yes, Miss Parker," he said with a smirk and warm eyes.
Halfway through, Lillian nudged him again.
"You're not even paying attention. I can tell."
"On the contrary," he said, eyes fixed on the screen.
"I'm very invested in your reactions. Much more interesting than the plot."
She rolled her eyes, laughing softly.
"Flattery now? You're good."
"Always," he said, smirking.
The movie played on, and the room grew warmer as they shared the blanket.
Lillian rested her head against his shoulder, and he didn't pull away.
"You're heavier than you look," he muttered lightly, his arm instinctively wrapping around her.
"Am I?" she asked, tilting her head up at him.
"I feel fine."
"You feel fine," he repeated, a faint tease in his voice.
"Noted."
Hours passed like minutes.
Lillian lost track of time, wrapped in the soft glow of the TV and the quiet intimacy of being close to him.
When the credits rolled, she glanced at the clock and nearly jumped.
"Already…?" she whispered.
"I didn't even notice the time."
Sebastian tilted his head, frowning slightly.
"Late," he said.
"Do you want me to take you back to Chloe's?"
Her heart skipped, and she bit her lip.
"Uh… actually… would it be okay if I stayed? Just tonight?" Her voice was soft, almost hesitant.
He paused, studying her.
"You want to… stay?"
"Yes," she admitted, looking down at the blanket in her lap.
"I mean… if that's alright. I just…" She trailed off, shy.
He reached out, gently tilting her chin up so their eyes met.
"You can stay," he said simply. "Of course you can."
A small smile broke across her face, relief flooding her.
She leaned in, resting her head against his chest, inhaling the faint scent of his cologne.
"Thank you," she whispered.
"For what?" he murmured, pressing a soft kiss to the top of her head.
"For… everything," she said, voice barely above a breath.
"For letting me stay, for… protecting me, for being you."
He didn't answer, but his hand rubbed soothing circles on her back, grounding her in the moment.
"I… I love you," she said suddenly, the words spilling out before she could think twice.
He stiffened just slightly but remained silent.
Lillian felt her stomach twist.
Her voice had been so sure, yet the quiet that followed made her cheeks heat.
"I… I didn't mean to…" she whispered, pulling back slightly to meet his gaze.
Sebastian shook his head, faintly smiling, though there was a seriousness in his eyes.
"You don't have to explain, Lillian."
Her heart pounded.
"I just… wanted you to know. I've felt it for a while, and…" She trailed off, unsure if she should push further.
He brushed a loose strand of hair from her face.
"I know," he said softly, still not echoing the words.
"And you're safe. That's what matters tonight."
She nodded, resting her head back against his chest.
"Safe," she murmured.
"With you."
"Exactly," he replied, voice low and steady.
His arm tightened slightly around her.
They stayed like that for a long while, the quiet hum of the mansion filling the spaces between them.
Lillian felt her pulse slow, her racing thoughts settling.
Even without hearing the words back, she felt cherished.
"Do you… usually stay up this late?" she asked after a moment, trying to break the silence.
Sebastian chuckled softly.
"Rarely. I usually work until I forget what time it is. But tonight… tonight is different."
"I'm glad," she said, her voice soft but warm.
"Me too."
He pressed a gentle kiss to her temple.
"Then sleep. Stay close. That's all that matters tonight."
Lillian nestled closer, letting the blanket wrap them both, the city lights casting faint patterns across the room.
She felt his steady heartbeat beneath her ear and allowed herself to relax completely.
For the first time in weeks, she felt fully safe, fully seen, and completely at home in his arms.
And for now, that was enough.