"I don't know how I feel about this, Jake. It's your parents' home."
"I know Emma, all this is too soon and quite rushed for you, and I am pushing you to do something out of your comfort zone. But protecting you at all costs is my top priority." His eyes, even though they looked determined, they were desperately searching mine for an answer. He was worried sick.
I took a couple of minutes to process all the information. I was supposed to move out of my apartment for the sake of my safety. This was all so bizarre and scary, yet the idea of being close to Jake in such dangerous times comforted me.
I immediately made up my mind. I didn't want to leave him alone when his life was at risk. "Jake... I understand. Please stop being apologetic. I will always decide to stay by your side and do what helps the situation best."
He sighed in relief and took my hands in his. He placed soft kisses at the back of my hands, "I love you, Emma, and I will make this better, I promise." He whispered.
"I love you too, Jake, and you have my back, no matter what."
***
I felt a bit empty as I left my apartment behind, this place did grow on me in all these months, plus I had the fondest memories here.
How was I going to explain all this to my family and friends?
We then headed to Jake's family home with a band of guards following us. It felt unreal. Suddenly I was snatched off my commoner identity and got straight away planted in an action-thriller movie.
I closed my eyes, and let it all soak in.
"Are you okay, Emma? You are awfully silent."
"Nothing, just contemplating. My brain could explode; the only thing that is keeping me sane is the fact that we are together."
His eyes softened, and he shifted closer to me and took me in his arms. We were in the passenger seat in one of his many cars.
"Jake, is it silly of me to feel sad that I could never see the apartment, where you lived?"
"No. You shouldn't worry, I was never planning on taking you there anyway." His abrupt remark earned a frown on my face.
"Why? What do you mean?"
Before he could answer, the car made a stop. We had arrived. When I looked out of the window, I was speechless. Calling this place just a home was unfair to its grand existence. It was huge and majestic, like a palace of some kind. I was taken out from my trance when Jake opened the door for me.
"Shall we?"
I took his hand and stepped out, "how freaking rich are you?"
He chuckled at my question, "me? Not so much. My parents? A lot."
I felt small in this vast space. I was suddenly having second thoughts about staying here.
"Can we go someplace else, please? I don't feel good about this anymore." I held his hand to make him stop. I slowly withdrew my steps.
"Come on, Emma."
"No, seriously. It's a family home, Jake. I shouldn't be staying here."
He shook his head, and just grabbed my waist and suddenly picked me in his arms, "I thought you knew by now, you are family Emma. Maybe even more."
His words melted my heart, but I resisted him throughout, asking him to put me down, but to no avail. He finally let me go as we entered the huge, no, enormous living area. Countless staff members were lined up, dressed neatly in a white and beige uniform. They all gave me sheepish smiles, totally amused, watching Jake and me together.
I felt so embarrassed. I couldn't make eye contact with anyone present. Suddenly, Jake introduced me to one of them. She was a slightly old lady, probably in her late 50s, exquisite and charming.
"Emma this is Aunt Olivia, she is the head of the house staff, my nanny, my godmother; and your go-to person if you need anything."
"Aunt Olivia." Jake was ecstatic to see her. He engulfed her in a warm hug. "This is Emma, the girl I mentioned before. She is in your care now."
"Of course, son. Welcome home, Emma!" She said politely with a bright smile on her face while extending me her hand. As I took her hand for greeting, she stepped forward and gave me a warm hug.
"Come, let me show your room."
"I will be in there shortly," Jake said in an assuring tone, as I walked past him. We walked through the huge corridors. Aunt Olivia gave me a mini-tour. She told me how Jake's room was in the East Wing of the house and showed me where the dining area and kitchen were. I was trying to remember the way. This house was like a maze.
Note to self - try not getting lost here.
After a good ten minutes’ walk, we finally reached the room. It was an all-black room, with modern interiors and Jake's huge portrait at the back of the bed. The room was like a mini apartment itself, with separate sections for bed, dining and wardrobe.
"Settle in dear. I will send something to eat. Do you have any preference?" I was so nervous; I completely lost my appetite. "No, just a glass of water, please. I am not hungry at all."
"Water is right there, and I will send a glass of fresh juice at least, I insist." She pointed to the far corner of the room and then left after taking my leave. My luggage was bought in soon after.
I quickly changed into something comfortable and sat on the bed, waiting for Jake to come back.
After a while, a very tired looking Jake
