Valentine’s Billionaire Auction

Chapter 22

22

ROMAN

I glanced up from my book. It was so strange to be sitting with a woman I was physically attracted to and not be all over her. We had been sitting in the library for two hours, drinking wine and reading in mostly silence. Occasionally, I would ask her about my book or hers.

She seemed to enjoy discussing the plot twists and the characters’ motives, her eyes lighting up each time she unfolded a new layer of the story. It was a different sort of interaction than I was used to, one that didn’t involve pressing for more physical intimacy or showcasing my usual charm. Instead, it felt genuine, like we were actually connecting on a level beyond surface attraction.

I had to admit, it was refreshing not to play the part I usually played around women. With her, it felt like I could just be myself—whatever that was. As I turned another page, I found myself wondering about her life outside of these walls. Who was she before she showed up in my life?

I glanced up from my book and smiled.

Kaira had fallen asleep on the chaise in the library. Her book had fallen onto her chest, her lips slightly parted. I sat and watched her. The golden glow from the fireplace cast a soft light over her features. Her breathing was even, peaceful. I didn’t have the heart to wake her. She looked like she belonged.

I felt an attraction to her, but it wasn’t like the same pull I felt last night. Yes, given the chance, I would take her to bed right now. But this felt different. There was something profoundly serene about this moment, watching her sleep. It stirred something within me that I hadn’t felt in a long time—if ever. It wasn’t just desire, it was respect, admiration even, for the way she carried herself, for her intellect, her passion for the stories she read.

She wouldn’t be able to sleep so peacefully if she didn’t trust me. My eyes lingered on Kaira’s sleeping form. Maybe she was right; perhaps there was merit in sharing parts of our own lives to forge true connections.

I quietly got up and walked to the bench in the corner. There were blankets neatly folded for those that might want to cuddle up while reading. The blankets were essentially new. I grabbed one and carefully covered her. She stirred slightly, murmuring something unintelligible before settling back into her dreams.

I picked up our empty wine glasses and made my way to the kitchen with the half-full bottle of wine.

The kitchen was alive with quiet conversation. A few members of the night staff were gathered around the island, sipping on cups of coffee and laughing. They stopped the moment I entered, their voices cutting off mid-sentence as their eyes darted to me.

I wasn’t usually in the kitchen. Not like this. My presence made them uneasy. I hated that I had created an environment where they felt like they couldn’t relax in their own space.

I probably never would have noticed their behavior but now that I had seen them with Kaira, I saw the stark contrast in their attitude when I was around.

They scrambled to make themselves busy, wiping down already spotless counters and organizing the coffee station.

I nodded toward the coffee pot. “Any left?”

Marilyn, my head of cleaning staff, nodded cautiously. “Yes, sir. Would you like me to pour you a cup?”

I shook my head, putting the wine glasses in the sink. “No, I’ve got it.”

I could feel them all watching me like they were waiting for me to yell at them or start screaming orders. Their uncertainty was palpable as I poured myself a mug and added a splash of cream. I leaned against the island, stirring the coffee slowly, aware of the furtive glances they were exchanging.

“Do you want something to eat?” Marilyn asked. “I can make you a sandwich or I believe there are some leftovers in the refrigerator.”

“I should go make sure things are locked up,” Tim said.

“Please, stay,” I said. “Everyone, have a seat.”

I saw the looks of fear. Tim looked resigned to the lecture. Marilyn looked irritated, but she held her tongue.

“I need to apologize,” I said, my voice cutting through the tense silence. “To all of you.”

Marilyn straightened, her expression unreadable. The others froze before exchanging glances with one another. Their reactions were telling. I was such a dick, they couldn’t believe I was apologizing.

“My house guest—Kaira—she’s made me realize some things.” I took a sip of coffee and considered my next words. “I’ve been a shitty employer.”

A couple of the younger staff members exchanged wide-eyed looks, clearly startled by my bluntness.

“I’m sorry,” I continued. “This house hasn’t been a welcoming place to work for a long time, and that’s on me. I want to change that. I want to make it better. Like it used to be.”

Marilyn’s eyes softened. She stepped forward, her hands clasped in front of her. “The bones of this house still have all the memories of your parents and the life they built here, Roman. It was a house full of love and laughter once. It’s about time we all breathed some of that back into it.”

Her words hit me hard. She was right. This house had been a home once. A real home. And somewhere along the way, I’d let it become something cold and impersonal. Marilyn had been with the family for my entire life.

Marta walked into the kitchen with a bright smile, but the moment she saw me, it fell away.

“I’m sorry,” she murmured.

“Stay,” I said. “I was just telling the rest of the staff things are going to change around here.”

“He was just saying he wants this cold mausoleum to be a home again,” Marilyn said with a smile.

Marta grinned. “Really? That’s wonderful. We’ve missed the old days.”

“From now on, I want you all to feel free to use the common areas after your shifts. Read in the library, watch TV in the lounge, make yourselves a meal—this is your home too while you’re here.”

There was a collective exhale throughout the room, as if a pressure valve had been released. Tim’s shoulders dropped slightly from their usual tense position.

“Kaira is a bright, beautiful woman on the inside and outside,” Marilyn said.

I glanced back toward the library, where Kaira was still sleeping. “Having her here—it’s been different. But good. She’s not afraid to stand up for what she thinks is right, even when it scares her. And she speaks her mind.” I shook my head, a small smile tugging at my lips. “I didn’t expect that from her.”

Marilyn smiled knowingly. “She’s something, isn’t she?”

I nodded, sipping my coffee. “Yeah, she is.”

The other women in the kitchen exchanged sly smiles, and I felt the atmosphere shift, becoming lighter.

“She told us she loves to write,” Marta said. “She and her friend had a good time in the ballroom. They thought it was like stepping into a fairytale.”

“I think it might be time we used that ballroom for more than just storing old furniture,” I mused, the idea forming as I spoke. “Maybe we could host some events here—charity galas, art shows. Bring some life back into this place.”

The staff nodded enthusiastically at the idea.

“Your parents used to love throwing parties.” Marta sighed. “I will never forget the first time I was tasked with serving. I dropped a whole tray of appetizers. Your mother was very kind. I had just started working for the family. I expected to be fired. Instead, she helped me clean up, laughing and telling me stories of her own mishaps when she was younger. She made me feel like I belonged here, not just as an employee, but as part of the family.”

I smiled at Marta’s memory and felt a pang of longing for my parents. “I want to bring that feeling back,” I declared. “I don’t just want this house to be a place where you work; I want it to be a place where you feel at home, too.”

“I remember the time I was vacuuming and tripped over the cord,” Marilyn said with a shake of her head. “Your father didn’t even flinch. He just came over, turned off the vacuum, and made sure I was okay before he got it untangled. He always had a way of making the small disasters feel like nothing more than tiny bumps in the road.”

The room filled with gentle laughter as others began sharing their anecdotes as well. It seemed that each memory unearthed another. The staff were part of my life. I realized I had been treating them like furniture or art on the wall instead of the extended family they really were. They were the closest thing to family I had beyond my aunt.

“You know, Valentine’s Day is coming up,” Marilyn said, her tone casual, but I was picking up on a hint. “Maybe you should think about doing something nice for Kaira. It seems like she’s brought joy into your life. You could do something to show her how special she is.”

Her suggestion caught me off guard. And not in a good way. I couldn’t explain why, but something triggered me. I straightened, my usual defenses going back up. “This isn’t real. You know that.”

Marilyn shrugged. “Maybe not. But the media doesn’t know that. And a good fiancé plans something special for his bride-to-be.”

The others murmured their agreement, nodding along.

I was immediately defensive. “This is a PR strategy. That’s all. I don’t want to lay it on too thick.”

Marilyn raised an eyebrow. “Of course, sir. But even a PR strategy could use a little romance.”

I finished my coffee in silence, half-listening to their many suggestions. I was preoccupied with thoughts of Kaira.

Was I really considering doing something for Valentine’s Day? For her?

It was so out of character for me.

But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that Kaira had changed the dynamic of the household. I probably did owe her a little more than just the money and fine things I was buying her. She would probably enjoy a nice gesture.

“I’ll think about it,” I finally conceded.

The kitchen fell silent for a moment, everyone likely just as surprised as I was.

Marilyn smiled. “She would appreciate it, even if it’s just a small gesture.”

“I’ll think about it,” I repeated. “I’m going to bed. Goodnight.”

I walked out of the kitchen and stopped by the library once again. She was still sound asleep. I left her where she was and headed upstairs.

The staff had given me a lot to think about.