Under The Billionaire's Control ✔

04 | Help Goes Wrong

N O A H

Leelo lounges on the edge of the pool, a ridiculous grin plastered on his face. "Man, you look like you're trying to wash away your sins in there," he jokes, taking a sip from his drink.

He leans closer, whispering conspiratorially, "But seriously, at least now it's just me monitoring them. I'll only watch when you're doing something embarrassing."

"Yeah, thanks for that," I mutter, though I'm honestly relieved he's taken over that job.

He's about to retort when we both notice Sarah standing at the edge of the patio. Her eyes are wide, as she takes in the scene before her-me and leelo half-naked in the pool.

I raise an eyebrow, unable to resist. "See something you like?" I call out.

Sarah's face goes beet red, and she quickly turns away. "Sorry, I didn't mean to-" Her voice is a mix of panic and embarrassment as she scurries back into the house, practically tripping over her own feet.

Leelo bursts out laughing. "Dude, you scared her off! Not everyone's used to your... uh... charming personality."

"Undeniable." I winked at him.

The night air cools my skin as I lean back against the side of the pool, letting the water ripple around me. The earlier tension with Sarah lingers, but I push it aside, focusing on the moment. Leelo's still here, splashing around like a kid, trying to get a rise out of me.

"Come on, Noah, stop brooding," Leelo calls, tossing a small wave of water my way. "It's a pool, not a therapy session."

I chuckle despite myself, shaking my head. "You're just mad I'm not entertaining you," I shoot back, rolling my eyes as he dramatically clutches his chest, pretending to be wounded.

"Entertain me? Dude, you're the one always sulking around like a tragic hero," he quips, flashing that easy grin.

"Like you could ever survive a day in my shoes," I tease, splashing water back at him.

Leelo just laughs, and I can't help but join in. It's easy with him. He doesn't judge; he just is.

After a while, Leelo pulls himself out of the pool, dripping wet, and starts rifling through his bag.

"Alright, let's eat. I'm starving," he announces.

I follow him inside, grabbing a towel on the way. Sarah's in the kitchen, finishing up whatever meal she's been whipping together with the ingredients Leelo brought over earlier. The smell of something warm and hearty fills the air, making my stomach rumble.

Leelo's eyes light up when he sees her. "Sarah! You are an absolute angel. What's on the menu tonight?" He leans against the counter, flashing her a flirtatious smile.

Sarah rolls her eyes but doesn't look entirely annoyed. "You'll eat whatever I serve, Mr. Hone, and you'll like it," she replies, her tone mixed with a hint of amusement.

"Oh, I like a woman who takes charge," Leelo shoots back, winking. "You should really consider ditching this guy"-he jerks a thumb in my direction-"and run off with me. I'm way more fun, I promise."

I can't help but feel a pang of something as I watch them interact. It's not jealousy exactly, but... okay, maybe it is. I don't know why it bothers me that she's more relaxed with him.