sleep well, my love

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Jack rests peacefully under the shade of a big tree. It had been approximately a month since Ava married. He undoes his white necktie. The heat of mid-August was practically unbearable. He feels a gentle breeze and sighs happily.

His arm was over his eyes, covering them from the bright light the sun emits. His sleeves were carefully folded so as not to crease the fabric of his shirt. His vest was wide open, allowing him to be comfortable.

Jack can hear the soft sounds echoing from the lake. It is relaxing. He hears some footsteps. He carefully moves his arm to see who it is.

He smiles softly. It is Zachary. His skin is far darker now. He pushed a small cart with flowers and gardening tools around. Jack withdraws his arm from his face and leans back on his elbows.

Zachary was shirtless, wearing a straw hat Mrs. Hanson bought for him. His skin glistened in the sunlight, giving it a golden look.

He looks to the side and sees the workers building the greenhouse for Zachary. Perhaps he will start tending for it sooner rather than later.

"My lord?" Zach calls his attention.

"Yes, Zachary?" He looks at him like he hung the moon and the stars.

"Would you mind telling me the time? I have to meet with Mrs. Hanson at six."

Jack lazily grabs his pocket watch. "It is a quarter past five."

"Thank you." He bows. "Lovely watch case." He comments with a smile.

The curly head chuckles. "It was a very special gift."

"Oh, you flatter me too much." He shakes his head.

I do not flatter you nowhere near enough. "I have had dukes asking me where I bought such a fine piece." He smiles. It is not entirely false; several people have asked him where he bought the case.

"That is a secret I will never tell you." He chuckles as he adjusts his hat. "I must go now. I do not wish to anger Mrs. Hanson." With that, he walks away.

***

After bathing and having dinner, Jack went to his office. He was allocating more money to pay the workers. There was a lot to be done before he left for his winter home. He will be leaving in a month.

He did not bother to light the fireplace as it was unbearably hot. His neck tie rested on his desk. His vest and shirt were unbuttoned.

His study door opens, alerting him. Zach enters the room and nearly jumps when he sees Jack. He puts a hand on his chest. "You scared me."

"Am I that ugly?" He teases.

"You are far from ugly, my lord." Zach reassures.

The curly head nearly melts. He thinks I am handsome? He clears his throat and buttons his shirt back up. "Pardon me for my state. This heat is unbearable."

Zach bows. "It is not a problem. You are the Lord of this House. You can present yourself as you desire." He reminds him.

Jack nods, taking in his words. He looks at the book under his arm. "Reading another one?" He raises his eyebrows. He has been eating up books rather quickly.

"You have planted the seed of literature in me, I am insatiable."

The Viscount opens a drawer from his desk and takes out a book. "Allow me to feed you, then."

Zach hesitantly approaches his desk. "For me?"

"Are you not especially fond of Jane Austen?" He raises an eyebrow as he slides to book toward him.

"My lord."

"Jack, my given name is Jack." He reminds him.

"Jack." He grabs the book. "You should not have done such a thing." He smiles widely.

That smile. It is the reason why I do such a thing. Such a beautiful expression from such a handsome man.

"Read this one a bit more slowly. I am still trying to find you the next one." He smiles softly

"The next one?"

"Mansfield Park. It has been sold out for a month now." He rests his chin on his hands.

"Oh, Jack..." He sits down in front of him. "You seriously should not have done such thing." He pouts adorably. "You are too kind."

The curly head smiles. "Nonsense. I should cultivate your interests. I might be speaking with a future successful author."

Zach blushes lightly. "You think too highly of me." He looks down. "Really."

"Nonsense." He repeats himself. "Perhaps it will serve as inspiration." Jack encourages him. "Read to your heart's content."

The gardener looks at him, and a smile forms on his face. He nods excitedly. "I will."

"Feel free to sit on my couch. I am updating our accounts. I will join you once I am finished."

He nods once more and sits on his couch. Jack moves his attention to the numbers on his paper.

Jack smiles every time Zach makes some sort of noise—a small gasp, a muffled chuckle. A sweet reminder that he was there. It was comforting to know that even on long summer nights, he was not alone. His gardener was present, filling the room with a warm presence that the summer heat could not mimic.

Once he is done, Jack stands up and stretches. His legs were slightly numb from all the time he had been sitting. The curly head approaches the couch and sees that Zach has fallen asleep.

Sense and Sensibility rested on his torso. Jack smiles softly. He carefully removes the book from him and sets it on the centrepiece. He bent down and took off his boots—he sets them to the side. Jack gently lays him down on the couch and grabs a blanket. He drapes it over him, making sure that he is fully covered.

He takes off his glove and gently caresses his cheek. Zach seemed so peaceful when sleeping. Jack moves some hair away from his face. He starts leaning in. Zach's coral lips are slightly parted, allowing him to puff out some air. Just a taste, it is all he asks for.

Jack pauses. He must not. It is crossing a boundary. The Viscount closes his eyes for brief moments. It is hard to fight his desire.

"Sleep well, my love." He whispers. "If I could, I would carry you to my bed and hold you tightly all night long." Jack carefully leans his forehead on his temple. Gosh, he smells so intensely of lilies. It is maddening.

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