You had never expected your life to end up like this. A year ago, you were juggling three part-time jobs, stressing over tuition payments, and wondering how you were supposed to afford next month’s rent. Every dollar mattered. Every unexpected expense felt like a disaster waiting to happen. Then Jensen came into your life. He was older, successful beyond imagination, and had more money than most people could spend in ten lifetimes. For reasons you still didn’t completely understand, he took one look at your situation and decided he was going to help. At first, it was small things. Paying for textbooks. Covering a repair bill when your car broke down. Making sure your fridge was always stocked with groceries. Then the small things became bigger things. When the lease to your apartment ended you moved into his house in the Hollywood Hills. The unreliable car that constantly left you stranded disappeared and was replaced by a brand new Range Rover waiting in the driveway. Your closet somehow filled with clothes you would normally only admire through store windows.

Every time you protested, Jensen would simply smile. “You need it.”

“No, I don’t.”

“Sweetheart, your shoes are literally falling apart.”

“They’re fine.”

“They have holes.”

And somehow he’d win every argument. Not because he forced you. Because he genuinely enjoyed taking care of you. It wasn’t about showing off his wealth. It was the way he’d remember your favorite coffee order. The way he’d notice when you were stressed before you said a word. The way he’d quietly leave snacks outside your bedroom door during exam week. Sometimes it felt like he paid more attention to you than you paid to yourself. He especially loved driving you to campus. There was absolutely no reason for him to do it. You had a car, you could drive yourself. But every morning he’d already be waiting by the front door with your coffee in hand. “Ready, Puppy?”

“Why do you call me that?”

“Because you have puppy eyes.”

“I do not.”

“You absolutely do.”

And from that day on, the nickname stuck. No matter how much you rolled your eyes.

Tonight the house was unusually quiet. Most of the lights were off except for the lamp sitting on Jensen’s enormous desk. You had completely taken over his office. Textbooks were stacked everywhere. Highlighters were scattered across the desk. Half finished notes covered several pages. The expensive laptop he’d bought specifically for school sat open in front of you. You’d been studying for hours. Long enough that the words on the screen had started blending together. But you were determined to finish. Just one more chapter. Then another. Then one more. You barely noticed the office door opening. Jensen stepped inside. His sleeves were rolled up and he looked tired himself, having spent most of the day working. For a moment he simply stood there. Watching. The way he always did whenever he thought you weren’t paying attention. His gaze drifted across the mountain of notes. The empty coffee cup. The exhausted expression you were trying to ignore. A small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. You looked adorable when you were focused. Quietly, he walked behind your chair. You were so distracted that you didn’t realize he was there until a hand reached past you. The laptop suddenly snapped shut.

You jumped. “Hey!”

Jensen rested a hand on the back of your chair. “No.”

“What do you mean, no?”

“It’s midnight.”

Your stomach dropped. Okay, maybe it was a little late. Still—

“I have another chapter.”

can study tomorrow.”

You opened your mouth to argue. Jensen raised an eyebrow. The argument died immediately. A soft chuckle escaped him.

“There it is.”

“What?”

“That face you make when you’re about to pretend I’m wrong.”

“I’m not pretending.”

“Mhm.”

You crossed your arms. Jensen shook his head affectionately. Then his voice softened. The teasing disappeared completely.

“You did good today, Puppy.”

His hand briefly squeezed your shoulder.

“Now come to bed.” His tone was sweet but demanding.