• Grayson and Scarlett were walking along a cobblestone path winding through the meadows to their car, on their way home to the estate after dinner. The smell of earth filled the air as droplets littered the sky, hitting their unprotected forms. Rain was the only noise echoed around the two, aside from the faint bustle of the passing village.

Suddenly, a loud and sharp screech pierced the air, punctuated by a thundering CRASH.

The cacophony sent Grayson’s senses on alert, immediately pulling Scarlett flush to his side as his eyes quickly scanned their surroundings.

A few moments passed and he felt Scarlett’s gaze peering back down the rainy path, a faint mewl reaching her ears. He felt Scarlett slip away from his grasp and promptly protested as she followed the small sound, “Scarlett—“

He watched her stop at an edge of the path where the cobblestone met the unruly blades of grass. The rain was incessant, completely soaking both their forms. The mewl sounded once more, and he saw her strain to catch sight of the little kitten amidst the wet grass. Grayson quickly caught up, stopping beside her.

“Scarlett, come on, love. It’ll die soon anyway.” He touched a hand to her shoulder, but she was unrelenting. When she refused and began prodding a foot to test the slippery mud, he let out a heavy sigh and stripped off his suit jacket, draping it over her crouched form. He despised being rained on and getting dirty, but Scarlett wanted the dirtied creature. And he would give her what she wanted.

“Stay here.”*