Page 19

“Tori isn’t some prize, Christian. And if Marcus thinks he can worm his way back into her life, he’ll have to go through me first. There’s a reason she walked away from him, and I’m not about to let him pull her back down,” I said.
Christian studied me, his sharp gaze unwavering.
“So, this is serious, huh? You’re not just keeping tabs on her to protect her—you’re invested.” He chuckled to himself, shaking his head. “Who would’ve thought?”
“Is there a reason you’re here, or are you just here to poke at me?” I finally asked, hoping to cut the conversation short.
Christian’s amusement was wearing thin, and I needed to focus.
He gave a dramatic sigh. “You know, we do have a board meeting in about five minutes. Remember the one Mia reminded you about?”
I scowled, glancing at my watch. I’d been so caught up in thoughts of Tori, I’d completely forgotten. “Fine. Let’s go.”
Christian stood, shaking his head as he followed me out of the office.
“By the way,” he added casually, “I’d love to meet this Tori of yours. After all, if she’s got the legendary Cole Valen wrapped around her finger, she must be one hell of a woman.”
I gritted my teeth, resisting the urge to tell him exactly where he could stick his curiosity.
Instead, I pressed the elevator button and willed myself to keep calm. Because deep down, I knew Christian was right.
Tori had done something no one else ever had.
She’d slipped past every wall I’d built, breaking through defenses I’d held firm for years.
She hadn’t just captured my attention—she’d managed to steal a piece of my heart and soul.
Somehow, without even realizing it, she’d anchored herself in the deepest part of me, slipping into the spaces I’d long thought closed off.
Every glance, every laugh, every fierce spark of independence she showed only pulled me deeper, leaving me torn between wanting to hold her close and letting her have the freedom she cherished.
For the first time, I understood what it meant to feel vulnerable, and I wasn’t sure I liked the feeling.
TORI
The final transaction of the day was done, and I was counting up the register when Candy gave me a concerned look.
“Are you sure you don’t need me to close the store?” She lingered by the door, glancing outside.
“Thanks, but no need.” I forced a smile, wanting to ease her worry. “I appreciate it, really, but I’m fine. Cole’s picking me up in a bit.”
At the mention of his name, Candy’s eyes lit up, concern replaced by something far more mischievous.
“So, things are heating up between you two, huh?” Candy asked.
“Not like that,” I chuckled, glancing down as I finished counting the bills.
I continued, “He’s just taking me to the small business appreciation event at the pavilion. Strictly business, I swear.”
Candy rolled her eyes, smirking.
“Business? Right. Well, have fun… and don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” Candy said.
I laughed as she left, shaking my head. Moments later, my phone chimed.
Cole:Five to ten minutes late because of traffic. But I’ll be there soon.
It amazed me,if I was being honest. He was so consistent, so thoughtful.