Page 45

He didn’t ask if it was true—he knew better. Instead, he took a step closer, lowering his voice. “What’s going on, Scarlett?”
I hesitated. My first instinct was to downplay it. To handle it on my own.
But that wasn’t working, was it?
I sighed and pulled out the letter, handing it to him. He unfolded it and scanned the contents, his expression darkening with every word.
“Jesus Christ,” he muttered. His fingers flexed around the paper before he forced himself to relax.
“I’ll deal with it,” I said quickly. “I have nothing to hide. Amélie runs a tight kitchen.”
Christian didn’t look convinced. “You shouldn’t have to deal with this alone.”
I bristled. “I can handle my own damn restaurant, Christian.”
His gaze flicked to mine, something unreadable in his expression. “I know you can.” He exhaled. “But that doesn’t mean you have to.”
I bit my lip, my chest tightening at his words.
It would be so easy to lean into him, to let him take some of the weight off my shoulders.
But then what? I was already dangerously close to falling for him.
And if I really was… pregnant…?
I swallowed against the lump in my throat.
I couldn’t tell him. Not now. Not when everything was falling apart.
Christian tilted his head. “Scarlett.”
I blinked up at him, realizing I’d drifted off in my thoughts. “What?”
His frown deepened. “You’ve been off all night. Are you feeling okay?”
I forced a smile. “Just tired.”
Lies.
Christian studied me for another second before sighing. “Come on.”
“Where?”
“To sit down. Eat something. Breathe.” His tone softened. “Let me take care of you for five minutes, and then you can go back to running yourself into the ground.”
I almost told him no. Almost reminded him that I could take care of myself.
But my stomach chose that moment to twist again, sending another wave of unease through me.
I sighed. “Fine. Five minutes.”
Christian gave me a knowing look but didn’t push it.
As we sat in the private corner of the restaurant, I watched him quietly. He was always so steady, so in control.
And for the first time, I wondered—what if I told him?
Would he panic? Would he run?