Page 78

“It’s my special fudge croissant,” she replied, pleased at my reaction. “I’m so glad you like it.”
“I’m a lucky man.”
In that moment, she looked like an angel, her joyful smile outshining the morning sun. My heart swelled with pleasure at the sight of her beauty, and an overwhelming urge to steal her away to a place just for us washed over me.
But this wasn’t the time for that.
I hesitated before delivering my news. All I wanted was to give my bride a life full of joy and happiness.
She was clearly having a wonderful morning. I felt a knot in my stomach as I contemplated how my news would affect her. I longed to bring her closure, a way to shut that dark chapter of her life and strip it of its power over her.
Would the gift I carried only open those old wounds?
The thought of bringing pain into her heart twisted my insides. It was the last thing I wanted to do.
Yet, I reminded myself of the promise I’d made her…
“Are you okay?” She squinted up at me, her brow furrowed. “You look so serious.”
“He’s probably contemplating how to make money off your precious croissants,” Laya mused, her voice teasing.
I smirked. “Not a bad idea, actually.”
“Stop!” She chuckled, shaking her head. “Those are just for fun. I don’t want to be stuck in a kitchen every day for the rest of my life, no matter how much I love to bake occasionally.”
“You can do whatever you wish, my darling,” I murmured, pulling her close and hugging her tight. She felt solid against me, strong, and having her near was so grounding that I didn’t want to let her go.
“Okay, so why are you here?” She pulled away after a few seconds, her gaze suddenly serious, and I knew I couldn’t delay any longer.
“I brought you a wedding present.”
Her face brightened with pure joy, and her delight surprised me.
“You did?” she asked, astonishment evident in her voice.
My heart raced as I brought my hand to her cheek, feeling the warmth of her skin.
“I made you a promise, didn’t I?”
The smile that blossomed on her face filled me with hope. Maybe she would handle this better than I’d anticipated. I should have known better than to doubt her strength. She wouldn’t have asked for this favor if she wasn’t ready for it. I made a mental note to trust her more. She knew herself better than anyone else.
“You’re the best, Leon!” she exclaimed, throwing her arms around me in a tight embrace. I could feel the sisters’ curious stares boring into us.
Cali’s hands came free, and her palms rubbed together, her eyes gleaming like a hawk on the hunt. Her gaze flicked to the chef’s knife resting on the marble kitchen island, and for a moment, I feared what might cross her mind.
“No,” I murmured, slipping in front of her and covering her hand with my own. My thumb stroked her knuckles,trying to ground her. “We have much better tools for the job already waiting for you.”
“What job?” Avra demanded, stepping closer. She and Laya exchanged glances laden with tension. Their expectant stares were almost palpable. Cali hesitated, her chest rising with anticipation before she lifted her chin in proud defiance.
“The job of destroying Ozias Xenos, once and for all.”
Avra’s mouth fell open, shock written all over her face. “What?” Laya echoed, her voice a mixture of disbelief and excitement.
“Where?”
“Now?!” Their questions exploded from them in rapid succession, eyes darting between Cali and me.
“That fucker,” Cali growled, a wicked grin breaking across her face. “I can’t wait to see him fall.”