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She could still feel the sensation on her own skin, the way his fingers had caressed her earlier, and her heart fluttered at the memory.

She focused on her food, trying to calm the heat that rushed to her cheeks, but she couldn’t help the blush that stained her face.

Killian noticed, of course, and raised an eyebrow at her, his voice playful yet laced with an undertone of curiosity.

“Why do you have that look on your face?” he teased.

Yvette quickly looked away, pretending to study the food in front of her.

“It’s the sun,” she said, her voice faltering slightly. “It’s making me warm.”

Killian chuckled, clearly unconvinced, and leaned in slightly, his gaze never leaving her flushed face. He picked up a small piece of cake from the plate and popped it into his mouth.

His eyes never left hers as he slowly licked the frosting off his fingers, the movement deliberate, just like he’d done the night before.

It was as though he was reminding her that they had unfinished business.

Yvette sucked in a breath, her heart skipping a beat as her mouth went dry, and her thoughts scrambled for something, anything, to focus on other than the heat building between them. But her mind was not cooperating. All she could think of was the way his lips had moved, and the temptation in his gaze.

She felt as though she might combust under the intensity of his stare. Killian, ever aware of the effect he had on her, flashed her a knowing grin, one that was all too confident.

Yvette quickly turned her attention back to Maisie, though her body seemed to betray her. The feeling of the warmth in her chest, the fluttering in her stomach, was all too much.

Killian would surely be the death of her, she thought, but she couldn’t bring herself to care.

“Papa,” Maisie piped up, her face alight with joy. “Do you think we can fly the kite again after we finish eating?”

Killian’s attention shifted immediately to his daughter, his smile softening as he looked at her.

“Of course, Maisie. We can fly it as much as you want.”

CHAPTER 18

“Ienjoyed myself today,” Yvette said softly, breaking the comfortable silence. Her voice was a little hushed, as if she didn’t want to disturb the peace. “It finally felt like we’re a real family.”

The day had turned to dusk, and the quiet of the garden now settled around them like soft clouds.

The remnants of the picnic—empty tea cups, crumbs of tarts, and a few scattered napkins—were gently swept away by the evening breeze. Maisie, exhausted from the day’s excitement, had drifted off to sleep on Yvette’s lap, her small hand curled gently against her chest.

Yvette sat back, her eyes drifting towards the horizon where the sun was beginning to dip below the trees.

The sky was a palette of orange and purple, and the warmth of the day lingered in the air, wrapping them in a quiet sense ofcontentment. She looked at Killian beside her, his gaze not on the horizon but on Maisie.

Finally, Killian gave a small nod, but his attention remained on Maisie’s small, peaceful form resting in Yvette’s lap.

After a beat passed, he turned his head slightly, his eyes still on Maisie, and asked, “are you comfortable with her calling you ‘duchess’ instead of ‘mother’?”

Yvette’s lips quirked into a smile, and she let out a soft laugh, as if the idea were both amusing and heartwarming.

“I would be content if she regards me as her mother, but does not cease calling me duchess on occasion. It’s rather endearing. It’s the way we bond.” She ran her fingers gently through Maisie’s soft hair, the child stirring slightly but not waking.

Killian laughed at her words, tipping his head back slightly. It was the first time that day he had looked so relaxed and at ease.

The conversation drifted into a comfortable silence as they both watched the last traces of daylight fade, the sky turning darker by the minute. But then, Yvette’s curiosity got the better of her.

“Whatever happened to Maisie’s mother?” she asked quietly, her voice a little tentative as she broke the stillness. “You never speak of her.”

Killian’s expression shifted slightly, his eyes moving away from Yvette and Maisie as he took in the question. His jaw tightened slightly as he gathered his thoughts.