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CHARLOTTE

Two weeks later…

I glance at the time on my laptop and spin in my chair. Three hours. I haven’t even stopped for a sip of water.

Living in Declan’s mansion in Decadence has already started to feel like second nature. And Isabella? She’s obsessed with the fact her daddy runs a chocolate factory. She’s toured the place, already brainstorming wild ideas for new chocolate flavors.

But nothing compares to that chocolate milkshake he created. It’s a game-changer.

We’ve been looking into schools for her, both of us agreeing we want her to have a safe but normal childhood. The kind I never got. Friends, parties, experiences. All the things I missed out on, we’re determined she’ll have a chance to enjoy everything.

Of course, she’s also got an army protecting her at all times. I don’t think Declan’s protective instinct will ever change—and honestly? I love it. Not having to always be the sole protector, always in fight mode.

Here, with him, I can breathe. Which is why I’ve spent the last three hours in the library, glued to my laptop, trying to finish our book.

A soft knock interrupts my thoughts, and the door creaks open. I spin in my chair and spot Isabella first, holding a big plate of fruit. Then, Declan steps in right behind her, carrying a tray.

“We made you lunch, Mommy!” Isabella giggles, her voice bubbling with excitement.

“Careful with the plate, baby,” Declan says gently, and Isabella watches her steps as she approaches, making sure not to spill a thing.

“Thank you, princess.” I kiss the top of her head, and Declan leans in to steal a kiss from me.

“Hi, Momma. Get a lot of words done?” He sets the tray down in front of me—a feast of pancakes, chocolate sauce, and a milkshake.

“I did. The inspiration you gave me last night helped more than you know.” I raise my brows playfully, and Declan grins in that way that makes my heart skip.

“I’ll help you later.” He winks, and I blush, my cheeks heating up.

“We thought we could join you for lunch,” Declan says, his tone full of that quiet affection I’ve come to adore. I close my laptop.

“I’d love that. Lunch with my two favorite people in the world? How could I possibly say no?” I jump up, scooping Isabella into my arms and showering her with kisses until she bursts into giggles.

“Daddy! Tell her to stop!”

Declan leans in, brushing my hair off my shoulder, his lips grazing my ear.

“You heard her, sweetheart. Or I might have to spank you later for being naughty.”

“Declan.” The heat in my cheeks spikes.

“What? It’s the truth, heartbreaker. Don’t make me take you to Inferno again.”

I bite the inside of my cheek, still feeling the ache from last night, but with Declan? I trust him completely.

He shakes his head, a mischievous glint lighting up his eyes.

“What do you have planned?”

“Not telling.” He presses a soft, teasing kiss to the tip of my nose.