Page 38 of Johan. (Van Den Bosch #8)

Johan nods seriously. “Wow, Drago sounds amazing. Can he protect the castle from invaders?”

Arthur’s eyes light up. “Yes! He’s the bravest dragon ever. And he has a friend, Sir Knight,” he adds, grabbing a small knight figurine. “They go on adventures together.”

Johan smiles. “Do you think Sir Knight would like to meet my old action figure? He’s a space ranger.”

Arthur’s jaw drops in awe. “A space ranger? That’s so cool! Drago and Sir Knight can help him on space missions!”

Johan chuckles, clearly enjoying Arthur’s enthusiasm. “I think they’d make a great team.”

Leaving them to their bonding, I make my way downstairs to find my mother. She is in the kitchen, the familiar aroma of freshly brewed tea welcoming me. She smiles warmly as I enter, her eyes lighting up with maternal affection.

Leaving them to their bonding, I make my way downstairs.

(This sentence repeats from paragraph above) My stomach growls, reminding me that I haven't eaten much today, so I head to the kitchen to grab a few cookies to eat.

The familiar aroma of freshly brewed tea and the sight of twinkling holiday lights welcome me.

As I enter, I find my mom there, preparing a pot of tea.

She looks up, a warm smile spreading across her face, her eyes lighting up with maternal affection.

“Hello, sweetheart,” she greets me, setting the teapot down. We embrace, her hug soothing some of my frazzled nerves.

“It’s so good to be back,” I say, pulling back but keeping my hands on her arms.

“I’m so glad you’re here, love. Would you like some tea?” she asks, already reaching for an extra cup.

I nod, taking a seat at the kitchen bar.

The warmth of the teacup seeps into my hands, a comforting contrast to the chill outside.

Mom joins me, pouring tea into the cups.

I reach for a plate of freshly baked cookies on the counter, my stomach growling in anticipation.

The cookies are warm and soft, filling me with a sense of home.

She observes me closely, her brow furrowing with concern. “Where’s Johan?”

“Upstairs, playing with Arthur,” I reply, trying to keep my voice steady.

Mom smiles, a knowing look in her eyes. “Well, Johan just made his day, then.” She then pauses, sipping her tea again, her gaze unwavering. “What’s wrong, honey?”

“Nothing,” I fidget with my cup, my fingers tracing the rim, before raising the cup up to my lips.

She leans forward slightly, her gaze intent. “I know you well enough to see that something is bothering you.”

I hesitate, biting my lip, before finally giving in.

“It’s the NYE’s ball Astrid is hosting. She invited Johan but not me.

He has to go to maintain appearances, but I’m tired of being a third wheel—Elise even called me his mistress—and the anxiety of knowing Astrid will be all over him leaves me uneasy. ”

Mom’s brow furrows deeper, her concern growing more evident. She takes a deep breath, her fingers tapping the table gently before she speaks again. “Can I ask a more intrusive question?”

I nod, feeling a knot form in my stomach.

“Why is Johan still with Astrid if he’s with you?” she asks, her eyes searching mine for answers.

“It’s complicated, Mom.”

She taps a few fingers on her mug, her expression just as guarded. “I’m sure I can understand.”

I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart. “He needs to gather evidence against her dad, and then he can break off with her.” I look down, unable to meet her gaze, feeling the turmoil inside me churn.

Mom hesitates, her lips pressing together before she asks, “And do you know how long this could take?”

I heave a long sigh, taking a sip of my tea to warm my cold hands. “Not really. A couple of months, maybe. At least when he’s in Oman, he’ll be far from her.”

“But also far from you.” Her eyes soften with understanding.

My face falls as I realize the depth of my predicament. “I know. Elise was right. I shouldn’t have invited an engaged man over,” I say, my voice trembling. “The more I love him, the more it hurts.”

She reaches across the table, squeezing my hand reassuringly. “Oh dear, I’m sure one day or another things will get better. And if you have a plan and a deadline, then I’m sure Johan will work hard to break free sooner rather than later.”

I nod, my eyes glistening with unshed tears. “I hope you’re right.”

Mom then moves around the bar, wrapping me in a big hug and planting a kiss on my head. “Remember, we are here for you. Anytime you need, dear.”

The warmth of her embrace offers a fleeting comfort, a reminder of the support I have even amidst the chaos. I lean into the hug, feeling a bit of my burden lift, even if just for a moment. The weight of the situation still lingers, but at this moment, I am reminded that I am not alone.

After tea with my mom, I head upstairs to Arthur's bedroom, where he and Johan are still playing.

The sight of them engrossed in their imaginative world brings a brief smile to my face.

I lean against the doorframe, watching as Arthur animatedly explains the latest adventure of Drago and Sir Knight, his little hands moving expressively.

"Time to go downstairs for lunch," I call out gently, trying to sound cheerful.

Arthur barely glances up, his focus still on his toys. "Just a few more minutes, please."

I sigh, stepping further into the room, the cozy warmth contrasting with the chilly hallway. "It's now, Arthur, not in a few minutes."

Arthur looks up, his face scrunching in protest, but I stand firm.

When he doesn’t budge, I walk over to Johan, taking his hand.

His touch is warm and reassuring as I gently pull him up from the floor.

Johan rises smoothly, and I lead him out of the bedroom.

Arthur, realizing we’re serious, scrambles to his feet and follows us into the corridor.

I find the nanny nearby; her presence is always a calm, steadying influence. “Can you take Arthur down for lunch?” I ask.

She smiles warmly and takes Arthur’s hand, her eyes twinkling. Arthur keeps looking back at Johan, clearly not wanting to leave his new playmate. “There’s a dragon downstairs waiting for you, Arthur,” the nanny says in a playful tone.

Arthur’s eyes widen with excitement, and he lets himself be led away, his chatter filling the corridor. With a final glance at Johan, he hurries down the stairs, talking animatedly about the dragon.

I take Johan’s hand again, feeling a surge of warmth and security.

We walk quietly to my bedroom, each step filled with anticipation.

Once inside, I close the door softly and turn the lock, the click echoing in the stillness.

“Finally alone,” I murmur, my voice low and filled with longing.

I step closer and kiss him, hard and passionate, feeling the connection deepen.

Pulling back slightly, I look into his eyes. “I’ve got something for you,” I say, my voice softer now, almost a whisper. “Since you got me a present for Christmas, I’ve got a little something from my own Oddities collection.”

I reach into my pocket and take out the erotic ring, its intricate design gleaming softly.

Holding one of his hands, I begin to explain.

“This ring was made 160 years ago in France, but for some reason, it found its way to an antique shop in Amsterdam.” I slip the ring onto the finger of his left hand, the metal cool against his skin.

“While I can’t be with you at the NYE’s ball or in Oman, this ring can, and I hope it’ll remind you of me. ”

Johan gazes at the ring, his eyes wide with awe and appreciation. He turns his hand slowly, the female figurines interlaced around the band catching the light. “Hannah, it’s so beautiful. I’ve never seen a ring like this before.”

I smile, feeling a rush of warmth at his words. I lean in and kiss him again, this time slower, savoring the taste of his lips. His arms wrap around me, pulling me closer. We stand there for a moment, lost in the intensity of the kiss, the world outside fading away.

Our kisses grow more passionate, the urgency building. Johan’s hands move up my back, sending shivers down my spine. I tangle my fingers in his hair, deepening the kiss, feeling the heat between us rise. Each touch, each caress, is filled with a promise, a silent vow of love and commitment.

We move to the bed, our bodies entwined, the connection between us palpable. The worries and uncertainties melt away, replaced by the raw, undeniable connection we share. In this moment, nothing else matters but us, together, lost in our love.