Page 30 of Silver Fox's Christmas Scandal

Tessa arrived thirty minutes later, let in by the doorman. I heard her call my name, and her footsteps paused when she found the terrace doors open.

Moments later, I heard rustling and sensed more than saw her step onto the terrace.

"Lucian? What are you doing out here? It's freezing."

I turned to find her silhouetted in the doorway, her hair loose around her shoulders, concern written across her face. She wore a long coat over dark jeans and boots, her cheeks pink from the cold air outside.

"Come here."

She stepped onto the terrace, wrapping her arms around herself. "You're going to get pneumonia."

"I needed air." I set down my glass and reached for her, pulling her against me. She was warm and solid and her perfume tickled my nose as I leaned into her.

"What happened?" Her hands found my chest, but she didn't push me away as I wrapped my arms around her.

I looked down at her face, at the way her eyes searched mine for answers.

Two months ago, I'd have handled Viktoria's concerns alone, would've made decisions about my life without consulting anyone.

Now, standing here with Tessa in my arms, I realized how much had changed.

"My ex-wife reminded me why I don't let people close." My words came out as a growl as I buried my face in her hair and tangled my fingers in it at the nape of her neck. "But with you, I can't seem to help myself."

She went very still against me, her breath visible in small puffs between us. "Lucian…"

"People are talking. About us, about your traveling with me. Viktoria thinks I'm having a midlife crisis."

"Are you?"

I pulled back and studied her face, looking for judgment or fear, but found only curiosity.

Internally, I did a check and realized I wasn't sure. I didn't feel panicked or out of control about anything.

I hadn't been worrying about aging or life passing me by, but Viktoria had a point—that I was taking risks I normally wouldn't have.

"Maybe." I brushed a strand of hair away from her cheek. "Does that scare you?"

"Should it?"

"Probably." I leaned down, pressing my forehead against hers. "This is complicated, Tessa. More complicated than either of us planned."

"I know."

"Do you?" My hands slid downward and tightened on her waist. "Because once people start paying attention, they don't stop. And I can't protect you from all of it."

She was quiet for a long moment, her hands still pressed against my chest. "What did she want?"

"To warn me. To make sure I wasn't doing anything that would embarrass the children or damage their social standing." I chuckled at the absurdity considering how much she herself had damaged them. "She's dating a thirty-two-year-old."

"Oh."

"The hypocrisy is astounding."

Tessa pulled back to look at me. "What did you tell her?"

"Nothing. But she knows anyway. She can read me too well."

"And now?"