Page 79

"It's predictable," Julian said, his tone matter-of-fact. "And easily countered. Mara's already drafted a response highlighting your recent public appearances and the positive reception to your social media presence."

Christopher leaned against the counter, his arms crossed. "The cooking video from yesterday has over ten thousand likes now. The comments are overwhelmingly supportive."

"People can see authenticity," Miles added, his hand finding mine across the table. "Your parents' manufactured concern feels hollow in comparison."

I squeezed his fingers, drawing strength from the contact. "What's the next step?"

"We continue posting every day shots, showing a different story," Nicolaus said, sliding another tablet across the table. "But we also need to be prepared for them to escalate. They're losing control of the narrative, and desperate people make desperate moves."

I nodded, feeling the familiar knot of anxiety start to form in my chest. But this time, it was different. Instead of the paralyzing fear that used to consume me at the thought of my parents' disapproval, I felt... prepared. Stronger.

"Let them escalate," I said quietly, surprising myself with the steel in my voice. "I'm not the same person who left their house. I won't be intimidated back into their version of who I should be."

Julian's eyes flashed with something like pride. "That's exactly what we hoped you'd say."

Christopher pushed off from the counter, moving to stand behind my chair.

His hands settled on my shoulders, solid and warm.

"But we're also not going to let you face this alone," he added, his thumbs making small, soothing circles against the tension there.

"We'll be with you every step of the way. "

The sensation of his touch was grounding, and I found myself leaning back into it, seeking more of that steady comfort. The fear that had begun to build dissipated under his careful attention.

"I know," I said softly, tilting my head to look up at him. "That's what makes me brave enough to stand my ground."

Christopher's smile was tender as he looked down at me, but there was something else in his eyes—a hunger that made my pulse quicken. His fingers trailed up to the nape of my neck, tangling gently in my hair.

"Finish your tea," he murmured, the simple instruction carrying weight I raised the mug to my lips, watching Christopher over the rim as I sipped slowly.

The tea was perfectly brewed—floral with a hint of honey, just how I liked it.

His eyes never left mine, the intensity in his gaze making my skin flush with anticipation.

"Good girl, " he said softly when I set the empty mug down. The simple praise sent a shiver through me.

Julian cleared his throat, rising from his seat with fluid grace. "I have calls to make. Nicolaus, I'll need your input on the financial report before the meeting tomorrow."

Nicolaus nodded, understanding the unspoken message. He stood, pausing to brush his fingers lightly across my shoulder. "Don't forget to look at the journal," he said quietly. "I think you'll like what I put in the back pages."

Miles was the last to rise, his knowing smile making my cheeks warm. He leaned in, pressing a kiss to my temple before murmuring, "Have fun. He's been thinking about this since he taught you to make pasta."

Within moments, the kitchen had cleared, leaving Christopher and me alone in the sunlit space. The air between us seemed to thicken with possibility as he moved around the island, his movements deliberate and unhurried.

"Come here," he said softly, extending his hand toward me.

I rose from my seat, drawn to him like gravity.

His fingers closed around mine as I approached, tugging me gently into his space.

Up close, I could see the flecks of silver in his gray eyes, the slight stubble along his jaw, the way his lips curved into a smile that was equal parts tender and predatory.

"He is right….I have been thinking about this," Christopher murmured, his free hand coming up to trace the curve of my jaw. “Though, I should ask if you even feel up to it. I know Miles…he probably wore you out.”

I leaned into his touch, a small smile playing at my lips. "I'm not too tired for you," I admitted softly, my voice carrying more confidence than I would have thought possible weeks ago. "I've been thinking about it too."

Christopher's pupils dilated at my words, his thumb brushing across my lower lip in a touch so light it might have been my imagination. "Have you now? And what exactly have you been thinking about, wildflower?"

The nickname made warmth bloom in my chest. I glanced up at him through my lashes, emboldened by the heat in his gaze. "About your hands," I whispered. "How they move when you're cooking. How careful they are. How... skilled."

A low sound rumbled in his chest, something between a growl and a groan. "My hands, hmm?" His fingers slid from my jaw to my neck, before he took a step back.

“Go take a nice bath, and if you want after some time relaxing…and if you’re still up for it, I’m all yours.” He told me, I could see the look of hunger flash over his eyes.

I nodded, already anticipating the warm water and quiet moment to process everything from the last day. But as I turned toward the stairs, Christopher's hand caught mine, spinning me back into his arms with gentle force.

"One more thing," he murmured, his mouth finding mine in a kiss that was both promise and preview. It was deeper than his usual playful pecks, his tongue sweeping against mine with deliberate skill that made my knees weak. When he pulled back, we were both breathing harder.

"Just so you know what you're getting into." he said with a wicked grin, releasing me with obvious reluctance.

I practically floated up the stairs, my body still humming from his kiss.

The bathroom felt like a sanctuary as I filled the oversized tub with steaming water, adding lavender oil that would help ease the pleasant soreness in my muscles.

I let myself fully relax, even though my body was anticipating what t Christopher had instore for me.