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Chapter Fifty-Three

Lilianna

The rest of the afternoon went by quickly, I spent it with Julian.

We talked quietly while he worked, his voice a comfortable murmur as he explained some of the business strategies he was reviewing.

I found myself genuinely interested in his work—the way his mind moved through problems with surgical precision, how he could see patterns and opportunities that others missed.

When his conference call began, I settled into the reading chair in the corner of his office with a book, content to simply be in his presence.

The call lasted nearly two hours, and I watched him work with fascination. This was Julian in his element—sharp, decisive, commanding respect with every word. When he finally hung up, he looked over at me with a slightly sheepish expression.

"That ran longer than expected," he said, removing his glasses and rubbing the bridge of his nose. "I hope you weren't too bored."

"Not at all," I replied honestly, setting my book aside. "I like watching you work. You're impressive when you're in command."

Julian's eyes darkened slightly at my words, a hint of that familiar heat flickering in his gaze. "Careful with compliments like that," he murmured, rising from his chair with fluid grace. "They might go to my head."

"Maybe that's the intention," I said softly, standing to meet him as he approached.

He reached me in three strides, his hands finding my waist as he pulled me against him. "You're playing with fire, sweetheart," he whispered against my ear, his breath warm against my skin.

"I'm just being honest," I replied, my fingers finding the collar of his shirt and straightening it unnecessarily. "Though I have to admit, there's something very attractive about watching you take charge."

Julian's pupils dilated slightly at my words, his grip on my hips tightening.

"Is that so? Do you like it when I take charge?” Before I could respond, the sound of the front door opening echoed through the house, followed by Christopher's voice calling out a greeting.

Julian sighed, pressing a quick kiss to my temple before releasing me.

"Saved by the bell," he said with a wry smile.

I laughed, stepping back with a playful swat to his chest. "We should go see them anyway.”

Julian adjusted his shirt and ran a hand through his hair, composing himself with that practiced ease I'd come to recognize. "Lead the way."

We found Christopher in the kitchen, still in his athletic wear, hair damp with sweat and a satisfied grin on his face. He looked up as we entered, his eyes immediately finding mine and warming with affection.

"There's my wildflower," he said, crossing to press a kiss to my cheek. "How was your afternoon?"

"Productive," I replied, breathing in the clean scent of his soap. "Julian taught me about hostile takeovers over lunch."

"Romantic," Christopher said dryly, shooting Julian an amused look. "Nothing says courtship like corporate warfare."

Julian shrugged, unrepentant. "She asked intelligent questions. I gave intelligent answers."

"I found it fascinating," I said, defending him with a smile. "Though I have to admit, some of the terminology went over my head."

Christopher chuckled, opening the refrigerator to pull out a bottle of water. "Just wait until he starts explaining derivatives and hedge funds. Your eyes will glaze over completely."

"My eyes did not glaze over," I protested, though I was fighting back laughter. "I was very attentive."

"She was," Julian confirmed, his voice carrying a note of pride. "Asked better questions than most of my board members."

The compliment made warmth bloom in my chest. It was such a simple thing, but having Julian value my intellect meant more than I could express.

"Where's Miles?" I asked, not having seen him today.

"Out in the garden," Christopher replied, taking a long drink of water. "He mentioned something about checking on the herbs before dinner. I think he's planning to make that pesto sauce you liked last week."

I smiled at the thought. Miles's garden was becoming one of my favorite places—a sanctuary of green life and quiet purpose that reflected his gentle nature perfectly.

"Speaking of dinner," Julian said, glancing at his watch, "I should go change. I have some emails to send before we eat."

"Always working," Christopher teased, though his tone held no judgment. "Don't be too long. Miles said he wanted to cook…so dinner would be ready by seven."

Julian nodded, pressing a quick kiss to my temple before heading upstairs. Once he was gone, Christopher turned to me with a knowing smile.

"So," he said, voice dropping slightly, "how are you feeling today? After last night?"

His question made heat rise to my cheeks, but I didn't look away. There was something about Christopher that made honesty feel natural, even when discussing intimacies that would have mortified me weeks ago.

"I feel... wonderful," I admitted softly. "A little sore, but in the best possible way."

Christopher's eyes darkened slightly, though his smile remained gentle. "Good. I was worried I might have been too... enthusiastic." He stepped closer, his hand coming up to brush a strand of hair from my face. "You were incredible, by the way. In case I didn't make that clear."

"You made it very clear," I laughed, leaning into his touch. "Several times, if I recall correctly."

His thumb brushed along my cheekbone, eyes scanning my face with tender assessment. "Are you looking forward to tomorrow with Nicolaus?"

"I am," I smiled as I leaned into his touch, “I take it you know what he has planned for me as well.”

Christopher chuckled, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. “I do. But don’t bother asking me for hints—I’ve been sworn to secrecy under pain of death. Or worse, one of Nicolaus’s disappointed silences.”

I laughed softly, letting the moment settle between us. “He’s sharing something really important to him, isn’t he?”

Christopher nodded, his thumb brushing over my cheekbone. “Swimming centers him. It’s not just a sport for him. For him to invite you into that space?” He gave me a gentle smile. “That’s him opening a door not many people get to see behind.”

Warmth bloomed in my chest again—gentler this time, but just as deep. “I’ll treat it with the respect it deserves.”

“I know you will.” He dipped forward and kissed me sweetly, just once, his lips lingering before he pulled back. “He’s been a little wound up lately. I think spending that time with you will do him good.”

I nodded, threading my fingers through his. “I hope it does. I want to give something back. All of you… you’ve given me so much.”

“You give back just by being here,” Christopher murmured, his voice a low rasp.

“You have no idea how much brighter this house feels since you arrived.” Before I could respond, the back door opened, and a breeze fluttered through the kitchen as Miles stepped in, his shirt damp with sweat and his arms full of freshly picked basil and rosemary.

The scent of sun-warmed herbs filled the air immediately.

“There you are,” he said, his grin blooming when he saw me. “I was starting to wonder if Julian had locked you in his office.”

Christopher stepped back as Miles crossed the room. I moved forward and wrapped my arms around him, inhaling the mingled scent of him and the garden—earthy, clean, and green.

“I heard you’re making that pesto again,” I said, looking up at him with a smile.

“For you? Always,” Miles replied, leaning down to kiss my forehead before pulling back and holding up the bundle of herbs like a bouquet. “Freshest of the fresh.”

I laughed as I shook my head before he moved more into the kitchen. As he worked, I leaned against the counter and watched him move—graceful and efficient, like cooking was a kind of choreography. Christopher came to stand beside me, casually sliding an arm around my waist.

It was a moment of simple domestic ease, and I treasured it. Julian returned a few minutes later, sleeves rolled and phone tucked away. He slipped into the kitchen and leaned in to kiss my cheek before greeting the others.

“Dinner smells incredible,” he said, glancing at Miles.

“Don’t praise it yet,” Miles replied, focused on plating. “You haven’t tasted it.”

“I don’t need to. I trust you. Besides…we all know this is the only dish you perfected.” Julian poured himself a glass of wine and turned to me.

"Would you like some?" Julian asked, gesturing with the bottle.

I nodded, accepting the glass he poured for me. "Just a little. I want to be well-rested for tomorrow morning."

"Ah yes, the crack of dawn adventure," Julian said with a hint of amusement. "Four-thirty is quite the commitment."

Miles looked up from his cooking, eyebrows raised. "Four-thirty? Nicolaus isn't messing around."

"Sunrise at the cove," I explained, taking a small sip of wine. The rich flavor bloomed on my tongue, complementing the herbaceous scent filling the kitchen. "He says it's worth the early hour."

"It is," Christopher confirmed, reaching past me for plates from the cabinet. "I've only been there once at dawn, but it's like something out of a painting."

We gathered around the table, falling into an easy rhythm that still amazed me—how four such different men could move together so seamlessly, anticipating each other's needs without words.

Christopher set out plates while Miles arranged the food, Julian lit candles, and Nicolaus—who had appeared silently from his study—poured water and adjusted chairs.

"Perfect timing," Miles said, settling into his chair as Nicolaus took the seat across from me. The candlelight cast warm shadows across his angular features, softening the sharp lines of his cheekbones and jaw.

"How was your afternoon?" I asked him, noting the slight tension in his shoulders that suggested he'd been working intensely.