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“That’s not for us to decide,” I replied, even as the phone continued to ring ‘We need to respect Audrey’s privacy.”
Minah looked at me for a long moment.
Then, before I could stop him, his small finger tapped the answer button
Left with no choice, I took the device.
“Hello?” I answered, my voice deliberately casual.
There was a pause. ‘I… I’m sorry, I was trying to reach Audrey Lane?”
She was taking a shower,‘ I replied smoothly. “This is Caspar Thornton. Is there something I can help you with?”
Another longer pause,
‘Mr. Thornton, L… I was just calling to share about Noah’s first day and to discuss some observations with Miss Lane.”
I appreciate your dedication,” I said, my tone calm but dangerous.
“But it’s rather late for work calls, don’t you think?”
“Of course, sir. I apologize for the interruption. Good night.”
I ended the call just as the bathroom door opened.
Audrey stepped out, her hair slightly damp and pulled back in a loose braid, wearing simple pajamas.
Her eyes immediately went to the phone in my hand.
“Daniel just called,‘ I said before she could ask.
She blinked, surprise flickering across her features. “Daniel? The kindergarten teacher?”
“Yes,” I replied, setting her phone back on the counter.
“He wanted to share his observations about Noah’s first day. I informed him that work–related calls can wait until daytime.”
Audrey nodded, then paused as realization dawned on her face.
“Wait, why were you answering my phone?”
“I answered it!” Noah called before I could respond.
“Daddy was telling me not to, but I did it anyway. Come on, Audrey, I’m waiting for my story!”
Audrey seemed to accept this explanation without much thought.
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Chapter 132
I watched her awkwardly perched on the edge of the bed on the side Noah and I had left empty for her.
Without hesitation, Noah rolled across the mattress and nestled himself directly into Audrey’s arms, looking up at her with complete
contentment.
“Read me a story?” he whispered, already sounding drowsy.
Audrey began reading the book Noah had selected, her voice growing softer as his eyelids drooped.
Within minutes, he was fast asleep, a gentle smile playing at the corners of his mouth.
His small body curled trustingly against her, one hand still clutching the edge of her pajama top.
She carefully closed the book and set it aside, her eyes meeting mine over Noah’s sleeping form.
“How long are you planning to stay here?” she whispered, careful not to wake Noah.
I shrugged slightly, the darkness of the room hiding my expression. “I haven’t decided yet.”
Audrey sighed, a sound of resignation.
“This apartment is too small for all of us.”
She glanced down at the sleeping child between us.
‘I agree to move to the manor.”
“You’re sure?” I asked, though I’d been angling for precisely this outcome since we arrived.
“Yes,” she whispered, careful not to disturb Noah.
“I’ll come help you pack tomorrow,” I offered, trying to keep the satisfaction from my voice. “We can move whatever you need.”
“Talk tomorrow,” she said, settling back against the pillows.
Her fingers absently stroked Noah’s hair as she added.
“It’s getting late. We should try to sleep now.”
I nodded, watching as she closed her eyes, her breathing gradually slowing
Soon her breathing deepened and evened out, joining Noah’s gentle snores
A healthy flush colored her cheeks, and her hair spilled across the white pillow.
I found myself studying her with an intensity that startled me.
Before I could stop myself, I reached out and lifted a strand of her dark hair between my fingers. It was softer than I’d imagined.
I leaned closer, telling myself I would stop after the briefest contact. Just one taste.
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Chapter 132
My lips touched hers gently at first, a whisper of contact that I intended break immediately.
But her lips were warm and pliant in sleep, and instead of pulling away, deepened the kiss.
My self–control shattered when she made a small sound of protest as her breathing was restricted.
In her sleep, her lips parted slightly, and she breathed out a soft, “Cas…”
I froze, heart hammering against my ribs.
Had she awakened? But her breathing remained deep and even, her eyes firmly closed.
That fragment of my name had been unconscious, unintended.
I buried my face in the curve of her neck, a low laugh escaping me.
“What are you doing to me, Audrey Lane?”
I whispered against her skin, my words too soft to disturb her sleep.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.
