Chapter 103
Audrey’s POV:
After my unexpected breakdown, Noah had grown quiet and attentive.
I’d quickly wiped my face, embarrassed that I’d let my emotions overwhelm me in front of him.
“I’m okay, Noah, I’d assured him, forcing a smile. Sometimes grown–ups cry too.”
“No cry,” he said suddenly, his voice soft and slightly raspy from disuse. “Strong.”
He pointed to himself with a small finger pressed against his chest, his expression solemn, as if promising me he would be brave.
I gasped, my heart skipping a beat.
Throughout our entire wonderful day together–the ice cream, the park, the toy store–Noah hadn’t uttered a single word.
He had communicated through nods, gestures, and expressions, but not once had he spoken. Until now.
“Noah,” I whispered, touching his cheek gently. “Thank you.”
The drive to the Thornton mansion was mostly silent.
Noah sat in the back seat, clutching his new plush cat, his eyes following the passing scenery with resigned acceptance.
As I pulled up to the front entrance, I noticed a tall figure standing by the doorway, a thin trail of smoke rising from his hand.
Caspar.
He was watching us, his expression unreadable, the ember of his cigarette glowing briefly as he took a drag.
I gently woke Noah. “We’re home, little tiger,” I whispered, helping him out of the car.
To my surprise, Noah walked straight up to Caspar and reached for his father’s hand.
Caspar’s eyes widened slightly, a flicker of surprise and tenderness crossing his face.
He quickly extinguished the cigarette and held it away from Noah, his movements careful and deliberate.
Kneeling down to Noah’s level, Caspar spoke softly, “Go to your room first, Noah. I need to talk with Miss Lane for a moment.”
Noah hesitated, looking back at me with uncertainty in his eyes.
63
1/4
18:27 Sat, Jan 31
Chapter 103
“It’s okay,” I reassured him with a smile.
With a small nod, Noah disappeared into the house, leaving me alone with Caspar.
Now that we were face to face, I noticed the changes in him.
It had only been a few days since I’d last seen him, but Caspar looked noticeably more worn.
His eyes were bloodshot with visible red veins, dark circles shadowing underneath like bruises, and a tightness around his mouth that
made him appear completely exhausted.
“Thank you for letting me spend time with him,” I said, attempting to break the uncomfortable silence.
“He seems much better now. I should get going-”
“In a hurry?” Caspar’s voice was low and hoarse.
“It’s getting late,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady.
I turned to leave, but Caspar’s arm shot out, blocking my path.
“Coming to the Thornton estate,” he said softly, his face expressionless, “aren’t you afraid I might keep you here?”
There was no emotion in his voice, but a chill ran through me.
Despite his gentler demeanor with me these past weeks, this was still the King C.
His reputation for cold, calculated decisiveness wasn’t built on empty rumors.
I let out an awkward laugh, trying to mask my unease,
“You know that’s illegal, right? Unlawful imprisonment is a serious crime.”
I shifted my weight, attempting to appear more confident than I felt.
“Besides, if you really care about someone, you’re supposed to give them freedom, not… lock them up.”
Caspar’s expression remained unreadable, his features cast in shadow.
“Is that so?” he finally responded, his voice soft but tinged with something that made my skin prickle.
Before I could react, he reached out and grabbed my wrist.
63
18:27 Sat, Jan 31
Chapter 103
“Caspar, what are you doing?” I demanded as he led me up the grand staircase, his pace brisk and determined.
He remained silent, guiding me down the hallway until we reached what I recognized as the master bedroom.
With a gentle push that contrasted with his resolute expression, I found myself inside his private domain.
The door closed behind us.
I spun around, heart racing. “This isn’t funny, Caspar.”
He stood before me, tall and imposing, watching me with those inscrutable eyes.
“Don’t make me fight back,” I warned, raising my hands defensively. “I mean it. I’ve taken self–defense classes.”
(63
I glared at Caspar with fierce intensity, my eyes narrowed and jaw clenched, my body tensed like a coiled spring ready to launch an attack
at any second.
Caspar didn’t respond. Instead, in one fluid motion, he wrapped his arms around me and pulled me toward the bed.
Before I could process what was happening, we were on the mattress, my back pressed against his chest, his arm firmly secured around
my waist.
Then, almost instantly, the sound of deep, even breathing filled my ear.
I carefully twisted my neck to look at him. Unbelievable.
Caspar Thornton, the feared King C of Wall Street, had literally fallen asleep within seconds.
A strange mixture of anger and incredulous laughter bubbled up inside me.
I tried to wiggle out from under his arm, pushing against his hand, attempting to create enough space to slide away.
To my frustration, even in deep sleep, his arm remained locked around my waist like an iron band.
Just then, a soft knock sounded at the door.
The door cracked open, and Edward’s face appeared in the gap.
My heart leapt with relief.
“Edward!” I whispered urgently, careful not to wake Caspar.
Thank god! Please help me–he won’t let me go!”
18:27 Sat, Jan 31
Chapter 103
Our eyes met for the briefest moment.
Edward’s gaze moved from me to his sleeping employer, then back to me.
Without a word, he stepped back and gently closed the door.
“Edward!” I called after him, but he was gone.
The door shut so quickly it was as if he’d never been there at all.
I let my head fall back against the pillow in frustration.
Of course. They’re all in this together.
The loyal staff of the Thornton household would never go against their master.
Comments
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.
