We heard footsteps, and Tristan appeared in the kitchen doorway. “Ready to go?”
I nodded, following him back to the living room where Orion was waiting. My brother looked calmer than before, though still concerned.
“Be careful,” he said, pulling me into one more hug. And remember what I said about calling me if anything happens.”
‘I will. We see each other every day at work, remember?” I reminded him with a small smile.
He nodded. “I know. I love you, little sister.”
‘Love you too, bro.”
71
The ride home was quieter than the ride there, but it was a different kind of quiet. The tension was gone, replaced by something that felt almost peaceful. I
found myself relaxing against Tristan’s back, letting myself enjoy the familiar comfort of riding with him.
Sarah’s words kept repeating in my mind: “I don’t think he’s going to mess this up again.”
When we reached my apartment, Tristan walked me to the door like always.
“Thank you,” I said as I unlocked it. “For defending me in there. For taking my side.”
“You don’t need to thank me for that. I meant what I said about training you properly. If you’re going to do this, I want to make sure you’re as safe as
possible. Keeping you safe is my priority.”
My stomach did a little flip at his words, the sincerity in his voice making my heart race.
“And what about the other thing? About us?”
He stepped closer, close enough that I had to tilt my head back to meet his eyes.
“That’s up to you, Ath. I meant what I said yesterday. I’m going to prove to you that this is real, that I’m serious about us. But the choice is yours to make.”
‘Good,‘ I said, surprising myself with how steady my voice sounded. “Because I need to know that you want me for me, not just because of some bond or
obligation.”
‘I want you for you,” he said simply. “The bond is just a bonus.”
Before I could respond, he leaned down and kissed my forehead gently, lingering for a moment. I closed my eyes at the sensation, neither of us wanting to
step away.
Tristan was the one who pulled back first, because he was stronger than I was. When he did, I felt like something essential was missing from my chest.
I wanted to step forward and hug him one last time, but I held myself back, my teeth catching my lower lip as I stared at him.
“Good night, Athena.”
‘Good night, Tristan.”
1/2
Sat,
Chapter 138
He gave me a nod toward my door, and I went inside and locked it behind me. As I switched on the lights, my eyes caught the flowers I’d left before heading to work that morning. A smile appeared on my face as I walked over to inhale their sweet scent before heading to my room.
The next morning, I found myself subconsciously expecting another flower delivery, but nothing came. As I got ready for work, I couldn’t help but feel
irritated.
Everything seemed to be going wrong, and I couldn’t figure out why I was in such a bad mood.
I checked the time and cursed under my breath. I had thirty minutes left, which meant I was running late by my standards. I liked getting to the office early.
and this delay was throwing off my entire routine.
I grabbed my bag, muttering to myself as I headed for the door. When I opened it, I stopped dead in my tracks.
Tristan was standing in my hallway with a flower in his hand. This one was even bigger and prettier than yesterday’s, with deep red petals that looked like
silk.
A smile spread across my face, and all my irritation disappeared like smoke in the wind.
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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.
