The faint scent of her shower gel filled his senses, and for the first time since seeing those pages, his frantic heartbeat slowed—just barely.
His fingers tightened slightly at her waist. His chest rose and fell heavily, each breath dragging, desperate, as though he’d been starving for air.
Mia sat frozen, unsure, his arms secure around her. Slowly, hesitantly, she lifted her hand and placed it at the back of his head, her fingers threading gently into his hair.
Her cheeks warmed.
“Alexander…” she whispered softly, uncertainty laced with concern. “Are you alright?”
He pulled back just enough to look at her.
His hands stayed at her waist.
“I’m sorry,” he said.
The words were quiet. Bare. Raw.
Mia blinked, confusion flickering across her face. “… What are you talking about?”
Alexander’s throat tightened, but he didn’t look away. “I shouldn’t have ignored you when I was angry.”
Her brows knit together slightly, her voice tentative. “I don’t understand…”
He lifted himself slightly on his knees and leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her lips. Before she could even react, he pressed a careful kiss to her forehead, lingering there for a brief second.
Mia’s fingers tightened instinctively around the towel wrapped around her body. Her heart thundered so loudly in her ears she was sure he could feel it.
She blinked at him, confusion and vulnerability flickering across her face.
In the next moment, Alexander surged to his feet. He dipped toward her in one smooth motion, arms sweeping her up with practiced ease—one braced beneath her knees, the other secure at her back. She barely had time to react before she was against his chest.
She gasped softly, instinctively gripping his shoulders as he carried her to the bed. He laid her down with a care, hovering over her for a second as if making sure she was comfortable before lowering himself over her.
His lips found hers again—this time deeper, warmer, a kiss that held tenderness and longing all at once, as though he was trying to pour everything he couldn’t say into that single moment.
***
Later that evening, Mia slipped out of bed quietly and padded downstairs, her footsteps light against the floor. The low murmur of Alexander’s voice drifted from the living room—he was on the phone.
The moment he noticed her, his words cut off mid-sentence. He ended the call without hesitation and turned toward her, already moving in her direction.
“Come here,” he said softly, extending his hand.
Mia hesitated for half a second before placing her hand in his. He closed his fingers around hers and guided her to the couch, settling her there before leaning down. His thumb brushed a loose strand of hair away from her face, his gaze gentle and attentive.
“Wait here,” he murmured.
Before she could ask anything, he disappeared down the hallway.
When he returned, he was holding a bouquet—delicate baby’s breath woven between pale orchids. He bent slightly as he handed them to her.
Mia accepted the bouquet slowly, her fingers brushing his as she took them. Her eyes widened in surprise, warmth blooming across her face. She rested the flowers in her lap, looking up at him with a soft, unguarded smile.
Alexander’s lips curved into a grin. He leaned closer, tapping his finger lightly against his own lips. “Mrs. Graves,” he said, lowering his voice, “I need a gift too.”
She hesitated for only a moment.
Then Mia leaned forward and pressed her lips to his—light at first, then lingering. When she pulled back, she was smiling without even realizing it.
