"Sacrilege," Sera murmurs, and there's actual pain in her voice.
I watch her examine the book, completely absorbed, and something shifts in my chest.
At the house, I gave her a workspace. Bought her tools. Thought that would be enough, but I can see that there is more to her work than the work itself.
Watching her with Mr. Bolinger, I realize that this is where Sera feels like she belongs, a place where she has a purpose beyond being my wife or carrying my child.
The weight of all this feels heavy on my chest because it's a reminder that there is something I can't give her.
And I fear it's the thing that's going to take her away from me.
"Mr. Bolinger," Sera says carefully, setting down the book. "I need to ask you something."
"Anything, kiddo."
"I want to come back to work."
The words hang in the air.
Mr. Bolinger looks surprised. Then pleased. "Of course! Your position is still?—"
"No." I don't mean to say it out loud, but the word is out before I can stop it.
Sera turns to me, and I see the flash of anger in her eyes. The defiance.
"Adrian—"
"It's not safe." I keep my voice even, reasonable. "You know it's not safe."
"I'll have security?—"
"Security can't be everywhere." I choose my words carefully, aware of Mr. Bolinger listening. "Think about what happened before. What could happen again." I glance at the old man. "No offense, but this shop isn't equipped to handle the kind of... complications my wife might face."
Mr. Bolinger's expression shifts. He understands what I'm not saying.
"Your wife," he says slowly, "seems perfectly capable of making her own decisions."
"My wife is pregnant with my child." The words come out harder than I intend. "Her safety isn't negotiable."
"My autonomy is," Sera snaps.
We're staring at each other, and I can feel Leo's discomfort from where he's positioned near the door. This is the conversation we should be having in private. Not in front of her former employer.
But Sera doesn't back down.
This is a test. If I say no, lay down the law, I'll lose her. Maybe not today, but eventually.
But I won't risk her. Not ever.
"You can work at home," I hear myself say. "And one day here."
Sera blinks. "What?"
"You want to work? Fine. But on my terms." I cross my arms. "Leo assigns the guards. They stay with you the entire time. Any sign of trouble, any threat at all, and this arrangement ends. Understood?"
She's staring at me, glaring. "Three days."
"No."
