Her eyes narrow. "Two days most weeks, and one extra day a month."
"No." My voice is flat. "One day. That's what I can safely give you right now. Once the baby is born and things settle, we'll revisit this."
I want to give her more. God, I want to give her more.
But I can barely protect her for one day. Three would be reckless.
"Adrian—"
"I'm not negotiating on your safety, Sera." I hold her gaze. "Not on this."
Mr. Bolinger clears his throat. "Seraphina, maybe... maybe one day is a good place to start. You're getting further along now, and honestly, some of the chemicals we use, the way you have to hunch over the table for hours..." He squeezes her shoulder gently. "It's probably wise to take it slow."
Sera looks between us, and I see the moment she realizes she's not going to win this.
"Fine." The word is clipped. "One day. For now."
That "for now" gives her the illusion of control. I'll take it.
"I don't joke about your safety." I turn to Mr. Bolinger. "Is that acceptable to you? Having armed security in your shop one day a week?"
The old man looks at the guards positioned near the door, then back at me. Something passes across his face. Understanding, maybe. Or concern.
"If it means I get my assistant back?" He nods slowly. "I can work with that."
"Thank you," Sera says quietly. Then, to me: "Thank you."
She crosses the space between us, rising on her toes to press a kiss to my cheek. Brief. Tentative. But genuine.
It's the first time she's kissed me without it being part of sex or a performance.
"Same," she mutters against my skin.
I know what she means.Don't make me regret trusting you.
Mr. Bolinger clears his throat. "Well. I suppose we should discuss schedule then. When can you start?"
"Next week?" Sera looks at me for confirmation.
I'm about to answer when my phone buzzes. Once. Twice. Three times.
Bianca.
I ignore it.
It buzzes again.
"You should answer that," Sera says quietly.
She's right. Bianca doesn't call repeatedly unless it's important.
I step away, pressing the phone to my ear. "What?"
"Adrian." My mother's voice is cool, controlled. "Where are you?"
"Out. Why?"
"Because we have a family dinner tonight. The Marinis are coming to discuss Sofia's engagement to Matteo Caruso. You're expected to be here."
