The afternoon grinds on. Henry's team builds the legal strategy, coordinates the media positioning. By the time the press conference starts, Simone's ready. She walks out to face the cameras, head up, posture controlled. Every inch the CEO who survived her uncle's conspiracy.
From the side, she delivers her statement without hesitation.
"My uncle, Armand Deveraux, has been arrested on federal charges. The FBI's investigation has revealed evidence of a surveillance operation. I am grateful to law enforcement for their diligent work, and I look forward to continuing to lead LaCroix Petroleum while the legal process moves forward."
Cameras flash. Reporters shout questions. She doesn't break, doesn't falter. Just turns and walks away while they scream after her.
Pride surges watching her walk off that stage. Strong. Unbreakable.
Back in the SUV, she finally lets the mask drop. Leans her head back against the seat, eyes closed.
"You did well," I tell her.
"I'm exhausted." She doesn't open her eyes. "Can we go home?"
Home. Not the estate. Not the guest house. Home. Like it's ours now.
"Yeah." I start the engine. "We can go home."
The drive back is quiet. She dozes in the passenger seat, finally allowing herself to rest. When we pull through the gates, she stirs.
"We're back," I say.
"Good." She reaches for my hand. "I just want to not think about any of this for a while."
Inside, I guide her upstairs. She strips without prompting, climbs into bed. I join her after securing the doors.
She curls against me immediately. "Thank you."
"For what?"
"For keeping me safe. For being here. For not letting me face this alone."
"You're mine," I say. "I don't let what's mine get hurt."
She’s quiet for a long moment. Then: "I'm falling for you. I don't know if I'm supposed to say that. But I am."
I tilt her face up, make her look at me. "I claimed you at Dominion. Everything after that was just proving you could handle being mine. So yeah, you're supposed to say it. And I'm already there."
Her eyes search mine. Whatever she finds makes her relax against me. "Okay."
"Okay." I pull her closer. "Now sleep."
Within minutes, she's asleep. I stay awake longer, processing everything. Armand arrested. Simone safe. Immediate threat neutralized.
But Remy's warning won't let go. I'm off my game. I'm thinking with my dick instead of my training. I walked into Julien's trap because I was focused on her instead of assessing probability. That kind of thinking gets operators killed.
I should be worried. Should care that my feelings for her are a tactical liability. Should recognize that the next threat might exploit exactly this weakness.
My phone buzzes softly. Text from Andy:
Armand lawyered up. FBI's processing evidence from raids. Press going crazy but managing it.
I set the phone aside and pull her closer. Armand's locked up. She's safe. Everything else is noise I'll deal with tomorrow.
15
SIMONE
