Cristian tilts his head, studying me. "You know, before I was assigned to protect you, my life was all duty and routine.” He runs a hand through his black hair, leaving it mussed in a sexy sort of way. "There wasn't much excitement."
"And now?" I can't help but ask.
His smile widens. "Now I'm sneaking around with the boss's sister, risking life and limb every time you wear one of those dresses."
A laugh escapes me. It’s unexpected, but liberating. "You think they're that bad?"
"They're that good," he corrects, and the heat in his gaze makes my skin tingle.
"I'll have to wear it more often, then,” I tease.
"God help me, you're trying to get me killed."
For a moment, I forget the wedding, forget Maksim, forget everything but the way Cristian is looking at me like I'm everything he's ever wanted.
In this small bubble of space between us, I can almost believe we have options.
Choices.
I wish we could stay in this moment forever.
The silence stretches between us.
His eyes drop to my lips, and I know he's remembering our kiss.
How it felt when his fingers…
I ache to kiss him again, to feel that connection, that spark of something real.
But I force myself to step back.
One more touch and I'll never stop.
Several days later, I'm standing in the most luxurious florist shop in Manhattan, surrounded by exotic blooms in every color imaginable.
The shop owner, a small Italian woman with elegant silver hair, hovers nearby, eager to please.
"These white roses would make a stunning centerpiece, Miss Dante," she suggests, gesturing to a pristine arrangement.
I nod absently, my gaze drifting to Cristian who stands by the door, vigilant as always.
Since our conversation in my bedroom, things between us have shifted.
Not sexually, of course.
But there’s a deeper connection.
My phone rings, pulling me from my thoughts.
Maksim's name flashes on the screen.
"Valentina," he says without greeting when I answer. "I'm delayed with business. Choose whatever flowers you want and bring the samplesto my estate afterward. I trust your taste." He hangs up before I can respond.
I slip my phone back into my purse, catching Cristian's questioning look.
"Maksim's running late. We're supposed to go to his estate after this."
Cristian’s expression is suspicious. "Alone?"
