Heat crept up Leander’s neck. “She’s my assistant. I’m just looking out for her welfare.”
“Bullshit.” The word was delivered with Travis’s trademark bluntness. “You’ve never given a damn about any of yourassistant’s living situations before. What makes Camille so different?”
The question hung between them. Leander’s lion stirred, recognizing the moment for what it was—a crossroads between continued secrecy and the relief of finally speaking the truth.
“She’s my fated mate.”
Travis went completely still, his casual posture straightening as the implications sank in.
“Wow, Leander.” Travis ran a hand through his tousled hair. “You’re playing with fire bringing her to live with you. Restraint feels a lot different when she’s sleeping down the hall. Your lion won’t be able to control itself with her in that close proximity.”
“It will be fine,” Leander said, the words coming out sharper than intended. “Nothing is going to happen. She needs stability right now. That’s all this is.”
Travis’s laugh was short. “Yeah, right. Good luck with that.”
He pushed off from the table and headed toward the door, pausing at the threshold to throw one last observation over his shoulder. “For what it’s worth, she seems like she might be worth the risk.”
The door clicked shut behind him, leaving Leander alone with the weight of his decision and the uncomfortable truth that Travis was probably right. But Camille needed him, and that trumped every rational argument his mind could manufacture.
At four o’clock, he found himself standing outside Camille’s office, watching her organize files with the same meticulous attention to detail she brought to everything. The late afternoon sun streaming through the windows caught the gold in her blonde hair, and something in his chest tightened with an emotion he wasn’t ready to name.
“Ready to leave?” he asked, stepping into her space.
She looked up, those blue eyes reflecting a mixture of gratitude and uncertainty that made his protective instinctssurge. “Sure. If we leave now, we’ll have time to swing by Serena’s place and get my things, then get back to your place for dinner. I could make something for us there.”
“I’ll cook,” he said, the offer surprising them both. “Let me take care of everything tonight.”
Her smile was soft, transforming her face in a way that caused his pulse to quicken.
“That’s very kind of you.” Her expression suddenly clouded. “I should tell you something though,” she said softly. “I was supposed to go to dinner with Damian tonight. I texted him to cancel, and now he’s being... pushy.”
The mention of Damian’s name sent a low growl rumbling through Leander’s chest. His lion pressed against his skin, territorial and aggressive, demanding action. “If he bothers you anymore today, I’ll take care of it.”
“I don’t want you getting in the middle of?—”
“I already am.” He held her gaze as he pointed to his bruised jaw. “I’m not going to let him continue to make you uncomfortable.”
The relief that flickered across her face felt like a victory far bigger than any business deal he’d ever closed. She gathered her things, and they left the sanctuary of Drake Holdings for the uncertain territory of living together.
Thirty minutes later, Serena’s apartment was a warm chaos of books, art, and the lingering scent of jasmine candles. The woman herself was exactly what Leander had expected based on Camille’s descriptions—sharp-eyed, protective, and entirely unimpressed by his wealth or status.
“So you’re the famous Leander Drake,” she said, extending a hand with a grip that was surprisingly firm. “Camille’s told me a lot about you.”
“All good things, I hope.”
Serena’s smile was enigmatic. “Let’s just say you’ve made quite an impression.”
As they gathered Camille’s belongings, Serena worked with efficient grace. When Camille disappeared into the bathroom to gather her toiletries, Serena turned to Leander with an expression that was equal parts gratitude and warning.
“Thank you for giving her a place to stay,” she said simply. “She could have stayed here, but it would have been cramped. The fact that you offered... it means a lot. You’re a good guy, even if her parents don’t see it.”
The statement lingered with him as they finished packing, settling into his chest with unexpected warmth. It mattered—knowing that Camille had someone who saw her clearly, someone who had protected her long before he’d entered her life, and someone who recognized him for what he was: a man who only wanted the best for the woman who had somehow become the center of his world.
When they were finally leaving Serena’s apartment, Serena grabbed Leander’s arm, her hazel eyes holding his with unexpected gravity.
“Take care of her,” she said, the words carrying weight beyond their simplicity. “She deserves someone who sees her worth.”
The responsibility settled into his chest. “I will.”
