He’s not quite as tall as I am, but it’s clear where I got my height from. My mother is about the same height as Kit… petite, elegant, and far sharper than most people give her credit for.
Selina, Armen, and Ray come out to greet them almost immediately. Selina, as always, is the most enthusiastic. She throws her arms around my mother first, then my father, hugging them both tightly. My dad looks visibly awkward, stiffening like he doesn’t quite know what to do with his hands. It makes the corner of my mouth twitch upward in a rare grin.
My mother smiles brightly. “Now, I know we didn’t give you any warning, but we were on the highway passing through your city anyway, so naturally we needed to visit.”
I nod. “Of course. It’s nice to see you both.”
She beams. “Shall we go out and eat? I presume there won’t be anything prepared.”
Before I can answer, my father gestures toward the others. “Everyone is welcome, of course.”
Suddenly Selina lets out a low whistle. “Christopher! Oh, my goodness…”
Armen grins like an idiot. I frown and turn just as Kit reaches the bottom of the grand staircase.Fuck, he looks… devastating.
His dark curls are gelled neatly, one rebellious strand falling over his forehead. The black button-down I chose for him is fitted just right, with the top two buttons now undone, showing a hint of collarbone and the edge of his healing bruises. The tailored trousers hug his frame perfectly, and on his feet are those sleek black Prada boots Selina hadinsistedon buying after she took his measurements. The gold watch on his wrist catches the light with every movement. Even the scar, still red and prominent across his face, doesn’t ruin the picture. If anything, it makes him look sharper, more dangerous. Like something that survived hell and came out the other side changed. I can’t stop staring.
Kit offers his hand to my father first. “You must be Mr. Sinclair. Nice to meet you, I’m Christopher.”
My father’s large hand nearly swallows Kit’s as they shake. Then, like he’s a completely different person tonight, Kit turns to my mother, takes her hand gently, and presses a soft kiss to her knuckle.
“Mrs. Sinclair,” he says, voice smooth and charming, “a pleasure.”
The entire room goes quiet for a beat. My team is staring because they’ve never seen this version of Kit… confident, polished, almost seductive. My parents are staring because a scar likethat,especially on someone so young, isn’t something you see every day.
Kit lets out a small, self-aware laugh. “I’m sure we’ve got better things to do than stare at my scar.”
My mother clears her throat, flustered. “Oh, I’m so sorry, dear. I didn’t mean to… I mean…” She trails off, clearly dying to ask.
I cut in bluntly. “Christopher was kidnapped and tortured. Shall we go to dinner now?”
Kit’s head snaps toward me, eyes wide like he can’t believe I just said that so casually, in the same sentence.
My father claps Kit on the shoulder, a little too firmly. “My apologies for staring, kid. It’s just not something you see every day.”
Then, to my mild surprise, my dad starts leading Kit toward the front doors, already chatting with him. “We’re going to this lovely place by the river. Have you ever…”
Their voices fade as they step outside.
Selina laughs under her breath. “Wow… okay. Wasn’t expecting that.”
My mother turns to me, concerned. “Is he okay? That looks fresh still.”
I inhale sharply. “I don’t want to talk about it, Mother.”
She nods quickly. “Okay, love. Well… get sorted. We’ll be waiting. I guess Christopher is riding with us. We’ll meet you there?”
“Take care of him,” I demand, putting trust in my parents with the one person I truly love.
She smiles and walks out with Selina.
Ray and Armen are still standing here, stunned.
Armen eventually mutters, “Okay… I can’t processany partof what just happened.”
Ray just shakes his head. “I… what…”
I let out a low laugh. “Let’s go. I need a fucking drink.”
