Chapter 102
ERICA
It was a good evening, well almost, if I could ignore Cillian’s presence. But other than that it was the kind of evening one could do with after a long weekend. Freya was inumaculate with the party planning. Nothing was missing even though it was quite simple.
After dinner, we had moved to the poolside, where warm lighting flickered over the water, casting a golden glow on the people gathered around. Laughter and the clinking of glasses filled the space as we lounged in comfortable chairs, the occasional ripple of conversation drifting across the pool’s surface.
Freya was curled up against Aiden, looking disgustingly in love. She was sipping from a glass of orange juice her free hand resting absentmindedly on her belly as she listened to Cillian recount some ridiculous story about a client who wanted a hidden panic room inside a wine cellar.
“Security and fine wine, he mused, shaking his head. “Because God forbid someone touches his vintage collection during a home invasion
Revna snorted. I’m guessing the
e panic room cost more than the actual wine?”
Gillian smirked. Easily. The guy spent a fortune on it. Steel–reinforced walls, biometric locks–the works.”
reya sighed dramatically. “Maybe I should ask Aiden for one. Just for me and the baby.”
Aiden arched his brow “You already have the best security detail money can buy?
“True” she admitted, rubbing her belly. “But a secret panic room does sound dramatic. Maybe I’ll ask Cillian instead. He’d probably approve just to spite you “
1 caught Gillian’s smirk just as Aiden shot him an unimpressed look.
“You wouldn’t need a panic room” Cillian said lazily, but his gaze flicked to Aiden. “Because if someone manages to get past the security, Aiden’s cold glare would freeze him to death”
Freya choked on her juice mid laugh which caused Aiden to direct his infamous glare at Cillian.
Connor üfted his glass. To Auden’s intimidating presence
We all chuckied as Arden shook his head, and the conversation drifted into familiar teasing–Connor bringing up the time I spilled coffee on Auden’s desk, Beyiu ranting about the state of fashion trends, and me rolling my eyes at both of them
Then, Aiden’s wonen cut through the lighthearted chatter.
- Eruz, Hr drawled, a slow sinurk creeping onto his face. “I heard you’ve
been receiving flowers
it around as shifted. The i tvenation didn’t exactly stop, but there was a distinct shaft in attention.
Tarched my brow, unfazed. “I didn’i reatier you kept tabs on your employees, buss.”
Aiden’s smink somuned. “You’re not just an employer. You’re my assistant”
I placed a dramatic hand over
over any cheat. ‘Oh, I feel nu rial now My heart is healed”
kur innrted. “Yeats, Hut was really watin atal gooey, Audru Real touching moment there”
“becund
keep tabs on your when it’s office goup. Apparently, it was an impressive bouquet, Pouple were
vara bouqueat Seal
Eryna sedisticil, impressed to the mugher “Wow, that’s an
1 amik || pay oyes, Isa mj gaur auruta
He bailes sand a word, but he wasn’t relaxed anymore. He was there prafeedy mill, Bingers cuted around his glass in wideorganisely s annak grip, hiy
Miten leaned back, smark
– 8:22 PM ď ď ·
Chapter 102
I snorted. “It’s nothing
Freya, who had been watching the exchange with interest, tilted her head. “So you are dating someone and didn’t tell us? She asked, her voice carrying a playful hint of betrayal
Ewaved a dismissive hand. “It’s not like that.”
“No one important is sending you flowers?” Reyna pressed. I looked all the expectant eyes and realised they would pull an answer out of me at anry
COST
“It’s a secret admirer” 1 admitted.
That got a traction.
Freya raised an eyebrow. “A secret admirer!
Reyna gasped. “Oh my God, this is so romantic?
No it’s not—” I started, but Reyna wasn’t listening.
“You got a secret admirer How are we only hearing about this now? Are they leaving little love notes? Poetry? Tell me they’re writing poetry
Freya rolled her eyes. “Rey, get your mind out of your romance novels,”
“Hey, some of those books are based on real life” Reyna defended. “You never know
Then, for the first time since the conversation started, Cillian spoke.
His voice was low, controlled. “You have a stalker.”
It wasn’t a question.
The casual atmosphere evaporated. I turned to him, startled by the absolute certainty in his voice.
“It’s not dual deep, 1 said automatically. “It’s just a secret admirer.
Cillian‘ jas ticked “Right Because m
men who anonymously send gifts and refuse to reveal themselves are completely normal
Aiden, who had been smirking moments ago, suddenly looked more serious. His gaze settled on me.
“Wal” He said slowly. “How long has this been going on!”
I neurated. “A while
Freys [rowned. “And you ain’t thank that
weird
“It’s just flowers and chocolatcı” I defended. Nothing happened”
las be tried to talk to you?“,
I shook toy bead. “No juu.
Bryna still looked starry–eyed. “But it’s kindl
Keysu groaned. “The Line Maybe a bude stego ”
Furned back to tam, uarming my eyet. I dan remember asking for your union”
I repeated, incredulous.
““Yeah.” His vider was deceptively cabin. “You’re presending this is some hamless game, but you do know who to guy is in hev willing to tollen you this long, what the us he cajalle
Ayden’s gare sharpened. “He’sright”
Chapter 102
Fler out an esasperated sigh. “Can you not mike a big deal out of
Cillan exhaled sharply, running a
“You need security”
through his hair. His frustration was obvious, but his voice was eerily composed.
“Woah, stop right there. Till decide as I deem
bcrossed
Leon handle it.”
Cillian blue eyes burned into mine. Silence stretched between us, heavy and unyielding
Tswallowed. It wasn’t something word worrying about.
Right
3/3
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