Page 52 of Broken Bonds

“There’s also the tax issue, my accounting department can help you handle that…” His words transform into a haze that only allows me to see him.

The center of my world.

I remember Alexandra’s words and I’m truly allowing him to redeem himself, however, Lionel never ceases to amaze me. It’s one thing to let me do what I want and quite another to actively help me.

“And since the honey you produce is so special,” he continues as my jaw keeps hanging open. “I think it would also be an amazing opportunity to list pure honey for sale. What do you think?”

I still can’t process what he just told me.

“Are you speechless?” He looks at me and smiles, I can hardly blink. Something in my brain has short-circuited. “Do you want me to call Braxt?”

“Mmm…” Of course, the first thing that comes out of my mouth is something so smart. “You want to do that for me?”

My voice is barely audible. He’s taken my breath away.

“I’d do anything for you,” he says quickly, without hesitation. Honesty shining in those deep brown eyes.

Whilst I can hardly admit it, this Lionel in front of me has been a great surprise, even though what happened was horrible—it certainly was. But now, I understand what my mother told me so many times, everything happens for a reason and maybe we needed a good shake to save our relationship.

I wish I had the wisdom to understand all this mess, meanwhile, I settle for knowing not everything is lost. That there’s still something here to save.

“I’ll do whatever it takes to make you happy,” he growls. “You may be set on conquering the world alone, but I’ll always be here to support you, Stella. I could shower you with lavish gifts, but I know that’s not what you truly want. Your determination and drive are what I admire, and as the man who stands by your side, I’ll do everything in my power to be there when you reach the pinnacle of success.”

Swoon!

“Lionel,” Struggling to speak, my throat constricts as I stare into his expectant eyes. His straight hair cascades over his forehead like a powerful lion’s mane, and the sight of him is devastating.

With trembling hands, I reach out for him, desperate for any form of contact. In this moment, I need to feel his soul intertwining with mine, a reminder that we are in this together. And every day brings us closer to the moment when we must cross the Mississippi, a mission he has placed above all else.

But as I gaze at him now, I see the fierce determination in his eyes and know that nothing will stand in his way. Our fate is sealed, and our journey will soon reach its climax.

“What do you say, Hvezda? Shall we call Braxton?”

“What does that mean?” I want to know.

Lionel adjusts himself in the seat to take out his phone from the side pocket of his shorts.

“Means you’re going to have your website up and running.”

Very funny, Mr. Kral, very funny.

I roll my eyes before answering him. “What does hvezda mean, you have called me that several times?”

“Star in Czech,” he replies. “My grandparents were immigrants. My father spoke the language fluently, and although due to my limitations, I could never learn it. I do know a few phrases and words. Your name also means star.”

“Oh Lionel, what am I going to do with you?”

“Be happy,” he concludes before I make my way around the counter and kiss him gently on the lips.

These last few days we have been like two horny teenagers, touching each other over our clothes. What was supposed to be a short kiss turned into a tangle of hands looking for bare skin. His fingers undo the knot of the apron at my back, then pull it off over my head, his lips detaching from mine just long enough for the fabric to fly off.

Someone has poured hot oil all over my skin, I’m burning, which reminds me…

“Lionel,” I mumble, gasping for air.

“Yes?” he replies, his lips tracing a downward path down my chin.

“Lionel, my mixtures.”

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