Page 76 of Fifth Avenue Devil

She furrows her brow, momentarily caught off guard by my question.

"I... I've never really thought about it," she admits, her voice soft and uncertain. "I’m really young. I have plenty of time to decide on the big questions after I get the company straightened out."

"Maybe it's time to consider what you truly want," I suggest. "Life is about more than just success and power. It's about legacy. And, I guess… love."

"Are children a deal breaker for you?" she asks. Her eyes search mine intently.

"No. I think it’s quite the opposite," I reply. "I have always imagined having a large family like the one I grew up in. Except, you know, I’d actually spend time with my wife and children."

“Oh!” Annalise bites her lip. “I see.”

As we continue our walk, I can see the wheels turning in her mind. Working over the new information I’ve presented, trying to create an idea of what being with me would be like.

I’m trying to do the same thing.

After we finish the tour, we pause outside a charming café, drawn in by the mouthwatering aromas wafting from within. We sit just inside, next to large windows opened wide to capture the last of the sun’s rays. I order espresso andmoules frites. Annalise orders acroque monsieurand an Orangina. We eat, with her stealing half my fries. I can’t complain.

We’re in Paris. The temperature drops, making Annalise move closer, ducking under my arm to steal some of my body heat. She’s telling me a story, her eyes shining. The world isperfectright now.

"Tell me something you've never told anyone else," Annalise challenges me once she’s finished telling me about a prank her class played on their French teacher. A playful glint flashes in her eyes.

“Hmm.” I give her request some thought. "When I was younger, I secretly wanted to be an artist."

"Really?" she exclaims, clearly surprised by my revelation. "That's so unlike the Nate I know. You’re a ruthless businessman. You’re always laser-focused on power and money."

"There's more to me than a high-powered suit," I say. I narrow my eyes playfully at Annalise. "What about you? What's your secret?"

“You mean besides who really put the dead mouse in Mademoiselle Duchamps’ bag?” she laughs. For a moment, she hesitates. Finally, she sighs, her gaze meeting mine with a newfound vulnerability. "Sometimes... sometimes I worry that I'll never find love. I fear that my desire for success will overshadow everything else."

"Annalise," I say softly, my heart aching for her. "You deserve love, happiness, and everything life has to offer. Don't let fear hold you back."

"Thank you," she whispers. She grasps my hand when I offer it, kissing the back of it and then lacing her fingers with mine.

This feels soright. I just have to make sure that Annalise is on board before I make a radical move. "Do you ever think about what our lives would look like if?—"

My words are cut off by the shrill ring of her phone, shattering the idyllic moment. She pulls away from me, her eyes widening as she glances at the screen. “Sorry. I have my phone set to only ring for my parents.”

I shake my head. “Of course. Answer.”

She picks up the phone. "Mom?" I watch as her face falls. I swear I can see the light visibly draining from her eyes. "Dad? He's awake?"

She stands right up, as if she’s going to run straight home from thousands of miles away. Her strained tone sends a jolt of concern through me. I knew their relationship was far from perfect, but it's rare to see Annalise so visibly affected.

Gently, I stand and place a hand on her shoulder, trying to offer support without intruding on her private conversation. She grips my fingers and looks worried. “But I’m in Paris,” she blurts out. I can’t make out her mom’s words, but I can hear her shouting. “Mom– mom, slow down.”

She listens for a few more minutes, her eyes sliding to me. "Uh huh. Okay. I'll be there as soon as I can, Mom."

Hanging up, she turns to face me. I thought she might tear up, but she just looks shocked. "Nate, my father just woke up from his coma. I need to go home."

"Of course," I reply without hesitation. I toss a wad of cash down on the table. My mind races, making the arrangements for our swift departure. "We'll leave Paris immediately. I'm here for you, Annalise. Whatever you need."

"Thank you," she murmurs. She looks up at me, taking a huge breath. "I don't know what I would do without you."

“Of course.”

As we rush back to our hotel to pack our belongings, I can't help but feel an overwhelming sense of responsibility for her. I've always been fiercely protective, but this is different. Deeper, somehow.

I am cool and collected as I arrange for the jet to be ready. I’ve always been good in an emergency. "Have you got everything?" I ask, scanning the room for any forgotten items.

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