Page 110 of Ruthless Kings of Obsession

"That was simply practical problem-solving," she responds primly, though amusement dances in her eyes. "Sometimes perspective shifts require physical repositioning."

We share a moment of understanding, two women who've carved out their own forms of power in a world that prefers us powerless. The kitchen feels suddenly intimate despite its grand size, a space where masks can slip just slightly.

"It feels too calm lately," I admit softly, voicing the concern that's been nagging at me. "Like we're in some kind of bubble, with the holidays approaching and everything seeming so... normal."

Hannah's expression turns knowing. "You feel it too? The quiet before the storm?"

I nod, grateful she understands. "Everything's going too smoothly. The Kings are settling into their roles, the mansion feels like home, even Domino's behaving – mostly." I pause, remembering this morning's table incident. "Well, sort of."

"The holidays tend to bring out interesting dynamics in powerful families," Hannah observes carefully. "Particularly ones with as much... complexity as yours."

"Complexity," I echo with a wry smile. "Is that what we're calling this collection of obsessions and power plays?"

"Would you prefer 'creatively arranged chaos' or 'strategically managed madness'?" Her tone remains perfectly professional despite the teasing glint in her eyes.

"I'd prefer advance warning if any more dramatic scenes are being planned," I grumble, though there's no real heat in it. "Especially ones involving breakfast furniture."

"I'll add it to my list of security considerations," she says smoothly. "Though I suspect your Kings enjoy the element of surprise too much to provide detailed itineraries."

The casual way she references their scheming makes me pause. "How do you do it?" I ask suddenly. "Stay so calm through all of this? The violence, the politics, the constant power plays?"

Hannah considers the question carefully, her movements slowing as she wipes down an already spotless counter. "I suppose," she says finally, "it comes from understanding my role in the larger game. I'm not just maintaining order – I'm protecting something vital. Something that could actually change how our world operates."

"You really believe that?" I can't keep the wonder from my voice. "That we're building something different?"

"Miss Prescott," she turns to face me fully, her expression more open than I've ever seen it, "look at what you've already accomplished. Six Kings bound by obsession rather than traditional power structures. A Queen who rose from victim to victor without losing her capacity for growth. Even Mr. Domino's transformation speaks to possibilities our world hasn't seen before."

Her words settle over me like a weight and a blessing simultaneously. "Sometimes I forget," I admit quietly, "that we're not just playing house here. That what we're building could actually matter beyond our own chaos."

"It matters," Hannah confirms with quiet certainty. "Which is precisely why these calm moments concern me. Our world rarely allows true innovation without violent resistance."

The truth in her words makes something cold settle in my stomach. "You think something's coming?"

"I think," she says carefully, "that you've created something unprecedented. Six Kings of Obsession, each powerful in their own right, united under a Queen who defies every traditional expectation. That kind of change doesn't go unnoticed – or unchallenged."

I think about Scarlett's cancer, about The Blind One's warnings, about all the pieces moving in shadows we can barely perceive. "The holidays are going to be interesting, aren't they?"

Hannah's smile carries equal parts warning and promise. "Let's just say I've increased security protocols and stocked additional medical supplies. It never hurts to be prepared."

"Prepared for what exactly?"

"For whatever comes next, Miss Prescott." She begins gathering her things with that efficient grace that marks everything she does. "After all, isn't that what we do best? Adapt, overcome, and rewrite the rules that were meant to bind us?"

Looking at her – this woman who's helped shape Matteo into the man he is, who manages our chaos with terrifying competence – I can't help but feel a surge of hope despite my concerns.

Because maybe that's what we really are: not just Kings and Queens playing power games, but architects of something new. Something that could actually change the rigid structures that have defined our world for so long.

Even if we have to break a few breakfast tables along the way.

Redemption Is Earned

~GEMINI~

The kitchen fills with the comforting aroma of baking cookies and simmering pasta sauce, a domestic scene that would seem absurd to anyone who knew our true nature. Hannah moves around me with practiced efficiency, our culinary dance perfected over weeks of unexpected friendship.

My mind drifts briefly to Ares, remembering how he'd stumbled in earlier looking thoroughly drained from his photoshoot. The dark circles under his eyes had made something protective stir in my chest.

"Go rest," I'd urged, leading him toward our bedroom. But of course, rest wasn't all he'd needed. The memory of him coming undone in my mouth, his usual perfect composure shattered by exhaustion and pleasure, brings a small smile to my face.

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