Page 17 of The Alpha's Pretend Mate

No. Stop it. He doesn't see you that way.

The moment shattered as Aurora's cries filled the air, signaling she was awake. Cassius stepped back, clearing his throat.

"I should get back to work," he mumbled, retreating from the nursery.

"I will soon get started on dinner," Alysa called out lifting the baby up, her heart pounding.

Cassius’s voice drifted to her from the doorway. "Sounds great. I'll be in my study if you need me."

She took a sit in the rocking chair needing to calm Aurora and her still pounding heart.

This is going to be harder than I thought.

As evening approached, Alysa made her way to the kitchen to start preparing dinner.

The knife moved rhythmically against the cutting board as she sliced through vegetables with practiced ease. Alysa lost herself in the repetitive motion, trying to quiet her racing thoughts.

You can't keep doing this to yourself. He's your boss, for crying out loud.

But even as she thought it, memories of their earlier interaction flooded her mind. The way his eyes had softened when he looked at her, the genuine gratitude in his voice.

Stop it. You're here for Aurora, nothing more.

The sound of footsteps pulled her from her thoughts. Cassius appeared in the doorway; Aurora balanced on his hip.

"Something smells good," he said, inhaling deeply.

Alysa's heart skipped a beat. "Thanks. It's almost ready."

Cassius stepped closer, peering over her shoulder at the simmering pot on the stove. His scent enveloped her—a heady mix of pine and something uniquely him.

Get a grip, Alysa.

"Can I help with anything?" he asked, his breath warm against her ear.

Alysa suppressed a shiver. "I've got it under control. Why don't you go and relax? I'll let you know when it's ready."

Cassius hesitated for a moment before nodding. "If you're sure. Come on, little moon. Let's go read a story."

As they left the kitchen, Alysa let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. She turned back to the stove, willing her racing heart to calm down.

The rest of the evening passed in a blur of domesticity. They had a quiet dinner and before she knew it, the nursery was bathed in soft lamplight as she rocked Aurora to sleep. The baby's eyes fluttered closed, her tiny fists curled against Alysa's chest.

She's so perfect.

Abigail had left for the day, leaving her alone with her thoughts—and the ever-present awareness of Cassius's proximity.

A floorboard creaked in the hallway. Alysa looked up to find Cassius leaning against the doorframe, watching them with an unreadable expression.

"She asleep?" he whispered.

Alysa nodded, carefully rising from the rocking chair. She placed Aurora in her crib, tucking the blanket around her tiny form.

Cassius moved to stand beside her, their arms brushing. Alysa's skin tingled at the contact.

"You're amazing with her," he murmured, his eyes fixed on his sleeping daughter.

Alysa's chest tightened at the compliment. "She makes it easy. She's such a good baby."

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