Page 41 of Cruel Hero

I need everything Marcus can find on Rafael Donovan. Today.

And clean my calendar for the next 24 hours.

I’ll get Marcus on as soon as he comes in. Anything else?

Double the security detail on Tiffany. Discreetly. I don’t want her to feel suffocated, but she needs to be protected at all times. And Sylvia—keep a closer eye on her too.

You, Marcus, and I will map out our strategy today.

I set the phone back on the nightstand, my gaze drifting back to Tiffany. She looks so peaceful, her golden curls spilling across the pillow, her lips slightly parted.

I brush a strand of hair from her face, and Tiffany shifts, her hand reaching out for me. Her eyes flutter open, still heavy with sleep, and she gives me a soft, drowsy smile. “Good morning.”

“Good morning,” I murmur, leaning down to press a gentle kiss to her lips. Her hand finds mine, intertwining our fingers as she stretches lazily. “How did you sleep?”

“Mmm, like a baby. Your bed is dangerously comfortable. I might never want to leave.”

I brush a strand of golden hair from her face, my fingers lingering against her cheek. “Who says I’d let you leave?”

Tiffany’s smile widens, her blue eyes sparkling. “Is that a threat or a promise?”

“Definitely a promise.”

Her laughter is soft and melodic. “I like the sound of that.”

“Then move in with me.” The words slip out before I can fully process them. But as soon as they’re out, I realize how right they feel.

Tiffany’s eyes widen. She sits up, the sheets pooling around her waist. “What?”

“Move in with me,” I repeat, my voice steady. “I want you here. With me. Every day, every night. I want to wake up and fall asleep with you in my arms. I want to share this life with you—the good, the bad, all of it.”

She blinks, her lips parting as if she’s about to speak but can’t find the words. Her hand reaches out, her fingers brushing against mine tentatively, as if she’s testing the reality of the moment.

“Adrien…” she whispers. “You’re not just saying that because of everything that’s going on, are you? Because of the danger?”

I cup her face in my hands, my thumbs brushing over her cheeks. “No. This isn’t about the danger. This is about you. About us. I’ve spent my life pushing people away, keeping everyone at arm’s length because I thought it was easier. Safer. Lonely. But I’ve met my match in you, Tiffany. You’ve made me see that I don’t have to face the world alone. That I don’t want to. I want you by my side.”

Her breath hitches, and she leans into my touch, her eyes searching mine for any sign of hesitation. There is none. Only truth.

“I’ve never been good at this—at letting people in. But with you, it’s different. You’re different. And I don’t want to waste another day pretending I don’t need you in my life. So yes, I’m asking you to move in with me. Not because I’m afraid of losing you, but because I can’t imagine my life without you in it.”

“Okay,” she says. Her voice is soft but steady, and it takes a moment for her words to sink in. When they do, a warmth spreads through my chest.

“Okay?”

She smiles. “Yes, Adrien. I’ll move in with you.”

I pull her into my arms, holding her tightly against me. Her warmth, her scent, the way she fits perfectly against me—it’s everything.

“You won’t regret this,” I murmur into her hair. “I’ll make sure of it.”

“I know you will.”

I press a kiss on her forehead. “Good. We’ll start moving your things today. I’ll have Luis arrange everything. You won’t have to lift a finger.”

Tiffany laughs softly, shaking her head. “You don’t have to go all out, you know. I can handle packing a few boxes.”

“I want to. Let me take care of you.”

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