Page 18 of Sanctuary

I tensed slightly, my guard going up. But it was an innocent question, curious rather than snoopy. I took a deep breath, debating on how much I would reveal.

“I’ve always loved books,” I said. “The smell of old pages, the weight of knowledge in your hands. And I like helping people find what they’re looking for, whether it’s information or just a good story to escape into.”

Connor nodded, his eyes on his work as he delicately placed raspberries atop the cream. “That’s lovely. But surely there’s more to Mia Andrews than just books?”

I laughed, but it sounded hollow even to my own ears. “Oh, you know. The usual. I enjoy long walks on the beach —”

“And getting caught in the rain?” Connor teased, his eyes twinkling as he glanced up at me.

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at my lips. “Very funny. I was going to say I enjoy quiet nights in. A good book and a cup of tea...”

“Aye, a good cup of tea can take care of anything.” Finally, he stepped back, wiping his hands on a towel. “There. What do you think?”

I leaned forward, admiring the delicate layers and perfectly caramelized top. “It’s beautiful,” I breathed. “Almost too pretty to eat.”

“Oh, but you have to,” he said. Picking up a sharp knife, he started to slice into it. “Normally I would freeze this for thirty minutes then coat the edges with pistachios, but I don’t have any.”

“That’s fine. But really, I can’t eat that. I need to watch my figure.”

Connor’s eyes swept over me, his gaze lingering in a way that made my cheeks burn. “Watch your figure? If anything, you could stand to gain a few pounds.”

As soon as the words left his mouth, his eyes widened in horror. “I didn’t mean that as an insult! I just meant you’re so slim already, you shouldn’t worry about it — I’ll watch your figure for you.”

Was he being flirty? Whatever it was, I had to tell him the truth as to why I was here. “Connor, I really need to tell you something.”

“It can wait,” he grinned.

“No, really—” but before I could finish what I was saying, he took the opportunity to pop the dessert between my parted lips. The delicate pastry crumbled on my tongue, followed by an explosion of sweet cream and tart raspberries.

“That’s my girl. Let the taste seduce you,” he murmured, his voice low and velvety.

I closed my eyes, savoring the exquisite flavors and the sound of his voice coaxing me on.

When I opened them again, I found him watching me intently, his eyes dark with a mix of desire and fascination. He lifted the pastry to his mouth. His tongue darted out, licking a spot of cream from the exact place where I had bitten.

Time seemed to slow as I watched him take a languorous bite, his eyes never leaving mine. He chewed slowly, deliberately, like he was making love to the dessert with his mouth. A small moan of pleasure escaped him, sending a shiver down my spine.

His tongue swept across his lower lip, catching a stray crumb. “It’s delicious,” he breathed. “Just like I know you will be.”

I felt my face grow hot, my heart pounding in my chest. Part of me knew I should be embarrassed, even offended by his boldness. But a larger part - a part I had been trying to ignore since I arrived - found it incredibly, overwhelmingly hot.

I swallowed hard, trying to find my voice. “I... um...”

Connor’s eyes widened as he seemed to realize what he’d said. “Fuck. I did it again. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to—”

But I was already moving, closing the distance between us. Before I could talk myself out of it, I reached up, cupped his face in my hands, and pressed my lips to his as his hands settled at my waist.

Just then, the kitchen door swung open. We jumped apart guiltily as Rory walked in, his eyebrows raised at the scene before him.

“Am I interrupting something?” he asked, a knowing smirk playing on his lips.

I cleared my throat, trying to regain my composure. “Not at all. Connor was just... showing me how to make mille-feuille.”

Rory’s eyes darted between us, clearly not buying it. “Right. Well, I just wanted to let you know the deal’s done. Lucy’s Bingo Hall is now officially part of the MacGallan holdings.”

Connor nodded, his face expressionless. “Good. Thanks, Rory.”

As Rory turned to leave, I caught a flicker of something in his eyes - concern, maybe even a hint of disapproval. The moment stretched, laden with unspoken tension, before he finally exited the kitchen.

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