Page 134 of Their Reckless Thief
I wasin the kitchen before dawn. The mansion was still quiet, the only sound that of my careful footsteps. The staff hadn’t shown up yet, so I had the kitchen to myself. It felt surreal, moving through the motions of making breakfast, but I needed to do something with my hands.
She’d fucking kissed me. I could still feel the ghost of her lips on mine, the warmth and softness, the sweetness I’d half-convinced myself I’d never get to experience in anything other than my dreams.
Celeste…myCeleste. I’d been content to love her, to be whatever she needed, without ever asking for anything in return. She’d made it clear in words and actions that there were to be no strings, no hearts on the line, no need for love. And I’d understood. I’d accepted that. Yet she’d come to me, kissed me, stayed with me.
I made sure everything was perfect on the tray—coffee, fresh fruit, bacon, and toast. I’d made breakfast for her several times, but this time, I had a lightness in my heart, a fullness I didn’t know what to do with. I couldn’t shake the fear that I’d somehow stumbled into a dream, and any second now, I’d wake up to find her still keeping that safe distance.
I padded up the stairs and to my door, nudging it open with my elbow. Celeste was still curled up in bed, a soft ray of morning light casting a warm glow on her face. She stirred, blinking when she saw me, and I swear, watching her face light up made my spirit soar all over again.
I grinned like an idiot as I placed the tray on her lap. “Good morning, love.”
She smiled sleepily, sitting up and pulling the covers tighter around her, a faint blush warming her cheeks. “You didn’t have to?—”
“I wanted to.” I sat down on the edge of the bed. “Besides, I wanted another excuse to kiss your lips again.” The words slipped out, so honest I could feel my cheeks heat, but Celeste’s smile widened, making my chest tighten with that familiar ache.
I poured the coffee, and we sat in companionable silence, sipping the warm brew, exchanging glances that said more than words ever could. She looked at me like she was memorizing my face, taking in every detail. And damn it, I could have sat there for hours, watching her.
“No one’s ever looked out for me the way you do,” Celeste said. “You go out of your way to make sure I’m okay, that everything’s okay. I don’t think I ever realized how much that mattered, having someone who’s… there. Someone who chooses to make me a priority.”
I reached out and brushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear, my fingers lingering a second longer than necessary. “It’s easy to be there for you, Celeste. And if I can make even a single part of your day better, then it’s worth it. You’re worth it.”
She set her coffee down, her gaze meeting mine, unwavering and intense. “Dorian, I…” She hesitated, as if gathering the strength for whatever she was about to say, and I held my breath. “I love you.”
My heart stopped, then started up again, hammering so hard I thought she could probably hear it. I had hoped, had dreamed, but hearing it… Gods, it was so much better than anything I could have imagined.
She took my hand, her fingers warm against mine, her eyes blazing with a vulnerability I hadn’t seen from her before. “You see me, Dorian. No, you don’t just see me… You make me feel like I am worthy of love. Like I don’t have to hide.”
I swallowed, my throat suddenly tight. “You don’t, Celeste. You don’t have to hide anything with me. I’ll always be here, whatever you need, whatever you want.”
She looked down, a small, almost shy smile touching her lips. “I’ve never been loved the way you love me. No one’s ever cared enough to do the things you do, to think of me like you do. And I want you to know, I see it. I see every bit of it.”
Her words settled around us like a soft, warm blanket. She loved me.
She loves me.
I let out a shaky breath and set the tray aside. I needed to feel her in my arms, to reassure myself that this was real. Pulling her close, I said, “I’d move mountains for you, Celeste. I’d do anything.”
We stayed like that, wrapped up in each other, and in that moment, nothing else mattered. She was here, with me, and she loved me. And for the first time in a long time, I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be.
We sprawledaround the living area in a haphazard circle, maps and blueprints covering nearly every surface. Intricate diagrams and handwritten notes detailed every possible securitybypass and route for the heist. Vivian was getting everyone up to date on the specs.
Vincenzo’s sharp eyes followed each path sketched on the blueprints. Luca was seated next to him, meticulously scanning every security point. Celeste had taken over one of the plush chairs, leaning over the armrest as she made notes. I was sprawled on the couch, alternating between reviewing my part and sneaking glances at her. Whenever she caught me looking, her lips twitched.
A sudden knock broke the intense focus, and we all went silent, trading glances to make sure everyone was present.
“Who the fuck is knocking on the door?” I muttered, barely keeping the surprise out of my voice. We never got surprise guests.
Vincenzo stared over his shoulder, suspicion clouding his gaze.
A few seconds later, a staff member showed up with Carl, the man who guarded the tear in the Veil. He nodded at Vincenzo, then his gaze slid over all of us gathered there. He gave a warm, almost fatherly smile as he waved to Celeste. “Celeste, always good to see you.”
She flashed him that gorgeous smile of hers, which, sure enough, made Carl’s face turn a faint shade of pink.
I bit back a grin.
Vincenzo’s stance shifted as he addressed Carl. “What’s going on, Carl?”
Carl’s friendly demeanor vanished. “I need to speak to you, Vincenzo. It’s about one of my coworkers in the Veil Guard.”
