Page 30 of A Promise of Forever
Sterling gets up from the couch and leaves the room without explanation, confusion taking over my features. Did I say something wrong? Did the conversation overwhelm him? I quickly clean up the breakfast dishes and head to the kitchen to dispose of them properly, then return to my office, wondering where Sterling ran off.
When I approach my desk to sit down and start working, I realize why he left, and fuck, it makes me smile so wide my face hurts. Three little pillows are arranged under my desk, Sterling curled up in the space like it's the most natural thing in the world.
"You don't have to stay under the desk, Sterling," I say gently, settling into my chair. "The couch is much more comfortable."
My Omega hums, burrowing a little deeper into the cushions. "But it's safe here. Wilson can't get me here, and you're right here."
A soft laugh tumbles from my lips as I just shake my head and refocus my efforts on my regular day-to-day. Unfortunately, once again, having Sterling curled up at my feet while I workshouldn'tbe distracting, but I find myself constantly aware of his presence, the slight sounds he makes when he shifts position and the warmth of his body just inches from my legs stealing my attention.
About an hour later, Lorcan and Bryn arrive for our scheduled meeting. Both of their eyebrows raise simultaneously when they approach the desk, no doubt catching the heavy scent of apricot and vanilla hanging in the air.
I silently dare them to comment, my expression making it clear that any mockery or judgment will not be allowed. But Bryn, bless him, just clears his throat and asks, "Should we... carry on as usual?"
I peer under the desk to check on Sterling. He's looking up from his curled-up position, those bright hazel eyes meeting mine. A small smile curves up on his lips as he nods.
"Yes, carry on like usual," I confirm, settling back in my chair.
However, fifteen minutes in, and it’s taking all of my self-control not to laugh. Lorcan is clearly trying to find a way to discuss what happened with Dorian last night without explicitly mentioning violence in front of Sterling.
His careful word choices and frequent pauses make me bite back laughter. He's one of my most brutal enforcers, comfortable with any level of violence, but he's tiptoeing around language like he's discussing things with a child.
"So the... situation from last night has been fully resolved," Lorcan finally manages. "The individual in question managedto leave the premises and won't be returning. His assets will be transferred tonight as discussed."
I nod, understanding perfectly what he's not saying. Lorcan had a bit more fun with the guy before Dorian explicitly agreed to show up and hand off his fighters to me. I almost wish I were there, watching Lorcan ruin that man's dignity and any hope of carrying on business after he left the club. But there will be more than enough chaos for me to drink in tonight.
The three of us talk business for another twenty minutes, discussing fighter schedules and betting spreads and security protocols for tonight's event. Having Sterling present changes the dynamic slightly and while it'll be a bit more difficult to maintain, I'm not budging on his comfort.
Bryn eventually brings up the schedule for tonight's fights. "Everything starts at six, and you'll need to meet with the new fighters afterward. Preferably tonight. Definitely by tomorrow. They're expecting contracts and payment structures to be finalized before they agree to compete under your banner."
I nod, already knowing this but appreciating the reminder. Then my mind shifts to the real concern, the question I've been avoiding all morning.
"I'll see you this evening," I say, effectively dismissing them. "Make sure no one's up in the box tonight except family, alright? I want complete privacy for the viewing area."
Both men nod their understanding and leave without further questions. The moment the door closes behind them, I slide my chair back and look under the desk to find Sterling sitting up, almost like he was waiting for this moment of privacy.
I smile and move to sit on the floor, thinking I'll just check on him quickly before getting back to work. But Sterling reaches forward and pulls me into his makeshift nest with surprising strength, clearly wanting me closer.
"I can't fit in there, little dove," I protest, even as I allow myself to be maneuvered into the cramped space. "There's not enough room for both of us."
Sterling makes a small sound of protest that goes straight to my heart, determination written across his features. He's not giving up on this, not willing to accept that I can't share his safe space.
I sigh, recognizing a losing battle when I see one, and adjust my position so I'm sitting with my back against the underside of my desk. My legs stretch out into where my chair used to be, and the fit is awkward at best. But then Sterling crawls into my lap and sags against my chest with obvious contentment, and suddenly the discomfort doesn't matter at all.
The pillows make the space warm and slightly stuffy, but Sterling's weight in my arms is perfect. I hold him tight, one hand stroking through his curls while the other wraps around his waist.
"Do you want to come with me tonight?" I ask after a moment of comfortable silence. "I'll be gone the entire evening, but I'm not sure if bringing you back to the venue is the right choice after what happened last time."
The question has been weighing on me since yesterday. I want Sterling by my side, want him to see and understand my world. But I also don't want to traumatize him further or push him past his limits before he's ready. I've prepared everything just in case, but I would understand if he chose to stay home.
Sterling's purr vibrates against my chest as I continue running my fingers through his hair, the involuntary sound deeply satisfying.
"Maybe if I see it properly, I won't be so scared," he finally says, a hint of anxiety still in his voice. "Can I see the space before everyone else gets there? Before they all... you know, start fighting?"
That's definitely not what I thought he'd ask.
"Absolutely," I agree immediately, pressing my lips to the top of his head. "We can go early, walk through the entire venue, and you can see exactly how everything works. No surprises, no crowds, just you and me."
Sterling relaxes further into my embrace, seemingly satisfied with that plan. The warmth of his body against mine, combined with his contented purring, makes me want to stay in this cramped space under my desk for the rest of the day.
