Page 50 of Give

I sometimes forget the twelve years that separate us, but her music reminds me. It's a song I've heard through reels on social media, but I couldn't tell you the name or the artist. I search for my girl, and the clanking of pots and pans has me looking in the kitchen. "Um, Heaven, what are you doing?"

She's kneeling, not in the way I like, and has her head halfway in one of the lower cupboards.

"Do you not own a cheese grater?" I could care less about the cheese grater. She's not naked, but in a pair of tight neon pink yoga pants and a see-through tank without a bra, she's the only item I want on tonight's menu.

"Why would I own a cheese grater when you can buy it shredded? And anyway, I don't cook but one meal."

She stands, starts toward my walk-in pantry, disappears for a second, and returns with a blender. "This should do."

I peek into the oven, only to take three long strides and yank her into my space. "Stuffed shells?"

"Yep. I had a light day, and I wanted to cook dinner. But will you hang out here with me as I finish?"

"Of course." I find in everyday life I want to be near her.

"Sit, and I'll pour you some wine, Luc." I take a seat behind the rounded table in the corner of my sleek galley-style kitchen with my line of sight on her as she sways her hips to yet another song I don’t know.

Anisten has cooked for me in the past, but this is different, and if she sways those hips anymore, I may take her against the kitchen counter. Stuffed shells be damned.

"How was your day?" she asks, bringing me a red wine.

"It was interesting." I take a sip because I'm a wine snob, but I won't say a word if Ani bought it. But, my wine is better. "Did you get this out of my wine cellar?"

"Yeah, I hope that's okay." She pulls for the bottle. “It’s Masseto Toscana IGT. I think it's a Merlot. I found it in that particular section. It's fucking good. But, I shudder to think how much this cost."

I know almost every bottle in the cellar and the approximate price. I won't tell her we're drinking a thousand-dollar bottle of wine.

"But, what do you mean your day was interesting?" She brings her glass over and sits in front of me.

I extend my hand toward hers and lace our fingers together. "I know you're my lawyer, Heaven, but if you're having issues with something in the case, I hope you'll tell me."

I’m not worried about Harry's qualms, but if he’s causing problems for Anisten, I’ll fucking handle it. I'm sure she'll say this is one reason a lawyer should never date a client, but I don't care.

"What are you asking me, Luc?"

"Should I be concerned about Harry? In my mind, the man has proven himself, but he's not my concern, not like you, baby girl."

Averting her eyes from me, she takes a second to answer me. "It's no secret we don't work well together. But I don't tell you because I'm your girl at the end of the day, and you'd take my side. And really, the only thing I care about is proving your innocence. If Harry crosses a line, I'll tell you, but until then, let me just deal with the headache he is for me."

“Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I can handle Harry Lane, don't worry about me."

"Easier said than done." I pause as another song comes on. "Okay, so right now, my biggest concern is converting your taste in music."

"Is that so?" she asks, handing over the remote for the sound system. "It's all yours. But pick something good."

I flip through the options and choose one right away. "Can't go wrong with the king of alternative music." “Smells Like Teen Spirit” begins to play, and Ani rolls her eyes at me.

"You're old," she teases, standing from the table. "And dinner is almost ready."

"Well, I'll show you how young I really am tonight."

Anisten finishes the salad for dinner, and I watch her with every move she makes. Who would have ever thought I'd live in domesticated bliss. Not me.

* * *

“You’re beautiful while you’re bound,” I call out, watching her when I return to the bedroom.

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