Fleur closed her eyes beneath the warm spray, hoping the water would wash away the memories clinging stubbornly to her mind.

It didn’t.

Every lingering touch from the night before haunted her.

The feel of Christian’s powerful arms around her. His lips tracing the sensitive curve of her neck where his mate marks now rested beneath her collar.

The deep, possessive rumble in his chest whenever he whispered her name, his wolf responding to hers with an intensity that still made her heart race.

Heat spread through her body all over again.

She bit down on her lower lip, swallowing the soft whimper threatening to escape.

Her wolf stirred restlessly beneath her skin, refusing to forget the bond they had shared.

Bad Alpha, she grumbled silently. Incorrigible Alpha.

The water couldn’t cool the warmth pooling in her chest, but it did clear her thoughts enough to remind herself why she needed to stay cautious.

Despite every instinct urging her to return to him, Fleur forced herself to remain where she was.

If anyone from her company saw her now, they would never believe it.

To everyone else, she was composed, distant, almost immune to charm. No man had ever managed to make her lose control.

No man except one. The very Alpha she had sworn never to trust again.

When she finally finished showering, the restless ache inside her still refused to disappear.

Taking a slow breath, she made a decision. She would pretend nothing had changed.

No lingering looks. No soft smiles. No surrendering to the pull between their wolves.

She wouldn’t allow Christian to see how deeply he still affected her.

After dressing in a charcoal-gray pencil skirt, a cream silk blouse, and a fitted blazer, Fleur blow-dried her hair and reviewed the day’s appointments on her tablet.

Once her makeup was finished, she slipped into her black heels, grabbed her handbag and leather briefcase, then squared her shoulders.

Work. That was where her focus belonged.

Not on a dangerously handsome Alpha who had somehow dismantled years of carefully built walls in a single night.

Drawing a steadying breath, she stepped into the hallway.

The delicious scent of breakfast greeted her immediately.

She followed it into the kitchen...

...and stopped.

Christian stood at the stove, effortlessly preparing breakfast.

Lea stood off to one side, watching the scene unfold with expressions ranging from confusion to complete disbelief.

No one dared interrupt.

Dressed in perfectly tailored black trousers and a crisp white shirt with the sleeves rolled neatly to his forearms, Christian moved with the effortless confidence of a born Alpha.

Every movement radiated quiet authority.

He looked completely at home.

Far too attractive for someone simply making breakfast.

Fleur’s pulse betrayed her again.

Without turning around, Christian smiled. Their mate bond had already announced her presence long before her footsteps reached him.

"Good morning again, little wolf."

His deep voice wrapped around her like velvet. Then he looked over his shoulder, blue eyes sparkling with unmistakable amusement.

"What are you doing?" Fleur asked, clearing her throat before her voice could betray her.

"Making breakfast." His answer was perfectly matter-of-fact.

"We have a chef."

"We do."

"So why are you cooking?"

Christian flipped the bacon before answering.

"Because I wanted to."

Fleur set her briefcase on the counter and folded her arms.

"You know, it’s rather excessive for the formidable Mr. Wayne to take over someone else’s kitchen."

There was enough sarcasm in her voice to season the entire meal.

Christian simply laughed. "I was hoping my woman would appreciate the effort."

"I’m not impressed."

"You will be." His smile widened.

"And it’s Christian." He glanced at her. "Not ’Mr. Wayne.’"

"I’m perfectly comfortable calling you Mr. Wayne."

A flash of possessiveness flickered through his eyes.

"My mate shouldn’t address me so formally."

Heat crept into Fleur’s cheeks.

Calling her mate so openly—in front of Lea and the staff—was shameless enough. Especially since they had never discussed using such terms to begin with.

The servants exchanged knowing looks before immediately pretending to find urgent work elsewhere.

Lea wisely followed them out.

Within seconds, the kitchen belonged only to the two of them. Satisfied, Christian returned his attention to the stove.

He plated the eggs and bacon before pouring two cups of freshly brewed coffee.

Fleur watched him quietly.

Using his first name felt dangerous. Every small step lowered another wall she had spent years building. She couldn’t afford that.

Not when the memories of the past still lingered.

No matter how gentle he seemed now... Part of her still feared the Alpha King who had once ruined her life.

Christian carried the plates to the breakfast island.

"Come eat before everything gets cold." He pulled out a stool for her without hesitation. "After breakfast, I’ll drive you to work."

He smiled casually. "And I’ll pick you up afterward. I’ve already reserved a table at your favorite restaurant."

Fleur stared at him, stunned. He spoke as though this had always been their routine. As though mornings together, shared meals, and quiet conversations were perfectly ordinary.

They weren’t.

"We don’t live in the same world, Mr. Wayne."

His expression softened. "I know."

"Then why are you doing all of this?"

He turned fully toward her. "For us."

Fleur’s jaw tightened. "There is no us."

The words came out sharper than she intended. Instead of looking offended, Christian smiled.

"Should I prove you wrong again?"

She rolled her eyes. "You never give up."

"Not when it comes to my woman." His voice became quieter. "I’ll spend the rest of my life proving we’re meant to stand together."

He stepped closer. Close enough for their scents to mingle.

His fingertips gently lifted her chin until she met his gaze.

The pull of the mate bond tightened instantly. Her wolf whimpered softly inside her.

His eyes never left hers.

For a heartbeat, the entire world disappeared. Only the two of them remained.

His lips hovered just inches from hers. Close enough that she could feel his warm breath against her skin.

Then—

A furious voice shattered the silence.

"What the hell is going on here?"

Fleur jerked backward as though waking from a trance. Christian frowned, irritation flashing across his face at the interruption.

Both turned toward the doorway.

Raphael stood there, his eyes locked on Christian with unmistakable hostility. His masculine dominance rolled through the room in challenge.

"Get your hands off my woman right now!"